Ronald McDonald House New York: Before Your Stay & FAQ

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements 

Ronald McDonald House New York welcomes eligible parents, guardians, and family members of pediatric patients without regard to income or ability to pay, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, political affiliation, age, gender or gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, housing status, marital status, immigration status, veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable laws and regulations. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where discrimination is not permitted. 

Families may be eligible to stay at Ronald McDonald House New York when the following criteria are met: 

• Families with a child or patient (ages 0-26 years) who is currently receiving active cancer treatment or other complex medical treatment at a partnering New York City hospital. 

• Individuals with high-risk pregnancies who need to remain close to a hospital or specialized medical center for prenatal care, fetal treatment, delivery, or anticipated care for their newborn. 

If you are unsure whether your family meets these criteria, please reach out to RMH-NY or your hospital team. We welcome questions, carefully review each request, and make decisions collaboratively on a case-by-case basis. 

Medical Treatment & Length of Stay 

Stays at RMH-NY are temporary and are connected to the patient’s active, qualifying medical treatment, as determined by their medical team. Routine, primary care, and maintenance care do not qualify. Because treatment plans and medical needs can change, a stay may not extend for the full length of treatment. Please keep the House and your medical team informed of any changes so we can help you understand the next steps. 

Extensions & Additional Reservations 

If your family needs additional time at the House or hopes to return for a future stay, please work with a hospital social worker or patient coordinator at a partner hospital. Your social worker or patient coordinator will also need to submit any requested changes to your reservation, including: 

• Extending your stay 

• Adding a guest 

• Requesting a future reservation 

Extensions and additional reservations depend on room availability. While we cannot guarantee every request, our team will review each request as space allows. 

Guest & Family Accommodations 

Accommodations may be available for parents or guardians, siblings, and essential caregivers who are directly involved in supporting the patient. 

To help us plan safely for each family’s stay, all guests must be approved by the referring hospital or program. Each patient must have an adult caregiver (18+) who has a primary caregiving, legal, or emotional support role in the patient’s life. Exceptions may be considered in certain circumstances. An additional caregiver may also be needed when the primary caregiver is recovering medically and is unable to care for both themself and the patient. 

We welcome questions from families and our hospital partners about these criteria. Each request is reviewed individually, and decisions are made collaboratively on a case-by-case basis. 

All accompanying guests must be approved in coordination with the family’s hospital social worker and communicated to RMH-NY. On their first visit, accompanying guests should check in at the Front Desk with valid photo identification. Each time they return to the House, they will be asked to sign in through our security system. Guests who have not been approved may be asked to leave until the approval process is completed. Reservations are limited to a maximum of four guests, including the patient, whether the patient is receiving inpatient or outpatient care.

Reservations

When should I request a room? 

We encourage families to request a room as soon as they know they may need lodging. Your hospital social worker or patient coordinator can help submit the request and share information about availability. 

How many people can stay in a room? 

A guest room can generally accommodate up to four people, including the patient, even if the patient is currently receiving inpatient care. This limit is based on fire code and New York City safety requirements. In certain circumstances, occupancy requirements may be adjusted. 

Can a family go home and keep their room? 

• To make rooms available to as many families as possible, we are generally unable to hold a room while a family is away from the House. If your family needs to return, a new reservation request can be submitted through your hospital social worker. 

• If your family is facing an unexpected or extenuating circumstance, please speak with the Operations Management team or Family Support so we can review your situation with you. 

Can a family have more than one room (for example, a second room for a nurse or grandparents)? 

Because the House is often at or near full occupancy, we are generally able to provide one room per family so we can serve as many families as possible. 

What if we do not qualify or a room is not available? 

We understand that every family’s situation is different. If we are unable to accommodate your family, our team or your hospital social worker may be able to help connect you with other lodging options or community resources.

Check-In Information 

What time is check-in? 

Check-in is available any time after 3:00 PM on your scheduled arrival date. If you need to arrive earlier, please contact the House in advance and ask to speak with the Manager on Duty. We will do our best to accommodate an earlier arrival when a room is available. 

What do I need to complete before checking in? 

• Make sure your referral has been confirmed by your referring hospital. 

• Review and sign the Conditions of Stay document. 

• Share the names of everyone who will be staying in the room, including the ages of all children. 

• Bring valid photo identification for each adult guest (18+). 

What should I bring to check-in? 

Please bring the personal items your family will need during your stay, along with valid photo identification for each adult guest (18+), such as a driver’s license, passport, or visa, if applicable. 

What should we bring? 

We recommend bringing the personal items that will help your family feel comfortable during your stay, such as: 

• Weather-appropriate clothing, pajamas, and toiletries 

• Insurance card and important medical information for the patient 

• Medications, medical equipment, and supplies 

• Cell phone chargers and other personal electronics 

• A stroller or car seat, if needed 

• School supplies and comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket 

• Comfort items and personal belongings that help your room feel like home 

New York City experiences four distinct seasons, so we recommend checking the weather forecast before you travel and packing layers. Winters can be cold and snowy, summers are often hot and humid, and spring and fall temperatures can vary. 

What should I not bring to the House? 

To help keep the House safe and comfortable for every family, please leave the following items at home: 

• Weapons, including firearms 

• Illegal drugs or substances 

• Alcohol, vaping products, or smoking materials 

• Candles, incense, hot plates, or other open-flame or heating devices 

• Large furniture or more personal belongings than can be safely stored in your room 

• Pets or animals that have not been approved through the House’s service animal or emotional support animal process 

• Any item that could create a safety risk or significantly disrupt other families 

How many room keys will we receive? 

Each family may receive up to two room access key cards. Key cards are issued to guests age 18 and older and provide access to your assigned room, the House entrance, and designated back-of-House services such as laundry and waste disposal. 

Can I check in if I am sick? 

To help protect the health of families receiving medical care, guests should be free of fever, cough, sore throat, and flu-like symptoms before checking in. If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact the House team before arriving. We will help you understand the next steps. 

What happens if our arrival date changes? 

If your family’s arrival date changes, please contact your hospital social worker or patient coordinator as soon as possible. Because rooms are limited, we may not be able to hold the reservation beyond the scheduled arrival date, but letting us know early gives our teams the best opportunity to review your options. 

Is there a cost to stay? 

The actual cost to operate a guest room is $310 per night. In keeping with RMHC Global policy, a family is never turned away because of an inability to pay. Families who would like to support the House through a donation are welcome to do so. 

During Your Stay

What is provided?

The House offers families a comfortable, welcoming place to stay while their loved one receives medical care. During your stay, you will have access to: 

• A private guest room with a bathroom 
• Two twin beds, a full-size pullout sofa, linens, and towels 
• An in-room safe and mini refrigerator 
• Laundry and waste disposal facilities on your floor 
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi, an in-room television, and a phone 
• Secure keycard access and 24-hour Front Desk support

Additional amenities include: 

• A communal “Family Kitchen” 
• Play spaces and recreation areas 
• Outdoor terraces 
• Blavatnik Wellness Center 
• ADA-accessible spaces and facilities 

Family Support services, staffed by social workers and trained family support professionals 

If you have questions about a specific amenity or need help finding something during your stay, please contact the House team. 

What are the House expectations? 

Everyone in our House plays a part in creating a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. To help protect the comfort and well-being of all families, the following behaviors are not permitted: 

• Harassment or behavior that causes someone to feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or targeted 

• Discrimination or unfair treatment based on a person’s identity, background, or beliefs 

• Intimidation, bullying, or threats 

• Aggressive, disruptive, or unsafe behavior toward others 

To protect the well-being of everyone in the House, behavior that does not meet these expectations may result in loss of housing privileges. Please review the Conditions of Stay document for additional information about House policies and expectations during your stay. 

Are visitors permitted? 

Yes. Visitors are welcome from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For the safety, comfort, and well-being of all families, we ask visitors to: 

• Sign in with Security when they arrive. 

• Check in with the Front Desk. 

• Spend time with families in the Macy’s Living Room on the first floor. To help ensure House services and amenities remain available for the families staying with us, family program spaces and services are reserved for registered guests. 

Visitor hours and guidelines may occasionally change based on health and safety needs, family needs, special events, or House operations. Please check with the Front Desk for the most current information. 

Can we receive mail or packages? 

Yes! Mail and packages are welcome. Please address them to a registered guest and include the caregiver’s full name and room number so our team can help make sure they reach the right family. 

Can I bring my service dog/emotional support animal to the House? 

Yes. Service dogs and emotional support animals are allowed. Please let your hospital social worker know about this need before your reservation so the House can prepare for your arrival. 

How does RMH-NY help keep families safe? 

Helping families feel safe and secure is a top priority. The House is secured 24/7, and guests use their House ID or key card to enter. Visitors sign in at the Front Desk and remain in designated common areas. Our Front Desk and Security teams are available around the clock if you need assistance. 

What if my child or someone in my family becomes sick? 

Please let the House team know if anyone in your family becomes sick or develops symptoms of an infectious illness. Because many of the families we serve are receiving medical treatment, we take health and safety seriously and will help you understand what to do next. 

What should I do in a medical emergency? 

In a medical emergency, follow your child’s medical team’s directions or contact emergency services. Once immediate care is underway, please let the House team know so we can support your family in any way we can. 

Are meals provided? 

Yes! RMH-NY provides complimentary meals and snacks for registered guests with the support of our wonderful volunteers and community partners. Families are welcome to participate based on their schedule and needs. 

• Breakfast: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• Grab-and-go options are available for your convenience, including breakfast bags, granola bars, cereal, fresh fruit, and milk. 
• Lunch: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM 
• Dinner: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM 
• Leftover meals & snacks: Available at the Grab & Go counter throughout the day, while supplies last. 

Coffee, hot water, and microwaves are available for your convenience 24/7 on the Community Floor. 

The daily menu is posted on the welcome screen in the main lobby, so families can easily see what is being served. 

Is there a place to breastfeed or pump? 

Our lactation room is primarily reserved for staff use. We understand that individual circumstances may arise, and in certain situations, we may be able to accommodate a family’s need for a private lactation space. Families are encouraged to speak with a member of our team so we can review available options and determine how best to support them.

Can you help us get to the hospital? 

Uber Health transportation is available for patient-related hospitals and medical appointments. Each family may receive one round trip per day for eligible travel. 

If you need transportation beyond what the House provides, the Family Support team or your hospital social worker may also be able to help you identify additional resources. 

Is parking available? 

RMH-NY does not have on-site parking. Street parking and neighborhood parking garages may be available nearby, although spaces can be limited. We recommend allowing extra time to park and checking all posted signs and regulations. 

Is public transportation available nearby? 

Yes. RMH-NY is conveniently located near several public transportation options, including: 

Q subway: The Q subway is accessible at 72nd Street, about a 10-minute walk from the House. 

M15 bus: Runs along 1st Avenue, with stops near 73rd Street. 

M31 bus: Runs along York Avenue, with stops near the House. 

M72 bus: Provides crosstown service along 72nd Street. 

Public transportation routes and schedules can change. We recommend checking the MTA website or app before you travel for the most current information. 

Is there babysitting service? 

While our staff and volunteers are happy to support families in many ways, they are unable to provide babysitting or childcare. Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children and helping keep them safe throughout their stay. 

Who will clean my room during my stay? 

Families are asked to care for their guest room during their stay, and we provide cleaning supplies to make that easier. If you need additional supplies or something in your room needs attention, please contact the Front Desk and our team will be happy to help. 

Check Out

What happens when it is time to leave?

As your check-out date approaches, you will receive an email with information about the check-out process and any next steps. If your loved one needs to return for future treatment, your hospital social worker or patient coordinator can help submit a new reservation request. 

What time is check-out? 

Check-out is at 2:00 PM on your scheduled departure date. Before you leave, please: 

• Tidy your room and leave it in the same general condition as when you arrived 

• Place all laundry in the clear bag provided 

• Dispose of any garbage 

• Take all medications, breast milk, and personal items from refrigerators and other storage areas. 

• Return all room key cards and House IDs 

• Complete check-out at the Front Desk 

If you think you may need a later check-out, please speak with the Front Desk. Requests to extend a stay must be submitted through your referring hospital social worker and depend on House availability.