Since we love to travel so much, taking staycations in the city, are sometimes just what we need to get out our hood and enjoy a little getaway. Last weekend, my mom and I took the kids for a little staycation in Midtown, at Fifty NYC, an Affinia Hotel. The hotel is perched only a few blocks Rockefeller Center, so there was no shortage of holiday spirit in the air. We love visiting the area during this time of year, but we’ve never stayed in a hotel during the holidays, so I was excited for the kids to play tourists, while in the heart of the action. Not to mention, it reminded me of when my parents took us into the city as children, and we would sleep at the hotel where my mom worked.
We checked into our Junior Suite which came with a gorgeous view, and a great outdoor balcony. I didn’t realize until we stepped outside, just how much I missed the balcony from my old apartment. The kids certainly got a kick out of it, and with temps in the 60s, how can they not. Our “home for the weekend” had a full kitchen, which came in handy when preparing Ryder’s gluten free snacks. The hotel even left some children’s coloring kits, with NYC landmarks in the room, which was a welcome surprise for the kids. Who doesn’t love finding presents upon arrival?
After a great night sleep, we woke up refreshed and ready for the day. First on the agenda was an event that I was hosting at Lord & Taylor, where the kids met Santa Claus for the second time this season. Afterwards, we strolled along their window display, which completely engulfed Fifth Avenue in lights and garland, before heading back to the room.
Before heading out to see the tree, we asked our super friendly concierge for dinner recommendations, and they suggested Dos Caminos, conveniently located on the corner of the hotel. After dinner, we walked to Rockefeller Center to see the trees, and to catch the Saks Fifth Avenue light show. The streets were mobbed with people, making it impossible to get close to the tree, but the beauty of the light show made up for it.
Back at the Fifty NYC, we were greeted with some Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider and cookies for the kids, along with some wine and cheese for my mom and I. Top that off with a holiday movie, and it was a lovely way to end our day.
The next morning, we woke up bright and early to finally conquer the Christmas Tree. The crowd paled in comparison to the night prior, so we had our photo op. We watched the ice skaters below in Rockefeller for a while, and strolled through the streets, passing Radio City Music hall, the toy soldiers on Sixth Avenue, and ending with a sweet treat at Magnolia Bakery. Ryder was dying to hit the Lego Store, and coming off another 100 on his spelling test, I promised we would go, followed by a quick tour of the American Girl store.
With the kids in tow, it felt like we walked forever before making it back to the hotel, for check out. It was so nice to have my mom around to experience all of the holiday fun with my children. Together we reminisced of our times together when we were both younger; me as a little kid overwhelmed by the holiday spirit of Midtown, and her working for years in that area, always electrified when December rolled around. We left fully immersed in the holiday spirit, and now looking forward to Santa making his way to our homes, in just three short days.
2 thoughts on “Holiday Staycation”
I love to this thing. It was more than motivating. Love those photography. I wished like these stuff to wear on my daughter also. I have got another site go and see stuff like that.
Awesome photos! I love that you take your kids out to see the world (or at least somewhere other than home).