Prioritise room setup over star rating
A lower-star hotel with larger rooms or kitchen facilities can be a better family choice than a luxury hotel with tight rooms and expensive breakfast.
Upper West Side is the calmest family default
Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, local restaurants and straightforward subway access make the Upper West Side a strong family base.
Midtown still wins for short Christmas trips
If your family wants Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue windows, Bryant Park and Broadway, a Midtown hotel can be worth the extra cost and crowds.
Hotel mini reviews
Shortlist these hotels first.
The Plaza
- Best for
- Classic luxury, Central Park, once-in-a-lifetime trips
- Avoid if
- You prefer modern boutique energy or need strong value for a long stay.
- Nearest subway
- 5 Av/59 St and 57 St nearby
- Booking notes
- Check taxes, breakfast and cancellation carefully; the headline rate is only part of the decision.
Hotel Beacon
- Best for
- Families, roomier stays, kitchenette convenience
- Avoid if
- You want nightlife on the doorstep or a design-led luxury hotel.
- Nearest subway
- 72 St nearby
- Booking notes
- Check kitchenette, sofa-bed and bed-type details; these matter more than star rating for families.
Riu Plaza New York Times Square
- Best for
- Broadway, first trips, simple sightseeing logistics
- Avoid if
- You want quiet residential streets or boutique character.
- Nearest subway
- Times Square-42 St / 50 St area
- Booking notes
- Useful for theatre-heavy trips; compare final totals because central hotels can add fees and deposits.
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask before booking.
Which New York area is best with children?
The Upper West Side is usually the easiest calmer pick. Midtown is better for a short, packed sightseeing trip.
Do New York hotels have family rooms?
Some do, but bed setup varies a lot. Always check the exact room type, sofa-bed wording, occupancy limit and whether taxes or fees are included.
Should families stay in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn can work for longer or repeat trips, but first-time families often find Manhattan simpler for transport and late returns.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.