Thinking about taking a family vacation (DH, me, and our son who will be 18 months) to NYC the second weekend of May. Hope to stay 3-4 nights. Have searched the forums and saw rave reviews on Beacon Hotel. Their rate is $450/n inclu tax. Have previously stayed at one of the Affinia properties (Affinia Gardens on UES, and we liked it), but I think Affinia rates are higher.

Before booking the Beacon, wondering if there are other options? Have looked at the Benjamin as well and it is slightly more expensive than The Beacon.

Here are my must-haves:
1) 1BR suite with real door between living room & bedroom
2) kitchenette
3) under $500/n including taxes, so around $440'ish/n base price
4) Location: UWS/UES/midtown E are all a-ok. Do not want Times Square or SoHo/downtown area
5) parking on site/nearby

[I used to go to NYC all the time before the baby but have always stayed with friends, so even though I know the city well, I know nothing about hotels there at all.]

TIA

The beacon is very well-regarded and startd as an apt house so the suites have actual (although NYC) kitchens - not just a mini-fridge and a microwave. But you should call and talk with them.

If you search here you will find reports from quite a few people who have stayed there. I think it's great since it's so close to Central Park - great for a toddler to run around - and with kids playgrounds.

Salisbury-57th st.

I like the Beacon and the Lucerne.

I would recommend the Beacon.

The Belleclaire on the UWS has family suites and is cheaper than the Beacon. Go to Expedia for the best price rather than the hotel's website

I forgot to mention that one point in favor of the Lucerne is that the restaurant there, Nice Matin, is very good. I don't think the suites are as nice as the Beacon's though.