Family Travel Forum highlights how you can feel at home at Loews Regency New York Hotel

The Loews Regency New York Hotel boasts a newly renovated and family-friendly property in the heart of Manhattan. The imposing Park Avenue hotel has been famous since its grand opening in 1963 for drawing A-list long-term guests. Movie stars and political figures have made the East Side hotel their home away from home.

All Loews Hotels are pet-friendly and the Loews Regency New York attracts many fashionable traveling dogs.
It’s easy to see why. With its understated decor and omnipresent staff — the ratio of staff to guests is one-to-one — the Loews Regency New York Hotel manages to walk that tricky line between upscale and comfortable. But just because Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn took up residence at the hotel in their day — the property passed on the Beatles in 1964, by the way, who then went on to draw frenzied mobs at The Plaza — doesn’t mean today’s families won’t feel comfortable.

A determination to welcome kids is immediately evident upon arrival. Friendly doormen in spiffy uniforms (out-of-town kids love that) are at the curb. Generous, welcome goodie bags for children and teens are provided at the Loews Regency New York check-in.
Parents with the tiniest travelers appreciate being able to request loaner baby gear: bathtubs, bed rails, cribs and playpens, electric outlet guards, humidifiers, and hot water kettles.

Teens appreciate the Did You Forget Closet, a stock of items that guests can borrow that range from Nintendo handhelds and DVD players to exercise equipment, leashes for pets (the entire Loews chain is animal-friendly), and more. Other amenities in the brand-wide Loews Loves Family program include a dedicated concierge to help answer those mysterious questions kids come up with and book hard-to-get restaurant and theatre tickets. Jot this down! In New York, you can reach the concierge Team at 212/339-4029 or by emailing: regencyconcierge@loewshotels.com.

One of the larger Loews Regency New York Hotel suites, room 1403, with its own atrium overlooking the New York City skyline. Photo c. Loews Hotels. Travel with three children (Chloe, Shane, and Cole) as we did and opt for a two-bedroom suite among the redone units. They boast the most modern amenities subtly woven into an Art Deco style. We soon realized that these ideal family suites feature more room than an average New York apartment plus killer views of the city from every window. Basically, two-bedroom suites consist of a one-bedroom suite with an adjoining superior room. In fact, many of the hotel’s 379 rooms are adjoining to provide endless combinations. Our suite featured generously proportioned bedrooms and three bathrooms boasting marble from Alicante, Spain. Relax together in the living room with plenty of custom-designed plush seating and all the latest electronics. Think flat-screen TVs, streaming services, complimentary WiFi, custom temperature controls, and electronic blinds. Suites have a dining area, a business area, and even a mini kitchen with a microwave and fridge. Additionally, there are six designer suites each decorated by one of New York’s finest, and four larger suites featuring a terrace or atrium.

PAMPERING YOURSELVES ON PARK AVENUE
If you’re planning a Mother-Daughter trip, we’ll mention the large Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa on the 61st Street side of the hotel. In addition to celebrity hairstyling, they do a complete wellness experience encompassing hair, nails, makeup, and fitness. For self-serve fitness, visit the gym with its two Peloton bikes or check out a Citibike from a nearby street bike stand and ride around Central Park. It should come as no surprise that such luxurious digs in the heart of Manhattan are not inexpensive, but deals are sometimes available.

POWER DINING IN THE HEART OF THE EAST SIDE
Kids love the broiled crab cakes and mocktails from RBG at the Loews Regency New York Hotel.
A full “power” breakfast on-property is offered (and boasts a children’s menu) but can be pricey for just breakfast. Of course, a whole plethora of New York cafes, bistros, and diners are within easy walking distance, even for little legs. Or take advantage of having the Loews Regency New York kitchen on hand to skip a breakfast or two. A world of Manhattan eateries will deliver so you can calmly enjoy an early dinner before hitting a show.
Don’t rush your meals at the casual-chic Regency Bar & Grill. We thoroughly enjoyed sliders, crab cakes, and a pizza from the Bar Menu one night. Kids are so comfortable in their black leather booths that we returned for a meal of poached salmon, a chopped salad, and their catchy-name RBG burgers. This summer, “Summerfest by Loews Hotels” culinary treats are offered through Labor Day. Start with the signature Summerfest cocktail, the Central Park Coolata, which pairs Bruno Mars’ own SelvaRey Rum with coconut, pineapple, and lime flavors. When kids hear about the Bruno Mars tie-in, offer them an Upper East Side Breeze. These mocktails using lime juice, cantone, pineapple juice, and simple syrup thrill kids with an edible flower garnish. Warning: Don’t be tempted by the Sant Ambroeus Coffee Bar with its takeout coffees and to-die-for pastries before meal times.

AROUND AND ABOUT THE LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK NEIGHBORHOOD
Summer brings roller skating to the famous rink at Rockefeller Center. For activities nearby, Central Park Zoo (all ages), Children’s Zoo (preschoolers), and Bloomingdale’s (teens) are an easy stroll. FAO Schwarz is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, just a 15-minute walk away. Drop into the kid-friendly Paley Center for the Media (formerly the Museum of Television and Radio) to try the PaleyGX gaming experience. Stretch your legs with a walk across the park to see the exquisite new Hall of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History. This summer, the Loews Regency New York has its own self-guided “Summerfest Cultural Safari” tour. The hotel suggests families time their stay to catch Shakespeare in the Park, Concerts in the Parks with the New York Philharmonic, and more free and low-cost Central Park family events.

TRIP PLANNING DETAILS FOR A LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK GETAWAY
While the quality of this hotel is certainly reflected in the cost ($$$-$$$$), the superior service and kid-pampering amenities soften the blow at check-out time. This summer’s special, Loews Park and Stay, is an offer to accommodate family road trippers. It provides free parking each night (a $60 savings in New York City) for each night of your stay. For reservations or more information about the Loews Regency New York Hotel, located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, call 877/878-6204 or visit Loews Regency New York Hotel online.

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