Services We Provide:

Beverages: Juice, soda and water may be purchased (50 cents) from one of our two beverage machines located on the second floor.

Cleaning Supplies: All supplies are provided by the Ronald McDonald House for cleaning guest rooms and kitchens.  Guests should contact the front desk to replenish cleaning supplies.

Computer Lab: The computer lab has set hours of operation. The lab is only open while a staff person is available to supervise it. No food or beverages are allowed. No loud music or talking is permitted. Children under ten years of age must have a parent accompany them in the lab. Guests are prohibited from downloading or saving files from the internet, or uploading items from external drives (including thumb drives), unless given permission by computer lab staff, who will supervise the process. All persons using the computer lab must respect the direction of the computer lab staff.

Ice Machine:  The ice machine is located in the second floor vending machine room in the dining room area.

Information Center:  New York City information, such as subway and bus maps, magazines, and City Guides can be obtained from our information center located near the front desk. You may call 1-718-330-1234 for more Mass Transit Information.

Late Checkouts: Check out should be completed by 2 p.m. Guest who check out after 2pm will be charged a $20.00 late fee.

Light Bulbs: Replacement light bulbs can be obtained at the front desk.

Linens and Towels: All linens and towels must be laundered, dried, folded and put away in the room closet before checking out.

Lost and Found:  If a personal item is misplaced, the reception desk should be contacted.

Luggage Cart:  The luggage cart for guest use is located in the lobby. Guest are asked to return the cart to the lobby when finished with  it.

Laundry Rooms: Laundry rooms are located on all guest floors,  in each laundry room there is a washer and dryer. Laundry detergent  is provided by the House and is stored  their bathroom cabinet. Guests should contact the front desk to replenish cleaning supplies.  

Mailboxes:  Mailboxes are adjacent to the reception desk in the lobby.  To obtain a key to their mailboxes, guests should see the receptionist.  Mail may be addressed in care of the Ronald McDonald House, 405 E. 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021.  Guests should remember to include the patient’s  name and room number.
Outgoing mail can be left at the front desk. Incoming mail will be placed in your assigned mailbox.  The House does not sell postage. The local post office is located on East 70th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.     

Maintenance: Maintenance is available from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. All requests for repairs must be made to the front desk. This includes repairs for both general public areas and to guest rooms. Management may enter an occupied room to complete any necessary maintenance and work repairs.

Packages/ Deliveries: Packages are received daily from various carriers; i.e., the post office, UPS, Fedex or a medical supply company. All packages are kept in the office and should be picked up in a timely manner. Guests should check the “Daily Package” log located at the message center.

Parking: There is no free parking available through the Ronald McDonald House.  There is street parking and parking garages available.  New York City has alternate side of the street parking rules, please read the signs and visit  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/home.html to find out more information.

Services that We DO NOT Provide:
Babysitting: services are not available at the Ronald McDonald House.

Accomodations:

Completed in December 1992, the Ronald McDonald House of New York is the largest home of its kind in the world.  In addition to the eighty plus guest rooms, the House also features four full guest kitchens a guest dining and living room, complimentary laundry facilites, playroom, computer room, two outdoor terraces, an indoor atrium, chapel, daily activities and a twenty–four hour reception desk.  In January 2006 the House under went a three million dollar renovation. This incluided the renovation of all guest room, and all common space.

Cleaning:  In an effort to provide a less toxic and more health-conscious environment, many of the House products and furnishings have gone green. Green, defined as non-toxic, biodegradable, safer products, is beneficial for both our families and the environment. The “green” cleaning products are industrial strength while remaining environmentally safe. The carpets are solution-dyed and made from recyclable products. Additionally, the new wall coverings are low-VOC (low odor, vapor density is lighter than air and emits fewer volatile organic compounds and other toxins).  To maintain this environment, all guests are required to clean up after their families.  This includes the dining room, kitchen, playroom, common area bathrooms, and their assigned guest room.

Common Guest Areas: The common guest areas of the House are the living room, dining room, playroom, and the 3rd and 7th floor terraces.  It is important that when these areas are used, they are  respected as other guests use the same areas.  Guests should clean up, supervise their children and keep the volume on all electronic entertainment items low.  The living room and the dining room are the only two public areas in the House where visitors are allowed, including guest rooms. 

Dining Room: The dining room is 29 x 67 ft. The murals depict the New York City skyline. The dining and seating area contain colorful tables and chairs. On the right and on the back of the dining room are located sixteen full kitchens each containing a range, microwave, oven, freezer, refrigerator, and storage cabinet. Each family is assigned a storage cabinet upon check-.  Guests are encouraged to label all food items with their room number.  The kitchens also have the necessary pots, dishes, and silverware for individual families.  Due to our patients’ low immune systems, we require that all utensils are hand washed prior to being sterilized in the dishwasher.  Also found in the dining room is a state-of-the-art entertainment center for families to enjoy.  In the west end of the dining room, there is a vending machine room where guests can purchase beverages for fifty cents, access the ice machine, and help themselves to free sandwiches.  The dining room is closed at 11p.m. daily.

Electrical Current: The electrical supply in each guest room is 110 volts.  The House does not have adapters, but they may be purchased at nearby drug or hardware stores. 

Food:   Free sandwiches are available to all House guests. They are located in the second floor vending machine room in the dining room.  Families finding it difficult making ends meet regarding food are encouraged to see one of the House Managers.

Greenhouse: The greenhouse atrium is 15 x 100 ft.  It contains trees and flowering plants which are maintained so that some flowers remain in bloom all year long.  The temperature is thermostatically controlled to provide a spring/summer-like atmosphere.  The greenhouse atrium is two stories tall and the glass enclosure over it contains special material used to filter out those rays which are harmful to children with leukemia.  If the sun is still too bright, a touch of a button will produce a cover with Venetian blinds which is designed to cover the entire glass.  This space is especially delightful, not only for the children and their families, but also provides an excellent place for meetings and fundraising gatherings.

Guest Rooms: The bedrooms are approximately 23 x 17 ft,  spacious and comfortable. Each guest room is furnished with sleek contemporary furniture, its own private full bathroom, closet, two twin Select Comfort beds, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, vacuum, and a state-of-the-art entertainment center.  Guests are responsible to maintain their rooms at all times.  No hot plates or coffee pots, toaster ovens, candles, microwaves are allowed in guest rooms.

Living Room: The Living Room is 63 x 67 ft.  This room includes a 14 ft. fish tank, many cozy conversation areas, a piano, and two glass-enclosed libraries.  The Living Room is beautifully decorated with furniture and accessories donated by Macy’s.  The colors, fabrics and textiles were specially chosen to create an environment that is both warm and inviting.  And, while elegant, it has a home-like atmosphere.

Main Lobby, Pavilion:  The main lobby, or the reception pavilion, is 29 x 36 ft.  Soaring three stories upward with dome lighting and a magnificent image of the sky, the pavilion area has an outdoor court-like atmosphere.  The guest check-in desk and reception area are located in the southwest section of the reception pavilion.  Directly facing the guest check in area  is a seating area for visitors and guests.  The space also includes a glass-enclosed area for our administrative staff located behind the reception desk.  Food is not permitted in this area.

Memorial/Donor Area: This area is located outside our conference room and is dedicated to those who have passed away and to our financial supporters who have generously donated to the House over the years.

Playroom: The architecture and décor of the playroom were designed to make the children more comfortable and happier, while addressing their very special needs and the needs of their families.  Located on the lower level of the House, the playroom was also designed to accommodate the needs of the various ages of children that we serve.  There is a variety of video and arcade games available. All families should be respectful of furniture and equipment to ensure the well-being of the children.  Post-transplant patients can request the use of the DB mobile entertainment unit for use in their room. 

Programs: The Ronald McDonald House of NY, Inc. provides an array of great programs for children and adults, from daytime learning activities and dinners hosted by outside organizations to movie field trips and tickets to sporting events and great New York shows.  Guests should check with the front desk and ask about what’s happening and be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events.

House Seats Ticket Policy: From time to time the Ronald McDonald House of NY, Inc. receives donations of tickets to sporting events, Broadway shows and other exciting happenings in and around New York City.  For our families such events are a welcome change from the daily concerns they face and we want all House guests to benefit.  We are by no means a ticket agency.  Often times we receive tickets the day of and only hours prior to an event.  We will distribute tickets donated on a first come first serve basis but will reserve the right, so that we can better serve the entire population of the House, to first offer tickets to guests who have not received tickets in the past and limit ticket distribution to four per family per event.  If we have enough tickets and transportation is available we will sometimes plan a trip; putting out a sign up sheet at the front desk for families at the house to attend by room number on a first come first serve basis.  We do track these ticket donations, writing thank you notes to donors and noting what house guests receive tickets.  If you know of any one who wants to donate tickets please have them contact the front desk. 

Teen Room: The teen room sponsored by the New York Giants is located on the lower level and is designed for children ages thirteen years old or older.  It is equipped with Giants memorabilia, a flat panel HDTV, DVD player, amongst other things.

Telephone:   All guest rooms are now outfitted with a state of the art telephone system and voice messaging system.  Guests can receive calls and retrieve messages.   A phone card or credit card is required to make long-distance calls.  House phones are located in the dining room, living room, playroom and the lobby.

Toiletries:  Soap/shampoo are not provided; however, donations are sometimes received. Please check with the staff to see if any of these items are available. Toilet paper is available at the front desk.

Trash Compactor:  Trash compactors are located on floors two through eleven. Please do not throw flammable objects, dangerous materials, medical waste (i.e., syringes) or cardboard boxes down the chute. All medical waste must be disposed of properly. All syringes must be placed in a sharpie container and returned to the hospital. These containers can be obtained from the hospital.

Health, Saftey & Security:

Ambulance: Guests in need of an ambulance should call the front desk for assistance.

Bone Marrow Transplant: Families with a patient who has recently completed a bone marrow transplant may request a special room cleaning.

Emergencies: In case of an emergency,Guests are required to follow all instructions given by the Fire Department, Police Department, Fire Safety Director and House Management.  Guests should  review the information located on the back of the guest room door.  In the event of an emergency guests should contact the front desk.

Fire Safety: Fire drills are conducted on a regular basis. Guests and volunteers are not expected to participate in the drills. However, guests are required to listen and follow all instructions given by the Fire Safety Director and the Fire Brigade. The House staff is required to follow all instructions given by the Fire Department and the Fire Safety Director during an emergency.  The House is equipped with smoke detectors, emergency lights, carbon monoxide detector, a sprinkler system and a fire alarm system. All House exits are clearly marked. Fire extinguishers are located on each floor in the stairwells.  Each floor has a pull station and a warden phone.  No hot plates or coffee pots, toaster ovens, candles, microwaves are allowed in guest rooms.

Incendiary Devices: Incendiary devices are not permitted anywhere in the House.  Electric Shabbat candles can be arranged through the chaplain.

Personal Appliances: The use of blow dryers, curling irons and electric shavers are permitted. Extreme care should be used when using appliances .  All appliances should be unplugged when not in use.

Pets: Personal pets are not permitted in the House.  Certified therapy dogs who have passed vigorous program requirements visit in the lobby, chapel and spiritual care office on a daily basis.

Power Failure: In the event  of a power failure, the House is equipped with a backup generator and flashlights.

Security: House front doors are locked at all times.   Guests are asked to lock their doors when not in their rooms.  The Ronald McDonald House is not responsible for any theft or losses incurred by guests while staying at the House.

Rules & Regulations:

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are permitted only at in-House activities sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House.

Behavior: Absolutely no illegal substances, smoking, weapons, foul language or inappropriate behavior are allowed in the Ronald McDonald House. Guests not adhering to these rules will be asked to leave. (Families in need of short-term counseling may contact the House psychotherapist.) 

Children: All children must be supervised at all times.  Although staff are assigned to various parts of the house (i.e. playroom), the staff and volunteers are not  responsible for the overall supervision of children.

• Children under 13 are not allowed in the teen room.
• Playing is allowed only in designated areas.
• Parents are responsible for cleaning up after their children at all times, whether in public or private areas of the House. Children with colds or other infections should wear a surgical mask or remain in their room.

Comments and Suggestions: We welcome your comments to assist us in maintaining a high level of service.

Eligibility: Immediate family members of all children, age twenty-one (21) or younger who are hospitalized and receiving treatment for cancer, are eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Each family is allowed one room a maximum of four (4) guests are allowed (including patient) to stay at the Ronald McDonald House at any one time.

Dress Code:

• Shirts and footwear must be worn in all public areas.
• Families are reminded that this is a shared “home” and attire can be casual but should be appropriate at all times. Outside of guest rooms, articles of clothing such as housecoats pajamas, and robes are inappropriate attire. 

Drugs/Medication:

• Only medications which are prescribed by a licensed physician or that are available over the counter are permitted in the House.
• No medications are permitted in the refrigerators or kitchen cabinets. Medications that require refrigeration can be kept in the medication refrigerator located on the second floor. 
• Neither staff nor volunteers are permitted to administer medication.

House Hours of Operation: The Ronald McDonald House is officially closed at 11 p.m.  Guests are asked to notify RMDH staff if they anticipate their arrival from the hospital will be after midnight. Check in time begins at  9am daily.
Guests have 24-hour access during their stay at the House.  Families may leave the House at any time; however, during the times of 12 a.m. to 8 a.m., guests are required to show a form of identification to the overnight security personnel. Visitors are welcome from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., but are restricted to the dining room and living rooms. 

Media: Any publicity involving the House should always be cleared through the president of the House. Photographers are not allowed to photograph guests without prior permission. Whenever possible, guests will be informed of an event taking place at the House, and participation is optional. If guests choose to participate, their participation will be considered an acknowledgement that they may be  photographed or video taped.

Quiet Time: Guest floors should be quiet at all times.  After 9 p.m. and until 8 a.m. radios, TV; etc., should be kept very low so they cannot be heard outside of guest rooms.  Families who wish to stay up and talk should do so in the common areas and should converse in a moderate tone.

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the House, on the terraces or in front of the building.

Visitors: The following policy is the policy of the Ronald McDonald House of New York regarding visitors.  This policy will be enforced to ensure a safe and secure environment for the families, staff, volunteers and visitors. 

• All visitors are required to sign in and sign out at all times. Visitors are onlypermitted in the living room and the dining room areas during the hours of 9a.m. to 10 p.m.  No children under 18 are permitted to visit and the total number of visitors is limited to one family at a time.

• Visitors are not permitted in the playroom or computer room, these areas are reserved for the house families to play and interact with each other.  Many of the children who stay at the house are neutropenic (low immune systems) and are more susceptible to infection and germs therefore we need to limit the interaction with the children, toys, books and other items within the playroom and computer room

• Visitors are not permitted in guest rooms except in these three situations:
• A visiting nurse/doctor administering medication.
• A visiting teacher when child is unable to leave the room.
• Extended family members with management consent.

• All visitors must stop by the reception desk to sign in/out and receive a visitors I.D. badge.  The visitor I.D. must be worn in plain site at all times and returned to the front desk when leaving.

• Unexpected visits to the House are strictly prohibited!

We thank you for your cooperation and assistance with this policy as it is in effect to maintain a safe and secure environment for all the children and families staying at the House.