distance from new york city to niagara falls Although this Eastern-influenced hotel caters largely to corporate travelers, it holds one of the fe

The few hotels that grace the area are priced in the high-moderate to luxur y range, but dining options run the gamut from very inexpensive to big-night-out. Just slightly off the beaten tourist path, this would be a fun, conv enient area in which to stay with kids of any age.

Although this Eastern-influenced hotel caters largely to corporate travelers, it holds one of the fe w, and one of the most spacious, indoor swimming pools in the city. The pool is connected to the N ikko s health club, but the staff insists that guests tend to exercise in the early morning and evening, which means the rest of the day children can splash around freely. The pool is located in an expansive glass-roofed atrium, which also houses distance from new york city to niagara falls ex ercise equipment and J apanese hot tubs, so y ou can wor k out or enjoy a soak while y ou keep on ey e on the kids. A full-ser vice spa is set to open in 2009. Decor is tastefully understated, and rooms get a lot of natural sunlight. With a pullout sofa and guest washr oom, the N ikko s junior suites ar e quite family-friendly. E ven standard double-double rooms are large and have entryways that give the impression of more space. Views start above the 10th floor. Rooms on the three executive-level Nikko Floors also have vanities and more spacious bathrooms, and the Nikko Lounge offers board games and Internet access, so your teenagers can still IM their pals at home. The Nikko welcomes all pets. (Just be sure to inform distance from new york city to niagara falls the hotel if y ou plan to leave a Great Dane in y our r oom for the day , so they can aler t the housekeeping staff!) The white marble lobby is stark, but kids will enjoy the indoor fountain, which has become a multi- currency wishing well. The hotel houses distance from new york city to niagara falls an on-site Starbucks and Anzu restaurant, which specializes in sushi and steak, but has a childr en s menu as well.

South of Market SoMa, as the blocks encompassed by Market, 10th, Steuart, and King streets (including South Beach and AT&T Park) are familiarly known, exemplifies the best and worst of urban life. H ere y ou will find some of the city s top cultural institutions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Yerba B uena Center for the Arts. With its lovely gardens, galleries, and performance distance from new york city to niagara falls space, and numerous attractions for childr en of all ages, the Yerba Buena Center is a testament to successful urban planning.