Originally Posted by dstan

Originally Posted by themicah

The Marriott Marquis has the most fun elevators of any NYC hotel I've been inside. But it's true that you can ride the elevators without actually staying there, so you could always pick a more budget-friendly hotel and just go visit to ride the elevators. If the kid likes elevators, be sure and go to Top of the Rock (which IMO is better than the Empire State Building anyway), as the elevators have a cool light show that lets you see the shaft through the ceiling as you go up.

I'm pretty sure Le Parker Meridien and the Millenium Hilton are the only 4 star hotels with indoor pools, which can be fun for kids. Le Parker's pool has a better view (it's on the roof and you can see Central Park), but the Hilton's pool is nice too (a little bigger IIRC), and the Hilton is often more reasonably priced. The Hilton is also across the street from the World Trade Center complex, so if you get a room on that side of the building you can have great views of the construction (a plus for a 7yo boy).

Le Parker also has Norma's (again, you don't have to stay there to eat there), which is probably the most ridiculously over-the-top sweet breakfast you can get in the city (things like peanut butter and chocolate stuffed chocolate waffles). Kids tend to love it, although it's a disaster health wise and rather expensive.

The Doubletree Suites in Times Square is another hotel worth checking out, as it's all suites (so you have more space for your family) and I believe they have a decent breakfast.