I haven't stayed at the Helmsley since the Queen was still ruling her hotel. With our annual trip into the city for Memorial Day, we decided to enjoy a springtime view of Central Park and booked a Junior Suite with Park view. Although these rooms are described as being on higher floors, we wound up in room 1000 and were not happy with the 10th floor view into the trees along Central Park South. When I asked at the desk for a move, I was told they were fully booked. Not a happy camper. But, I was happy with the room rate - booked online early and we stayed the 2 nights for $720. Not bad for a very large room with a view (albeit one blocked by trees) of the park and the beauty of sunrise and sunset against the buildings that run along side. They charged my credit card for the full amount of the stay a week before our arrival and put a $100 hold on the card for miscellaneous expenses which took a week to be released. Both practices are unusual these days.
Although the room was very close to the elevator and there was the usual all night NY traffic outside - the room was incredibly quiet and a room darkening shade closed off the light from the picture window. The one thing that was strange was the large glowing blue insignia on the flat screen tv that was enough to blind you - I placed the room service menu to block it - otherwise we would have had a very bright night light.
Because I joined the I Prefer guest benefit program, based on a note I found here on TripAdvisor, a call to the desk with my membership number got me free internet and the signal was consistent and easily accessed.
Otherwise, staying here was a step back in time. The lobby and rooms are getting frayed. At first glance, our room was lovely, but a closer look showed the peeling wallpaper, dents in the walls, chips in the tub, and worn carpet. A small fridge under the counter in the bath allowed us to stow some water bottles, but after searching for the traditional vending areas and ice machine, without success, we called the desk and asked where we could find ice and we told we had to call room service. So I'd have to wait for a delivery and tip for ice? I don't think so. A quick trip around the corner to Angela's Deli got us ice and some great sandwiches for half the cost of room service and no tip required.
Because the weekend was unusually hot for spring, we wound up using cabs a bit more than we normally would, but there is a subway station directly across the street. The friendly doorman made grabbing a cab a breeze. If you're up for a carriage ride, they line up across the street and bike taxis into the park are plentiful.
Everyone we encountered was very welcoming and professional, from the front desk to the doorman to the bellman. The only problem we encountered with staffing was quantity not quality. We had really long waits to check in and to check our bag when we arrived before our room was ready. Then 2 more long waits to store and then reclaim it, as we checked out before spending the day in the park and returned to grab it for the trip home. The bell staff is too thin - had we been on a tight time schedule to catch a plane/train we would have missed it - took us at least 30 minutes each time as we waited in line for the single bellman on duty to retrieve/deliver luggage to rooms or storage. Warning - leave time for checking in and checking a bag if you expect to dash off to a matinee or if you need help with storing or retrieving bags. Also, the desk staff isn't adequate for the demands in this hotel. Many guests were interested in changing currency and some needed interpreters - really slowed things down and there just weren't enough people there do do the job efficiently.
There must be adequate housekeeping staff however. Our room was kept in spotless condition. Linens were fresh and they offer you the option of having them changed each day - or "going green" by delaying by placing a placard on the bed. The bath towels were unusually large - and fluffy :) A call to housekeeping brought extra pillows quickly and we were given the choice of feathers or foam.
One of the advantages of this location is easy access to some of our favorite spots to eat. The Boathouse Restaurant is close by in the park and Mickey Mantles is just a few doors down on central park south for a late dinner or snack. Its also an easy jaunt to Lincoln Center and the Museums up along the park. The location combined with the price relative to the other hotels on the southern end of the park raise my rating from Poor to Good. This old lady needs and face-lift and more staff to warrant a Very Good rating.
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