These past 2 years (I can’t even believe I’m saying that!) have felt a bit stifling, feeling stuck in one place and generally unable to travel. Things feel a little like they are starting to normalize in that department, we just got back from our first big trip in a few years and while it came with lots of additional headaches and little adventures that made it feel more difficult than traveling 2 years ago did, I’m itching to get back to regular trips to explore the world. Last night I was having dinner with a friend who is in town from Connecticut. She loves NYC and knows it so well…and she knows I love it too. We talked a little about my hesitation to visit right now, but, after some discussion about the current state of the city, she has me convinced that it’s time to make a trip back to New York City, so I thought it’s time to start posting about some of my favorite places again!
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Right before the world shut down in March of 2020, I had a trip planned to stay at one of my favorite places, The Benjamin Hotel. I was supposed to be there the week that NYC became the epicenter of the pandemic. On March 12th I remember trying to make the difficult decision on whether or not to cancel and rebook at a later date. When school was canceled for my kids that day, I knew it was the smart choice to postpone. I miss NYC and can’t wait to return!
Where is the Benjamin Hotel Located?
Located in the heart of Midtown East Manhattan, The Benjamin is perfectly situated for both business and leisure travelers. Our first stay at The Benjamin was almost 12 years ago on a work trip, and we have since returned on at least 4 other occasions (that I can think of) with our family. If you’ve read this post, you know how much I love staying in midtown and what some of my other favorite hotels are there. Midtown East is home to and easy walking distance from iconic NYC landmarks like Grand Central Station, The Chrysler Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center just to name a few.
Amazing shopping on Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue , and if you want to feel cultured you can stop in to the MoMA and see famous works by Jackson Pollock and Frida Kahlo.
We love staying at The Benjamin Hotel as a family in part because unlike the constant party atmosphere of places like Time Square, the vibe of The Benjamin and it’s surrounding neighborhood is more subtle, relaxed, and refined. There’s plenty of hustle and bustle during the day with so many big businesses and offices in the neighborhood, but in the evenings and on the weekends it’s quiet and relaxing. Another reason to love it? My favorite NYC park, Bryant Park, is just down the street.
Pop in and pick up a bagel at Essa Bagel and then take a 15 minute stroll down to Bryant Park to sit and watch the world go by. Urban parks are SO magical!
The Benjamin Hotel is the Best NYC Hotel for Families
Part of the reason we have returned to The Benjamin Hotel so often with the kids is because it is absolutely the best hotel in NYC for a longer stay with a family.
The beautiful building that The Benjamin is in was originally designed as a residential-style hotel, it’s a New York City landmark with stunning architecture and rooms with amazing terraces. When we stay, we like to book one of the Balcony suites facing Lexington.
These rooms accommodate 4 guests with a queen sleeper sofa and a rollaway that fit more than comfortably in the living room.
The balcony and terrace suites have the best views from the hotel with great natural light. Another thing I LOVE about these rooms is that they include a nice kitchenette. I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to have a refrigerator and microwave when you are traveling with kids and staying for awhile. A small dining area, large closets and marble bathrooms round out the room.
The balcony or a terrace is our favorite part. We LOVE to hang out outside and watch and listen to the city down below! They are by far the most spacious and comfortable rooms for a family for the most reasonable price in the city.
We spent Christmas in one of these suites a couple of years ago and it was so fun! We decorated a tree and had all the comforts of home.
I hope that you get a chance to stay at The Benjamin! Have you already stayed there? I’d love to hear about your experience!
Here are a few of my other favorite hotels in the city and a little about them and our experiences there:
My Favorite Luxury Hotels in Midtown Manhattan
The Prettiest Boutique Hotel in Chelsea : The Highline Hotel
Other fun hotels in the city where we have stayed that we loved:
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Happy Travels!
Tammy