Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in New York

Named after owner Henry Kallan's favorite animal (and because of its tall, slender design), the 75-room Hotel Giraffe is an Art Moderne that will appeal to fans of NoMad architecture, the trendy neighborhood restaurants, and fans of "Sex and the City: The Movie" (in which the hotel was prominently featured). Rooms have understated contemporary decor, and the hotel offers homey extras such as a daily wine and cheese hour and free continental breakfast. There's no gym, but free passes are offered for one nearby. First-time visitors to New York who are determined to hit the sightseeing checklist will probably want to stay somewhere more uptown, however.

710 Guest Suites is an intimate home-away-from-home, upper-middle-range alternative to a generic hotel room. The chic and modern walk-up brownstone is located in Harlem's Sugar Hill, a safe Manhattan community with a rich history and diverse cultural makeup. Four apartments are divided among the five-story building and individually decorated by blending a classic design, neutral color palettes, and bright, artsy accouterments. There aren't any public spaces or features here, as the apartments are complete with a full kitchen and free Wi-Fi; some have a private terrace. The owner is happy to provide directions and recommendations for restaurants and entertainment. Note that guests must stay for a minimum of 30 days. For a shorter brownstone stay in Harlem, check rates at Chez Michelle. 

The historic, family-owned Mirror Lake Inn, with beautiful views of its namesake, has been around for nearly 90 years. This charming property is bigger than meets the eye, and the 131 carpeted, cozy rooms have lodge-y decor in varying degrees of elegance, and are located in several distinct sections of the resort. Suites might come with gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, and/or private balconies. There are three dining options, including The View (with an impressive wine list) and The cottage (with an apres-ski atmosphere). Guests can walk to downtown Lake Placid for more choice. Meanwhile, the indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, fitness center, and seasonal skating rink provide opportunities to work off the trademark cookies in the lobby — just watch the bill for those pesky extra fees. Phone calls are not allowed in common areas, which enhances the relaxed vibe.  

Opened in October 2009 on a quiet, cobblestoned street in SoHo, the 86-room Crosby Street Hotel offers spacious, impeccably furnished rooms to a sophisticated set who can afford the sky-high rates. The hotel manages to be both lavish and welcoming, especially at the restaurant and in the vibrant public spaces.

Families and groups coming to NYC for five or more days will probably be happy to call this 1832 brownstone home. It has four unique apartment layouts and a location in an artsy neighborhood close to a dizzying array of restaurants and bars. Units have a comfortable mix of Asian, traditional, and modern decor, living/dining areas, and well-stocked and large (by NYC standards) kitchens. Most units (minus the lower level) receive natural light from north- and south-facing windows, and all but one apartment has a pretty outdoor space for al fresco dining. This is not a typical hotel and units book up fast; serious contenders will need to pay a deposit when booking and abide by a slew of guidelines, including a tough cancellation policy.

Opened in 2005, Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid offers a luxurious escape a few miles from town. The 94 suites all have kitchens with stainless steel appliances, laundry, and free Wi-Fi. Activities for every season and every age include ice skating, snow shoeing, tennis, canoeing/kayaking, motorized boating, a movie theater, and bowling alley, to name a few (all are free). KANU restaurant and lounge, with fireplaces roaring, serves three meals — breakfast is another freebie — and adults can hit the spa while the kids participate in the free "Kamp Kanu" children's program. An underground tunnel connects to the indoor/outdoor pool and hot tubs during cold weather, otherwise it's a short walk across the beautiful grounds. Other extras include coffee, tea, and refreshments in the afternoon, and s’mores around the bonfire in the evening. 

Located in business-focused Midtown East, this old-school upscale hotel is a favorite among visiting dignitaries, politicians, and extended-stay business travelers. The veteran staff is known to greets guests by name and the lobby is filled with antique furniture. The 30 guest rooms and 162 suites range from 350 to 935 square feet, and most include balconies and/or kitchenettes. Italian food is served at Bistagno for dinner and room service is available 24 hours. There's a small on-site fitness center, but guests are better off taking advantage of the free access to NY Health and Racquet Club. Expect a bit of a staid atmosphere, except for the lively rooftop bar and lounge, Upstairs, which draws locals and tourists for cocktails, weekend brunch, and incredible views. The nearby Lotte New York Palace Hotel is a more contemporary business hotel alternative, with the additions of a French bakery and a spa. 

The three-and-a-half-pearl Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs is an excellent option for any business or leisure traveler visiting the historic city. Located within walking distance of downtown’s top attractions, the modern hotel features an upscale lobby and a host of attractive amenities, including a free made-to-order breakfast and nightly reception with free food and drinks. Other highlights include an indoor pool (but no whirlpool), small fitness center, full-service restaurant and bar, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Its 149 suites have contemporary decor with a slightly bland neutral palette, but a polished look overall. All come equipped with sleeper sofas, wet bars, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Travelers looking for a historic boutique hotel that's in the center of town can consider Saratoga Arms Hotel. 

The three-pearl NobleDEN Hotel has few frills, but it’s clean, trendy, and surprisingly affordable (by NYC standards) for its convenient Little Italy location. The tourist-friendly Chinatown and SoHo areas are within walking distance, and several subway stations nearby provide easy access to other neighborhoods. The 54 rooms aren’t exceptionally spacious, but have mini-fridges, beds with storage drawers, and eco-friendly recycling and reusable towel systems. Several rooms have lovely city views, and the rooftop seating area has even better 360-degree panoramas. Like most Manhattan boutique hotels, this one lacks extra amenities, but provides free beverages in the lobby, day passes for the nearby 24 Hour Fitness (for a fee), and free Wi-Fi throughout. Further uptown, The Gallivant Times Square has a breakfast buffet and small gym for comparable rates, but a less chic location.

A one-suite guesthouse in a 19th-century brownstone on one of the most picturesque blocks in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, A Garden in Chelsea feels like a private pied-à-terre in New York City. In addition to a kitchenette, leafy private garden, and simple but cozy decor, the hotel has two knowledgeable and helpful innkeepers who live upstairs. Popular sights like the High Line, Chelsea Market, Madison Square Park, and the Flatiron are all within walking distance, the subway is less than three blocks away, and the price reasonable for the neighborhood.

This health-conscious chain hotel is riddled with wellness-oriented features, including an excellent fitness center with modern machines and in-room fitness zones with exercise balls, yoga mats, and a selection of workout channels. The upper-middle-range property also has a casual eatery that offers various healthy bites and beverages. The 150 guest rooms, though small, are clean and stylish, featuring pleasant contemporary decor and modern conveniences like Keurig machines, mini-fridges, iHome docks, and sleek bathrooms with rainfall showers. The convenient midtown location is close to Penn Station and right by the A, C, and E subway stop, plus it's within walking distance of several top attractions like the Empire State Building. For a nearby alternate with more features, check out the W New York Times Square, which has two restaurants and a bar -- but it's pricier.

The 229-room 1 Hotel Central Park is a luxurious property with an eco-conscious design and excellent location a block from the south entrance of its namesake park and within a five-minute walk of several subway lines. Stunning rooms have a nature-meets-city look, with reclaimed wood, green succulents, and brick accents. Quality in-room amenities include yoga mats that can be taken outside, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi, plus some have lovely window seats and deep tubs. The all-day restaurant serves seasonal fare, plus there are a fitness center, meeting and lounge spaces, and a lobby farm stand where guests can grab free fruit. On the downside, there's no spa on-site, and some guests have complained of street noise. If a spa is important, consider the historic Hotel Plaza Athenee, though its design is more classically sumptuous than modern. 

Hotel Le Jolie in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a simple, 52-room value hotel, just across the East River from Manhattan. Location and value are the biggest draws for this somewhat bland property. A free continental breakfast and rooms with city views are among its high points. The rooms are clean and comfortable with rainfall showers and DirecTV. On-site parking is free, however it's very limited. The hotel’s location yields plenty of trendy dining and nightlife, but it's right by the gritty Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Manhattan's major tourist attractions are a drive or subway ride away. Travelers seeking more stylish decor, and features like bike and iPad rentals, may want to consider The New York Loft Hostel, four subway stops away in Bushwick.

The main highlight of this budget property is its beachfront location that's within a five-minute walk of restaurants and the Hampton Jitney stop. It's a simple and modest (but clean) property, and it doesn't offer many features beyond a gorgeous outdoor pool with an attractive sundeck and sweeping views of the beach. All 26 rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves, two-burner stoves (except Silver Studios) and fridges, plus free Wi-Fi. Many rooms also have beach views, some with private balconies/patios.  Note that upper-floor rooms cost extra and breakfast is not served. Kenny's Tipperary Inn is a comparable alternative that offers similar amenities and rooms, all with balconies/patios, but it's not beachfront. 

The family-friendly Hartman’s Briney Breezes Motel is a small, welcoming property with a great location by the water and a few minutes from the Montauk town center. Owned by a local couple who live on the property, the hotel is casual and comfortable, offering thoughtful amenities including free Wi-Fi, free parking, barbecue grills, a heated outdoor pool, and green space, as well as reserved tee times for guests at the local golf course. Rooms are simple but clean and spacious and have pull-out sofa beds and kitchenettes, but balconies are shared which can limit privacy. Most rooms have a view of the ocean, but there is a main road that runs between the property and the beach.