Can anyone tell me anything about this hotel?

Location OK? Safe?

Rooms OK? Clean hotel?

Anything Special?

Thanksin advance for your help

OK is an operative word here, for the moment. Location, across from Central Park is great. What *will* be special is the hotel in about a year, when it will be completely redone by Ian Shrager, the same man who redid Morgans and The Royalton in NYC, and the Delano in Miami Beach, among other high-style, cutting-edge hotels. Then, it will be undoubtedly great, but undoubtedly twice as expensive.

I have only been to NY once. It was 1997 and I was lucky enough to go with a friend who had good friends who lived in Bronxville, NY in a lovely home. We stayed at their home for a week and took the commuter train in to Manhattan everyday. It was the best. However I wish to go back now with my boyfriend and have often thought I would like to stay at the St. Moritz mostly due to location as was mentioned. When you describe it as "O.K." does that mean barely passable or just not high-end lux. I know I'm going to have a hard time swallowing the prices at any hotel in a midtown location after a "freebee" like I had. That doesn't come along everyday.

Janice- If location is the most important factor, then the St. Moritz will be acceptable. It is not bad or dirty, just worn and ready for its overhaul. Many tour groups are using it now, etc. But if you explain how important a Central Park view would be to you, I'm sure you'd get one--which is a major reason to stay there versus other hotels. When you walk out the door you are in a romantic setting--the exact same view and the same setting which will be at the stylish new hotel there. So focus on that, don't expect style, and figure you're getting a bargain.

I had reservations here (a few years ago), and when I was shown to my room I couldn't believe it. It was the smallest hotel room I've ever seen (Europe and cruise ships included). The twin bed took up the entire room. It was also dark. One small window looking out on a light well. The location is great. In fact, they must have some rooms that look out on Central Park, but I'm sure you pay much more for them.

Location - Very good, very safe.
Rooms - clean.
Nothing special.

I ended checking out and checking into the Omni Park Central. Since this was a few years ago, I'm not sure how either hotel compares today.

I have stayed at the New York Palace (formerly Helmsley Palace) and the location is great and the hotel is very nice. It's just that hotels are so very expensive in New York!!

I'll bet you can get some recommendations for better hotels from other Fodor posters

My husband and I stayed there last Christmas('98). We had a grand view of Central Park and had a fine stay. Granted, we were not in the room very often--we chose it for location and price. Our room was a bit small but it was clean. One annoying thing was calling for an iron and ironing board--they wouldn't let us just keep it for the whole stay. There is a great little bagel shop just around the corner where you can get a decent breakfast at an affordable price. I felt very safe there and found the staff helpful. When we were there they were promoting their upcoming renovations.