Hotel Elysee is a historic New York hotel in the heart of the city, mere steps from Central Park, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. European in style, the hotel features antique-styled, oversized furnishings. Chandeliers are everywhere, not just in common areas but in the rooms, as well. And the majority of people we’ve encountered staying at the hotel are, in fact, European.

Built in the 1920s Hotel Elysee, the hotel is nestled between Madison and Park Avenues and offers a number of complimentary amenities, including daily breakfast, weekday hors d’oeuvres and wine reception (kids are welcome), as well as fruit, cookies and beverages throughout the day.

Hotel Elysee is an utterly charming boutique hotel without any pretense and welcoming to even toddlers who may run around the lobby during check in.

Hotel Elysee, an entirely non-smoking hotel, offers 100 rooms, including junior suites, suites and premiere suites.

All rooms come with free Wi-Fi. DVD players (a small selection of DVDs are available at reception for complimentary use) and MP3 player. Some rooms feature a kitchenette, terrace or solarium (not many, so inquire before reserving). The hotel even notes they provide firm mattresses but will provide a featherbed, should you prefer softer sleeping accommodations. A mini-fridge and cribs are available upon request. A Belgian chocolate bar and bottled water are complimentary at check in, so if you see that bar on the table, don't be afraid to eat up!

Suites
The suites featured any entry area, a larger room with desk, armoire housing a flat-screen TV, a sofa bed and chairs, a coffee table and end tables. In the bedroom a king-sized bed, another armoire hiding another flat-screen TV, two chairs and entry into the modern and nice-sized bathroom. The ceilings are high and beamed, and the fabric wallpaper and gilded framed artwork and mirrors are a nice touch.

While there are no traditional family-friendly activities here, families are only steps away from Central Park and Rockefeller Center.

Rockefeller Center
The infamous Rockefeller Center is just around the corner and offers impressive views from Top of the Rock, 70 floors above the city with a unique view of nearby Central Park. In the winter, ice skating beneath the towering Christmas tree is available. NBC Studios and its morning Today Show film with concerts and fun in the plaza, especially during summer months. Radio City Music Hall, home of the world famous Rockettes, is also located here, with performances throughout the year.

Central Park
Again, just step from Hotel Elysee, the Central Park Zoo is easily accessible. Visit to see the park's polar bears, penguins, seals and more in an intimate and manageable setting. Don't forget to watch your watch; every hour, on the hour, the dancing clock just outside the zoo gates put on a show.

Club Room
Complimentary breakfast is provided daily in the Club Room (or can be delivered to your room for a per person fee). Cereals, yogurt, breads, pastries, bagels and beverages are on hand. Beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends. Also, between 5 and 8 p.m., complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres are served. Coffee, tea, cookies and fruit are available throughout the day.

Monkey Bar
A landmark in New York since the Great Depression, the Monkey Bar has grown to include monkey murals old and new and is considered a hot spot in the city. Think it's a place for kids? It was featured in "Sex and the City," is owned by Vogue editor Graydon Carter, and features a pricey menu. So that may be a personal decision. The restaurant is connected to the hotel and open for lunch during the week between 12 and 3 p.m. (more for business lunches) and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to midnight (11 p.m. on Saturdays).

Room service in the hotel is provided by the Monkey Bar, with a limited lunch and dinner menu. (No special menu for children.)

All About the Extras
The hotel provides complimentary breakfast daily, as well as complimentary beverages, fruit and cookies throughout the day, and an hors d'oeuvres and wine reception in the evenings, as well as bottled water and a Belgian chocolate bar in the room. Internet is free. Although there is not a fitness center on the premises, the hotel provides complimentary passes to a nearby sports club.

The Art of Smart Timing
There is never a bad time to visit New York -- with so much to see and do, New York is bustling winter, spring, summer and fall.

Getting There
To get to New York by plane, LaGuardia and JFK International airports welcome flights from all over the country, as well as around the world. Taxis will be less expensive from LaGuardia. Newark, N.J., is about 30 minutes away by car and tunnel.

If driving in, parking is available right next door. But valet may be cheaper than the garage.

Getting Around
As typical in New York, walking, taxis and subways are the way to get around.

For Mom and Dad
Hire a babysitter and grab a drink at Monkey Bar downstairs.