My hubby has stayed here in the past, so we booked a dbl/dbl for us and the 2 kids. On check in, they were polite & professional and gave us a free upgrade to a suite. It wasn’t a suite, as such, but at least the kids were in a separate room from us. There was a small kitchenette in the hall with a fridge which was a great help for the beer and water! The bathroom (off the kids room) was small but well stocked with a powerful shower. The only problem was the door catch was sticking out and my son really scratched his arm on it after a shower. The bathroom was a tight squeeze for 2 when I helped the kids out the shower.
Our bed was King and really comfy. Each room had its own TV. The decor was tired and needed bringing upto the 21st century, but the location is what sells this hotel. Times Sq is less than 10 mins walk and Central Park 5 mins the other way. It took us about 20-25 mins to walk to the Empire State.
We breakfasted in Fluffy’s cafe 2 mins walk away which had plastic plates and cutlery but much cheaper than the hotel cafe. We also tried Cafe Metro which had cereals the kids fancied one day.
Both The Rockerfeller (15 min walk) and Empire state got really busy in an evening, so be prepared to queue, but will be less busy in the day. If it’s open, ice skating at Rockerfeller plaza is a great experience and Nintendo World is on the corner with lots of games consoles to play on, where we could’ve stayed much longer...it was brilliant!!!
Book online for ground zero tickets ( we didn’t and were disappointed) but go to Century 21 while you’re near there. You need to root, but good value trainers and kids clothes. NikeTown was dead expensive, don’t bother.
Eating out is quite expensive so choose carefully and off the beaten track if you can. We had a nice Thai meal for $84 and Planet Hollywood (kids meals were vile and I sent them back), despite that it still cost us $55.
We were on the 10th floor and on the front of the building. We barely slept because we had to wedge the blinds down with the windows, so the constant sirens permeated our sleep. Also the heating, despite being switched off, rattled and clanged a couple of times a night waking us all up. If you book a room in advance, ask for the side or back of the hotel for more peace.
Bellboys and concierge really helpful, cannot fault. Great value for money and a brilliant location.