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

Whether you're introducing your kids to New York's iconic sights for the first time or returning to make more memories, staying in a child-friendly hotel will help make the trip one to remember. But searching for accommodation in this vast, exciting city can feel overwhelming. That's why we've consulted the Mumsnet forums for tips from savvy travellers – and read hundreds of reviews in the process – so you can find the best place to stay in New York, whether you're travelling with energetic tots or picky teens.

We know that the Big Apple can command a Big Budget, which is why we've also put together a handy guide to the best budget hotels in New York, full of top recommendations from savvy parents.

Best family hotel New York at a glance

• Best for views: M Social Hotel Times Square

• Best for budget breaks: Radio City Apartments

• Best for luxury: Crosby Street Hotel

• Best with a pool: Gansevoort Meatpacking

• Best apartments: Mint House at 70 Pine

1. Best overall family hotel in New York: Hotel Beacon, Upper West Side

Hotel Beacon | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"I have just stayed at Hotel Beacon - just me and two teens. It does little suites with a proper sofa bed in the living room and the room we had had two double beds in the bedroom, but I think they do them with just one, which might suit you? We loved it - plenty of space." pinotnow

Our verdict

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.

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2. Best budget family hotel in New York: Radio City Apartments, Midtown

Radio City Apartments | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"We've stayed at Radio City Apartments a few times. It's a hotel but all the rooms have kitchenettes/seating/dining areas. It's very central, right opposite Radio City Music Hall on West 49th Street." beguilingeyes

Our verdict

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.

3. Best family hotel for views in New York: M Social Hotel Times Square, Midtown

M Social Hotel Times Square | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Have a look at M Social Times Square (actually W52nd so a couple of blocks away from the madness). It used to be a Novotel and it has some amazing views (especially at night) of Times Square, higher floors are best." HundredMilesAnHour

Our verdict

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.

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4. Best family hotel with a swimming pool in New York: Gansevoort Meatpacking, Downtown

Gansevoort Meatpacking | Check availability

Our verdict

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.

5. Best luxury family hotel in New York: Crosby Street Hotel, Soho

Crosby Street Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Not cheap, but the Crosby Street Hotel and the Greenwich Hotel are lovely (downtown)." Wallaw

Our verdict

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.

6. Best family hotel for babies and toddlers in New York: The Kimberly, Midtown

The Kimberly | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"We went in October half term with DS11, it was fab. We stayed at the Kimberly in Midtown East which was great except for the soundproofing- ear plugs a must! Great location though." HalfasleepChrisintheMorning

Our verdict

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.

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7. Best hotel with family apartments in New York: Mint House at 70 Pine, Financial District

Mint House at 70 Pine | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Mint House at 70:Pine St. We had a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a cool kitchen and living room. Awesome coffee shop for breakfast on the ground floor of the building or lots of bakeries close by. In the financial district, two minutes walk from the river and right next to Wall St subway station." partystress

Our verdict

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.

8. Best family hotel with interconnecting rooms in New York: The Knickerbocker, Midtown

The Knickerbocker | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"The knickerbocker is very nice and has a lovely rooftop bar overlooking Times Square." shakeitoffsis

Our verdict

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.

9. Best family hotel for teens in New York: Hotel Giraffe, NoMad

Hotel Giraffe | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Love the Hotel Giraffe as mentioned above! Lived in NYC for a few years, and stayed there when settling in. Very special little spot." CookiePookie

Our verdict

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.

Is New York suitable for families?

There's so much for kids (and their parents) to see and do in New York. Little ones will be delighted by the dazzling array of parks, playgrounds and museums, whereas older kids will love seeing the iconic sights from their favourite films, chowing down on incredible food and catching a Broadway show.

Not to say that the city can't be busy and, at times, tiring for little legs. This is why it's worth roughly planning your itinerary and staying somewhere convenient for your chosen sights.

Where's the best area for families to stay in New York?

Each New York neighbourhood has its own charm, and most have plenty to offer families. Sandwiched between Central Park and the Hudson River, Upper West Side is an excellent option for kid-friendly sights and has a more laidback feel than buzzy Times Square. Also, don't discount the Financial District, where you're well-positioned for visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Battery Park.

How can you get a good deal on a family-friendly hotel in New York?

Booking at least six months ahead is often key to getting a good deal on a New York hotel, as is visiting outside the main holiday periods of Christmas and summer.

If that isn't possible, you can still find some bargains by staying outside the touristy Midtown Manhattan district. For example, staying in the Upper West Side is still well-located for sightseeing but has the advantage of a more laidback neighbourhood feel.

What's the best family-friendly hotel in New York City?

We love the chic apartments at Mint House at 70 Pine – and staying in the financial district means more bang for your buck. But, for the winning combination of location, room size and value-for-money, Hotel Beacon gets our vote as the best New York hotel for families.

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out what family hotels in New York were being recommended.

We then did some online research, looking at what family hotels in New York had won accolades or been featured in 'best choice' lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family hotels in New York at the moment.

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