Family-friendly hotel in NYC?

[DISdreamin']

We are planning on going to NY for a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, and I'd like to get a hotel near(ish) the upper west side. Any suggestions for reasonable accomodations in that area, both price-wise and location?

Also, any suggestions for places to dine with young-uns? Something fun and reasonably priced? Yeah, I know...reasonably priced means a lot of different things, but I don't need haute cuisine for the 4 and 6YO. Just something simply and fun, and preferably yummy too!

Lastly, what about other family-friendly activities in the city? We are thinging about AG for DD - she can bring her bitty baby and do a little browsing (which, I am sure, will turn to buying!).

I know there was another thread on this type of trip, but I can't for the life of me find it, even after doing a bunch of searches. TIA for any suggestions!

 

[lady_hlh]

We went to the city in the winter and stayed at the Hampton Inn-Times Square North which is at 851 Eighth Avenue. We got a very reasonable rate at that time of year and thought that the location was excellent. It was only a few blocks from the AG store and not very far from Columbus Circle so I think that it would be a reasonable distance from the Museum of Natural History. A continental breakfast is included in the room price and they have coffee out all day which my DH really enjoyed.

Our 7 year old DD's favorite place to eat is Ellen's Stardust Diner which has singing waitstaff. The food is OK, the only thing that is really great is the milk shakes and it isn't cheap but it is a fun experience. One of my DD's other favorites is the Hard Rock Cafe which has food like any other chain place but a very cool atmosphere.

 

[disneymami]

Welcome to the big apple! I live about one hour north of the city and have enjoyed the city really all my life (I'm a born and bread new Yawker..)
So coming up with the family? I would recommend you find a hotel in times square. Its the best place to be with kids. First you have the "toys r us store" in TS which is huge. You have plenty of places to eat (planet hollywood, bubba gump, TGIF). If you want to stay on the upper west side your hotel choices are limited. Its really more of a residential area. TS offers you so many more choices plus you can take in a broadway show. Get on line at TKTS for cheap seats to Mary Poppins, or the Lion King. I saw the Little Mermaid in Feb and it was great but those tickets rarely go on sale.

About two years ago I stayed in the Hotel Edison which is all suites and is in the heart of broadway. Close to restaurant row which has great places to eat for grownup.
Its cheap -by new york standards -but clean and safe. TS is very very safe. Practically Disney safe. New Yorkers thinks times square is like disneyworld . Mayor bloomberg removed all the cars off broadway so pedestrians can walk all over broadway without being afraid of being runover by a taxi. Plenty of police on horseback. And you have the shuttle to grand central if you want to get to midtown.

Another diversion would be the new york city library at 5th and 42.
And of course you will want to see the disney store on 5th and 57th.
You have central park zoo which is perfect for kids. I like taking the girls to FAO shwarz too which is a famous nyc toy store.
Also on the west side is the children's musuem which has 4 floors and lots to do and its about $10 per child which is super cheap for NYC.

On the west side you also have the Circle Line which is a tour boat that takes you up and down the hudson river. You can see the statue of the liberty. Try this on a hot day.
All over NY you have plenty of hot dog stands. I've eaten from these plenty and they are really not that bad.
Hope you find that helpful.
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere... new york...new york..

 

[holden]

We stayted at a Hilton in Times Square with DD6. The room was huge! It had a separate bedroom, living room (with sofa bed for DD6) and a big bathroom. It was very family friendly and included breakfast (lots of other kids there).

For dinner, Carmine's is great, but better with a large group. The meals are served family style, so if you ordered two entrees, you would defnitely have leftovers.

 

[RMulieri]

We stayted at a Hilton in Times Square with DD6. The room was huge! It had a separate bedroom, living room (with sofa bed for DD6) and a big bathroom. It was very family friendly and included breakfast (lots of other kids there).

For dinner, Carmine's is great, but better with a large group. The meals are served family style, so if you ordered two entrees, you would defnitely have leftovers.

Carmines is our absolute fav...and we make the trip into the see several times a year just to eat there...

 

[bamor]

For a family friendly, have a look at Jack and Judy's Bed and Breakfast near the museum.
Travelzoo has had some great deals on a number of suite hotels this summer.

 

[HeatherC]

Not sure when you are planning on going, but I would recommend the Marriott Courtyard Manhattan Midtown East.

We are going for 5 days in August and I am paying $136 a night (AAA rate). The rooms are huge by New York standards and you are pretty much within walking distance of all the major sites.

There is also a subway stop right at the end of the block.

Check out the reviews on tripadvisor.

Have a great time!

 

[bamor]

To the OP,
There is a whole thread right now on the budget board regarding NYC.
Here is what I tell everyone:
Make the NYC forum on trip advisor your friend.
Try Travelzoo for hotel deals, check out current deal at the all suite Affine Shelburne.
We love staying at Radio City Apartments.....have a look at their website, I believe they are running a 20% off special. Sometimes it is cheaper to book through www.hotelconxions.com. This is a five minute walk to Am Girl Place from here.


www.menupages.com for restaurants by area

www.hopstop.com for walking, subway and bus directions
Both the Am museum of Nat Hist and Met Mus of Art are suggested donation only.
Central Park and Bryant Park (both have websites)
The Staten Island ferry is free and a great way to see the Statue of Liberty
Take the subway to Brooklyn then walk the bridge back over to Manhattan
Go to the Top of the Rock (not the Empire State Bldg)
www.broadwaybox.com for current broadway discounts. Mousesavers also has a listing of current discounts on some of the Disney shows.
Central Park Zoo
Sony Wonderlab is free

For food, John's on 44th has good pizza. Good Chinese can be found all around.

Good luck, Happy planning