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Dumont NYC, an Affinia hotel

150 East 34th Street, New York, 10016, NY

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Overview

Spacious isn’t a word normally associated with hotel rooms in New York City, and it can be a challenge finding one in which you and your entire family can be comfortable. The Dumont NYC, part of the Affinia Hotel Collection, is an all-suite property, and even the smallest rooms have enough space for everyone to spread out. The biggest bonus comes from having a fully equipped kitchen in every room, making it easy to prepare your own meals. The in-suite kitchens also make this a good choice for long stays.

The hotel opened in 1985, but the décor has been kept up to date, with a very modern vibe in the lobby. There are more than 300 rooms spread across 37 floors, so you’ll only have a handful of neighbors. The top floors are preferable to provide distance from the busy street noise, and to get the best views. Depending on what direction your room faces, you’ll overlook the Chrysler Building, the Freedom Tower or the East River.

The hotel’s location on the east side of 34th Street puts you within five blocks of the Empire State Building, and within 10 blocks of the Macy’s flagship store and Grand Central Station, but little else in terms of major kid-friendly attractions. Prepare to walk a lot — even the closest subway station is five minutes away.

This hotel offers a lot of little extras to enhance your stay, from in-room telescopes to free bike rentals, as well as the use of strollers and highchairs. Guests include a mix of business and leisure travelers, including a large international tourist clientele. Your family might run into a couple from Australia in the elevator, and you will surely hear a mix of languages in the lobby.

Our Editor Loves

  • Spacious rooms with stocked kitchens
  • Location near Grand Central Station
  • Attentive, helpful staff

Family Interests

  • Bicycling
  • Museum/Cultural

Family Amenities

  • Connecting Rooms
  • Cribs
  • Kitchenettes
  • Laundry
  • Refrigerator

Room Information

Find the Best Price for Your Stay

There are 315 suites in this property, and each one has the same basic amenities: flat-screen TVs with more than 60 channels (including Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network); Sony CD player/alarm clocks; magnifying make-up/shaving mirrors; hair dryers; in-room safes; and irons and ironing boards. There are complimentary Comfort Zone bath amenities, including shampoo, conditioner and bath gel pumps in the shower. Bathtubs are available in all rooms. You can request the type of pillow you want from the Pillow Menu, which includes feather and down, buckwheat, Swedish memory, hypoallergenic, magnetic therapy and even sound pillows.

There are 37 floors, and the rooms on the upper floors offer the best views. If you prefer the lower floors, you may encounter street noise. There are complimentary earplugs provided in the nightstand drawer.

The rooms are grounded with an earth tone design palette, with special touches like throw pillows and chenille wraps. Many rooms feature built-in wall units to maximize space. Cribs, play yards, strollers, highchairs and humidifiers are available to borrow at no charge. Rollaway beds are available for an additional fee of $30 per night.

All rooms have kitchens stocked with appliances, dishes, and cookware -- a convenience when you want to make your own meals in a pricey city, or just to be able to prepare a baby bottle.

There is a charge for Wi-Fi -- $14.95 for every 24-hour period -- which is important to figure into your budget if you have teenagers who need to be connected.

Studio Suites
There are 138 of these 400- to 450-square-foot suites, which can accommodate up to four guests. They're available with one king bed or one queen bed, plus a sofa bed or two queen beds.

Junior Suites
There are 34 of these 425- to 450-square-foot suites that can accommodate up to four guests. They're available with one king bed or one queen bed, plus a sofa bed.

One-Bedroom Suites
There are 69 of these 450- to 650-square-foot suites that can accommodate up to four guests. They come with one queen bed and a sofa bed, or two queen beds.

Skyline Suites
There are 68 Skyline Suites, and they're available in each of the three categories listed above. Since they are on upper floors, they offer the best views of the city skyline (at a premium price). They each sleep up to four guests in one king or one queen bed and a sofa bed, or two queen beds.

There are also six ADA-compliant suites.

Family Activities

This property caters to business travelers and leisure travelers who visit to enjoy what New York City has to offer. As such, there isn't a formal onsite children's program offered, nor are there any indoor play areas or pools. The hotel's urban setting means there isn't an outdoor playground or green space.

Children's Amenities
The hotel offers select amenities for kids upon request. Ask for the "Family Fun" chest with board games, walking tour experience kits, cupcakes, rubber duckies, kids' snacks and playing cards.

Telescopes
The hotel will bring a telescope to your room for you to get the most of the views from your window.

Bicycles
There are also complimentary bicycle rentals available at this property in the warmer months. You can borrow bikes for up to four hours at a time. Ride three blocks east to the end of 34th street to access the East River Greenway, a bike path that extends to the south end of Manhattan.

Local Attractions
This property works as a home base for exploring midtown Manhattan, with the Empire State Building just four blocks away. The nearest subway station is the 33rd Street Station on the 6 line -- two blocks away.

Family Dining

There isn't an onsite restaurant for guests staying at the Dumont NYC. However, there are still options for dining at the hotel.

In-Suite Dining
Every suite has a small kitchen with an oven, four-burner stove, refrigerator, microwave, sink, toaster and coffeemaker. The cabinets and drawers are stocked with pots, pans, plates, glasses and basic utensils. There is a small deli/convenience store on the same block, where you can buy provisions and ingredients to make your own meals. There are also mini-bar snacks on the desk, and drinks (water, soda, beer and liquor) in the refrigerator.

This property also has a FreshDirect grocery delivery service. You can reserve your grocery kit when booking your room, or at the front desk anytime during your stay. Kits start at $52, and orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.

Room Service
Room service is provided by the Cinema Café located down the street, and is available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to midnight. The breakfast menu includes kid-friendly options like pancakes and French toast, but there is just one set of prices for both adults and children. Lunch and dinner options include hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, pizza, salads and pasta.

Lobby Snacks
In the lobby, you'll find complimentary fruit-infused water during the day. In the evening, the hotel hosts a complimentary wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m.

Planning & Tips

All About the Extras
Fees
Wi-Fi is $14.95 for every 24-hour period, or $62.95 per week. There is also a fee to use the two computers in the lobby.

Laundry Service
There are guest coin-operated laundry facilities onsite. For laundry detergent and other necessities, there's a Duane & Reade store and pharmacy down the street.

Fitness Room
There is a small gym that is open 24 hours on the fourth floor, with free weights, balance balls and Life Fitness equipment.

Pet Policy
The Dumont NYC offers a VIPaws program for pets. For $50 per stay, pets receive food and water bowls, a large pet bed, toys, pet stairs (if you need them), a door hanger to let staff know you have a pet in your room and discounts to local stores for pet products and services. Additionally, dog treats, waste bags and city walking maps are available for families with dogs who need to go on walks.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m., and check-out is at noon.

The Art of Smart Timing
New York City is a year-round tourist destination, but the crowds swell in the mild spring and summer months, as do the prices. Winter holidays in late-December are also a popular time, even though it's cold. Room rates drop dramatically in January and February.

You can take advantage of package pricing with a variety of different offers, including a stay with breakfast included, free Wi-Fi or a free night when you stay for three. Check your room card key while you're there. There may be a coupon on it for savings at a local attraction or restaurant.

Getting There
There are three major airports serving New York City; LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport are the closest to this hotel. Drive times to each, with no traffic, are 30 and 40 minutes, respectively. The hotel offers a private car service with special pricing for airport pick-ups and drop-offs. There is no airport shuttle, but there are ground transportation services available at both airports, including the SuperShuttle and the Go Airport Shuttle. Taxis will cost approximately $30.

If you drive your own car into the city, there is a privately-owned parking garage across the street. The hotel has a special arrangement with another one nearby called Rapid Park. Valet parking is available at $59 per night for cars, or $69 for SUVs and minivans. There aren't any in-and-out privileges.

Getting Around
In each room, you'll find a "Where Guest Book" with information on things to do and see in New York City. The front desk supplies street maps. You can also download the Affinia Pocket Guide app to have neighborhood information on your mobile device.

The Dumont is located two blocks from the 33rd Street subway station, on the 6 line, which provides direct service to popular uptown stops like Grand Central Station. Taxis can be hailed in front of the hotel.

For Mom and Dad
Affinia hotels, including this one, host Social Sips events every evening, with complimentary wine tasting from 5 to 6 p.m. for guests over the age of 21. If looking to get out of the hotel for a couple of hours, ask the front desk for recommendations on local babysitting services.