Top Family-Friendly Marriott Category 5 Hotels in New York City

The Big Apple ranks high on many families' travel wish lists, and while the luxury hotels often steal the spotlight, there are family-friendly gems tucked away throughout the city. Fortunately, if you have a Marriott award night worth up to 35k, several great options await you in New York City from cards like:

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
• Other legacy SPG/Marriott cards that are no longer in circulation

The challenge with Category 5 Marriott properties lies in navigating through numerous midrange options that appear quite similar on paper. I've taken the time to sift through the options for you, making it easier to find the best choices.

Factors to Consider Before Booking Your NYC Stay

Organizing a family trip to New York City can be quite complex, depending on your preferred neighborhood and the attractions that matter most to your family. Here are some key considerations to think about before finalizing your plans.

Are you traveling during peak or off-peak times?

Unfortunately, there are no strict definitions for peak or off-peak dates, so you'll need to conduct your own research prior to booking. Keep in mind that these dates can vary each month. Here are some tips to consider when evaluating Marriott Bonvoy peak and off-peak dates.

Are you planning to stay for five nights?

If you possess both certificates and points to use, consider saving your certificate and booking five nights with points, as the fifth night will be complimentary. If you need additional points to reach the required total, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to your Marriott Bonvoy account. However, since Chase Ultimate Rewards points generally hold more than double the value of Marriott points, I recommend this only if you're short.

Be Aware of Taxes and Fees

The hotel tax rate consists of various taxes and amounts to an impressive 14.75% plus an additional $1.50 per day. Award rates are exempt from taxes, which can significantly impact the cost difference between paying cash and using an award. Unfortunately, there's a troubling trend among some properties to impose "destination fees," which function as resort fees under a different name. These fees will apply even during award stays, and the likelihood of encountering a destination fee increases with the hotel's category. For example, the St. Regis New York, which is at the top of the award chart, charges a $50 destination fee daily.

Compact Rooms Are Common

Hotel rooms in New York City tend to be on the smaller side, even among luxury accommodations. In a Category 5 hotel, you might be fortunate to find rooms exceeding 250 square feet. Most Category 6 hotels in Manhattan that accommodate four guests typically offer two double beds instead of two queen beds.

My Family's Hotel Booking Criteria for NYC

Here are the key factors I consider when choosing a hotel for my family's stay in the Big Apple.

Rooms That Accommodate Four People

My top priority for any family trip to NYC is securing rooms that accommodate four. Many rooms with two double beds, or even two queen beds, are often listed for only two or three guests. While I know families that occasionally 'sneak' their kids into rooms not rated for four, I personally advise against it. The one time you get caught could result in hefty last-minute hotel fees or, worse, finding yourself without a place to stay. If you have more than two children, check out these tips for booking hotel rooms for larger families.

Location, Location, Location

With nearly 30 Category 5 Marriott hotels in Manhattan, you have a wider array of choices compared to Category 4 options in NYC. It's essential to select a location that resonates with you and your family. If you're unsure which NYC attractions to prioritize, explore these affordable and family-friendly activities.

Here's where I reveal my preference: I'm not particularly fond of the atmosphere in the area between Penn Station (West 34th Street) and Times Square South (West 42nd Street). While many midrange hotels are located here, they rank lower on my list. The neighborhood is safe, but I believe it doesn’t showcase the best of what New York City has to offer.

If you're aiming to stay in the Theater District or near Times Square, I recommend finding accommodations north of West 42nd Street. For those wanting to be right in Times Square, look between 42nd and 47th, but I prefer staying in the West 50s. This area keeps you close to Midtown attractions while still being near Central Park and Columbus Circle. This neighborhood, known as 'Hell's Kitchen,' has a name that might sound ominous, but it's perfectly family-friendly.

In New York City, the dividing line between 'West' and 'East' is Fifth Avenue. Most attractions you’ll want to explore are situated on the West Side. While there's nothing wrong with staying on the East Side, remember that the distances between numbered street blocks are shorter than those between avenues.

For a more neighborhood-oriented experience, consider staying in Chelsea, SoHo, or even Harlem. Mommy Points often opts for Tribeca. Although you'll need to use the subway to reach most attractions, you'll enjoy a more authentic New York vibe.

Another option is to stay downtown, giving you easy access to major attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, and vibrant neighborhoods such as Little Italy or Chinatown.

Live availability

When I search for New York properties on Marriott.com that accommodate four people, I often come across this:

Considering this, I will only recommend properties that have a decent number of bookable dates available in the next six months.

Top Category 5 Marriott hotels in NYC for families

In no specific order, here are my favorite Category 5 Marriott hotels for families in NYC:

Residence Inn New York Downtown: Manhattan/World Trade Center Area

At the Residence Inn, rooms boast an impressive 399 square feet—much larger than many others in the city. These hotels also offer full kitchens and complimentary breakfast, which can significantly cut down on meal expenses. (Just don’t forget to enjoy at least one authentic dining experience in Manhattan, like some of the best pizza in the world or these other fun NYC restaurants kids will love.) It’s conveniently located at the southern end of Broadway, close to the Cortlandt Street subway station.

Marriott New York Downtown

The Marriott New York Downtown is a top choice for Marriott Elites, as it’s the only property on this list in Manhattan that offers a concierge lounge. If you're lucky, you might even snag a room with a view of the Statue of Liberty. Its location is ideal, situated near the 9/11 Memorial and various transit options. The somewhat irritating $15 daily destination fee does come with a $15 F&B credit, at least.

Aloft Harlem

Aloft Harlem was recommended to me by a friend, and after one visit, it has become her family's favorite spot in New York City. This hotel could be perfect if your family has already ticked off all the main tourist attractions and is looking for a more authentic experience. It’s a bit of a longer subway ride from Times Square and Midtown, but the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side is easily accessible. Rooms booked with points accommodate four guests and offer a reasonable size of 315 square feet.

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

I haven’t yet experienced the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, but it’s looking like a strong contender for my next visit to the Big Apple. This hotel boasts an indoor pool, a rarity among Category 5 properties, and some suites feature terraces with views of the Manhattan skyline. Recently remodeled, the rooms have a bright and fresh appearance. Even the standard accommodations are spacious by New York standards, measuring 400 square feet. The M Lounge provides breakfast and weekday snacks for elite Marriott Bonvoy members. With rates exceeding $400 a night when I checked in April, using 35,000 Marriott points represents excellent value.

Bottom line

I’d love to know if your family has a favorite Category 5 Marriott hotel in New York City. If you do, please share your experiences! And if you don’t have a Marriott free night certificate handy, here are some alternative family-friendly points hotels in NYC to consider.