4 Awesome Hotels To Check Out For Your Trip With Teens to New York City
With hundreds of options to choose from, picking a hotel in the Big Apple can be overwhelming. You want to make sure you choose well for your family vacation to New York City. We think these options for teens (and their siblings and parents!) fit the bill.
New York City is a great place for a weekend trip. It’s filled with museums, shows, fun attractions, and lots to do.
After many trips to NYC, we’ve found a few hotels we love to call home while we’re experiencing all the city has to offer. (And we’ve discovered a few places not on our “stay again” list.)
Especially when we’re traveling with our teens, we want a hotel that’s worth the trip. We want something that feels special and fit-a-trip-into-the-calendar worthy. We don’t want to sacrifice staying somewhere nice just because we’re traveling with kids. In fact, as our kids get older, they often appreciate travel more. So nicer stays are a bit more justified.
We also want a hotel centrally located. We need a place positioned so we don’t waste time commuting between things to see and do.
We found 4 wonderful hotels that provide all that.
All of these NYC hotels also offer a unique flair depending on your specific family vacation needs.
The first is an iconic staple for those going all out.
The second is a classy retreat offering suites for big families.
The next is a techie, fun, ultra cool and affordable spot meant for groups of 2 to a room.
And last but not least is a swanky, Zen-like spot complete with a signature scent that’s piped throughout the hotel.
The best part is all of these New York hotels are teaching the most important travel and learn lesson of all. They’re giving back to their communities.
We think one of these 4 best hotels in New York City will be a perfect match for your family too.
#1 The Plaza: The Best NYC Hotel For Families Who Want It All
Movies, celebrities, and a long history made this hotel choice well-known. But, that’s only the beginning of why it’s one of the best hotels in NYC for teens.
The Champagne Bar is located next to the check-in area of the hotel. A sweeping staircase, huge chandeliers, and cathedral ceilings make the area feel grand.
If there’s one grand hotel that comes to mind when thinking of New York City, it’s The Plaza.
The 18-story, French-Renaissance inspired building has been around since 1907. With a posh chateau-style exterior, it’s as opulent inside as it out.
Your teens may be too young to know some of it’s most famous guests like Barbara Streisand and the Beatles. But, they’ll be familiar with movies based here, like Home Alone 2 and Eloise at the Plaza.
And the hotel embodies that sense of grandeur just as much in person as it does in the movies.
From the bellmen to front desk staff to housekeeping, the memo seems to be “provide great customer service.” Combine that with plush decor and classic luxury and you’re sure to feel like royalty.
Adding to the exclusivity, only guests or those with dining reservations are allowed in the hotel during busy times.
And speaking of dining, The Plaza has several options.
Teens are welcome (and will love) feeling glitzy at The Champagne Bar. It’s open for breakfast and lite fair later in the day.
My teens loved having mocktails while sitting under the beautiful, huge stained-glass dome in Palm Court. This restaurant also hosts breakfast and one of the longest-running high teas in town. In fact, tea time has been a tradition at The Plaza for 115 years.
Prefer to eat in your pajamas while your meal is served on carts clad in white tablecloths? A fancy room service meal is just a call away.
Rooms at The Plaza are stately and well-kept.
THE LAYOUT OF THE ROOMS AT THE PLAZA:
While every room at The Plaza may not be as grand as Kevin’s in Home Alone, they’re still pretty special. They’re filled with rich linens, chandeliers, comfy chairs and brass accents. The look is classic in the best way.
Rooms come in different varieties of king and double bed offerings. Categories include plaza, deluxe, and grand. Terrace rooms are also available and feature a balcony overlooking the courtyard garden.
If you’re in for a major splurge, a suite is right up your alley. They come in various configurations, like junior kings, family grands, Edwardian one-bedrooms and 3-room suites. The hotel also has penthouses suites and super special suites themed after Eloise and the Great Gatsby.
No matter your choice in a room, you’ll be treated to gold plated bathroom fixtures, plush robes, and claw foot tubs. And you’ll have more space than some New Yorkers have in their apartments. Rooms are large by New York standards.
Some rooms feature a terrace.
THE LOCATION OF THE PLAZA IN NEW YORK CITY:
The Plaza is situated on Fifth Avenue between 58th Street and Central Park South, also known as 59th Street. So, it’s a great home base for exploring Central Park.
Shopping along 5th Avenue is steps away.
Rockefeller Center is about 8 blocks south.
Points of interest like the Metropolitan Museum of Art are just a few blocks north.
Only hotel guests and those with dining reservations can come in the entryway to see the famous Christmas decorations.
WHY WE THINK THE PLAZA IS ONE OF THE BEST HOTELS IN NEW YORK CITY FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENS:
Although this high-end hotel isn’t easy on the pursestrings, it’s a fantastic choice for a truly special stay in the city.
As part of the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts brand for the past 20 years, the hotel participates in Fairmont’s Wishes Start Here program. They pair with Make-A-Wish® to impact the lives of wish children and their families. Additionally, the Plaza is the setting for a vast array of charitable dinners and events hosted at the hotel.
That’s not the only way The Plaza is as classy as it gets. It’s also impeccably decorated and provides an upscale guest experience. Yet, it doesn’t feel stuffy or overdone. Rather, it’s where New York City history melds perfectly with all the latest things the city has to offer.
It’s a great choice for being close to things to do in NYC. Yet, it’s best reserved for when you are not trying to fit it all in. Because this is a place you’re going to want to linger.
Looking for things to do in New York City with your teen? You will love:
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#2 Omni Berkshire: The Best Hotel in New York City for Teens and Families Who Want Space (and Classic Luxury)
This New York City hotel has been hosting guests since 1926. Its assortment of room types, top-notch service, and classic feel still makes it a great NYC hotel for families.
Fresh flowers and marble floors fill the entrance to the Omni Berkshire.
Although this hotel was built in 1925, turning a century old next year won’t be a bad thing for this New York City staple. Because the Omni Berkshire is doing it with grace, charm, and attention to detail.
This family-friendly Manhattan hotel has been updated many times since it’s opening. The last full remodel was in 2011. However, like a true luxury hotel, it’s obvious constant small refreshes are completed.
This is the type of place where citrus water sits near the elevators. Bellmen greet you like old friends. Robes hang in the closets. And staff quickly deliver anything you need. (As in, legitimately quickly. Even during a labor shortage. I’m not sure how they did that.)
And one of our favorite things about this hotel is it’s “do good” commitment.
Omni’s Say Goodnight to Hunger Program ensures your stay helps put food on the table for families in need. One meal per stay is donated to Feeding America in an effort to end the plight of hunger.
The layout of the rooms at Omni Berkshire:
Beiges, taupes, and brass accents define the space at the Omni Berkshire.
Suites that comfortably sleep more than 4 are hard to come by in New York City. And even 4 to a room can get really tight as kids reach the pre-teen and teen years. This is especially true in places like the heart of New York City, where space is at a premium. (And rooms therefore sometimes resemble closets more than sleeping quarters.)
We chose the Rodgers and Hammerstein suite. It offered a ton of space at 1,000 square feet, an enormous terrace, and 1 and 1/2 baths. (That extra bath saved us with teens and preteens.)
With a roll-away, which is an extra cost, it sleeps 5. There’s plenty of room for a portable blow-up mattress as well to sleep 6.
The 2-room layout also features a large dining table, a spacious living space and an entry area. It has loads of closet space, luxurious linens, an updated bath, and a large desk.
The Omni Berkshire offers other suite-style accommodations that range in size from 400 square feet and up. Some feature a terrace and all are unique in layout and design.
Even without booking a suite at the Omni Berkshire, you’ll find rooms are spacious by NYC standards. Room size ranges from 270 to 360 square feet.
And no one-double-bed layouts here. Rooms feature a king bed or 2 doubles.
The location of Omni Berkshire in New York City:
The view from the Omni Berkshire balcony is stunning.
The Omni Berkshire is located on a quiet-ish street one block back from 5th Avenue. So it’s best suited for families planning to shop on 5th Avenue, one of my teen’s favorite things to do in New York City.
The hotel is also located super close to other places families want to visit to Manhattan. It’s beside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a beautiful respite in the bustling city. The south entrance of Central Park and Times Square are both around a 1/2 mile away. And Rockefeller Center is about 1/4 mile from the hotel.
Why we think the Omni Berkshire is one of the best hotels in New York City for families with teens:
My teens and tweens love this hotel for all it has to offer.
So it turns out teens very often come with one thing in common. They have siblings who want to make the trek to NYC too. And even when they don’t, extra space can be a great amenity when traveling with older kids.
When we compared suite-size or 2 rooms in similar hotels, the Omni Berkshire had some of the best prices. Their “special rates” can often help lower the cost a bit as well. So, while definitely not a budget-hotel in a definitely not-budget location, it’s still well priced for its class.
Additionally, the Omni Berkshire reeks of a sometimes seemingly bygone era when travel was about luxury and service. It’s timeless design meets modern amenities. The staff make you feel like family, turning NYC from a wee bit overwhelming to completely doable.
And the give-back factor? Icing on the cake for teaching kids that travel is done best when supporting those in the areas we visit.
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#3 CitizenM: The Best NYC Hotel for Families Who Want To Sleep 2 To A Room
As our kids got a bit older, we learned sometimes 2 really is better than one. That’s true at least when it comes to hotel rooms. Two rooms offer 2 bathrooms and some separate space for one-on-one time with just one kid. CitizenM is one of best hotels for families with teens for just that reason.
A large table in the CitizenM lobby welcomes guests to come hang out.
The CitizenM brand is a super modern, hip hotel. It was on the top of our list for a long time for a trip to New York with teens.
It took us a while to book a stay at CitizenM because each room only sleeps 2 people. So, it meant either waiting until I booked a solo trip with one of the kiddos or booking several rooms.
I was finally able to make a stay at CitizenM work on a trip with a few adults and a few kids. We booked several rooms to accommodate us all. And we loved it so much that we’ve been back several times and sought out the brand in other cities.
We also love citizenMovement, the charitable offshoot of the brand. When you stay 2 nights or more at the hotel, you have the option to forego cleaning. That savings is then donated to World Bicycle Relief, which provides bicycles to students in developing countries. The bikes enable recipients to have feasible and shorter trips to school.
The layout of the room At CitizenM:
Small but mighty is the theme for the CitizenM room layout.
Every room at the hotel is exactly the same. And while that does mean it is New-York-City-small at 160 square feet, it is laid out really well. There’s a small storage space when you first walk in the room. Extra large drawers are located under the bed for suitcases as well.
A huge bed covers the expanse of one wall from end to end. (Place your pillows near the window if you don’t want to climb over one another to get into it.) A window sits over the bed and has an iPad controlled blind and shade. A small desk flanks one side of the bed while a sink is down a bit on the other side.
A toilet and shower area is located behind a frosted glass wall in the room as well. And there are several quirky-in-a-good-way decorations in the room, like a fun pillow.
One of the best features of the room is the lightning system, also controlled by the iPad. Your teen can pick the color that matches his or her ever-changing mood.
The location of CitizenM In New York City:
The hotel matches the New York vibe in the best way.
CitizenM has 2 locations in New York City. Their flagship location is in Bowery. It’s on our list for a shopping trip to nearby Soho, but the Times Square location has been our go-to. It’s located in the heart of it all.
CitizenM Times Square is the closest on our list to the Theater District.
Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, and Central Park are just a few other things located within a 10-minute walk.
Why we think CitizenM is one of the best hotels in New York City for families with teens:
No formal check-in desk here. Instead you’ll find self-check in with staff nearby to help if needed.
From the moment you check in at CitizenM, the experience feels different. (You actually check in on a laptop on your own, with friendly hotel ambassadors there to help.)
The decor at CitizenM instantly makes you feel like you’re one of the cool kids for having picked it. It’s hipster meets functionality.
The common space is somewhere you want to find an excuse to hang out in.
The rooms have fun features that make up for their small size.
Rooms at CitizenM are also guaranteed for check-in by 2:00, which helps us maximize our time in the city.
The downstairs breakfast and coffee bar is perfect for not having to search for the first meal of the day. The upstairs CloudM Bar is a great spot for adults if you have a minute to slip away without kids.
We do miss the option to have adjoining rooms and a more private bathroom. But, the lack in different room types and privacy equates to really good prices. At around $210 a night during the week and $250 on weekends, it’s about as affordable as it gets in the city.
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#4 Times Square Edition: The Best New York Hotel for Teens and Families Who Want Chic And Modern
Being located around the corner from Times Square will be your teen’s favorite thing about this NYC hotel. The calm aesthetic will be yours.
Contemporary artwork greets guests before they hop on the elevator to the 10th floor check-in area.
So your kids want to be smack dab in the middle of chaotic Times Square. You, on the other hand, aren’t sure if you can pack enough hand sanitizer or earplugs to make that workable.
Enter the Times Square Edition.
The motto of the hotel is “an oasis above the bustle”. And their goal is to balance the ruckus of New York with the respite of a nice hotel.
Another bonus is that if you’re a sucker for points programs like me, this Marriott brand option checks that box. Marriott Bonvoy can be earned and redeemed here.
And that’s where this hotel’s commitment to giving back comes in. Because guests can donate points to help support California wildfire relief. Marriott will then match those donations by up to 100 million points this year.
The layout of the rooms at Times Square Edition:
Rooms are compact, but filled with touches like a faux fur throw.
The Times Square Edition has a plethora of room types to fit different needs and budgets. They range from 210 square feet, 1 queen bed rooms to large suites (and lots in between).
The hotel offers connecting rooms, a nice option and our choice for our family trip to New York City. With one king room and one room with 2 double beds, we had enough sleeping room.
Privacy seekers beware: there’s a frosted glass bathroom door here too. And, over-packers, reel it in because storage is a bit tight. However, it was enough storage space for our weekend trip. And the two-room option helped with privacy.
The location of Times Square Edition in New York City:
The hustle and bustle of the city is right outside your door at the Times Square Edition.
Our other choices for the best hotels in New York City for teens are close to Times Square. But this pick is literally in the heart of it.
So, what exactly does being in the heart of Times Square mean?
For this hotel, it means distance is measured in feet instead of fractions of a mile. The spot where people often view the iconic Times Square Ball and the TKTS Broadway location is 220 feet away. The hotel is also neighbors with some of the kitschy, yet, some say, must-do parts of a trip to the city. Take, for example, M&M’s New York Broadway, which is about 350 feet from the entrance of the hotel.
And there are more things to do in New York City with kids within a 1/2 mile of the hotel. Radio City Music Hall and Richard Rogers Theater, the theater that houses Hamilton, is a 3-minute walk. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza is less than .4 miles.
Why we think The Time Square Edition is one of the best hotels in New York City for families with teens:
You’ll feel a world away from the hubbub of NYC at the hotel’s 9th floor restaurant.
The Times Square Edition truly did feel like a welcome respite in the middle of the busiest part of Manhattan. From the moment we entered, we loved that it felt serene, subdued and sparkling new.
The best parts of the room itself at the hotel? The clean aesthetic. An adjoining room option. And the options for balconies or awesome views.
Especially though, we’re always looking for special places like rooftop spaces to take our teens and preteens. But lots of places in the city like that are adults only.
So our favorite part about the Times Square Edition is that it doesn’t exclude teens from its best spots. The chic Lobby Bar offers fun mocktails. And the Terrace and Outdoor Gardens makes teens feel just grown-up enough in a way they love.
