I’m looking into a stay in New York City for a future family trip, and I’ve found a hotel that seems to blend nicely with the Upper East Side. It’s called voco The Franklin New York. I’ll share what I’ve learned about it to help you plan your own visit to the Big Apple.
Discovering voco The Franklin New York
I wanted a place that felt like a real New York City experience, but also comfortable and convenient for my family. voco The Franklin New York, located on a quieter street on the Upper East Side, caught my eye. This building actually dates back to 1929 and has a history of hosting guests even before it became an IHG hotel property in 2021. It’s known as the first voco hotel in the United States.
Walking up to it, the signage looks like a movie marquee, and stepping inside is meant to feel like entering a very nice New York apartment. It aims to offer a taste of classic New York while still being a comfortable base after a busy day exploring.
What Makes This Hotel Special
When I checked for details, I learned that the hotel emphasizes a welcoming, residential feel. Instead of typical hotel decor, you might see framed blueprints of the building. The lobby area, with its comfortable seating by street-facing windows, is designed to be welcoming. I noticed they use decor that reflects the voco brand’s bird mascots, like finches and owls, mixed with black and white New York art and bright furnishings.
One of the most interesting features I found is that the building still has its original Otis elevator, which adds to its Old New York charm. It travels up to the ninth floor. For guests, they offer a complimentary coffee or latte and a packaged cookie upon check-in. Tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water are also provided at no extra cost, which is a nice touch when you’re traveling.
I think this hotel would be a good choice if you’re looking for a place that feels a bit more personal and less like a large, impersonal hotel. It seems to offer that classic New York vibe mixed with modern comfort, making it a solid option for visitors.
Understanding the Rooms
I looked into the rooms at voco The Franklin New York to see what they offer. There are 49 rooms in total, spread across four different types: king bed, queen bed, double bed, and two double beds. This variety means you can likely find a setup that works for your family’s needs.
It’s important to note that due to the surrounding buildings, the rooms at this hotel don’t offer city views. However, the descriptions I found suggest that while the rooms might be compact, they are designed to be cozy and well-organized. I imagine this is typical for many hotels in this part of Manhattan.
Room Features and Amenities
I discovered that the queen room, for example, is described as having a shower and tub, along with full-size toiletries from Apotheke. The sink area is often separate, which can be a practical feature when multiple people are getting ready.
Inside the rooms, I found a list of amenities that include a Nespresso machine, complimentary water, a flat-screen TV, a small desk, and an air conditioning unit. I also noted that the wall lamps have built-in USB ports, which is very convenient for charging devices. For a reasonably priced stay in the Upper East Side, these features seem to cover the essentials.
I’m always thinking about how easy it is to get around, and I found that voco The Franklin New York is conveniently located near subway lines 4, 5, and 6. There’s also a 24-hour parking garage nearby, which is good to know if you’re planning to drive.
Exploring Nearby Dining Options
One thing I always consider when choosing a hotel is the food situation. voco The Franklin New York doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but its location on the Upper East Side means there are plenty of places to eat nearby for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For familiar options, I found that Whole Foods, Shake Shack, Ole & Steen, and La Pain Quotidien all have branches in the vicinity. If you prefer to explore, heading east will lead you to many more choices along 3rd, 2nd, and 1st avenues.
Dining for Every Taste
For those who enjoy a classic diner experience, places like EJ Lunchonette, Gracie’s Diner, Green Kitchen, and Midnight Express Diner are nearby. The Upper East Side also has a history tied to German culture, and you can experience this at Heidelberg, a German restaurant, or Schaller & Weber, a well-known German meat market and butcher shop that has been around for a long time.
If you need a coffee boost, I noted several good spots: Birch Coffee, La Bomboniera, Mellow Yellow, and Patis Bakery. Popular bakeries like Levain Bakery and Maman are also in the area, as are other dining spots such as Stella & Fly, Jones Wood Foundery, The Drunken Monkey, Heidi’s House by the Side of the Road, THEP Thai Restaurant, and The Penrose Bar. It seems like you wouldn’t run out of places to eat and drink during your stay.
When I consider family trips, having easy access to a variety of food options is key. This hotel’s location offers a good mix of quick bites and sit-down meals, which I think would be very helpful for families. For more insights on dining, you might want to explore family dining options in New York City.
Understanding Hotel Services
I learned that the service at voco The Franklin New York is focused on being friendly and helpful. The reception staff are described as polite and are also trained to use a barista machine. This means you can order coffee or tea directly from them and enjoy it, perhaps even outside on a courtyard if available.
Since there isn’t a full restaurant, the hotel offers a grab-and-go section. This area is stocked with drinks and snacks, and you can also find items like over-the-counter remedies. For convenience, there’s a microwave and an ice machine available for guest use, and the staff are happy to assist with them.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
I think this approach to service is practical for travelers. It provides easy access to snacks and drinks without needing to leave the hotel, which is especially useful when traveling with children. I’m always looking for ways to make travel smoother, and these kinds of conveniences really help.
I found that the staff’s helpfulness extends to providing assistance with amenities like the microwave and ice machines. This adds to the overall comfort and ease of your stay, ensuring that you have what you need during your visit.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
I was keen to understand what there is to do and see around voco The Franklin New York, especially for a family. The hotel is situated on the Upper East Side, which is known for its museums and proximity to Central Park. This makes it a promising spot for first-time visitors to New York City.
A key attraction I noted is Museum Mile, which is about a 10-minute walk away. This area is home to world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Being adjacent to Central Park means you can easily combine museum visits with some time spent outdoors, offering a nice balance for everyone.
Key Attractions Nearby
Beyond Museum Mile, I found another interesting nearby location: Carl Schultz Park. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. This park is home to Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, which has a lot of historical significance. Public tours are available, which could be a unique and less crowded attraction to consider visiting. For families, having these major attractions within easy walking distance is a big plus.
I also learned that the hotel is just a corner away from key subway lines, making it simple to travel to other parts of the city. This connectivity is something I always prioritize when planning trips, as it saves time and reduces travel stress when you have children in tow. My daughter, Emma, especially loves places where she can run around, so the proximity to Central Park and other parks is a definite draw.
Why Consider voco The Franklin New York
Based on my research, voco The Franklin New York appears to offer a peaceful and comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the city. It feels like a good balance – it’s slightly removed from the intense energy of Midtown but still gives you a taste of authentic New York.
I’ve seen that guests range from families to couples, and I think it could also be suitable for solo travelers. Everything you might need seems to be close by, just a street or two away. If you’re aiming for that quintessential Upper East Side experience without an excessive price tag, this hotel seems like a strong contender.
Planning Your Stay
For practical planning, the hotel’s address is 164 E 87th St, New York, NY 10128. I found that prices start from around $300 per night. If you’re using public transport, the closest subway station is 86th Street, serving the 4, 5, 6, and Q lines. There are also MTA bus stops nearby.
It’s always a good idea to check current prices and availability before booking, as these details can change. I’m thinking about this hotel for a potential 2026 trip, and I’ll definitely be looking at booking sites closer to the time for the most up-to-date information.
When thinking about where to stay in New York City, having a range of options is important. For more information on accommodations and to help you plan your visit, you can explore places to stay in NYC.
Overall, voco The Franklin New York seems to offer a blend of classic New York charm and practical comfort, making it a potentially great base for exploring the city, especially if you value a quieter neighborhood feel with easy access to major attractions and transport.
