Where to Stay - New York City 2009 - page 52

Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square For many, this
43-story Doubletree, in the heart of darkness known as Times
Square, where the streets are gridlocked, the neon burns holes into
your eyes, and the noise is ear-splitting, might offer a more Vegaslike
experience than a true New York one. But at times we all must make
sacrifices for our children, and this Doubletree is perfect for the kids.
From the fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookies served upon arrival, the
spacious, affordable suites big enough for two 5-year-olds to play
hide-and-seek (as mine did), and the all-day children's room-service
menu to the proximity to the gargantuan Toys “R” Us and other kid-
friendly Times Square offerings, this Doubletree is hard to beat for
families. Bathrooms have two entrances so the kids don't have to
traipse through the parent's rooms.
1568 Broadway (at 47th St. & Seventh Ave.), New York, NY 10036. & 800/222-
TREE or 212/719-1600. Fax [phone]. www.doubletree.com. 460 units. From
$349 suite. Extra person $20. Children under 18 stay free in parent's suite. Ask about
senior, corporate, and AAA discounts and special promotions. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Parking $35. Subway: N, R to 49th St. Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; fitness cen-
ter; concierge; limited room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning. In
room: A/C, 2 TVs w/pay movies and video games, high-speed Internet, dataport,
minibar, fridge, wet bar w/coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, microwave.

Kids

Flatotel In the heart of midtown and surrounded
by Sheratons and other brand name hotels, the Flatotel (Flat, like an
apartment in London combined with hotel amenities) offers some-
thing those brands do not: space. All the hotel's sleek, apartmentlike
rooms, especially the suites, are large by New York standards and all
feature refrigerators and microwaves, while suites have kitchenettes
or full kitchens, two flatscreen televisions, and generous desks. The
marble bathrooms are spacious and well-equipped. The hotel fea-
tures 60 one- to three-bedroom family suites with dining areas and
full kitchens in each. In some suites on higher floors—the hotel is 47
stories—you have spectacular, river-to-river views. Though the hotel
has the appearance of a corporate refuge, with its dark marble and
metal tones, its services are personable and more like a boutique than
the Midtown monolith it appears to be.
132 West 52nd St (btwn Sixth and Seventh aves.), New York, NY 10019. & 800/
FLATOTEL or 212/887-9400. Fax [phone]. www.flatotel.com. 288 units. From
$399 doubles; from $549 suites. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $30 self parking, $47
valet. Subway: B,D,E to Seventh Ave. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; fitness center;
business center; concierge; room service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, high-speed
Internet, dataport, fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, iron/ironing board, hair
dryer, safe, CD player.

Kids Finds