I stayed here on a business trip due to a corporate rate. I am not sure I would ever pay normal rates of $400 or so per room here. The hotel is in a great location, right on central park. I'm sure if you receive a room with a view of the park it is quite lovely. I did not, my room looked out to another set of apartment/hotel buildings - so no view.
Rooms are definitely are worn. Furniture/decor looks like it is from the 80's. Probably never updated from the original "Helmsley" decor. The hallways to get to your room are dimly lit and a little creepy. I believe they were going for a french chateau look, definitely not contemporary. The bed appeared newer and was comfortable. For the amount paid, I would have preferred a hilton or marriott, etc...with more contemporary furnishings and consistent service. I used the workout room and it was decent, cardio machines are older but they have a good amount of weight equipment. It's located in the basement so no view, etc...
I didn't interact with staff much, but overall I didn't feel they were overly friendly or interested in making sure your stay was adequate.
It's a decent hotel, and if you can afford a room with a view of the park, I am sure it would be a nice get-away place. If you can't ensure you will have a park view, then probably not worth it as there are other newer hotels in the area that are probably nicer for less $$.
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