luxury rentals

The Helena is a "green" building.

thanks, any other insight, have you seen the apartments?

The Westport's rooms are small-ish, with a hotel-y feeling.

The Helena is VERY isolated. I'd strongly recommend walking around 57th and 11th late one night to see just what you're getting yourself into. The neighborhood is downright scary after the sun goes down.

thanks keep em coming. this will mostly be used as a pied d' tiere. I am looking for something in midtown west, newer, with nice finishes and plenty of amenities

If you are looking for something more central in Midtown, have you considered The Epic (31st St), Atlas (38th St), or Ritz (48th)? These are located in more "central areas" though they are near very commercial areas. The Epic had nice amenities. The Atlas was featured as one of the apt in one of the Project Runway seasons.

any other impressions? anyone tour these buildings/apts? How negotiable is rent from a leasing agent in a newer bldg, not completely rented?

If you want to risk losing the apartment to someone who is willing to pay an already reduced price, then negotiate away.

Re: the Ritz: http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/NY-New-York-Ritz-Plaza.html

I toured the Epic last year. I thought it the amenities were pretty nice but I did not want to be swayed by the amenities. I looked at it b/c the units have washer dryers.

I would at least ask if the price was negotiable. Why leave money on the table if you don't have to.

Archstone Clinton -- rooms cookie cutter luxury (North building nicer countertops than south building, South=more trendy lobby, North = more classy/traditional).