I'm having trouble deciding which hotel to stay at during my upcoming NYC trip (with my mother and my 9 month old). I currently have reservations at BOTH places and (obviously) I need to cancel one. They are located within blocks of each other, but does anyone know which is a nicer hotel? More kid-friendly? Bigger room size? etc?
Thanks in advance; as always, your help is invaluable.

Sorry--forgot to mention that it was the Helmsley Middletown (and the Metropolitan). Thanks!

The Metropolitan has been undergoing extensive renovations, make sure they are complete, or at the very least confirm in writing (fax or e-mail) that you will be in a renovated room. There have been complaints here about the service at the Metro, I have stayed there and never had an issue the staff was more than accommodating, and my room was very clean. Maybe one of our NYC locals can check out the remodeling progress and report back in.

Good to know. The website makes it appear as if renovations are finished, but given your advice, I need to confirm that. Anyone know for sure?

Any news on the Helmsley Middletowne?

Curious as to the price quote you have for these. According to the last review on tripadvisor for the Metropolitan (dated 10/29 for a stay 10/23-28) they say

"the renovations still continue, but what is finished is very nice. The health club is still not done, nor is the bar, and only one restaurant is done..."

Unless you''ve gotten some great deal, I wouldn't stay here. There are so many other choices right in that area. What about Affinia Fifty? This is an all suite hotel with kitchenettes that would come in quite handy with a baby. The Kimberly is a similar set up in the same area.

The Helmsley Middletown gets decent reviews on tripadvisor although some say the furnishings are looking a bit tired.

Both the Affinia 50 and the Kimberly are significantly more than the price quote for the other two hotels (about $200 per night), which is why I am most interested in those particular two. My room reservation at the Metro is for a "renovated superior room". I plan to call later today to make sure we will have a crib and a non-smoking room there; I will follow up with questions about renovations. However, any input you all have about either hotel is very helpful. (and more trusted than the hotel operator! Thank you Fodorites!)

Not familar with the interior, but the Helmsley Middletown looks more like a pre-war residential building. Very quiet building, very quiet side block (for midtown that is). The Metropolitan is more hustle and bustle, right in the thick of things on Lexington Avenue. Last I saw, the coffee shop was still under renovation, but I don't believe the Helmsley has a restaurant. Of the 2 my vote would be the Metro, seems like a more substantial property.

Maybe this is why the Helmsley is quoting a better rate than the Metropolitan. Thanks for the information. I think we'd enjoy being in the "hustle and bustle" since this is my mom's first time to NYC. Any other info is appreciated! Thanks!

It's been several years since I stayed at the Helmsley Middletown but it was okay. There is no real lobby and no restaurant but our room was a decent size and had all the needed amenities. I haven't stayed at the Metropolitan but a friend stayed during the renovation and was not pleased.

The Helmsley has the surliest employees I have ever encountered. The rooms aren't very nice either. I would not recommend staying there.

I believe the Helmsley Middletown is a dive. The other Helmsley certainly is.

Thanks, enjoylife. I concur. I called the Helmsley to make sure I could get a crib bed and I encounteered the rudest hotel employee EVER. That clinched the deal for me. We're staying at the Metro I guess, renovations and all. The hotel staff there told me they are only selling rooms that are complete with renovations...I am crossing my fingers on this one...

Don't know what website you're using, bamakelly, but just a "heads up" the Affinia 50 is coming up at $218.66 for a room, $238.66 for a Studio Suite and $249.33 for a Junior Suite on Travelocity for a date next week.