The Helmsley Park Lane

The location on the south end of the park was fantastic. We had a room overlooking the park which was even better. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room itself was large for NYC and was clean.

There wasn't anything really bad with this hotel... BUT I was expecting more. The location was great -- right across from Central Park which we loved. However, the staff wasn't that helpful and maids rang the doorbell at 8:30 to come in and clean both days we were there (we didn't see any DO NOT DISTURB sign to put out). I wouldn't discourage someone from going there but next time I come to New York, I'll probably try some place new.

Room was perfect size. Hard to find in NYC. Common areas were gorgeous. Room needs to be remodeled but the view of Central Park more than made up for it. When booking it said it was a newly remodeled room which it wasn't and that it included continental breakfast which we didn't get. Other than that I can't complain.

We called ahead to confirm a late arrival and were told all was well. When we called again, late, to confirm, we were again reassured that our room was ready. When we arrived, quite late, we were met with a suprised night clerk who told us we had no room due to a mechanical difficulty and we were being re-routed to another hotel several blocks away. The clerk was very cold and unhelpful. We could not believe that we had not been informed when we called prior to going to the hotel, just a couple hours earlier. We will definitely NOT consider using this hotel again.

After booking this hotel we read some negative reviews that concerned us. We called the hotel and were assured that none of the comments about cleanliness, outdated rooms, and uncooperative and unpolite staff were valid However, upon check-in we soon realized that every negative comment we had read was true. The staff were rude and defensive, and rooms were outdated - even though your reservationist had confirmed recent renovations with the hotel at the time of booking. One of our rooms - an executive park view - which we had reserved and paid for, was not available upon check-in. We were not told this when we arrived, and were simply sent up to a less expensive room. When we talked to management the next morning, an upgrade was promised if we stayed in the room one more night. The next day we confirmed our move with staff and repacked our bags. When we returned to the hotel at the end of the day, the promised upgrade was not available and neither was the original room we had paid for. We also had 2 items of clothing go "missing" from one of our rooms. We had originally booked two rooms for 5 nights, but checked out after 2 nights. This hotel is definitely not one we would ever return to again and we would never recommend it to other travellers.

Upon checkin they immediately tried to switch us from the park view to a city view. I told them no, twice. So they got a manager to come out who I HAD TO TELL NO THREE MORE TIMES. He finally quit when I told him this sounded like a SCAM. It was deplorable and very disappointing but not the first time it has happened at the same hotel. They think they can bully you or offer free internet, ect and demand you change. I WAS APPALED and will followup with their corporate. This is nothing but a Scam if i have ever seen one.

Ordinary room and service. There was a constant chime-like sound all night which, though not loud, was very annoying. I was charged for mini bar purchases which were not mine but they were removed from the bill at checkout. Apart rrom the location this hotel has little to offer for the rates it charges.

Great location so we could walk to Times Square, Rockefeller Center and to two Broadway shows. Granddaughter enjoyed the zoo and playing in Central Park. The staff was very friendly and professional.

Check in was easy, had my confirmation paper to verify that I had a park view!. Room was clean, view beautiful, staff absolutely great. Only thing missing was morning coffee...but a walk next door, out the back of the lobby, is a deli- which was so handy! ( Room service was available, but we drink too much coffee for that!). Would absolutely recommend and return...good job!

The view from our room, overlooking the pond and Central Park, was wonderful, peaceful, and had the ambience of a rural haven in the midst of the city. Convenient to nearly everything -- the museums, Broadway, fine dining - the location of the Helmsely is reason enough to stay there. In addition, plentiful staff were friendly and helpful, making it possible to have a stress-free time in the city. We enjoyed walks through Central Park and the new High Line, attended a play (Tribes) and a musical (Once) that were excellent, and always looked forward to returning to our room.