We booked an excellent deal 30% off with Expedia on a King Suite overlooking Central Park including continental breakfast. Shortly after, Helmsley Park Lane website were offering the same for 50% discount ... thems the breaks, we still got a good deal.
Upon arrival, the check-in person couldnt find our booking. I was prepared for this as this is apparently what happens when you book thru Expedia according to Expedia reviews. I was offered a double suite overlooking the city, I refused the offer as we had booked and paid 6 months in advance for a King Suite over looking Central Park and had a copy of the booking. The person suggested that just because thats what we requested, doesnt mean thats what we would get. I was prepared to stand my ground and the point was argued for several minutes, including an offer of a corner studio room overlooking Central park for an additional $50 per night. They ended up finding our booking and surprise, surprise ........... we got our King Suite overlooking Central Park. It was well worth the argument.
The room was clean, something out of the sixties, needing a major upgrade. The shower head was permanently pointing at the ground and would not stay up, and the wall paper in the bathroom was coming away. Having said that, it was comfortable and clean and spacious and and I quite liked it .... was a bit like staying at an old relative's house. I guess if the owners threw a pile of money at it to renovate it up to todays standards that it would have cost a whole lot more to stay there than we paid.
The hotel is right on Central Park south, with Central Park West (Broadway and Dakota Building) to your left and Central Park East (Fifth Avenue) to your right looking out of the window across Central Park. And Central Park in all its glory right onyour doorstep, and it really is just fantastic!
The staff were generally aloof and disinterested in us and most people coming and going. There were no greetings upon arrival or departure, no door openings, no smiles, no acknowledgements of your existence ........... nothing. We were there for 6 nights, so I feel that we have some qualification in this respect. We have travelled quite a lot and I have never experienced a hotel where the all of the staff treated you like you had interrupted their day when you had a question or were more interested in their discussions with each other to do the job they are paid to do. Then they expect a tip. Very very disappointing.
Breakfast was interesting, you must register your room number when you arrive and if you get there at the optimum time (8.00am to 10.30am), there is a 20 to 30 minute wait. The staff do not offer tea or coffee (remember we stayed for 6 nights) you must chase the staff and ask for assistance, and even then they look down upon you. After a couple of days we didnt bother going even though it was included in our booking as we were over the same old fruit, crouissants and bagels and bad service.
And no free wifi .......
But then, location location location. While they have the location and price, I guess they believe that they dont need the extras that good hotels offer, ie customer service, wifi and breakfast with variety and a smile.
If there was a next time, I would stay somewhere near Hells Kitchen, so many great eating places and friendlier people around that area.
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