The New York Helmsley

Good location, staff was good. Room was a bit stuffy -- I needed a fan brought up to the room.

My husband and I recently stayed at The New York Helmsley for our fourth New York City vacation in a row. It is our favorite and we don't even consider another hotel! The location is great - close to Grand Central Station with its many subway options. It's just a good stretch of the legs over to Times Square and Broadway. There are many restaurants and coffee shops nearby, and a great deli right next door. The hotel is currently undergoing a lobby renovation, so its entrance is a bit rough. However, the rooms are lovely, the beds are supremely comfortable, and the staff is so friendly, helpful, and welcoming! When we stay at The New York Helmsley we truly feel we are at home.

When we arrived at the hotel, we found entry via only one front door because the entire lobby was under construction something not noted on the hotel's own website. We walked in and followed a tunnel made of plastic sheeting to an elevator bank that took us to the 3rd floor where we checked in. The temporary check in area was always cramped and crowded because the area was small. After noting that it was my first time in NYC and my traveling companion's birthday, we went up to our room and were greatly disappointed.

We stayed June 26-29, 2009. The hotel is under construction. The main floor is being renovated and the lobby is moved temporarily to the third floor. There were numerous staff and all were pleasant and helpful. We were on the 29th floor with a great view of the Empire State Building. Located near Grand Central Station and two Starbucks. We got a great price and it was well worth it. Bed were very nice with crisp white linen. Definitely recommend. Able to walk everywhere and nice breakfast/sandwich restaurant neat by. Only con is the low water pressure and older bathrooms.

Good Midtown Manhattan location. Walking distance to good restaurants, theater district, midtown museums (e.g., MOMA), 5th and Madison Ave. shopping. Grand Central Station and New York Public Library are easy walks down 42nd Street. Great concierge, lovely and helpful staff, attractive lobby and rooms. Nice bar.