These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

It may be the city that never sleeps, but if you and your family visit New York City, you’ll need a place to lay your heads.

While it’s very different than other family vacation destinations like Orlando, New York City is still a must-visit spot for many. This is especially true for those who love theater and live entertainment, seek out great food and enjoy globally-renowned museums. It’s also perfect for anyone keen on experiencing all the magic of the winter holidays.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find the right hotel for three, four or five people in New York City. Hotel rooms are usually small, nightly rates are high, and amenities can be lacking despite the high prices.

Whether you hope to use points to cover your stay, want a hotel that includes the best free hotel breakfast, desire a themed hotel suite or plan to treat yourself to a budget-busting option, we’ve sorted through some of the best hotels in the Big Apple. Read on to make your family vacation planning easier.

The Park Hyatt New York is on West 57th Street between 6th and 7th avenues. The 210 guest rooms span the first 25 floors of a skyscraper within walking distance of Central Park, Times Square/Broadway and more must-visit spots.

Standard rooms at the Park Hyatt New York start at 500 square feet, though many offer even more space than that. Additionally, kids who may want a break from the city’s hustle and bustle can splash around in the Park Hyatt New York’s fabulous indoor swimming pool. The pool is not only stunning (it has a five-star view), but it’s also a true rarity in the city.

One challenge to booking a stay here: While there are standard rooms that sleep four with two double beds, the hotel has a limited number of them relative to rooms with one king-size bed. So, if you are looking for multiple beds, you may need to plan in advance and reserve as early as you can.

If you’re lucky enough to have Hyatt Globalist status, you can take your breakfast benefit in the room — an included cherry on top. Order the avocado toast with pickled pepper drops, breakfast radish and upland cress for yourself, and get the mini pancakes with powdered sugar for the kiddos.

If you can swing it, drop in for an evening cocktail at The Living Room — the hotel’s apartment-style bar that serves handcrafted cocktails ($24) and mocktails ($15) alongside attentive service.

Rates start at $745 per night if booked with cash or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related: Book this, skip that — NYC hotels edition

AC Hotel New York Times Square

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: A simple stay in a newer hotel within walking distance of the heart of Manhattan.

Why stay here: It’s close to Times Square and the theater district but far enough removed to avoid some of the area’s congestion.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott using your Marriott points, certificates or cash.

If you want a simple, clean place where standard rooms with two beds are available, the AC Hotel New York Times Square may be a solid option for your family. It offers a bright, airy and minimalistic approach to travel that translates pretty well for families — especially those with school-aged kids.

This points-friendly option puts you close to all that Times Square has to offer at a moderate (for New York City) price. While the hotel is mainly just a simple place to sleep, it does have a lovely Mediterranean-style rooftop lounge should you want to grab an evening cocktail or small plate without leaving the premises.

Rates start at $200 per night when paying with cash, while Marriott Bonvoy awards start at 43,000 points per night on select dates.

Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue New York

Bryant Park, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Families that want to stay in the Midtown area in a full-service hotel with reasonable rates.

Why stay here: Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue has what many New York City hotels do not: standard hotel rooms with two queen beds.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt using cash or World of Hyatt points.

If your family wants to be close to Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and the Empire State Building, Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue New York is a great option.

The 162-room hotel is both centrally located and moderately priced. Its most important attribute, as far as family travel is concerned, is that standard rooms have more sleeping space.

Rather than the usual double-bed setup, you’ll find two queen beds. The rooms are still on the smaller side at 305 square feet, but if you need an affordable spot with queen beds in this part of Manhattan, stay here.

Cash rates start at $200 per night, with World of Hyatt point bookings starting at 21,000 points per night.

Related: These are the best NYC holiday activities for kids

Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Families who want flexible rooms and sleeping arrangements at an affordable price.

Why stay here: Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea rooms start with small square footage and small prices, but you can combine rooms in unique ways to ensure your group has just the right amount of space.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton using your Hilton points or cash.

With its micro-rooms and low starting rates, Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea is another great hotel option for families. Hilton’s Embassy Suites collection may be the company’s most family-friendly brand.

However, with its Motto group of properties, Hilton is trying something new: Properties offer guests a series of connecting rooms, starting at just 165 square feet, that can help them scale up depending on the size of their group.

This Motto outpost offers one-bedroom options with a king bed in the main sleeping area, as well as a living room with a pull-down Murphy bed. Those connect to an additional room with a king bed and a twin bunk bed above it. There is also a room that has four bunk beds in it.

The overall key here is flexibility. Although the rooms are small, they give everybody their own private space. If you can get a room on a high floor, you may even luck out with spectacular city views.

Cash rates start at $135 or around 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: 16 ways to earn more Hilton points

Conrad New York Midtown

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Art lovers who want to be near — but not in — the hustle and bustle of midtown.

Why stay here: The hotel’s collection of original art, featuring more than 30 artists ranging from Andy Warhol to Henri Matisse, makes for a special stay.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points.

While still on the slightly more expensive side of things, the Conrad New York Midtown is one of our favorite options for families visiting New York City because it balances price, size, perks and location.

Most (though not all) rooms at the Conrad New York Midtown are true suites with real doors between the living room and bedroom. This is a very handy way to spread out and sleep more family members in relative privacy.

When used with the pullout couch or rollaway bed, the living room can become a second sleeping space.

If you have at least Hilton Honors Gold status, you’ll be able to take advantage of a food and beverage credit here. Or, on dates with decent cash rates, an even better option is to book via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program.

This way, you’ll not only get free daily breakfast for two (in the form of credit so it may feed more than two) but also a $100 on-property credit you can also use for food and beverages. Additionally, you’ll get a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

Cash rates start at $400 per night for an entry-level room while award rates start at 95,000 Hilton Honors points. Be aware that the points price is for a junior suite and not a true suite.

Thompson Central Park New York

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: A higher-end stay without a higher price tag.

Why stay here: Thompson Central Park is freshly renovated with fabulous on-site dining options.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt using cash or World of Hyatt points.

Thompson Central Park is perfect for those family trips where you want to stay in a nice hotel in a great location but don’t want to pay through the nose for some of the priciest spots.

Standard rooms here measure about 300 square feet; this isn’t huge, but you can get two double beds and a bathtub in some. The rooms here are updated and feature decor that melds modern city chic with an industrial flair.

If you want to splurge, the hotel offers Upper Stories rooms on the higher floors. Guests in these rooms can access the 2,000-square-foot Upper Stories lounge.

No matter which room you stay in, don’t miss the on-site restaurants, including Parker’s and Burger Joint, both of which are certainly worth a visit.

If you have breakfast at Parker’s, try the crispy French toast — you won’t regret it. Those with Hyatt Globalist status can enjoy a full breakfast for up to two adults and two children in Parker’s at no charge.

Burger Joint draws a serious crowd, so if you want to try what many say is one of the best burgers in the city, prepare for a wait. (You could also try ordering it to-go or arriving at the restaurant as soon as it opens for lunch to beat the crowds.)

Rates start at $350 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

Chelsea, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Families looking for a newish hotel in the charming Chelsea neighborhood.

Why stay here: It’s modern and moderately priced, and it’s a short distance from Chelsea Market, the High Line, Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott using cash or Marriott Bonvoy points.

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel opened in 2020, so it’s still a fresh, new-feeling property with rooms that sleep up to four. It also has one of the highest rooftop pools in all of New York City.

The hotel’s styling is artsy, eclectic and industrial; it has a hidden courtyard for guests and a two-story art installation comprised of keys, knobs, locks and other antiques.

All 341 rooms feature a wood-paneled look contrasted by more whimsical touches to produce an old-meets-new vibe. If you need an on-site meal before or after a day exploring the city, the hotel is home to R Bar & Restaurant; it serves American cuisine and is open for breakfast and dinner.

Rates start at $177 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, which puts it in the range of a 50,000-point Marriott certificate on lower-priced award nights.

Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Families that don’t need a ton of frills but want included breakfast and a Central Park-adjacent location.

Why stay here: The Residence Inn Manhattan Central Park has a prime location and free breakfast for all.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott using points or cash.

The Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park sits just a few blocks south of Central Park. The brand describes this property as the tallest hotel building in the city. Thanks to its height and its floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel offers some pretty spectacular views of the city below.

Most importantly for families looking to stretch their dollars, the hotel provides free breakfast to all guests. Also, rooms have a small kitchenette so guests can prepare some simple food and beverages right in the room.

While it advertises itself as an all-suites property, the hotel’s entry-level rooms are quite small, measuring just 220 square feet. So, adjust your expectations accordingly.

Most standard rooms here have a king bed, but the hotel does offer family rooms with both a double and twin bed. It also has rooms with two double beds, which is likely the route you’ll need to go during a family trip.

Rates start at $167 or 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

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Tryp by Wyndham New York City Times Square/Midtown

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Larger families that want to bunk up in an affordable room near Times Square.

Why stay here: It’s an economical way to sleep up to eight people in Midtown Manhattan without breaking the bank.

Best way to book: Book directly with Wyndham using cash or Wyndham Rewards.

Tryp by Wyndham New York City Times Square/Midtown offers family suites and premium family suites that can accommodate up to eight people in one space for rates that are typically quite competitive.

In these family-friendly but spartan accommodations, you’ll find two queen-size beds, one sofa bed and bunk beds.

Because the hotel is a little south of Times Square, the surrounding area isn’t too hectic, but you can still easily stroll to Broadway and other parts of the city when you’re ready to get out and explore. While not the fanciest place on the list, it is the place to stay if you want to bring all the kids, cousins and friends to one spot.

Cash rates for standard rooms start around $125, while they start around $300 for this larger family room type. You cannot redeem points for this specific room, but you can redeem Wyndham Rewards points for more standard room types or for a Go Fast award, which you can use to help bring the cash cost down starting at $200 plus 6,000 points.

The St. Regis New York

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Travelers who prefer old-world luxury.

Why stay here: For a special occasion stay, The St. Regis New York is a timeless tribute to Gilded Age glamor.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits, using a program such as American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits, or directly through Marriott to leverage elite status or take advantage of award nights.

This one is a top-dollar inclusion on the list. However, if you have the cash (or points) to burn and want a taste of robber baron grandeur in New York City, The St. Regis New York will be a real treat for your family.

Guests can count on the services of a dedicated butler, who will handle most travel needs (and even bring you a free daily cup of tea or coffee). Guests can also access a house car to use within a certain radius for free. Doormen will assist you with getting a cab and managing luggage, so you’ll instantly feel at ease and pampered when you stay here.

If you are lucky enough to have Marriott Platinum Elite status, you can enjoy an additional perk: free daily breakfast in the on-site restaurant or through room service.

This is not where you go for the most modern decor or technology. However, if you want to stay right off Fifth Avenue and experience classic New York — complete with white-glove service — this is your spot. It’s especially charming around the holidays.

One potential drawback is most base-level rooms have one king bed. If you want one of the harder-to-get rooms with two double beds, you’ll need to request one specifically — this may add a bit to the price.

Rates start around $730 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

TWA Hotel

John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: An overnight at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for a budding aviation-enthusiast family.

Why stay here: Not only is it convenient for flyers, but it also offers on-site amenities, kid-friendly activities and retro decor.

Best way to book: Book directly with the hotel.

If you’re beginning or ending your time in the New York City area at JFK, the TWA Hotel could be a fun option for an overnight — especially if there is an aviation enthusiast in your group.

TWA Hotel at JFK offers a flashback to the 1960s and the “golden age of travel.” It features a rooftop pool made for planespotting that’s open year-round, a curling rink and even a 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane that has been converted into a cocktail lounge.

Pretty much everything costs extra here, though — including the use of the pool most hours of the day during the summer and fall months. However, rooms have the option of two queen-size beds, which isn’t always the norm in the area, so that’s a plus.

Rates start at $250 per night but remember to budget extra if you want to take advantage of most of the on-site amenities.

Hard Rock Hotel New York

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: A New York City trip with “cool” teens looking to stay in Times Square.

Why stay here: A relatively new and unique hotel in Times Square, it has more personality and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia on display than your average mid-range hotel.

Best way to book: Book directly with the hotel.

The Hard Rock Hotel outpost in Times Square has “teen scene” written all over it. It offers a sleek design and technology mixed with quirky pop references and memorabilia. (Do teens care about Slick Rick’s high tops? Maybe not, but Beyonce and Jay Z’s performance outfits certainly translate to this hard-to-impress demo.)

You’ll find a surprisingly spacious room with a gold booth which also subs as a desk. The room’s flat-screen TV has music playlists and a quick-connecting Chromecast feature.

There are subtle nods to the “hard rock” referenced in the hotel name. Bed linens are subtly imbued with guitar designs, laundry bags are labeled “dirty deeds,” and there’s a not-so-subtle floor-to-ceiling portrait of Lady Gaga on the bathroom’s glass door.

The first-floor shop that’s equal parts Hard Rock bling and coffee bar is also a teen pleaser. There are plenty of treats for both shopaholics and sweets fanatics, including macarons and iced coffee. You’ll find all-day dining at Sessions, one of several on-site restaurants.

Rates start at $300 per night.

Margaritaville Resort Times Square

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: A family with older kids that wants to mix a New York City trip with an island resort atmosphere.

Why stay here: New York City can sometimes be intense, especially for first-time visitors, but staying at the Margaritaville Resort keeps the atmosphere full of vacation, even in the heart of the city.

Best way to book: Book directly with the hotel.

Another unique hotel for families weighing their lodging options in New York City is the Margaritaville Resort Times Square. If you want to be in Times Square and don’t mind a hotel that goes all-in on a theme, chances are you’ll find this one-of-a-kind property a worthy place to hang your hat.

With a bar called It’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere — and a laid-back attitude to match, especially around the outdoor pool — the property is a good fit for teens and older kids. However, it can get a little lively at times in public areas.

There are room options with two double beds. Accommodations feature bright designs, bold hues inspired by the beach and unexpected details (like whale tail-shaped faucet handles) in the bathrooms.

Nightly rates at this Margaritaville property start around $200 per night.

Hotel 50 Bowery

Chinatown, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Families that want to feel the charm and character of Chinatown with lower rates than in some other neighborhoods.

Why stay here: The location offers a more authentic New York City experience than the Times Square district, and the hotel has affordable rates.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt using cash or World of Hyatt points.

There are many hotels on this list located in the Midtown or Times Square areas of Manhattan. While those neighborhoods have advantages, including proximity to popular attractions and destinations, there’s something to be said about staying in a neighborhood with more character and charm. Enter: Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown.

If your family is OK with being a little farther away from tourist staples like Central Park, Times Square and Broadway, you’ll find that the hotel has a lot going for it.

Hotel 50 Bowery has both indoor and outdoor informal hangout spaces where you can enjoy your food delivery or milkshakes from Milk Bar (which is only about a seven-minute walk away). You’ll discover plenty of terrific (and affordable) food options within a few blocks of the property, too. You can nosh on everything from authentic Asian fare to tasty Italian dishes in nearby Little Italy.

This hotel’s standard rooms are more budget-friendly than those in other, more touristy parts of the city. The property also offers one of the more affordable (and spacious) suites in the area: the Bowery Suite.

Rates for that 635-square-foot suite with a king bedroom and separate living room with a sleeper sofa start at $500-$600 per night. It’s not quite as painful on the wallet as other suites in the city, which often surpass $1,000 a night. The Bowery Suite could be a great solution for a family looking to spread out a bit without emptying the college fund in the process.

Standard rooms with two double beds are also available. They measure 275 square feet and come with a bathtub, which is handy for smaller travelers who aren’t quite ready for a shower. This property is part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, so World of Hyatt members can earn or redeem points here.

Rates for standard rooms start at $150 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related: Everything to know about the World of Hyatt Credit Card

Hyatt Union Square New York

Union Square, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: Hyatt travelers prioritizing space, location and value.

Why stay here: Location is everything, and this Hyatt is just steps from bustling Union Square and its farmers market, plethora of shops and network of subways.

Best way to book: Book your stay directly through Hyatt to leverage elite status or take advantage of award nights.

If you want to stay near more distinctive neighborhoods and a major transportation hub with subway lines going every which way, Hyatt Union Square New York is a great pick.

The vibe is equal parts fresh, dark, moody and industrial while still remaining warm and welcoming. Like a few other properties on the list, the hotel is one that families with older kids will likely enjoy more than those with younger travelers.

The hotel is a short stroll from the East Village, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chelsea and more. It’s also a great property to choose if you’re spending time at New York University, which is just a few blocks south.

Standard rooms here are on the smaller side at 220 to 275 square feet; the accommodations with two queen beds that families might prefer are a little larger at 300 square feet.

Rates start at $150 per night. Note that rooms with two queen beds are not standard and typically have higher rates starting at $300 per night. Award rates for rooms with one king bed start at 21,000 Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: A family of five looking to save money by staying in one room and getting free breakfast.

Why stay here: The Hyatt Place gives you a consistent, predictable experience and sleeping space for five — and puts Midtown at your fingertips.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt using cash or World of Hyatt points.

The Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South is a New York City unicorn: a hotel with standard rooms that can accommodate five people for a reasonable rate.

The Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South on 36th Street has rooms with two queen beds plus a sofa bed, and the rooms measure up to 310 square feet. This is such a rarity that it is worth bookmarking if you anticipate needing an affordable room for five people in New York City.

Additionally, this hotel’s branding as a Hyatt Place means room rates cover daily free breakfast as long as you book directly with Hyatt. The free breakfast consists of cage-free scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, yogurt, granola and more.

Rates start at $275 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related: These are the best free hotel breakfasts

New York Marriott Marquis

Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Best for: A family that wants to go all-in on a large, popular Times Square hotel with views of the bustling streets below.

Why stay here: The property sits in the middle of Times Square in a recently renovated building and offers large-for-New York City hotel rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott using cash or Marriott Bonvoy points.

The New York Marriott Marquis, is a mega-hotel in Times Square with just less than 2,000 hotel rooms — all of which underwent renovations that finished in 2022.

The property offers spacious standard rooms measuring 392 square feet that sleep up to four with two double beds.

The hotel also features what it calls Family Connector Rooms. These cost more but have a room with one king bed and another with two doubles and a pullout sofa adjacent to one another. This room configuration sleeps up to seven people.

Since the Marriott Marquis Times Square is such a large hotel, there are plenty of on-site amenities when you need a break from the city. Those with Marriott Platinum elite status or higher can access the M Lounge, which has a private breakfast buffet and 200 seats with views of the city below.

The hotel is home to an on-site Starbucks, the new Revel & Rye bar and restaurant that serves American cuisine and even a pop-up dining experience called The View Restaurant Le Petit Chef. There, you can experience a four-course meal combined with animation for a unique experience.

Related: Tips for booking hotels for large families