Best New York family hotels: where to stay with kids in the Big Apple

Hotel Beacon | Check availability

"We stayed at the Hotel Beacon in one of their 2-bedroom suites. It was huge - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a generous sitting room and kitchen. They also have 1-bedroom suites and all the rooms have kitchen facilities. There's also a communal laundry room" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, heatherblue

"We stayed at the Beacon on the Upper West Side. Lovely area, central near the river, Central Park, lots of good local restaurants." - recommended by Mumsnet user, Mando12345

Hotel Beacon sits in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side, a short stroll from Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History and the playgrounds along the Hudson River. Join locals and wander past the iconic New York townhouses to grab lunch in a laidback bistro or from a local hot dog cart.

It's not just the leafy neighbourhood feel that makes this a great family stay, though. The hotel's studios and one- and two-bedroom suites offer space to spread out, and all come with kitchenettes – ideal for preparing kid-friendly snacks and money-saving picnics.

Radio City Apartments | Check availability

"Brilliant location if you want to be by Times Square. Great to have some cooking facilities to keep costs down and when you just don't want to eat out for every meal." - recommended by Mumsnet user, Noheadlockshere

Okay, so you probably can find cheaper hotels in New York. Still, you'll be hard pushed to find better value than at Radio City Apartments. Just steps from Times Square, the hotel is also a short walk from a subway station (49 street), Central Park and a whole host of theatres and museums. 

The rooms may not be fancy, but the spick-and-span studios and larger apartments mean that there are options to suit smaller families through to bigger broods. All rooms have kitchenettes – many with decent-sized stoves and fridges – for relaxed, budget-conscious meals after a busy day of exploring.

M Social Hotel Times Square | Check availability

With some rooms overlooking the sparkling skyscrapers of Times Square and others affording epic views of the Hudson River, staying at M Social Hotel Times Square puts you slap bang at the heart of the action. Not that you need worry about the vibrant city buzz below disturbing little ones' sleep; the funky bedrooms have soundproofing and many also come with two comfy double beds.

There's a small fitness centre for parents who want a quick workout. The lobby bar has table football and an outside terrace to watch the city lights dance. 

Gansevoort Meatpacking | Check availability

This high-end hotel features a rooftop heated pool with killer city views. The vibe here is fairly grown-up, but this inclusive place has good-sized rooms with sofa beds for families and provides complimentary cots. Book a room with a cosy terrace if you want to hang out in your own little, blue-fenced oasis once the kids have gone to bed.

Make the most of staying in the trendy Meatpacking district by heading to The High Line. This nearby park was once an elevated train track and now hosts pretty gardens, street art and even a small splash pad. Afterwards, swing by for lunch at Chelsea Market. 

Crosby Street Hotel | Check availability

"We stayed in Soho last time. Loved it down there. Highly recommend the Crosby Street Hotel. It's a Kit Kemp one (Firmdale)" - recommended by Mumsnet user, TizerorFizz

If you've got the budget, 5-star family-friendly luxury awaits at this 86-room hotel on a cobbled street in vibrant Soho. 

The artsy bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling warehouse windows, perfect for games of eye-spy across Lower Manhattan. For larger families, there's a choice of one- and two-bedroom suites, and interconnecting rooms are also available, as are cots and rollaway beds. Kids will love the supplies of children's books, games and mini bathrobes. Parents will be taken with the voguish designer finish, luxe marble bathrooms and well-equipped gym. 

The Kimberly | Check availability

"The Kimberly is lovely, and you get a little kitchenette. The staff were lovely and kept bringing extra water and chocolates once they saw we had 3 kids! It's also pretty central." - recommended by Mumsnet user Pinkpeanut27

This smart boutique hotel in Midtown New York makes a surprisingly tot-friendly stay. Many of the generous quadruple rooms and suites come with mini-fridges and microwaves, ideal for storing and warming up milk and snacks. Free cots can be provided, and little kids will adore gazing at the giant, circular salt-water aquarium in the hotel lobby.

For crowd-pleasing buffet breakfasts, head up to the rooftop lounge with spectacular views across to the Chrysler Building. The hotel's popular Italian restaurant also serves family favourites like wood-fired pizza and homemade lasagne. 

Mint House at 70 Pine | Check availability

"We stayed at Mint House in the financial district recently. Was really nice, would definitely recommend" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, MissDollyMix

Housed in a 1930s Art Deco building, this aparthotel in the Financial District makes a brilliant family base. The uber-stylish apartments range from studios to sprawling 2-beds, with well-equipped kitchens, dining tables and washing machines. 

Onsite, there's a supermarket, two-floor fitness centre and even a small bowling alley. Start the day with a gourmet coffee in the bright, spacious café before exploring the neighbourhood. You're handy here for Battery Park and its wonderful SeaGlass Carousel and Statue-of-Liberty views, as well as being close to the Staten Island ferry terminal and the 9/11 Memorial.

The Knickerbocker | Check availability

"The Knickerbocker was gorgeous. Huge room and bathroom, lovely comfy bed, great location. Expensive full price, but we managed to get a deal and it was worth it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Positivevibesonlyplease

The Knickerbocker offers its guests sophisticated tranquillity right in the heart of lively Times Square. Many of the bright, airy rooms have two queen beds, and connecting rooms are available on request. To make sure the kids feel right at home, the Knick also supplies toys, colouring books and milk and cookies. 

The helpful concierge can give child-friendly recommendations, although you don't need to look far for things to do. Not only do you have all of Midtown's theatres and restaurants on your doorstep, but you're also a short stroll from the green space of Bryant Park, with its carousel and summertime performances.

Hotel Giraffe | Check availability

"Centrally located with lovely free snacks!!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, whiteroseredrose

Based in the hip NoMad district, Hotel Giraffe is a fun base for families with teens. You're within walking distance of many must-see city sights, while you can also enjoy a spot of people watching in Madison Square Park or hit the shops around Lower Fifth Avenue. 

Inside the hotel, there are some generous rooms with two queen-sized beds, as well as some spacious suites. The rooftop garden is a great place to kick back, and in the grand lobby, there are complimentary drinks, fruit and snacks to keep everyone going until the next meal.