A luxurious hotel located directly across the street from the Waldorf Astoria, The Benjamin holds its own in terms of service and amenities that appeal to the most discerning travelers. But this doesn’t mean the hotel isn’t suited for families. Au contraire! Each of the hotel’s 209 guestrooms and suites features a fully equipped kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, dishes and glassware and a mini bar, making the hotel an ideal place to retire after a long day exploring Manhattan. Select a suite and you’ll have a living area to sit back and relax tired feet and cranky toddlers while making snacks, reheating leftovers and sipping on wine.

The Benjamin works hard to ensure your family enjoys a good night’s sleep, including the Winks’ Kidzzz Club and a Sleep Program that includes sound machines, nap kits and even a selection of 12 pillows such as lullaby pillows with built-in speakers for iPods, prenatal pillows for expectant moms and snore-no-more pillows to help snorers sleep better so non-snorers can sleep. Even pooches get pampered with a Dream Dog program.

The Benjamin's 209 guestrooms and suites feel more like a private condo in Midtown with galley kitchenettes in all rooms featuring a full refrigerator, microwave, serving and dishware, and counter space for preparing small snacks and dishes. Rooms are equipped with iPod alarm clock/radio, high-definition flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access (included in the hotel facilites fee), a multi-outlet station, and luxurious 500-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms are the smallest, at 250 square feet and only one queen bed, but deluxe studios offer two queen beds in 325 square feet.

Suites
One-bedroom suites with a choice of queen or king bed, range between 450 and 550 square feet and feature a separate living area with sleeper sofa. These rooms provide two flat-screen TVs, a work desk and chair, and comfortable chair for relaxing. One-bedroom Deluxe Suites provide even more space with 550 to 820 square feet, but it's the VIP Suite that is the largest. At 1,620 square feet, the two-bedroom suites offer two bedrooms, a separate living area with sleeper sofa, a dining area, kitchen, and two terraces with outstanding views.

A typical Manhattan hotel, the Benjamin does not provide onsite family amenities, but rather a quiet, comfortable place to retire after a day exploring New York City. The hotel is located at 50th and Lexington, walking distance from the shops of 5th Avenue, Central Park and Times Square.

Winks' Kidzzz Club
Winks' Kidzzz Club promotes a good night's sleep for children with a free program for kids 2 to 12. Children receive an organic wool-filled toddler pillow to sleep on, kid-sized robes, a Winks the Owl doll (one per reservation, additional at cost), a Winks' Kidzzz Club Sleep Certificate awarded upon check-out, and a lending library of favorite bedtime books to borrow for bedtime story time.

Sleep Menu
For adults and big kids, an in-room sleep menu provides a selection of 12 pillows on which to sleep, a selection of sleep machines, lavender turndown service, slippers, satin sleep masks, black-out shades and more are provided by a Sleep Concierge guaranteeing a good night's sleep or they'll give you a free night.

The Benjamin's onsite restaurant is the James Beard Award-winning The National, open from 7 a.m. to midnight for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. The cafe/bistro-style restaurant is a favorite of the businessmen lunching or grabbing a meal after work and didn't feel too kid-friendly to me, but the restaurant also provides the hotel's room service menu so you don't have to miss out on the food for fear the kids won't be welcome. The kids' room service meal is lacking but at least offers chicken tenders, grilled cheese, pasta and French fries so you don't have to dine in a restaurant.

All About the Extras
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and in-room Wi-Fi is included in the hotel's facilities fee. Pets are welcome here for a fee and they are greeted with a special welcome package.

The Art of Smart Timing
There is never a bad time to visit New York, which remains vibrant during all seasons. With it's Midtown location, the area can be busy with businesspeople during the weekdays, and a little more sleep on weekends and evenings, but the location is within walking distance of Times Square and Central Park.

Getting There
The Benjamin is located on East 50th at Lexington Avenue, and approximately 30 minutes from both LaGuardia and JFK airports, and an hour from Newark International Airport.

Getting Around
The hotel is situated just one block from the subway. Taxis are also easily available.

For Mom and Dad
The hotel's third-floor Wellness Spa provides four treatment rooms for massages, body treatments, wraps, facials, and the Benjamin's signature Sweet Dreams treatment, a head-to-toe hot stone massage and mini facial with Lavender essential oils to promote sleep.