New York City Hotels in the Neighborhood - 2

Chelsea: The Desmond Tutu Center

The neighborhood: The Desmond Tutu Center is located on 10th Ave. between 21st and 22nd streets in the bustling Chelsea neighborhood. Settle in here and you’ll be within walking distance of Chelsea Piers, a large recreation center featuring tennis, batting cages, ice skating, swimming and more. If you’re into art, this is the focus of New York’s contemporary and avant-garde gallery scene. While the atmosphere can be icy, some of the street level galleries are fun for kids—with their unusual art installations and grand square footage.

The hotel: With its charming 19th century Gothic architecture, the Desmond Tutu Center will make you feel more like you’re in London—and your kids will think they’re in a storybook castle. Stay here and you won’t need to look for a park because the hotel is in its own park-like setting. The sleek and modern rooms have recently been redone and come with flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi service. While the hotel has some rooms with two double beds, these are often (but not always) reserved for conference groups. Standard and superior (larger) rooms have one full or queen bed, but rollaways ($30) can be moved in for your youngster—cribs and portable playpens are free. And don’t miss the complimentary breakfast served in a setting straight out of Harry Potter.  
Rates vary depending on the season, but start at around $399 per night for a standard room.180 10th Ave. Tel. 212-929-3888, www.ahl-tutucenter.com.

 

• A room at the Park South Hotel.

Courtesy of the Park South Hotel

Murray Hill/Gramercy Park: The Park South Hotel

The neighborhood: This lovely hotel sits on an unassuming side street between Park Avenue South and Lexington Ave. It puts you on the cusp of three vibrant neighborhoods: residential Murray Hill, elegant Gramercy Park and the evolving Flatiron District. The highlight in these parts is Madison Park. Just a few blocks from the hotel, this little oasis is a neighborhood favorite for its pretty playground, well-attended dog park, copious lawns and benches, and the Shake Shack—a wildy popular hamburger stand run by Danny Meyer, one of Manhattan’s top restaurateurs. The line is often long, but aficionados say it’s more than worth it. Check the menu (and the length of the line!) at shakeshacknyc.com.

The hotel: Park South is in a beautifully restored 1906 building. With a boutique-like feel, it has 141 well-priced rooms with clean, contemporary décor. Amenities include high-speed Internet access, in-room refrigerators, complimentary continental breakfast, a free fitness room and portable cribs, at no extra charge. The concierge can help you arrange your visit, and when you want to go in style, spring for the on-call car and limousine service for $75 an hour. The Black Duck Bar and Restaurant is adjacent to the hotel and offers kid favorites like roast chicken and burgers. Little ones love the mini-burgers on the appetizer menu—and if you feel like a night in, there’s always room service.
Family-sized rooms start at $279 per night. 122 E. 28 St. Tel. 212-448-0888, www.parksouthhotel.com.