Going to New York with 4yr old and 10yr old - Where to stay - what to do!

[jammie]

It is my 40th birthday next week, and me and dh have just decided on a whim to book a 5 night break to New York over the Easter hols to celebrate it. Have booked flights so far, but have not got any further! Have read many reviews for accommodation, the two that have stuck in mind are the Doubletree Suites which are right in Times Square and the Embassy Suites which I think are downtown but are $1000 dollars cheaper! Cannot make up my mind which to do, am not sure if Times Square will be too 'in your face' but equally do not want to be stuck on a limb. Would also welcome advice on what to do, especially with young children, thought of Central Park, Empire State Building, Staten Island Ferry but would welcome any advice and suggestions as am starting to panic!

Lucky Lucky you. I used to nany in New York there is masses to do with kids. Dotted throughout the city are areas of park most of them have play areas for kids. Obviously central park is a must. The Intrepid on the West Side Highway is great for everyone covers a great age range and I think one of the old concordes is still there for you all to go on and have a look at. The usual Empire state building Statue of Liberty if you want a thrill go on the shark boats they are a bit mad but good fun. Natural History Museum is great as are all the galleries and other museums beware though most of them are not open on MOnday. The childrens museum is fantastic its on the upper east side. Oh the planetarium is well worth a visit. Oh and take them to the Scholastic store in Soho its great. There is absoloutely masses to do.

In terms of where to stay I would say avoid Times Square if you can. It is horribly busy and just completely in your face. Look at Union Square area loads of nice places to stay around there and very central for getting around. Dont be afraid to use the subway by far the easiest way apart from walking to get around.

Blimey will stop waffling can you tell I am a fan of the city.

Many thanks JamInMyWellies (love the name!), you have put my mind at ease about things to do for the children. Am now worried about where to stay though as you have put me off the doubletree suites in Times Square! The Embassy Suites are in the financial district - do you think this is too far out! Can you recommend any good family hotel more central?

Am a bit rubbish on hotels have quite expensive tastes . I would say Financial district a bit remote. Try to find smallish boutique hotels am sure there are a few round gramercy, Union Sq, Chelsea just google cheap hotels.

We stayed at the Park Central Hotel which is in a really good location near Times Square but not in it - we had our the four year old with us and it was fine.

We are also there at Easter - staying at the Waldorf Astoria - which I think is probably a bit old hat and musty nowadays but I cant wait - have never been there before and am looking forward to it!!