Finding a child-friendly hotel in Manhattan can be a challenge. But finding one that caters to children and prioritizes their unique needs is even more complicated. Fortunately, Conrad Midtown New York provides unique luxury features parents will love that engage with children in a meaningful way. The Little Conrad Suites feature SmarterKids toys and are a first-of-its-kind program for young travelers. The unique hotel experience can be reserved through the end of the year for families visiting The Big Apple.
Two suites at the 562-suite Conrad in the heart of Manhattan underwent a $10,000 transformation to create guest rooms that center around educational play. The rooms are some of the hotel’s most premium accommodations, an Apartment Suite and a two-bedroom connecting suite. Families don’t need to worry about packing books for bedtime stories either. Conrad’s complimentary Bedside Reading program offers guests books in print and digital.
The teacher-tested and approved toys allow parents to ensure their children continue learning through play even while traveling. Geared towards little ones aged three to ten, the SmarterKids toys, activities, and décor were masterfully crafted to form creative vignettes, reading nooks, art areas, and active zones throughout the guest rooms. “The superior toys touch on pillars we focus heavily on within our hotel and as part of Conrad Hotels & Resorts, such as art along with mindfulness, creativity, and movement,” explained General Manager of the property, Boris Guerov.
SmarterKids was born out of the pandemic over the concern for the learning gap that occurred when school-age children’s education was disrupted when classes went digital. The toy brand set out to help parents with children learning from home in a fun and educational manner. Throughout the development of SmarterKids, various factors were taken into consideration such as children’s neural pathways, learning styles, and how emotions affect the cognitive process. SmarterKids is rooted in the fact that when young ones are having fun, they’re often curious and retain information.
Before families arrive at the luxurious hotel they’ll have the opportunity to make selections from the complimentary SmarterKids Toy Menu based on the children’s specific needs and interests. The offering features at least three teacher-approved toys for each age group. For children under four, the toys include Self-Regulation Stones, earlySTEM Translucent Stacking Pegs, and Grip & Stay Blocks. For the four to six years olds, there’s a Children’s Yoga Mat and 50 Fun Yoga Activities, Happiness Journal + Colored Pencils, Imaginary Hand Puppets Kit, and 50 Mindfulness Activities. Children over six can select from the Windows Suncatchers Kit and Crystal Garden Science Education Kit.
The toys the family selects from the curated offering will be in-suite upon check-in. If the children love the educational toys, parents will be delighted to learn they can purchase them on-site from the hotel.