Standard Room - These guestrooms have private baths and one queen-size bed, accommodating a maximum of two people; or two double beds, accommodating a maximum of four people.

Standard Room With Shared Bath - These guestrooms include in-room sinks, and offer one queen-size bed or two twin beds, accommodating a maximum of two people.

Suite - These rooms offer two separate bedrooms with three double beds, and can accommodate a maximum of six people.

LaGuardia International Airport (LGA): Approximate driving time is 45 minutes and distance is 16 miles.

Driving directions from LGA: Take Grand Central Pkwy. W. to the Triboro Bridge. Exit right for Manhattan, pay toll, and bear left for FDR Dr. S. to the 96th St. exit. Follow 96th St. through Central Park, turn left on Central Park W., and right on 77th St. The hotel entrance is on the left, just west of Broadway.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Approximate driving time is 55 minutes and distance is 21 miles.

Driving directions from JFK: Take the Van Wyck Expy. to Grand Central Pkwy. Continue to the Triboro Bridge. Exit right for Manhattan, pay toll, and bear left for FDR Dr. S. to the 96th St. exit. Follow 96th St. through Central Park, turn left on Central Park W., and right on 77th St. The hotel entrance is on the left, just west of Broadway.

Guests and visitors over the years have included Mark Twain and the Russian writer Maxim Gorky.

Amenity highlights: The Belleclaire offers same-day laundry service, 24-hour room service from the diner across the street, and a concierge on duty in the gift shop, where Internet access is available.

Insider tip: Families who take advantage of the well-priced two-room suites at the Belleclaire find many diversions for children nearby. Two blocks west along the Hudson River is leafy Riverside Park, with playgrounds and promenades; the Children's Museum of Manhattan is just east of Broadway on 83rd Street; and the dinosaurs and dioramas at the Museum of Natural History delight visitors of all ages. Bicycle riding/rental