Bolton Landing

Enjoy lakeside dinners in an Adirondack setting on a private island in the middle of Lake George. 110 Sagamore Rd., (800) 358-3585, from $155 for a double.

                    

New Paltz

Stay at a family-owned Victorian castle overlooking the Hudson Valley. Your family will enjoy paddleboating, 85 miles of hiking trails, and the Victorian Maze. 1000 Mountain Rest Rd., (800) 772-6646, from $415 for a double.

                        

New York City

This tiny place in the West Village is like staying at a friend's apartment, but with the amenities of a hotel. Be sure to book the Garden Room, which has a queen-size bed, a pull-out loveseat for the kids, and private access to the patio out back. 21 Eighth Ave., (212) 243-5384, $264 for the Garden Room. Does not accommodate children under five.

This New York City classic just got a facelift, but Bemelmans Bar, named after the author-illustrator of Madeline, still has murals based on the famed children's story gracing the walls. Be sure to check out the Madeline Tea from 12 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. 35 East 76th St., (212) 744-1600, from $700 for a double.

                    

New York City's Four Seasons is luxurious and well located, and offers a host of amenities and activities that cater to families and kids. The kids' menu happily goes beyond chicken fingers to include dishes like salmon with market veggies, chicken noodle soup, and cinnamon toast. Cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, crayons, and toys are complimentary. 57 East 57th St., (212) 758-5700, from $755 for a double.

                    

Ian Schrager's masterpiece is a cozy black, white, and red affair nestled right next to quiet Gramercy Park. Guests also have access to the picturesque park, which offers plenty of space to play and shady benches perfect for relaxing. 2 Lexington Ave., (212) 920-3300, from $665 for a deluxe room (includes two double beds).

              

This übertrendy hotel in the Meatpacking District is surprisingly great for families, with spacious rooms, a plush "Gansevoort Goose," milk and cookies at turndown, Wii game systems, cribs, baby toiletries, classic board games, and a rooftop pool with plenty of water toys. 18 Ninth Ave., (212) 206-6700, from $495 for a deluxe room (includes two double beds).

                        

Kids will love the lime green–lit escalators and the proximity to Central Park, while parents will love that those escalators lead to lots of running-around room, a wood-paneled library, and sleek guest rooms. 356 West 58th St., (212) 554-6010, from $329 for a double.

                    

This minimal hotel is close to one of the prettiest stretches of lower Fifth Avenue, near Washington Square Park. Call in advance and book the Family Room, which has a full bed, two twin beds, two TVs, and a private bathroom. 27 West 11th St., (212) 989-9333, from $199 for the Family Room.

The staff couldn't be friendlier at the Regency, and The Library (which has dishes of M&M's scattered about) clears out after the power breakfasts to provide a warm spot for free hot chocolate. 540 Park Ave, (212) 759-4100, from $639 for a double.

                    

At this endlessly stylish boutique hotel tucked in the middle of SoHo, each brown-wood-and-white-linen room has high ceilings, big windows, and lots of space. A stay here includes unpacking and packing services, complimentary access to the New York Sports Club gym a few blocks away, and crib availability. 147 Mercer St., (212) 966-6060, from $595 for a double.

                    

While the uptown location is across the street from Central Park and houses the BLT Market restaurant, the Battery Park location provides a different perspective on the city, with easy access to Tribeca and downtown, which are steps away, and is much less expensive. Both offer family deals and special holiday packages. 50 Central Park South, (212) 308-9100, from $695 for a double. 2 West St., (212) 344-0800, from $299 for a double.

                    

Located right across from Central Park (a few blocks from the zoo), this is one of New York's most iconic hotels. It offers special amenities for children, like kid-size robes and milk and cookies at turndown. 2 East 61st St., (212) 838-8000, from $720 for a superior room (includes a king bed and a roll-away or crib on request).

                    

Located in the center of Midtown, this comfortable hotel has great family offerings, like the Ratatouille package, which includes cooking lessons and a gourmet-cheese turndown. It also has a Sony PlayStation in every room. 45 East 45th St., (212) 661-9600, from $200 for a double.

                    

Stay here for beaux-arts opulence, just blocks from Manhattan's Central Park. Enjoy martinis (or Shirley Temples) at the Old King Cole Bar. 2 East 55th Street at 5th Avenue, (212) 753-4500, from $845 for a double.

             

Staying in the middle of SoHo will make you feel like a well-connected New Yorker. Amenities include Malin + Goetz toiletries, complimentary preloaded iPods, Bose docks, and Electra bicycles in the summertime for peddling around town. Also check out the kids' welcome package for tons of recommendations of hot kid spots around town and family itineraries. 310 West Broadway, (212) 965-3000, from $637 for a double.

                    

Tarrytown

This 1897 estate may be younger than many of its European cousins, but it gets the old-world feel right, with ornate stairways and faded tapestries. Spend days lounging poolside or playing on the garden's giant chessboard. At night, reserve a babysitter, then indulge in a four-course meal at the hotel's French restaurant. 400 Benedict Ave., (800) 616-4487, from $255 for a double.