When you walk into the Carlton, the lobby impresses. It is modern and funky. The staff were all very friendly and helpful from the doorman, to the desk staff, to the concierge. The hotel is old but you'd never know it from the ground floor, you have to wait until you get upstairs.

The hallways are very narrow (it is an old hotel, after all) but they are painted a dark colour and are dimly lit. That makes them look even gloomier and is in stark contrast with the lobby. The paint is also badly scrapped and chipped.

The rooms are small but with nice linens. The bathrooms have Moulton & Brown soaps, which is a nice touch. My big complaint was with the window: it was warped and wouldn't close properly. There was such a draft blowing through that the blinds were moving all night. My partner was kept awake most of the night from partiers on the street perhaps because the windows were not up to par.

Another odd thing is that there are no ice machines. You have to call to get someone to deliver it to your room.

The best part of this hotel is its location. We were within a 1/2 hour walk of many of our destinations.

I found a deal on this hotel on the Internet. At the price I paid, it was well worth it. If I had to pay full price, however, I would probably choose somewhere else.

The rooms are spacious, for NYC, and the lobby elegant. Nicely appointed rooms, and competent service.

Highly recommend it for families travelling together.

Enjoyed the Carlton's quieter Madison Ave, location close to many restaurants and less touristy. The rooms are nice and the lobby environment very pleasant. The restaurant has good atmosphere but the food is not overwhelming.

Arrived when hotel not full and given upgrade from basic smaller room booked at bargain on line rate to very nice queen in quiet location by exceptionally nice staff. Very comfortable bed, nice linens and toiletries, good temperature control in very tastefully decorated room. Murray Hill location has many advantages and for those willing to take subway stop on useful North South Line for many sites of interest only a block away on Park Avenue.