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Featured Hotels Near Riverbank State Park Playground
Riverbank State Park Playground is NYC’s best-kept secret for family fun! Perched along the Harlem River, this sprawling outdoor oasis is a dreamland for kids—featuring towering slides, rope bridges, and adventure-ready equipment. But it’s more than just play: weekend events like street fairs and live music bring the community alive. Come here to let kids run wild in nature, and you? Breathe deep, relax in the breeze—this is urban life, perfectly unplugged.
The Wallace Hotel
Hotel Lucerne
Arthouse Hotel
Hotel Belleclaire Central Park
Radio Hotel
The George at Columbia, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel
Central Park N Residence
Wingate by Wyndham Bronx/Haven Park
Aloft Harlem
Your Home in Harlem
Door172
Soul Food 'Mont Morris'
Edge Hotel Washington Heights
Northern Lights Mansion
Opera House Hotel
255West Guesthouse
Kama Central Park
The Marmara Manhattan
Mi Casa Tu Casa
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Riverbank State Park Playground
The Westin New York at Times Square is a top choice, just a 10-minute drive from Riverbank State Park Playground. It features family-oriented amenities like a children’s pool and game room. Located in Midtown Manhattan, it offers easy access to subway lines, making trips to Central Park and Broadway convenient. The hotel’s modern rooms include comfortable bedding and high-speed Wi-Fi, ideal for families. Additionally, free parking is available for guests traveling by car, enhancing overall convenience.
The most efficient way is using the New York City Subway (MTA). Walk just 5 minutes from Riverbank State Park Playground to the 158th Street–Amsterdam Avenue Station on the 1/2/3 lines. Take the 1 train southbound to reach destinations like Times Square, Central Park, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 15 to 25 minutes. Additionally, Citi Bike bike-sharing stations are located nearby, perfect for short rides along the Hudson River Greenway or to Lincoln Center, offering a scenic urban escape.
Beyond standard slides and swings, the Riverbank State Park Playground features a rare climbing wall and an interactive water fountain, ideal for all ages. The park also hosts an outdoor performance stage with free community concerts during summer months. For a peaceful escape, stroll or jog along the Hudson River Greenway, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the George Washington Bridge. Designated picnic areas are perfect for family gatherings and outdoor meals.
Near Riverbank State Park Playground, The Westin New York at Times Square is a top choice, just a 10-minute walk away with excellent access to public transit. This upscale hotel offers spacious rooms, premium amenities, and a prime location near Broadway and Times Square, ideal for guests seeking both urban excitement and nearby green space. Another great option is Hotel 62, a modern boutique hotel known for its stylish design and friendly service, located just a few blocks from the playground. Both properties provide easy access to the subway, making it simple to explore Manhattan’s major attractions while enjoying a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
From downtown Manhattan, take the MTA subway to 155th Street Station (A and C lines), then walk south on West 155th Street for about 10 minutes to reach Riverbank State Park Playground. Alternatively, bus lines such as M4, M10, and M11 stop near Broadway & 155th Street, offering a convenient 8-minute walk to the park. For a scenic and eco-friendly option, use Citi Bike—the bike-sharing program allows you to ride along the Hudson River Greenway, enjoying views of the river and the surrounding parklands while reaching your destination sustainably.
Beyond being one of the largest urban playgrounds in the U.S., Riverbank State Park Playground offers a blend of adventure, nature, and culture. Highlights include the world’s largest cantilevered slide, multi-level rope courses, and an indoor rock climbing wall perfect for families and thrill-seekers. During summer months, the park hosts outdoor concerts and community art exhibitions, adding cultural flair to recreational time. The scenic overlook platform provides panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline—ideal for photography. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in this vibrant urban oasis.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Riverbank State Park Playground
The Wallace Hotel
The Wallace Hotel is an absolute gem tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood of Midtown, yet it feels like you're right in the heart of everything. Step outside and you're greeted by Central Park on one side and the Hudson River on the other—perfect for morning walks or evening strolls with skyline views. Within a 5-minute walk, there are two well-stocked supermarkets, so grocery runs are super convenient. And if you're craving authentic flavors, you'll find some excellent local eateries nearby—authentic Xi'an dumplings and Shanghai-style steamed buns that are surprisingly delicious. The subway station is just steps away, making travel across Manhattan effortless. The staff are professional, friendly, and always ready to help. Most impressive? The bedding—luxuriously soft and incredibly comfortable, making for a truly restful night's sleep. This hotel delivers on every front: location, convenience, comfort, and service. A top-tier stay that’s hard to beat.
Hotel Lucerne
Hotel Lucerne is a charming, long-standing hotel with a classic American vibe that feels warm and welcoming. The rooms are spacious—especially the living area—which makes it ideal for families or anyone who values comfort. The breakfast is fantastic, consistently delicious, and it’s clear locals come here often—the place buzzes with energy every morning. Staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, and fellow guests seem equally kind and approachable. Location-wise, it's in a quiet residential neighborhood with everything you need within walking distance: grocery stores, cafes, and even a quick stroll to the Natural History Museum. Perfect for travelers with kids. The AC does make some noise, but after nearly three weeks in the U.S., I’ve heard worse—just turn it off at night and stay cool. One small note: the hairdryer is a bit outdated and not very powerful, so upgrading that would be a great touch. Overall, this hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. If I ever return to New York, I’ll definitely book here again. Highly recommend! 🌹
Arthouse Hotel
Absolutely stunning stay at Arthouse Hotel! The rooms are spacious and incredibly well-designed, with a bathroom that feels more like a luxury retreat than a standard hotel space. The on-site bar is a real highlight—great ambiance, excellent drinks, and a relaxed vibe perfect for unwinding after a day exploring NYC. Every detail feels intentional and thoughtfully curated. This place truly delivers on comfort, style, and hospitality. I’d happily return in a heartbeat.
Hotel Belleclaire Central Park
Staying at Hotel Belleclaire Central Park again was a great experience. One tip for future guests: if possible, avoid rooms facing the wall—opting for a room with a view makes a noticeable difference in natural light and overall openness. The room itself is spacious and well-designed, though the bathroom is on the smaller side, it’s functional and clean. What stands out most is the incredible value for money. Located just steps away from Central Park, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring Manhattan. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this hotel offers comfort, convenience, and excellent pricing—all in one. Definitely a top pick for anyone visiting New York.
Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel
Staying at the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel was a pleasant experience overall. The room size was just right—comfortable and well-proportioned, with a spacious bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The view from the upper floors is fantastic; you can see far into the city skyline, especially stunning during sunset hours. There are plenty of small shops nearby, so grabbing snacks, drinks, or essentials is super convenient. I enjoyed walking to Columbia University—about a 20-minute stroll through residential streets, which felt safe during daylight hours. That said, I did notice the neighborhood’s safety level is average, so I’d recommend being mindful when walking around late at night. All in all, it's a great choice if you're looking to immerse yourself in a real Harlem vibe without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The value for money is strong, and the hotel delivers on atmosphere and practicality.
Wingate by Wyndham Bronx/Haven Park
This hotel is an absolute gem! The subway station is just a short walk away, making it super convenient for getting around NYC. What really stands out is the complimentary sparkling water and ice-cold water—something you rarely find in other hotels in New York. The front desk even gives you a reusable bottle that you return upon checkout, and there’s a self-service water station on the first floor near the elevator—so practical and eco-friendly. The room layout is smart and thoughtfully designed, offering great comfort and functionality. Just two blocks away, there’s a small grocery store with fresh, affordable fruit—seems to be run by a Korean family, perfect for grabbing snacks or drinks. And if you’re into sports, Yankee Stadium is within easy reach. Overall, this place offers incredible value and a truly pleasant stay—highly recommend it!
Aloft Harlem
Staying at Aloft Harlem was an excellent experience overall. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a soft bed that made for a restful night's sleep. I loved the lively street view—great energy and vibrant city vibes right outside the window. The location is central and convenient, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and easy access to public transit for exploring Manhattan. The air conditioning worked incredibly well, keeping the room cool and comfortable even during warmer evenings. One minor note: the unit made a bit of noise when running, but it wasn’t disruptive. All in all, this hotel offers great value, modern design, and a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend for travelers looking for a stylish yet practical stay in Harlem.
Soul Food 'Mont Morris'
This is a guest house, not a hotel or Airbnb, so setting the right expectations from the start is key. There’s no front desk or lobby, and no external signage—access is via a door code, and you enter independently. That said, here’s what made our weekend stay at Soul Food Mont Morris memorable: The experience itself was unique—feeling like part of the local community with a cozy, authentic vibe. Rooms and bathrooms were spotless, beautifully styled with vintage charm. It’s super convenient for exploring Harlem—restaurants, grocery stores, and a CVS are just around the corner. The subway station is a 6-minute walk away, with downtown Manhattan reachable in about 25 minutes by train. However, keep a few things in mind: Communication was tricky two days before arrival—we tried the booking app and the phone number listed in the email, but couldn’t get through. Once on-site, everything ran smoothly, so if you’re used to contacting a host or calling a front desk, this isn’t the place for you. Also, if you’re planning to take a midday break and return to your room during hot weather (like we did during a heatwave), be aware that going back and forth throughout the day isn’t practical due to the distance. You’ll need to remove your shoes upon entering—the house provides slippers, so bring your own pair if possible. Accessing upper-floor rooms requires climbing a wooden staircase barefoot or in socks, which can be slippery, so slippers are essential. Overall, this isn’t for everyone. Don’t judge it by hotel standards—initial disappointment is common if you expect a traditional stay. But once you settle in, it grows on you. We stayed just one weekend, but honestly, we’d have loved to extend our visit to truly soak in Harlem’s rhythm and energy.
Northern Lights Mansion
My stay at Northern Lights Mansion was a mixed experience. The furniture looked like it came from a yard sale—mismatched and not cohesive in style. Extension cords and TV cables were loosely run and exposed throughout the room, which felt unsafe and unprofessional. The bathroom door wouldn’t stay shut, requiring constant adjustment during use. Unfortunately, the jetted tub I was looking forward to was out of service, which was disappointing. Breakfast was an additional charge, and while the food quality was decent, the extra cost made it feel less value for money. On the bright side, the staff were friendly and helpful, making the stay more pleasant on a personal level. Overall, the hotel has potential, but improvements in room upkeep, safety, and guest amenities would go a long way in boosting the experience.
Kama Central Park
I’ve stayed at Kama Central Park again, and it was just as fantastic as before. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment I arrived. The room was spotlessly clean with excellent hygiene standards—especially the shower area, which felt fresh and well-maintained. It’s a great base for exploring New York, with easy subway access to major attractions. Comfortable, convenient, and well-priced—this hotel delivers on every front. I’ll definitely be returning here on my next trip to NYC!
The Marmara Manhattan
Staying at The Marmara Manhattan was an absolute delight. The hotel boasts a stylish vibe with generously sized rooms that feel both luxurious and welcoming. Its central location in Midtown West makes it incredibly convenient—just a short walk to the subway—yet it’s tucked into a surprisingly quiet corner of the city, perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring. The staff went above and beyond: from handling booking changes to offering thoughtful recommendations for restaurants nearby. Eleonor, the Rooms Manager, stood out with her professionalism and warmth; Flloyd and Cassandra were equally impressive, always ready to assist with a smile. The beds were heavenly—truly a dream to sleep on. After long days walking through rainy New York streets, the Turkish baths were exactly what we needed to relax and recharge. Every detail felt intentional, from the ambiance to the service. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay—highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting NYC.
Imperial Court Hotel
The Imperial Court Hotel is perfectly located—walking distance to major attractions and surrounded by great dining options, making it super convenient for exploring New York. I stayed in a suite, which had potential but definitely needs a refresh. The room felt quite dark, with brown carpet and walls that made the space feel cramped and gloomy. There was also an unpleasant odor lingering, and the lighting was insufficient, which made the atmosphere less than ideal. It’s clear the rooms could use a much-needed renovation. That said, the concierge team absolutely stood out—they were friendly, genuinely helpful, and even brought a smile with their humor. Their excellent service really saved the experience. While the room condition was disappointing, the location and staff made it worthwhile. Definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a central base with great hospitality.
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