Helmsley Middletowne - New York City, USA 

My family and I have been a regular guest at the Helmsley Middletown for approximately seven years. We stay there at least twice a year. In 2006 we stayed there four times. Our March 2008 trip was just as lovely as all of the rest. We stay in their one bedroom suite. It is really like having an apartment away from home. There is a livingroom adjacent to a spacious bedroom, with a sink and mini fridge just off of the livingroom. And plenty of closet space. The location of this hotel is quite charming. It is located in a quiet neighborhood and yet this hotel is within walking distance of just about anything that you want to see in New York. If you choose to ride the bus or subway, buses uptown or downtown are 1/2 block away and the subway is a two block walk. I can't say enough about the staff. All are friendly and helpful. These employees have remained at the Helmsley since we began staying there. It is very nice to see their familiar faces when you arrive. The free continental breakfast starts the day and is a time and money saver. Check in and check out has always been very smooth, (on most occasions our room is ready long before the standard check-in time). So if you are looking for a wonderful hotel in a lovely neighborhood with reasonable rates and a great staff this is the place.

The bad reviews featured by other hotel patrons are understandable when you consider it is an old hotel with few amenities. It certainly wasn't worth the money considering the lack of services, horrible cleanliness, and poor hospitality. I was unfortunate to get a room that smelled of curry spice that seeped into the room thru the vents from the Indian restaurant that is on the first level. The rooms were less that adequate with minimal space and no amenities such as internet or wi-fi. The continental breakfast was a free for all to grab some stale bagels and genetic muffins that weren't worth the trouble of waking up early by 7am to fight over with the crowds of uncivilized people. It's only plus I could state is that it is centrally located in MidTown NYC in walking distance to the Metro and local cafes. This Hotel with it's expensive $300-350/night charge certainly isn't worth your stay considering that it is nothing more than a glorified and dated Days Inn Motel of the 1930s.