Maple

This board had me very scared. I used hotels.com and reserved the Park Lane. Reviews have been mixed, I know! However, the hotel was absolutely fine!! Very nice staff, easy check-in & out. Rooms were the cheaper "city-view". We had rooms on the 46th and two lower floors. Of course, the view on the 46th was better than the lower two floors. We sneaked a peak out a 46th floor "park view" room window - don't even get me started about the spectacular experience that was! Turn down service occured three out of the five nights, towels were large and lush, very quiet and clean rooms, quick elevators, great shower pressure. Rooms are typically "Leona" - brassy, brocade, mirrors, bight colors and fun. We knew it wasn't going to be the "W", and it wasn't!

We also went to Greenwich Village for the Halloween Parade. Thanks to those who posted about it here on Fodors! THAT was a real fun evening.

Just walking down Broadway, we were approached and "won" Letterman tickets for the following day taping. That was a real treat for five Letterman fans! We even saw ourselves on tv that night!

DId the usual stuff including a Harbor Lights cruise, saw Hairspray, did Ellis Island, etc.

About the WTC location. We went there and it was a "moving" experience. I know that people get trashed on this board for saying they went there, but I think that it is inportant. It was a somber, emotional vision. I saw NO disrespectful actions. It was quiet even though there were MANY people. Yes, there are the souvenier hawkers, but they weren't "in your face", unlike the knock-off purse guys all over the place!

mclaurie

Sounds like a great time. Thanks for the post.

mclaurie

PS How did you like Tavern on the Green? How did your husband fare in the marathon?

Maple

The Tavern on the Green situation is unique to the Marathon. It was a breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, open bar, "free" marathon blanket, reserved finish line seating, TV's throughout the area and INDOOR BATHROOMS!! The leaves and surroundings were truly pdeal. The food was fine, but then again, our main interest was the marathon. We would do it all again in a heartbeat! Once we got to the table, the staff was helpful.

Husband's ideal time was under 3:45, but he came in at 4:16 - right after P.Diddy! It was just so hot, he knew that he couldn't do a personal record, so he just enjoyed all the bands (37!) and all the neighborhoods. Gave a lot of high 5's and soaked in the NYC feel. He said the crowds were the best of the 8 different races he has run in.

mclaurie

Glad to hear he enjoyed it so much! It was warm.

gatorbill

Hello Maple,
I'm also planning on staying at the Helmsley Park Lane and I'm also worried about the mixed reviews on this board. Can you elaborate on the hotel for me ?
Where the rooms clean and spacious ?
Where the bathrooms fairly modern ?
How about the quality of the beds and furniture ?

Would appreciate any feedback.

gatorbill

Hi Maple,
Thanks for your very comprehensive reply to these question on my post "Opinions about the Helsmley Park Lane Hotel ?"