New York City Hotel Search - with a baby
 

I am travelling with my wife and child (under 1 year) to NYC. The dates are flexible.

A hotel must be close to attractions such as Broadway and Times Square as we will be occassionally returning to the hotel with the baby. The hotel should be clean but can be modest. I am traveling on a budget so price is a factor.

Any advice is much appreciated.

First, Times Square is really not the place to stay with a baby. It's frantically busy, with people walking in the street since there's no room on the sidewalk and a stroller will be a big problem there. You would be much better off staying in a residential area like the upper west side - which is busy but not frantic - and close to Central Park and most of the major museums. there will be a lot of good and inexpensive family friendly restaurants (not easy to find near Times Square) and the area is much more pleasant. There are 2 subway lines and you're only 2 stops from Times Square - but unless you're doing a lot of theater (which you can't since babies aren't allowed) most tourist sights are elsewhere.

Second - you need to tell us what a reasonable rate is to you - and when you'll be coming - since prices vary tremendously by season. (Jan/Feb is low, late Sept through Christmas is high - and the rest is some version of moderate.)

If you look at travelzoo.com they often have very good deals - and you might want to find a place with a kitchenette or at least a mini-bar because of the baby.

You didn't mention when you would like to travel that will make a big difference and also an idea of your budget would help as well.

I'd suggest trying some of the travel websites like www.hotels.com to get an idea of what hotels are in the city and going rates.

All that said, I'd suggest the Hotel Grand Union which is on E32nd St. The rates year 'round are reasonable and it is within walking distance of 34th St with a bit further walk to Times Square. With a little one in tow, I'd suggest finding a hotel that is not right in or very close to TS because of the noise pretty much all night long.

The website is www.hotelgrandunion.com

Hope this helps a bit.

Look at Murray Hill East suites (149 East 39th St), which used to be an apartment building; each unit has a kitchen and they have 2-room suites.

Thanks everyone - this has been very helpful. As you can probably tell I am unfamilar with NYC and I am in the early stages of planning. So tips on which area of the city to stay in, while still being close to most of the typical attractions is useful. Keep it coming.

To answer the questions above, I am flexible for travel times but it will be after the first week of July. Lets say that Aug, Sept or Oct are the most likely travel times. I notice that hotels are consierably cheaper, or appear to be, in Oct than in Sept. Any advice on the best time to travel would also be helpful.

I don't have a specific price in mind but $200-$300 seems the best I should expect to do.

knocky, We've stayed twice in the last six months at the Fitzpatrick Grand Central, after getting really good discount prices from www.travelzoo.com (both times I got it for around $200 - normally $300 and up). It's a clean and attractive hotel with excellent service, and it's located behind Grand Central Station, where we conveniently caught the subway.

I would suggest that you have a look for trip reports from people who have come to NYC with a baby. YOu should have a baby carrier (strollers are no good if it's raining) as well as alight foldable stroller. (You have to fold them to get on a bus. For the subway you have to carry the stroller down - usually - several flights of stairs - so you want light but sturdy.)

As for weather October would be best - August and early Sept are typically very hot and humid- and it's not fun for anyone - especially baby - to stand on line for hours in that weather. But - usually hotels are more expensive then. If you're seeing good rates now then you should reserve as soon as your dates are set - since they will rise as people make reservations. Also be aware that there are taxes - typically about 18% - on top of the rates you'll be quoted. You should be able to find someplace pleasant for your budget - but do check here before reserving somplace you can;t cancel.

I would also suggest you buy advance tickets for Statue of Liberty (as soon as you have your dates) or else not bother - just view it from a distance on the Staten Island ferry. Otherwise the lines are hours long. Also, do Top of the Rock (you can get advance timed tickets) versus the Empire State Building - again lines hours long.

It will help you now to get a good street map of the city as well as a subway map - so you can understand the location of the hotels you're considering versus the location of the sights you want to see (major sights in NYC are in an area 8 miles long plus 2 miles wide and on several islands in the harbor).

The sights are not all in one place like an amusement park. The tourist fixation with Times Square puzzles locals. Aside from the bright lights and touristy stores, the only thing that's there are the Broadway theaters and unless you plan on getting a baby sitter, you won't be going to the theater.

Most visitors with small children find staying in a suite hotel with a separate bedroom and living room allows the child to nap or go to sleep early while the parents can stay up later. For best price, from July 1 - Sept. 7 (Labor Day this year) you'll find much cheaper hotel prices. I'd recommend staying on the upper west side, a neighborhood where families actually live, near Central Park and near the Children's Museum and the Mus. of Natural History. beaconhotel.com has some good summer rates and suites.

The other suite hotel with very good prices is the Embassy Suites downtown. Look on travelzoo.com for their $159/night special including full cooked breakfast good Thurs.-Sun.

Any of the Affinia.com hotels are also good. You absolutely do NOT want to stay in Times Square with a child that small. Crowds on the street are overwhelming.