A modern hotel that provides more space for less money and the best of NYC attractions nearby? Sign us up!
New York, New York – it’s the city so nice, they named it twice. It’s also the city where you’ll shell out hundreds of dollars for a hotel room the size of a walk-in closet. It’s true – the most common complaint that you hear about hotel rooms in New York City is that they’re way too small and far too expensive.
I often tell families that if they want to save money, they should avoid hotels in ultra-touristy Midtown and instead look for rooms uptown, downtown or in an outer borough like Brooklyn. So imagine my surprise when I found a property where my family and I could get more space for less money and not just a hotel room, but an entire apartment to ourselves – in Midtown Manhattan!
Located in the heart of NYC and close to many of the city’s most iconic attractions, Wyndham Midtown 45 offers spacious, condominium-like accommodations and great value for your money, making it perfect for families looking to explore the best the Big Apple has to offer.
So let’s talk more about this hotel and all of the attractions and restaurants in the area that I – a local KidTripster mom – recommend.
Where to stay?
It’s no secret that space comes at a premium in NYC which is why larger families often struggle to find suitable accommodations at prices that they can afford. While renting an apartment on Airbnb offers space and the comforts of home, it leaves you without the service and amenities that you get at traditional hotels (Not to mention the fact that renting an entire property short-term on Airbnb is illegal in NYC!). That’s why we found Wyndham Midtown 45 so appealing. It offers families space, service, and location at affordable rates.
Located in a rather nondescript, 33-story building on the border of two less-than-hip neighborhoods (Midtown East and Murray Hill), this hotel has a modern, downtown feel thanks to its David Rockwell design. (He’s the architect behind the new Nobu Downtown, W Hotels, EDITION, and Moxy). Midtown East is a very corporate neighborhood, so this property naturally attracts a lot of business clientele. And while I wouldn’t normally rave about this neighborhood to visitors, I think families will enjoy the large suites, kitchens, and affordable rates. And although you’re surrounded by office buildings and people rushing to work, you’re just two blocks from Grand Central Terminal and close enough to Times Square without being in it. You can walk to the Empire State Building, Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center within 15 minutes, and you have easy, quick train access to uptown or downtown.
KidTripster Tip: This property is also very close to the United Nations, so I strongly suggest you look up when the UN General Assembly is in session and avoid booking during that timeframe (usually sometime in mid-September). Not only will rates be higher, but as dignitaries from around the world converge on the city, various streets in this area will be closed, and it can be difficult to get around.
Wyndham Midtown 45 offers standard hotel rooms along with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suite options – all complete with living areas and kitchens. My family’s 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Presidential Suite was spacious, modern, and elegant with an incredible city view (No need to go see the Chrysler Building – it was right out the window!). The king-sized bed was so comfortable that it’s a shame it was in “the city that never sleeps!” My daughter had her own room with a comfy double bed and her own TV which she thought was amazing. She also had her own bathroom which she thought was pretty great, too.
Staying in a suite like this made us feel like we were in our own NYC apartment. We had all the comforts of home but with all the benefits a hotel provides – towels, toiletries, amenities, housekeeping, and more. The mini kitchen had everything that we could possibly need if we actually wanted to cook, which we did not. There was a full-sized fridge and freezer, stovetop, microwave, mini dishwasher, coffee maker, and toaster. Plus it included pots, pans, plates, glasses, cutlery, dish towels, and paper towels. The hotel also provides coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
KidTripster Tip: If you want to save money on meals, hit any one of the three markets on the same block as the hotel (the Amish Market was our favorite) and stock your fridge for breakfasts or with snacks.
The hotel sports a 24-hour gym, business center, and rooftop lounge with stunning city views. In the summer, you can sit out on the rooftop deck and have a cocktail; in the winter, you can play games by the fireplace in the lounge.
In the lobby, you’ll find friendly, helpful staff and a basket of bright red “big apples” to welcome you to NYC. There’s also a complimentary refreshment station where you can get tea, coffee, water, lemonade or hot apple cider 24/7.
KidTripster Tip: Know that check-in isn’t until 4 p.m. and checkout is earlier than most hotels at 10 a.m. We requested an early check-in and were able to get into our room around 1 p.m. The hotel can’t promise that you’ll get an early check-in, but the staff will happily stow your bags for you.
What to do?
The real beauty of Wyndham Midtown 45 is found just outside the hotel’s front door. So here are my Midtown must-dos:
See big, beautiful buildings
Staying at Wyndham Midtown 45, you’re perfectly positioned to see many of New York’s most recognizable buildings like the Chrysler Building which is just three blocks away and can be seen from the hotel’s rooftop deck and many of its rooms. This iconic art deco skyscraper with a serious case of little-brother envy was the world’s tallest building for a mere 346 days in 1930 before it was usurped by the Empire State Building, just 11 blocks away. The Empire State Building, the NYC’s most famous skyscraper, is a must-see sight. Another brilliant piece of art deco architecture worth checking out while you’re in the area is 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Built in 1939 by tycoon and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., it’s long been the headquarters of NBC and still houses such TV classics as Saturday Night Live. But tourists’ favorite feature of 30 Rock is no doubt the famed Christmas Tree and ice rink around the holidays.
While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the bronze Atlas statue in front of Rockefeller Center and then cross 5th Avenue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fresh off a $177-million restoration, St. Patrick’s welcomes an estimated 5 million people every year, making it the most visited religious site in NYC and one of the most visited attractions, period. Taking up an entire city block, its neo-Gothic aesthetic stands in stark contrast to the art deco Rockefeller Center. You don’t need to be Catholic to appreciate this architectural marvel. The cathedral welcomes visitors to look around on their own free of charge and also offers a self-guided audio tour app. Anyone is welcome to attend one of the daily masses; there’s seating for 2,000 worshipers.
There are other buildings close to the hotel worth seeing that may not be on top of your list. The U.N. Headquarters Building just two blocks away is comprised of three separate buildings; the most iconic is the 39-story tower that appears to cantilever above the lower structures. You can tour the UN, but children under 5 are not allowed.
Yes, it’s a massive transit hub (the largest railroad terminal in the world, in fact) but Grand Central Terminal is also a stunning piece of architecture loaded with history, mystery, and beauty. Its massive windows and Tiffany glass information booth clock in the Main Concourse are iconic, and its stunning, starry ceiling is truly awesome. Just stand in the Main Concourse and look up at the zodiac mural on the ceiling – one of New York’s most beloved pieces of public art. One of the many secrets of Grand Central is the Whispering Gallery. This unmarked archway, located outside the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, has mysterious, acoustic properties. When two people stand at arches diagonal from each other and whisper, they can hear each other’s voices from across the way. Try it!
The main branch of the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue is another prominent historic landmark worth seeing in Midtown Manhattan. Check out the Rose Main Reading Room. Lit by massive windows and grand chandeliers, its majestic ceiling looks like it belongs in a cathedral. You also can see the real Winnie-the-Pooh and his four best friends – Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga and Tigger – who have lived in the New York Public Library since 1987.
Revel around Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is, without a doubt, the most crowded place in New York City during the festive holiday season. Whether you’re visiting or you’re a local, everyone and their mother wants to go see the tree. But there’s actually a lot for families to see in and around Rockefeller Center, no matter what time of year you visit. Taking a twirl on the most famous ice rink in the city is certainly on the bucket list of many visitors. Just know that the rink is smaller than it looks on TV, and the waits can be quite long.
KidTripster Tip: Go early in the season (the ice opens at the end of October), wait until after Christmas or, better yet, when the tree comes down in early January. Or consider skating some of the other wonderful rinks throughout the city.
Visiting in summer? Starting in May, that famous rink transforms into the Summer Garden & Bar, a perfect outdoor dining destination. Sure, the drinks are a little overpriced, but the food is good, and the atmosphere can’t be beat.
Now that you’ve seen Rockefeller Center from the ground level, head up 70 floors to the Top of the Rock observation deck for arguably the best views in the city. While it’s not as high up as the Empire State Building or the World Trade Center, the tickets are cheaper, and the experience is better. And it has an exceptional view of the Empire State Building, allowing you to get a photo of your family in front of the famed NYC landmark.
KidTripster Tip: If you visit during the holidays, don’t expect to see the famous tree from the top; you can’t see it from the observation deck.
KidTripster Tip: Buy timed tickets to avoid waiting. And if you miss your time slot, don’t worry. You can exchange your ticket for later in the day.
While you’re at 30 Rock, go behind the scenes of some of your favorite TV shows on an NBC Studios Tour. Guests get access to shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, and more.
KidTripster Tip: Know that the tour is a separate ticket to the Top of the Rock and is not a ticket to see the actually taping of a show. Plus there’s no guarantee that you’ll see specific studios.
For theater and dance fans, consider taking a Stage Door Tour at Radio City Music Hall. You’ll go behind the scenes at the home of the famed Rockettes and learn the history of the iconic Great Stage. You’ll even get to meet a Rockette in person. Tours run daily all year-long.
KidTripster Tip: Tours sell out quickly during the holiday season. If you’re visiting in November or December, consider splurging on tickets to the Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular. It’s fun for the whole family and worth the money. The tour of Radio City Music Hall is separate.
Shop ‘til you drop
After seeing the real Rockefeller Center, be sure to go and check out the miniature version of it made entirely of LEGOs in the LEGO store, located right across from the ice rink in Rockefeller Plaza. With colorful, intricate, and larger-than-life LEGO models on display at every turn, this store is also home to the largest selection of LEGO sets and the tallest “Pick a Brick” wall in the world (allowing young builders to find a variety of individual LEGO pieces). The LEGO Mosaic Maker in the back of the store is unique; it takes a photo of a person and then turns it into a LEGO mosaic.
KidTripster Tip: Don’t want to shell out a ton of money on LEGO sets? Don’t worry, your kids will have fun here even if you don’t buy anything. There’s also a fun, hands-on “Build Your Own Figurines” station where kids can put together three different LEGO people for $10. My 5-year-old loved searching through the bins for just the right hair, shirts, and accessories for her little figures and was happy getting something small as a fun, NYC souvenir.
If you didn’t get enough play time in the LEGO store, then head across the Plaza to the newly re-opened FAO Schwarz. This hands-on, interactive, one-of-a-kind toy mecca lets kids play with all sorts of popular toys, make personalized stuffed animals, do science experiments, design custom race cars, and of course, kick off their shoes and hop onto the oversized piano made famous by Tom Hanks in the movie Big.
Also on the Plaza is the American Girl Place. This 40,000-square-foot store features two floors of fun including a salon for the girls and dolls, a revamped American Girl Café with an all-new menu, and of course, hundreds of the beloved American Girl dolls and accessories. There are plenty of opportunities for interactive play, and you also can treat your child to a doll-and-me spa treatment or tea party in the cafe.
Never mind all the retail options that you can revel in along Fifth Avenue and on Rockefeller Plaza; wait until you see what lies beneath! You may not realize this, but underneath Rockefeller Plaza lies a massive underground labyrinth, chock full of stores and restaurants. Just take one of the glass elevators from the Plaza and follow the signs down to The Concourse. There you’ll find more than 100 retailers selling everything from toothbrushes and toiletries to Tiffany and Tumi luggage.
During the holidays, you can watch the skaters spin around the ice from two fancy restaurants or grab a quick bite on the go and eat by one of the windows in the seating area. (Click over to the next slide for some of my favorite restaurants in and around Rockefeller Center.)
KidTripster Tip: You’ll also find an ATM and clean bathrooms on the Concourse level.
Park it
Midtown Manhattan is a manic place, but Bryant Park is the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle. Located along 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, this shady park with a wide open lawn is big on charm and full of fun for the whole family. From free Monday night movies on the lawn in the summertime to NYC’s only free ice rink in the winter, a visit to this park is a must. Little ones will love Le Carrousel which is open year-round and features 14 different animals to ride on. Cost: $3/ride.
Midtown ends where Central Park begins. While it’s not next to where you’re staying, it’s not that far. You simply can’t visit NYC and not see Central Park at least once. The 840-acre urban oasis is home to a whole host of activities for the whole family. From quintessential horse-drawn carriage rides and ice skating to renting row boats and even rock climbing, there’s something here for everyone. There’s also a zoo and more than 20 playgrounds throughout the park. While it’s small, the Central Park Zoo will provide a bit of respite from the noise, crowds, and general hubbub of NYC life along with an incredible view of the city skyline in the background. Little ones love it. Get there in time for the penguin feeding at 10:30 a.m. Stroll around the rest of the zoo and end with the sea lions performance at 11:30 a.m. Seeing the main zoo will take 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Cost: Youth (3-12) $7; Adult $12.
KidTripster Tip: In my professional opinion, Central Park carriage rides are overrated. I took my family on one, but I have to say, the money is better spent elsewhere. Horse-drawn carriages and pedicabs are now restricted to the main loop road and can’t get up close to a lot of the sites within the park. Many of their websites promise that you’ll see certain parts of the park, but you never do. I understand the picturesque and romantic appeal of the carriage rides, but the best way to actually see the park is on foot. Still really want to do the carriage ride? My advice is don’t book through a website. Instead, just approach one of the many carriages that line W. 59th Street (opposite The Plaza Hotel) and ask what the rates are. Our 25-minute ride cost us $52.
Need more? Read our Top 10 Activities in NYC for families list.
Where to eat?
I’m not going to lie, because this hotel is located in a rather corporate part of town, the nearby sit-down dining options are less than thrilling. But we managed to find a few diamonds in the rough plus some nearby favorites.
Close to Wyndham Midtown 45
You don’t have to look far for a casual, family-friendly spot with good food. Walk out the door of the hotel and hang a right to find The Perfect Pint. This Irish pub serves reasonably-priced burgers and pints. It’s a great option for families who have just checked in after traveling all day and can’t bear to venture out far.
Patsy’s Pizzeria on 2nd Avenue is the perfect place to carbo-load before or after pounding the pavement for hours on end. Known for its pizza, Patsy’s also has plenty of pasta and salad options. We ate here the first night of our stay, and my daughter proudly declared her penne to be “the best pasta” that she’s ever eaten. She liked it so much that she ate her leftovers for breakfast the next day!
Craving pizza, but don’t want to go out? The Amish Market across the street from the hotel specializes in brick-oven pizzas for takeout or delivery. It’s perfect for when you and your kids are tired, and you’d just rather eat in.
Located directly across the street from Grand Central, Pershing Square bustles day and night. Yes, it’s packed but the pancakes are worth it. And it serves freshly-squeezed orange juice and strong coffee that make everything better once you’ve been seated. It’s most know for its breakfast which is right up there with the best in the city. Don’t let the line for a table scare you off; this place is like a well-oiled machine and the line moves quickly.
I swear, John’s Coffee Shop (825 2nd Avenue) is like something out of a Seinfeld episode, complete with funny and eccentric locals who are regulars. It’s your typical diner complete with breakfast items and strong coffee. The service is quick and friendly, and the prices are very affordable.
KidTripster Tip: Lots of people come to NYC with a list of quintessential NYC foods that they want to try like pizza, bagels, and pastrami sandwiches. Consider adding an egg cream to the list. Its name is a misnomer as it involves neither egg nor cream, but make no mistake, it’s uniquely New York. This sweet and frothy concoction is made of cold milk, seltzer water, and chocolate syrup. It’s like a milkshake and a cold soda whipped into one. And while it’s popularity has waned in years, when you find one on the menu, you should try it. John’s Coffee Shop is the perfect place to partake.
The Smith is the perfect place for classic American fare and specialty cocktails. I recommend this upbeat restaurant to anyone traveling to NYC with kids. With several locations around the city, including one about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, this bustling brasserie serves up solid food in a noisy enough atmosphere that no one seems to notice when your kid has a meltdown.
Food halls have become all the rage in the last few years, popping up all across New York. They’re an affordable, fast-casual option and perfect for families who may have a variety of tastes to cater to. Just a stone’s throw from Grand Central, Urbanspace @ Vanderbilt brings more than 20 artisanal food concepts together under one roof.
Other quick bites within walking distance
Fast food in your town may be synonymous with junk but not in the Big Apple. There are plenty of places to grab and go without feeling bad about it. If you have to eat every meal out while you’re traveling (which really adds up), these “fast food” favorites of mine can keep you from eating or spending too much on your trip.
Fans of this French-sounding but British-owned food chain are the trendy, health-conscious type. With a wide array of sandwiches, salads, soups, and bakery items made fresh daily (with tons of vegetarian options), you’re sure to find something that you’ll like at Prêt à Manger. You’ll also feel good about the company’s mission of “Made Today, Gone Today;” it donates all unsold sandwiches and salads to City Harvest daily.
Hale and Hearty serves comfort food on the go. This fast food chain specializes in soups and stews but also serves up sandwiches on fresh-baked bread and tossed-to-order salads. Made in NYC with ingredients sourced from local purveyors, the daily lineup of soups includes everything from nutritious vegetarian and gluten-free options to rich, robust meat and seafood stews and chowders. I almost always get the tomato and basil with rice, but if the chicken tagine over Moroccan couscous “Simmer” is the special, I have to go for that.
Sweetgreen is best described as an upscale salad joint. It serves simple, seasonal, healthy salads and grain bowls that are made from scratch using fresh, local produce. My favorite is the Guacamole Greens salad which is even better than the chip and dip version; it never disappoints. There are locations all over the city, but know they don’t take cash.
The motto at Dig Inn is “real food, real quality.” With soups, salads, shakes, juices, and (my favorite) build-you-own platters, the restaurant serves fresh, organic food with a ton of vegetarian and gluten-free options. My go-to is the herb chicken with brown rice and charred Brussel sprouts (which are seasonal, spicy, and delish!), roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed broccoli. That may sound a little too healthy; but trust me, this place makes eating healthy a delight.
Le Pain Quitodien is a go-to for a healthy breakfast (served all day) in a cozy, casual atmosphere. If you can pry yourself away from all the pretty pastries, the avocado toast here is one of the best items on the menu and, dare I say, one of the best in the city. My daughter’s go-to is the Belgian waffle with strawberries – also delicious.
Favorites in & around Rockefeller Center
Along with Hale and Hearty, Prêt à Manger, and Starbucks, the Rockefeller Center Concourse is loaded with great places for a pit stop or pick-me-up.
If you’re visiting over the holidays, there’s no better way to get into the spirit of the season than to dine while overlooking the iconic Rockefeller Center ice rink at Rock Center Cafe. It’s a splurge, but it’s kid-friendly and great for a special meal with your family.
A spinoff of a downtown favorite (and home to what my daughter and I believe are the best meatballs in NYC), Harry’s Italian Pizza Parlor offers its old-fashioned, square pizza by the slice or pie as well as salads and sandwiches. It also offers penne with meatballs and a meatball parm hero.
by CHLOE is a stylish vegan chain, serving up delicious plant-based food that fuels and energizes without compromising flavor. The food here is really good, even if you’re not vegan. Popular items include the granola smoothie bowls, kale Caesar and quinoa taco salads, and veggie burgers.
KidTripster Tip: Newsflash – there are a lot of people who work in Rockefeller Center (not just the newsies from NBC), and they are all in a hurry come lunchtime. The lines at some of these places can be pretty long, but they do move. After all, this is NYC; restaurants are used to hustling and dealing with crowds. Having said that, seating can be limited, so lunching a little earlier or later than the rush would be a good idea.
The American Girl Cafe, Bill’s Bar & Burger, John’s Pizzeria, and Ellen’s Stardust Diner are all very close to the Rockefeller Center-Times Square area. See why they are on our Top 10 Eats in NYC list.
Treat Yourself
You’ve heard the saying “Life is Short. Eat dessert first.” Well, it was Jacques Torres, the famous pastry chef and chocolatier, who said that, and I happen to agree with him – especially if you’re visiting NYC! And speaking of “Mr. Chocolate” himself, head straight to Jacques Torres at Rockefeller Center. I have heard more than one person declare the hot chocolate here (and some say, the chocolate chip cookies, too) as the best in NYC. I’ll let you be the judge. Located just steps from the famous ice rink, this is the perfect spot to enjoy an award-winning hot cocoa while you browse the shelves filled with decadent and delectable handmade confections.
KidTripster Tip: You also can visit the Chocolate Museum & Experience with Jacques Torres in SoHo where you’ll learn all about the sweet treats, and kids will enjoy a variety of fun, hands-on experiences.
One step into Dylan’s Candy Bar, and you and your kids will be like, well… kids in a candy store! Founded by Dylan Lauren, daughter of mega-designer Ralph Lauren, this Willy Wonka-esque sweet shop sells every kind of candy imaginable. In fact, it’s home to the largest selection of candies from around the world. From lollipops the size of your head to the biggest gumball machine that I’ve ever seen, it’s fun to wander around this real-life Candyland.
KidTripster Tip: Upstairs there’s a cafe where kids can dig into indulgent treats like s’mores, ice cream sundaes, and candy and fruit-topped pizzas.
As if Dylan’s wasn’t enough of a sugar rush, you’ll find Serendipity 3 – home of the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate – just around the corner. While the movie Serendipity made it a little more famous, families have actually flocked here for the frozen treat since the 1950s. Part grandma’s attic – part Mad Hatter tea party, the space is warm and whimsical. There’s more on the menu than just frozen hot chocolates and towering sundaes. There are soups, salads, sandwiches, and big burgers, but no one minds if you only come in for the sweet stuff.
KidTripster Tip: Reservations are accepted and depending on how big your party is and what time of year, tables can book months in advance, so plan early or if you walk in expect to wait. We happened to walk in at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday the week after Thanksgiving and had no problem getting seated right away.
Looking for a gluten-free restaurant? Here’s list of the NYC’s best, according to our NYC-based KidTripster Teen.
More on Airbnb in NYC
Earlier in this article, we referenced that Airbnb is illegal in NYC. Let me explain further.
Under New York state law, it’s illegal in most buildings for a NYC apartment to be rented out for less than 30 days unless the permanent tenant is residing in the apartment at the same time. So, renting a room in an apartment is fine. Renting the entire apartment is not okay.
The law is aimed at preventing landlords and tenants from renting out apartments for a few days at a time to tourists, which the city says has aggravated the housing crisis by making short-term rentals more profitable than long-term leases.
So why are there a bunch of NYC apartments listed on Airbnb, you ask? Good question. The answer is, they shouldn’t be. Technically, you could rent them; the actual renter isn’t the one who will get in trouble. It’s the person renting it out who’s violating the law.
Now I love a good Airbnb, so it’s nothing against the company. I just want you to be well informed. The last thing that you want is a nasty surprise on your trip to NYC. I think it’s best to stick with properties that are actual hotels but rent out apartment-like accommodations.
Along with the Wyndham Midtown 45, some apartment-like options to consider include aka Hotels, Affinia Hotels, Q&A Hotel, Herrick Guest Suites, and Marriott Residence Inn, among others.
Getting there
NYC is served by three major airports: JFK and LaGuardia in Queens and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. There’s no direct subway connection from any of the airports to Manhattan. From JFK, you can take the Airtrain and then transfer to the subway in Jamaica, Queens. From LaGuardia, you have to catch a bus from the airport to the subway in Queens. And from Newark, you can take the Airtrain to the Newark Airport train station and then transfer to a NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station.
It can take up to 1-1/2 hours to get into Manhattan on public transit. I don’t recommend families attempt to get into the city on the subway with luggage especially during rush hour. Not only will you be dealing with packed trains, you’ll also be dealing with lots of stairs up and down with luggage and people. It can be a little too much to manage, particularly if you have little ones who need their hands held.
A cab from LaGuardia to Wyndham Midtown 45 will be the cheapest option at around $35 to $40. From JFK, it will be a flat fare of $52.50 (plus tolls and tip). From Newark, it will be around $55 to $60 (plus tip and tolls).
Most people would agree that a cab is a worthwhile expense, especially if you aren’t familiar with the city and used to the crush of people that you’ll encounter.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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