New York Helmsley

Convenient Midtown location, very friendly staff

I enjoyed my stay at the New York Helmsley Hotel. Although the lobby construction was a little distracting, and we did have to check in on the third floor, it wasn’t enough of an inconvenience to affect my view of the overall stay. The location is phenomenal; steps away from Grand Central Station, the Chrysler building, Times Square, etc. The only drawback with this stellar location is the noise; even 23 floors up you hear honking at night, which you don’t get as much of in other neighborhoods like Soho or Chelsea, but it’s NYC-you get over it! The room was large by New York standards, and my friend and I each had our own double bed, which is always hard to come by in NYC. The price was very reasonable, the staff was beyond friendly, and the hotel was clean. I really couldn’t ask for anything more in a hotel stay. I would definitely recommend this hotel, and will stay there again.

Satisfied with reservations

The location and service from the concierge/front desk was excellent. However, the room, while comfortable and clean, needs some updating such as the shower. Our main complaint was the service from the doormen in getting a taxi. The hotel is undergoing some renovation which might explain some of the problem, but we had to wait 20 minutes at one point for a taxi. One of the doormen told us they had just laid off a person which resulted in him having to hail taxis and service baggage at the same time.

Learn the subway system. It’s easy and relatively cheap Taxis are expensive.

A great weekend get away for shoppers and theater goers alike

For a weekend getaway with shopping and theater that is removed from the husle and bussle of the city this is the place

A nice, conveniently located,hotel..

Although the two bottom floors were being renovated, the rest of the hotel was reasonably clean and quiet. Our room on the 22nd floor was quite large and comfortable. However, the plumbing could use some improvement. For example, when we turned the shower on, water began spurting from the faucet below.The location is convenient, the staff was helpful.

Convienent and Great Service

Took our daughter to NYC for Sweet Sixteen. New York Helmsley staff was very friendly and has great service. The first floor is under renovation so their wasn’t any lobby but the service and the rooms were spacious enough for a NYC hotel. There were four of us and we weren’t bumping into each other. Would definetely stay again, convienient to the subways and buses. Times Square a little bit of a walk but you could jump on the bus. We had a great stay in the New York Helmsley. October 2009

Taking the Air Train from JFK to Jamaica and then taking subway into MId-town and getting off at Grand Central Station was not only a block and a half from hotel we saved $40.00 per cab ride.

You gotta read the reviews

As other reviews have noted, they are renovating the lobby. Because of this the rates are very good. Other guests walking in were not aware and were upset. I knew what I was getting and was happy with it. The staff was very helpful including checking baggage both upon arrival and departure. Since there are no resturants on site the staff recommended a very good bagel shop that was a few blocks away. Other resturants were very close including Capital grill, Smith and Wollensky as well as a cool Irish pub around the corner. Very convienent to public transportation. Only a few blocks to grand Central and all the subway lines. We were able do the whole city using the subway and a little walking. Only thing I would change is to be closer to a subway station.

NY pass and subway Fun Pass will save you time and Money. To get cheap Broadway tickets go to the individual theatre about noon the day of the show and see what they have. We scored Westside story for $25/ea after paying full price for Billy Elliot the day before. Take jet Blue for more room and no baggage fees.

One and done

Hotel under construction and no notice provided. Bar and restaurant closed. Egress a maze through the middle of construction. Check-in moved to remote location and queue was long every time we went to the desk. Most persons in line were surly due to delay in handling and / or repeated attempts to get working room keys. Tried to access internet in public area... was informed there was $250 charge - what? Basically told to go back to my room for access. Wouldn’t serve coffee in public areas. Had just returned from two + weeks in India where service and facilities were over the top. This place was a major let down.

Nice Hotel near Grand Central Station

This isn’t my favorite location in NYC but I can’t say anything bad about the hotel. Despite the lobby renovations in progress I found my stay here to be very comfortable. The rooms are soundproof. I didn’t hear anything all weekend! We had a double and the beds were very comfortable. Also, the tolietries were larger than normal and very nice. I took my extras home I liked them so much. Only had an icecream sundae for room service but it was huge and a great treat. There is more walking than I like in order to get to Times Square and Central Park but most people aren’t bothered by that. I did get great exercise with all the walks!

The Museum of Modern Art is free on Friday night. Although it is a little crowded I really enjoyed the exhibits.

great place - pity about the attitude

We took this knowing that they were undergoing renovation and that some services would be limited. That did not excuse the ’doormen’ - rent a cops, really - who would not hold the door open. I watched several customers wrestling their luggage through while the doormen chatted with each other. The room was adequate, more marble and gold plate than real style. Twice we were locked out of our room by a defective lock. In neither case was it taken seriously. No receipt was available on checkout because ’their system’ did not allow it. Great location, much potential, but needs more intelligent management.

Great

It ’s a great hotel. in a great position. Unfortunately we booked a king bed and we were given 2 queen beds. B

Close to everything

The rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable. The hotel is under construction but the staff went out of its way to help with the inconveniences. The hotel is close to Grand Central Station and a few blocks from the major sites. We would stay there again.

Fantastic Hotel

I was very happy with everything about the New York Helmsley. The rooms were very clean, with quality mattresses and linens. The hotel was quiet. And the staff was extremely nice and helpful. Of note, the first few floors are being renovated, and while this did not impair my enjoyment of the hotel, others may miss that there was no bar or restaurant. The location is within a block of Grand Central Station, so if you’re used to getting around the city using the subway, it’s very convenient. It isn’t cheap, but you actually get a very nice room and staff for the price, which isn’t the case with many hotels in Manhattan.

Traveler's tip on dining

There don’t seem to be as many restaurants in this part of Manhattan as in other areas such as the Village or Chinatown, so plan to eat elsewhere for important meals.

Great location!

The hotel is located just 2 blocks of Grand Central Station and everything is within walking distance. The carpet in our room was old and stained but the bed was comfortable and the pillows were ok. The a/c was an old unit and it didn’t have a heather option. It got pretty cold at night and the only option we had for that was to turn the a/c off and get an extra blanket. The hotel was being remodel so it was a little messy but we were out most of the days so we barely noticed it. I would stay there again just because of the great location.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Timed square is only 5 blocks away and the Empire State is about 10.

great location

We loved the Helmsley. The room was very nice, the bed extremely comfortable and the service was excellent. With Grand Central Station one block away the location could not have been better.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Buy the "Metro Card" at any subway station for $ 8.25 and you can ride all metro buses and subways. You can probably buy it at the airport already. Great deal!

Great location, excellent service

Wonderful, they have a major renovation at the Lobby and restaurants, but it is not an issue, Staff could provide with anything that you need.

Helmsley needs Help!

Upon arriving we were not aware that the hotel lobby and dining were under construction. Although the staff was very pleasant to deal with and quite helpful, the hotel needs a complete overhaul. The rooms are antiquated and show a lot of wear. The noise, even on the 18th floor, from sanitation pickup at 5am was quite disturbing! The location is great but until they finish their renovation, I would not go back.

Hotel Under Construction

Prior to making our financial commitment, NO advice or notice was offered that this Helmsley hotel is undergoing major construction/ renovation of the dining and entrance way; all guests must walk through the construction area before arriving at the reception area. Customers deserve a major discount for this inconvenience until the construction is completed.

Traveler's tip for business travelers

We were in NYC for UN business and found Staples across the street very convenient for supplies we needed. The UN building is within walking distance--couple blocks away.

Fall in NYC

Hotel was undergoing renovation so there was no lobby, restaurant, gift shop, etc. Otherwise,the place was excellent. The room was very nice, big, comfortable, clean, and, like lots of rooms in Midtown Manhattan, the view out the windows was of a lot of tall buildings!! We enjoyed our stay, even with the inconvenience of to work being done on the hotel.

NYC Helmsley service rocks!

Hotel was great, the door guys, bell hop & overall customer service was great...they helped me out a ton!! The ’Business Center’ was not that great, only 2 laptops that didn’t work that great. The hotel is going through some construction so I hope they upgrade the Business Center. Overall I recommend staying there!!

Traveler's tip on dining

There’s a Qdoba Mexican Grill right around the corner from the hotel, good grub!

Wonderful stay!

We finally found the place to stay in Manhattan! Wonderful, super service, spotlessly clean!

Great location!

We’ve stayed here several times in the last 5 yrs during the US Open. This year they were renovating the lobby area so the reception desk was moved to the 3rd floor. Even with the extra renovation activity going on the service was very good. It’s convenient to the subway and there are plenty of places to eat within walking distance. Our room was a good size, clean and quiet. The beds were very comfortable.

Perfect hotel for your NYC stay

First time at the Helmsley and would definitely go back. Rooms were very clean, well decorated, roomy and comfortable; desk staff were unbelievably courteous and helpful--none better in NY that we’ve encountered. Very good location--5 minute walk to Grand Central, 15 minutes to Rock Center; about 25 minutes to Broadway. Coffee shops, etc. steps away on 42nd Street.

Discounted due to repair status

Under repair during our visit, no lobby, restaurant, coffee, or similar amenities. Staff excellant and large, clean room.

Impressed.

Good loation. Pleasant and helpful staff. room good size and very clean and comfortable. Entrance way under construction but still pleasant stay.

Wonderful staff and beautiful hotel

Even though the hotel was doing renovations, our stay was superb. The staff was incredible and our room was spotless and very nicely decorated. We will DEFINITELY stay here the next time we go to New York!