New York City, with its endless attractions like historic sites, dazzling Broadway performances, world-class museums, and the expansive Central Park, frequently tops family travel wish lists. However, finding the ideal lodging in the city that never sleeps can be a challenge. Our curated list of luxury hotels ensures a warm welcome for families, offering amenities ranging from baby cribs and coloring books to expansive suites and refreshing rooftop pools. These selections promise to enhance your exploration of the Big Apple.
Nestled just north of Madison Square Park, The Fifth Avenue Hotel seamlessly blends the charm of a Gilded Age mansion with the contemporary allure of a 24-story glass tower. This unique property, boasting 153 rooms, is a vibrant display of color and texture, featuring playful, rainbow-hued chandeliers, intricate mosaic tables, and plush velvet settees. The hotel's impressive art collection, including a curious cabinet of curiosities, adds to its distinctive character. Guests can enjoy leisurely evenings with a stroll through Madison Square Park, followed by a delightful meal at the nearby Eataly, and conclude their culinary journey with a slice of signature birthday cake from Milk Bar.
Positioned a mere block from the majestic Central Park, The Carlyle, established in 1930, is a legendary icon in New York City's hospitality landscape. This Upper East Side gem offers 192 luminous rooms and suites, each paying homage to the hotel's rich legacy and exquisite Art Deco heritage. The renowned Bemelmans Bar, named after the artist and author Ludwig Bemelmans, whose captivating murals adorn its walls (and who also authored the beloved Madeline series), occasionally hosts charming Madeline Teas for families. The Carlyle goes above and beyond to cater to its younger guests, providing everything from baby equipment and miniature robes to professional babysitting services.
Though conveniently located near the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Whitby distinguishes itself with an abundance of its own artistic and whimsical charm, a signature of UK-based designer Kit Kemp's Firmdale Hotels. Notable examples include a captivating installation of woven baskets above the bar, a diverse collection of global pottery and ceramics, and a vibrant array of pop art and paintings, all sure to inspire any budding artist. Each of the hotel's rooms is uniquely designed, often featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and standalone bathtubs, with some even offering the rare luxury of a private terrace in Manhattan. Children will particularly enjoy the traditional English afternoon tea, complete with delectable scones, tarts, and macarons.
Situated at the prestigious intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, Aman New York likely offers the most generous room and suite sizes in the city, ranging from 340 to an impressive 2,800 square feet. Beyond the ample space for children to explore, these airy and tranquil accommodations are appointed with cozy fireplaces and indulgent soaking tubs. The property has also developed a comprehensive array of family-friendly activities, including family yoga sessions and sushi-making classes. When venturing out, the Central Park Zoo is conveniently located just a few blocks away, offering another delightful outing.
This recent addition from France-based Groupe Barrière infuses a touch of Parisian sophistication into New York's vibrant Tribeca neighborhood. Fouquet’s New York boasts stunning river views from many of its 97 rooms, which are adorned in soft pastels and Art Deco elements, thanks to designer Martin Brudnizki. The property's two restaurants, bar, and rooftop area are overseen by the Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. Élysée’s, the elegant courtyard restaurant, provides an effortless setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for families. Fouquet’s prime lower Manhattan location offers easy access to significant sites such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
The waterfront 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers compelling reasons to be your family's home base in NYC. A standout feature is its rooftop pool, perfect for escaping the summer heat while enjoying breathtaking views of the New York skyline. The LEED Gold-certified property is deeply committed to sustainability, evident in its use of reclaimed design materials, abundant greenery, and advanced HVAC systems and rainwater recovery. This summer marks the debut of a new Barbuto outpost by James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, offering a delightful fusion of Californian and Italian flavors. Families can also explore nearby attractions like Jane's Carousel and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and a sunset walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute must.
Like The Whitby, the 86-room Crosby Street Hotel is another distinguished member of the Firmdale collection, conceptualized by the husband-and-wife team Tim and Kit Kemp. Located in the fashionable Soho district, it exudes the charm of an English garden party. The accommodations, many featuring multiple bedrooms, are adorned with whimsical wallpapers, plush upholstered headboards, and carefully selected objets d'art. The verdant interior terrace provides a tranquil escape from the urban hustle of New York, serving as an ideal spot for lunch, afternoon tea, or evening cocktails.
Following an extensive multi-year renovation, the I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons New York in Midtown is dedicated to providing a welcoming sanctuary for families within its 219 contemporary rooms and suites, decorated in soothing shades of cream and tan. Guests are encouraged to book accommodations on higher floors to savor spectacular views of Central Park, best enjoyed with the convenience of room service. The Four Seasons' renowned impeccable service ensures that guests of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, receive exceptional care. Many of the city's premier art museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, are just a short taxi ride from the hotel.
Elegant and sophisticated, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, occupies 16 floors of a modern tower, mere steps from the Empire State Building in Midtown. Many rooms offer awe-inspiring views of this iconic landmark. Families will particularly appreciate that several rooms are equipped with kitchenettes and washer-dryers, providing invaluable convenience during travel. Parents can arrange for a trusted babysitter through the concierge service, allowing them to indulge in modern French and Italian cuisine at the onsite Michelin-starred Ai Fiori. A trip to the top of the Empire State Building is, of course, an essential experience while staying here.
Nestled within a historic 1905 building that once served as America's inaugural theatrical club, frequented by luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Oscar Hammerstein II, The Chatwal boasts a rich heritage complementing its prime Midtown location. The hotel's expansive Chatwal Crowns suites are thoughtfully designed for families, with several featuring private terraces. In the evenings, guests can step out to be captivated by the dazzling lights and energy of Times Square and Broadway, or take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Rockefeller Plaza, especially enchanting during the holiday season.