In this month’s celebrity travel column, we stalk Thomas the Tank Engine, the friendly blue train engine that could, and has, captivated the imaginations of every preschooler (and many adults) in 100 territories and 40 languages around the world. And where is he staying between August 1 and September 4? Thomas & Freinds are staying at the almost as famous 1,932-room New York Hilton Midtown, host to presidents, royalty and celebrities (yes, the Beatles and Rolling Stones, too) since it opened in time for the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Travelers from around the world are welcome to move into Thomas’ family suite, both at the New York Hilton and at London’s The Waldorf Hilton, which is also housing a themed guest room during this same period. In New York, the over-the-Sir-Topham-Hat suite rents for $550.00 per night plus tax.
Thomas & Friends Fans Go Crazy
The delightful suite features toys galore from partner, Mattel Inc, another global powerhouse. Fans will blow steam at the many iconic faces and landscapes that decorate furnishings and floor playmats. The two flat screen TVs come with a library of Thomas & Friends videos, including an exclusive preview of the yet to be released DVD, “The Great Race.”
The huge master bedroom boasts two queen beds and Mattel’s new premium Trackmaster Sky-High Bridge Jump toy, a Rube Goldberg-like sculpture that allows kids to propel Thomas and all his friends (yes, they sleep with you, too) from the very top of the jump, down ramps, through tunnels and around and around.
The New York Hilton Midtown, having entered its 5th decade, has evolved from a purely business hotel to one that welcomes families, who make up more than 30% of the weekend’s crowd. This is largely due to it great location at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, between 53rd and 54th Streets, near to Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, Times Square and much more.
“As a hotel that has been catering to families for over 50 years, New York Hilton Midtown is delighted to partner with Mattel on the introduction of the magical Thomas & Friends suite,” said Laurens Zieren, General Manager, New York Hilton Midtown.
Kate Schlomann, Vice-President, Fisher Price, part of the Mattel Group agreed, “For those little travelers who love Thomas & Friends and make new connections, this will be an unforgettable experience!”
Thomas the Tank Engine Trip Planning Details
Whether you’re town for Summerstage or planning a refreshing staycation from your Williamsburg tenement, we urge you to invest the $550.00 in an unforgettable Thomas & Friends orgy, with all-night train-spotting, binge watchng his DVDs, and luxuriating in the comfort of a Hilton suite.
Grandparents Note: If you’re bringing the whole caboose, the Thomas Suite connects to another full one-bedroom suite with large living room, bar area with minifridge, dining area, sofa bed and day bed, master bedroom with two queens, full bath and a closet that houses a themed Thomas tent big enough for a toddler to live in.
As we go to press, the suites are available to book at New York Hilton Midtown and The Waldorf Hilton, London, only through Sunday, September 4; to book, please visit HiltonThomasSuite.com.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
