Long Island families have access to one of the most exciting cities in the world a mere short car or train ride away. New York City is filled with an abundance of family-friendly activities and for many Long Island parents it’s the place to go every so often for a fun day trip, especially during this holiday season. But Manhattan is also a destination that makes for a great overnight or weekend getaway. A recent hotel boom in New York City has added more than 30 new properties that opened in 2010 alone. Long Island Parent decided it was time to take a look at some and see what makes them good for families or even a romantic getaway just for mom and dad.
The Chatwal on 44th Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, is in the heart of the Times Square area. If your focus is to spend time at the theater, this location is ideal. It’s also near countless restaurants, shopping and other attractions, including the mega Toys “R” Us store that boasts an indoor Ferris Wheel.
A boutique property with only 76 guest rooms, and a part of Starwood’s The Luxury Collection, The Chatwal’s design and history are reminiscent of the “glamour of early 20th-century travel,” with Empire Art Deco touches. The site dates back to 1905 when it was the clubhouse for The Lambs Club, America’s first professional theatre organization. Kids will like the cool touches in the guest rooms including an integrated mirror TV in the bathroom and parents can introduce them to such novelties as backgammon sets (a throwback to the time of cards and cocktails) and the literary classic The Great Gatsby, both of which are in every room. Grown-ups can head to The Chatwal Spa by Kashwere, where they can enjoy two plunge pools (hot and cold) and a saltwater lap-pool, as well as a small fitness center and treatment rooms. Nightly rates start at $795. 888-5-CHATWAL; thechatwalny.com
A little further from the theater district, the Element New York Times Square West is located on 39th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. A quick walk from Penn Station, this relatively new brand from Starwood Hotels and Resorts is a good choice for eco-conscious parents. The 411-room property uses recycled materials on the floors, carpets and even the artwork and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints for improved air quality.
In the mid-price level, the hotel offers a lot of added value with guest rooms featuring fully-equipped kitchenettes, including refrigerators and microwaves, a great plus to hold snacks and to even re-heat yesterday’s dinner for lunch. A hot breakfast bar is included in the rate, as is hors d'oeuvres and beverages during a welcome reception four evenings each week. A rooftop deck features great views. Guest rooms are available only with king beds, but there are 71 guest rooms that connect to another room for families. Nightly rates start at $174. 877-ELEMENT; elementtimessquare.com
Every age would love the chance to swim in a pool that boasts a view of the Empire State Building. At the Gansevoort Park Avenue at 29th Street families can do just that with a heated outdoor rooftop pool (a portion gets enclosed in the winter.) Super comfy double lounge chairs make for inspired cuddling opportunities while enjoying the view. The property’s Exhale spa features relaxing treatments and signature Core Fusion and yoga classes, and Asellina, an Italian trattoria at the helm of Chef Marco Proceddu (who also frequently cooks at the James Beard House), provides another chance for adult fun. The property’s Exhale spa features relaxing treatments and signature Core Fusion and yoga classes, and Asellina, an Italian trattoria at the helm of James Beard award-winning Chef Marco Proceddu, provides another chance for adult fun. Nightly rates start at $395. 877-830-9889; gansevoortpark.com
Though a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1907, The Plaza re-opened in March 2008 following a $450 million three-year restoration. It’s located at the crossroad of Central Park and Fifth Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets, and with neighbors like the park and FAO Schwarz toy store, what kid wouldn’t want to stay here. Plus, The Plaza’s connection to the famed Eloise and Kay Thompson’s classic book makes it a family favorite. Among the 282 guest rooms and suites is the Eloise Suite, which opened last year and is designed by Betsey Johnson. It’s decorated in pink and black with custom-designed bedding featuring Eloise scenes and more Eloise motifs that flow into the bathroom. There are Eloise DVDs and books, a tea set and Eloise dolls for play time. There’s also a connecting suite for parents.
Be sure to also include the “Eloise Tea” at the Palm Court, where kids indulge in miniature grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, scones, cupcakes and an Eloise cookie. The hotel also has an Eloise-themed store in case your child wants to bring a bit of the heroine back home with them. Nightly rates for the Eloise Suite start at $995 and include a monogrammed Eloise bathrobe, a $100 gift card to the Eloise shop, an Eloise camera, a framed photo of the guest inside the suite and an Eloise book. The parent connecting Edwardian Suite comes with champagne and truffles and starting nightly rates for the two rooms together are $2,045. If you want to skip the Eloise suite stay, nightly rates start at $695 for guest rooms. 800-257-7544; theplaza.com
Only a few blocks from the Empire State Building between 36th and 37th street, The Setai Fifth Avenue offers a guest experience that stresses superior service. A personal assistant will contact you prior to your visit to provide any extras, such as favorite cookies for the kids and the need for a DVD in your guest room. The 157 guest rooms, 54 apartment suites and 3 penthouse apartments are large, with a modern décor and floor-to-ceiling windows. Bathrooms are super luxurious with deep soaking tubs, double sinks and separate rain showers, not to mention the TV inset into the mirror.
You may think city spas are small, but the 11,500 square foot Auriga spa will change your opinion. Parents can take advantage of a co-ed area that features sauna, steam room, hammam and experiential showers before or after their pampering treatments. The hotel also boasts a hot spot in dining at Ai Firoi restaurant and the Bar on Fifth for nightly jazz if you can leave the kids at home with the grandparents for a true romantic getaway for two. Nightly Fall rates start at $705. 877-247-6688; setaififthavenue.com
A stay at the 46-story, 391-room Trump SoHo on Spring Street puts you in one of Manhattan’s most interesting neighborhoods with tons of great restaurants, art galleries and shopping only a stroll away. A new water promenade nearby is filled with kid-friendly fun, such as playground, water attractions, mini golf, skating and a direct view of the Stature of Liberty and Ellis Island. Each kid upon check-in at the hotel receives a welcome kit with coloring book and crayon. The hotel also has a seasonal outdoor pool deck when too much sightseeing calls for a quick dip. The 11,000-square-foot two-floor Spa at Trump with its 9 treatment rooms and 2 separate hammams is the place for adult pampering. Nightly rates start at $479, but two-bedroom suites are the best option for families and they start at $1,029. 877-828-7080; TrumpSoHoHotel.com
Stacey enjoys being a tourist so close to home and making it a NYC getaway, whether it’s a family trip with her daughters or a romantic overnight with her husband.
