The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

At some point in their youngster’s life, many parents determine, “It’s time to introduce this child to New York!” Subsequently, a trip is planned around a performance (in the theater district, at Lincoln Center or a museum), a game or concert (at Madison Square Garden or Radio City Music Hall), a parade, or a shopping spree (American Girl Store, Build-A-Bear, Disney Store, Sephora or the NFL Experience).

Obviously, the choice of a Big Apple hotel is crucial. It must be well-located, for safety and convenience; meet the criteria of all family members; provide a retreat, especially to folks unaccustomed to the city’s noise and energy; and offer every amenity, particularly when everyone decides “Let’s stay in, today.”

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue meets all those “musts,” and more, with a luxurious flair.

What’s particularly wonderful about walking into the The Langham is the sense of calm it exudes within a strikingly contemporary décor. It’s a welcoming entry, where every afternoon complimentary drinks are served: hot cider, hot chocolate or fruit water. Service Stylists, in touch pre-arrival, greet guests and are available during the stay.

Up the stunning staircase, Bar Fiori, with its menu of small plates, leads to Ai Fiori restaurant, which looks contemporary, feels sophisticated and serves Michelin-star Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on Italian fare, so young people can always find a  pasta preparation. Or, Chef Michael White’s staff delights in pleasing young finicky palates with simply stunning, kid-friendly dishes.

The Langham Hotel, New York. Photo: The Langham Hotels & Resorts

Among the 234 accommodations, there are adjoining rooms and a variety of family-friendly accommodations, with available cribs. All feature oversized windows; Swedish Duxiana beds; Italian Pratesi linens; walk-in closets; and spacious, marble-clad bathrooms with a TV in the mirror, rain showers and soaking tubs. Kids love cookies at turndown and kid-sized bathrobes and slippers. A Family Room houses two queen beds, plus room for a rollaway bed; a larger Family Double Double with Kitchen offers two double beds and a one-bedroom Empire State View includes a king-sized bedroom, some with a sleeper sofa, a kitchen and washer/dryer.

The American Girl Place Fifth Avenue Adventure package includes a $25 gift card, services of a personal shopper at the nearby American Girl store, and in-room amenities: a doll-sized travel bed, robe and slippers, an American Girl DVD with pink popcorn and milk and cookies at turndown. Another family-friendly package includes VIP passes for the Empire State Building, so you can skip the line to get up to the Observation Deck. (Concierges are available for tickets, directions and reservations.)

Guests often book a treatment at Chuan Body + Soul spa, which offers relaxation treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The spa has a water feature reflecting its name, which translates to Flowing Water, three treatment rooms and access to lockers, the steam shower and wet and dry sauna, with its pink Himalayan salt wall. The gym features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment 24/7.

Just outside the front door, it’s easy to discover Manhattan’s highlights on foot, like the Empire State Building, New York Public Library, Central Park and more. The bus is a fun way to return to the hotel because kids can look out the window and see shop windows above the taxi-tops.

Welcome to the Big Apple.