As a busy NYC mom of three and a publisher for Macaroni KID NYC Upper East Side, I'm always on the lookout for family-friendly gems right in our backyard. Our recent staycation at The Shelburne Sonesta was an absolute dream, and I couldn't wait to share our experience with my fellow UES families!
Forget cramped hotel rooms – our spacious one-bedroom suite was a game-changer. The kids had tons of room to spread out and play, which made for a much more relaxing stay for everyone. And speaking of relaxing, the views from the Vintage Green rooftop bar were simply breathtaking. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or enjoying a delicious meal with the iconic city skyline as your backdrop – it's truly magical.
Downstairs, the complimentary breakfast at Take Care, the modern American bistro located in the hotel's lobby, offered a fantastic selection that pleased even my pickiest eaters. We enjoyed our two adult entrees, and the kids happily munched on their menu choices, along with the provided juice and coffee, which had the taste of real New York Coffee! Take Care truly lives up to its promise of all-day dining with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
But the real highlight for the kids? The Tonies Borrowing Bar experience! We were so excited to embrace a screen-free stay, and the Toniebox, which the hotel thoughtfully provided for us to borrow along with headphones (which we did not need, because we all enjoyed listening to the stories and songs!) and a curated selection of Tonies, kept them entertained with engaging stories and songs. It was such a refreshing change of pace, and they loved choosing from the Holiday Favorites like the Grinch, beloved Disney characters like Moana and Woody, and even educational options like Blippi. The Shelburne is the first hotel to offer this unique amenity, and it truly elevates their family-friendly programming.
Getting to The Shelburne Sonesta from our Upper East Side apartment couldn't have been easier – the M15 bus dropped us off practically at their doorstep. Located in the heart of Murray Hill at 303 Lexington Avenue, it's incredibly accessible. This makes it an ideal option for local families who might have visiting relatives and need extra space, especially with their studio, one, and two-bedroom apartment-style suites that even feature kitchenettes. We used ours for washing bottles, keeping leftovers in the fridge and playing hide and seek of course.
The check-in process was a breeze, thanks to the incredibly kind and professional staff. We even had a lovely property tour with Jill Lieblein, the Director of Sales & Marketing, another one of our UES amazing moms! The staff truly went above and beyond, even bringing up children's toothbrushes and toothpaste when we realized we'd forgotten ours! A special shout-out to the thoughtful team who offer amazing goodie bags as part of their family package to all hotel guests. My kids were thrilled with the high-quality Ooly markers, paper, crayons, and craft activities – it kept them happily occupied for hours!
If you're an Upper East Side family looking for a delightful staycation spot or a fantastic hotel recommendation for visiting guests, The Shelburne Sonesta is an absolute winner. The spacious apartment-like rooms, stunning views from Vintage Green, delicious food at Take Care, kid-friendly amenities like the innovative tonies Borrowing Bar, and the exceptional service make it a top-notch choice. Trust me, your kids (and you!) will thank you.
Check out the insta reel from our stay for a better view!
