The newest Residence Inn to open in New York City opened its doors just days before the new year in 2014. The high-rise hotel takes guests great heights – it’s the tallest hotel in the city! – with floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the city skyline, particularly full views of Central Park in north-facing rooms, Times Square in south-facing rooms, and Hudson River views in west-facing rooms. These are fantastic spaces when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve; watch from the comfort and calm of your room, and have the kids tucked in by 12:05!

The property is actually two in one: Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. Guests share a fourth floor lounge, which is outfitted with so many outlets for plugging in and staying connected, we only wish airport designers would visit to see how to help us in this digital age! Guests also share a fitness center, located on the 35th floor.

Guests of the Residence Inn have a private lounge on the third floor — exactly the size of the one upstairs – and complimentary breakfast is served here. Guests of each hotel have different elevators from the shared lobby. Those riding to floors on Residence Inn’s side will find a color palette of soothing blues and whites, while on the Courtyard side, the colors are a more vibrant mix of reds and oranges.

Both properties provide kitchenettes in the rooms, with refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers and all the essentials for cooking and dining. The location is steps from Central Park, Times Square, and Broadway, making it one of the best locations for families.

All rooms are outfitted with kitchenettes with microwaves, small refrigerators and dishwashers, as well as cooking and eating utensils and wares. Cribs are available, but rollaway beds are not. Connecting rooms are not available, but the hotel does have nooks where double-double rooms and kings are side by side and tucked away enough to feel safe for families to try with teens. You'll have to call the front desk at booking to request these rooms.

1 King
This room has one king bed, and either City, Panoramic, Central Park, or Times Square views. One crib is permitted, sleeping a maximum of three.

2 Double
This room typically sleeps four in two double beds. A crib is permitted, so you can potentially fit five people.

As a city property, the hotel does not provide activities onsite, but is within steps of Central Park, Times Square and Broadway. Families can easily walk to theater performances, Times Square shops and attractions, the Central Park Zoo and more.

Complimentary Breakfast
The hotel provides a full, hot breakfast daily at no charge to its guests in the private Residence Inn third-floor lounge.

Bistro Bar
On the fourth floor, where guests from Courtyard by Marriott are also welcome, a Bistro Bar sells breakfast items. This lounge morphs into a bar at night and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. A small market with grab-and-go items is located next to the lobby.

Nearby Restaurants
The hotel does not provide sit-down dining for lunch and dinner. However, the property is located on Broadway and restaurants galore are just steps from the door, including the nearby Carmine's Restaurant for pizza and Italian, Baja Fresh for quick Mexican food, and a Smith & Wollensky steakhouse.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Guests of the Residence Inn receive complimentary Wi-Fi.

Laundry
Coin-operated laundry facilities are open 24/7.

Pet Policy
The hotel is pet-friendly.

Fitness Center
The hotel has a fitness center on the 35th floor.

The Art of Smart Timing
New York City is a year-round vacation destination; there isn't any time of year that isn't a good time to go. However, the holiday season is peak season, and this hotel's views of Times Square will make it especially popular around New Year's Eve. For the best selection, visit when big events are not taking place in the city.

Getting There
Arriving in the city by train, Grand Central and Penn Station are both a mile from the hotel, so a taxi is fairly inexpensive.

Getting Around
The hotel is located near Central Park and Times Square, making it easy to walk and enjoy the city. It's also next to the subway, Red, E, B and D lines. If you drive to the property, valet parking is available for $55 per day ($65 for oversized vehicles), or $49 daily for nearby offsite self-parking.

For Mom and Dad
Whether or not you are the type to squeeze in a workout while traveling or not, be sure to visit the Fitness Center at this hotel. Located on the 35th floor, it has floor-to-ceiling windows and views, as well as a Sky Terrace. Yes! You can head outside and enjoy the sounds of the city from 35 floors above.