The Belvedere (www.belvederehotelnyc.com) is something of an institution among New York family hotels. Mixing up a rich history built up since its opening in 1928 and an original Art Deco facade with cutting edge modernities, luxury hospitality and a vibrant and diverse list of international clientele, the Belvedere Hotel sits a block away from the Theatre District, with everything from Times Square to Carnegie Hall and the Met within walking distance. It’s the perfect choice in terms of price, location, comfort and amenities, whether you’re on a weekend NYC getaway with family, or on a business trip or conference.

The hotel has 400 guest rooms, each offering a fully furnished kitchenette with microwave, refrigirator and coffee maker, plasma TV with a Nintendo player and pay-per-view movies, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, and a European style marble bathroom with custom designed showers.

A free complimentary continental breakfast is included in the nightly charge for a room with two double beds, which comes to about $359 plus taxes for a family of four, including two adults and two children. The Belvedere also offers a special NY1 package deal, which includes the free breakfast and a two night minimum stay, at $269 per night plus taxes.

Amenities include fitness and business centers, with a state of the art meeting center for conferences and events with A/V equipment, internet access and catering arrangements. The Belevedere’s Concierge is reputed for being able to arrange ’hard-to-get’ tickets and restaurant reservations at trendy hotspots, in addition to making arrangements for guests to join guided tours of the Big Apple and transportation within New York and limos to and from the airports. You can call ahead and let them know your needs and you can bet your boots you’ll have the tickets (or other ‘discrete’ arrangements as per your request) waiting for you when you get there.

Dining options include the Belvedere Café and Churrascaria Plataforma for lunch and dinner. The Belvedere Café serves the free breakfast for hotel guests with a gourmet buffett, fresh dairy and bakery products, meats and cheese, flpajacks, and coffee and tea from 7 to 11 a.m. Churrascaria Plataforma is a Brazilian steakhouse with roasted beef, lamb and pork dishes on the menu. While the Belvedere’s culinary fares are excellent, it remains to be said that New York in general, and Hell’s Kitchen and the Theatre District in particular, have a lot more to offer in terms of restaurants and diners than what the Belvedere’s two diners have. If you want to get a real taste of New York, consider dining out at one of the finer restaurants in the area. Web links are provided below.

Info: 319 West 48th Street New York NY 10036; (212) 245-7000

Web links: Hell’s Kitchen dining guide; NYC vacation family things to do; New York City Pass; Cheap Broadway tickets