Bright, buzzing and ever-exciting New York City is a brilliant (if seemingly unlikely) destination for a family adventure, and Chambers Hotel is a top spot to base yourselves. It’s just 2 blocks from leafy Central Park, a block from MoMA, and a 10-minute walk from the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square.
The interiors have been decked out with art and bespoke furniture, and the results are intriguingly eclectic. When our Kids Collection editor Nadine visited with her 6-year-old daughter, they loved taking the lift to check out the commissioned pieces on each floor – the 8th-floor murals were their highlight.
Rooms: The hotel’s vision of “bohemian downtown artist’s loft meets uptown luxury” is beautifully executed: exposed pipes and bespoke pulley lamps sit alongside luxurious brushed fabrics and high-quality linens. Unusually high ceilings give a sense of space in a tightly packed city. All rooms can take a baby cot, and a rollaway bed will fit in all except the Queens. The best option for larger families is the Terrace Suite, which has a twin sofa bed in the living room, a double in the bedroom, and a terrace shared with the neighbouring Terrace Queen. The top option is the Duplex Suite, which offers the most space and a sofa that converts to twin beds.
Food: Downstairs there’s a milk bar selling child-pleasing cookies, pies and shakes, as well as French-Vietnamese bistro Má Pêche for more grown-up tastes (it also offers room service). The simple breakfast menu has plenty of options for children: granola, cereal, oatmeal, French toast, fruit, bagels and buns, scones and breads, juice and hot chocolate. And there’s a plethora of options in the surrounding streets.
Top tip: Ask about the Kids Rule Package when you book and get extra treats for the children, such as mini terry robes and a Playstation 3 in your room.
Customer review: “We were upgraded! Loved the rooms and the staff but it has to be said – that really is all they have. We did the traditional Empire State Building but also did some fun things [with the kids].
1. Take a boat called ‘The Beast’ from the end of 42nd St in Hell’s Kitchen down the side of Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty. The whole trip is 30 minutes – the children love it as it’s a fast speed boat so they don’t get bored with a talk about the Manhattan skyline but still get to see the Statue of Liberty.
2. Go to a restaurant called ‘Ninja’ on Hudson. Based on the theme of a ninja castle, it is brilliant fun and the children had such a laugh. Don’t worry too much about the food – you’re there for the experience.
3. Walk through Central Park from Chambers Hotel up to the Met Museum. It’s a long way for children in hot weather and they’ll be keen to go in, if nothing else for the air conditioning! The weapons and armour section kept the boys busy for a good long while.
4. Take a taxi to the far side of the Brooklyn Bridge and walk back over.
I hope that helps others taking children to NYC to find things to do…”
Fenella, United Kingdom (19.07.15)