The problem with the newly renovated Carlton Hotel on Madison Avenue and East 28th Street is that it is not what is supposed to be. It was supposed to be a 4 star hotel room, but it was a 2 star hotel room. Has anyone ever heard of a double bed (not a queen) in a single room intended for 2 guests in a 4 star hotel? The room was so tiny that the two of us could not get around the edges of the furniture or the puny sized bed without banging into something. The bathroom door could not open past the toilet. There was not enough room for our luggage or clothes. But to be sure that this is not 4 star -- an old fashioned 25" tube TV instead of the sleaker, brighter, and space saving LCD that you now see in just about any hotel. To be sure, the lobby is beautiful and the restaurant Country looked fabulous. However, the two recommendations from the front desk for a good local salon and a dry cleaner were not up to par, either. Room was kept adequately clean, but they should have removed old ice buckets and used wine glasses. A true 4 star would be different/better. Booked within 24 hours thru hotwire for $249 before taxes.

Travelled to NYC this past weekend and stayed at the Carlton Hotel after doing some digging on a number of spots. I'm pretty picky about my hotels and tend to stay away from the really big ones. The Carlton proved to be a fantastic pick. The rooms were big, the hotel was clean and well kept, as was the bathroom in the room, and the bed was pretty comfortable. Even the windows opened. The renovation in the lobby was done well; my friends who previously stayed in the London thought the place looked great and enjoyed their stay as well. Staff was really nice and helpful; Jill in particular went out of her way to pass along helpful hints about some of the restaurants where we wanted to eat. One last thing - the Madison Square park was a really easy stoll right down the street. Both mornings, my wife and I enjoyed the early morning sunlight in the park with a cup of coffee from the corner store next to the hotel. Highly recommended!

With reading the previous reviews, my boyfriend and i didnt know what to expect. I thought the hotel was lovely. Yes, the rooms are a little small, but it didnt seem to matter.

With all the stories about new york the hotel is situated in a safe neighbourhood. Its about a 10min walk to the empire state building and another 5 after that to get to macys. Its the perfect location if you don't want to be in the "thick" of it.

Staff were friendly and helpful.

A great place to stay!

NOTE - there is not safes in the rooms anymore - you have to use a safety deposit box down in reception.

The lobby is lovely, the staff competent. Our room was very small which I expected after reading reviews. You can barely move the desk chair out to sit because the queen size bed takes up most of the room. There was a tear in the carpet and our room safe did not work. We were told we could bring our valuables down to the lobby....no, thanks. The room was very clean and the bedding was luxurious and very comfortable. At check in we asked for a room on a high floor but were told "sorry this is the type of room you booked but it is very nice." Our view was of some industrial stuff on a neighboring roof. So if you booked through Hotwire don't expect an upgrade. All in all it was fine.