Have you contemplated a visit to New York City with the family only to be scared off by the prospect of squeezing your pack into a tiny New York City-sized hotel room?
Fear no longer – the new TRYP by Wyndham Times Square has you covered.
The TRYP recently hosted the Macaroni Kid Silver Daisy Boondoggle: ten Macaroni Kid Publisher Moms, three nights, 24 cupcakes, nine pouches of Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails and more laughs than could be tallied. But that’s a different article. For now, let’s just focus on the hotel.
The TRYP Times Square is the only member of the TRYP family in the US. And before you suggest that perhaps New York City didn’t need yet another hip, contemporary, boutique hotel, let me tell you, we needed this: family rooms that are more than 400 square feet and include a king (or two queens), bunk beds, a pull-out sofa, free wi-fi, a refrigerator, two televisions and a host of other conveniences sufficient to happily accommodate a family of four, five, six, seven or even eight.
Yes, you read that right: a 400+ square foot room suitable for a family of eight.
We loved the contemporary New York vibe of the décor, which featured hard wood floors (great for people with allergies) quotes about the things that make NYC special on the headboards and fabulous dark grey and red tiled bathrooms complete with “rain shower” shower facets. The lack of bathtubs is the only drawback here.
The Times Square moniker is a bit of a stretch. The hotel is actually a few blocks from Times Square on a quiet, industrial block that is more garment district than Times Square. Personally, I like escaping the crush of Times Square, though I suppose some like to be right in the heart of the neon.
If your kids are of a certain age, leave them in the room and slip downstairs to the Gastro Bar which "offers a fresh twist on tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, by infusing Mediterranean flavors with elements unique to New York City." Do not miss the fish tacos, mac & cheese three ways and, trust us on this, the Brussel sprouts.
When you have managed to drag your kids away from the hotel and have exhausted Times Square, we offer a final recently-discovered recommendation: The Beast. This 30-minute high-speed boat trip leaves from Pier 83, whisks you down the Hudson River with music blaring and treats you to perhaps the most majestic view of the Statute of Liberty imaginable. If you think Lady Liberty is incredible from a distance, wait until you see her close up, from her toes to her crown. It is a sight every child – and parent – should see. If you are looking for something a bit tamer, or your kids are under 40” tall, the Circle Line offers similar views, minus the adrenaline, wind-in-your-hair rush.
When you return? Just head to the Intrepid Museum with its brand new Space Shuttle Pavilion just up the block at Pier 86.
And when you’ve really, truly had enough? You will find cold lemonade and respite waiting at the TRYP Times Square.
