Helmsley Middletowne Hotel, New York City

Advantages: Location, cleanliness, friendliness
Disadvantages: Price

...The Helmsley Park Lane is ideally located - in particular for the first time New York tourist who wants to experience the city's charme. Opposite the hotel lies Central Park and to its right the infamous 5th Avenue with Tiffany's, FAO Schwarz and Saks no more than 5 minutes away. Close to the hotel is also a wealth of good restaurants -the Hard Rock Cafe and the Harley Davidson Cafe, as well as some more unique and fancy establishments on 57th Street. The outside decor of the hotel is disappointing compared to the other places on Central Park South. The hotel lacks the large and luxurious entrance that one may expect to be overwhelmed with by a hotel of its class. The standards rooms are superbly clean (with twice daily maid service). If you are looking for a true 5 star experience, however, you may be a little disappointed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Location
Disadvantages: Snooty staff

...Our stay at The Helmsley was May last year.First impressions very nice clean hotel,which is a relief when you see some of the other hotels in the city! The lobby is a good size,the doormen are there but only really seem to want to help the very rich people(bigger tips).The front staff(reception) well 1 in particular didnt really seem to be enjoying her job,seemed not really bothered.To her she has checked in loads of people but for us this was our first time to the city. Set her aside.....the room,really clean good sized room.Our room was on the 14th floor,as we looked out of the window there was our view...The Empire state buliding!!Fantastic. Toiletries are replenished everyday,on week days the New York times gets delivered to your room for free.Overall we would stay here again the location is also very good about 10 mins to times... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great location
Disadvantages: Certainly not a four star hotel

...Most unimpressed with this supposed four star hotel. I expected luxury and elegance and was sadly disappointed. The place looked tired, grubby and in need of a facelift. The bathroom looked like something out of a 1970's motel with peeling watersealing and melamine sink surround. The check-in staff were unattentive and seemed somewhat overworked running all over the place. The pushy bellhop gave me no choice but to take my bags and stood waiting until I gave him a tip and then walked off without thanks. It was extremely handy having all the great Fifth Avenue shops so close at hand as my primary reason for New York trips is shopping. Saks, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman and the lovely toystore FAO Schwatrz are all within a 5 minute walk. I did not use any of the hotels facilities so can not comment on these. I would not recommend... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful