We'll be travelling in mid-June with a 4 yr old and a 13 yr old. Any suggestions? The Embassy Suites in the Financial District will be open again--is it too close to Ground Zero? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

You might try the DoubleTree near Times Square, although it can be pricey. Take a look at any of the Manhattan East Suites properties - I think they have a web site. All are apartment type accomodations which might give you more space. Many can be had for a discount through one of the consolidators like QuikBook or Express Reservations. Be aware that not all Embassy Suites are actual "suites". They have some new properties that are just standard, small hotel rooms. Be sure to ask. If you speak with a reservation agent at either of the above mentioned consolidatores, they can advise you on more properties. They are very familiar with locations and layout. One hotel that has good size rooms (rare in NY) is the Marriott Renaissance Time Square. Good luck.

Well mannered kids?

If so ...

Penthouse at the Hotel Wales, north on Madison Avenue.Ypou take the elevator to the top floor, and then go out a door, walk a few steps across the roof, and into the penthouse, whoch is a one bedroom suite, small kitchen, foldout couch.

You can walk on the roof, look over central park (past a couple of streets worth of buildings) and all in all, it's a great place.

But maybe the four year old is too young to be on a roof. There are reasonable walls, etc., so it is safe enough unless the kid is a climber.

I learned about this place when I took a 12 year old to NYC. She thought it was very cool. So did I, for that matter.

BAK

In terms of location, Doubletree is a much beter choice. The Embassy Suites is too far from the things you will wan to visit an dyou will not want to negotiate your way back downtown at night with kids.
That being said, I love NY, I love downtown but w/ kids I think th eTimes SQuare/ midtown area is a better choice.
The whole Ground Zero thing has been debted o this site to death-- you need to decide...
Anyway have fun in th ebest city in the US!

I like the Crowne Plaza on Broadway & 49th (I think)- it has a lap pool; not a good pool for belly flops but good for a quick dip; the rooms are big. Manhattan East suites are also good but the locations are not quite as convenient as Crowne Plaza. The website is mesuites.com.