Helendorf River Inn and Conference Center, Helen

WE HOPE TO MAKE THIS A YEARLY VISIT TO HELEN EACH THANKSGIVING!!! OFCOURSE TO STAY AT HELENDORF...WE LOVED THE PLACE THE PEOPLE AND MOST OF ALL IT WAS PET FRIENDLY...THE PEOPLE WERE SO NICE THE ROOM WAS NICE DID NOT SMELL OF A PET.. WE WILL STAY AGAIN NEXT YEAR LOCATION,LOCATION..JERRY& SUE HUNT.BLAKELY,GA.

I have been staying at the Helendorf all my life. I have never had a bad experience. The staff is always friendly, and the location is perfect. They have 5 rooms that are pet-friendly so it is great to be able to take my 80 pound lab/collie mix with me. The rooms and the hotel are all decorated in the Alpine feel. I love the Helendorf.

This was our second time there, but we had other family members (4 adults and 2 kids) along who stayed in separate rooms who hadn't stayed there before. The rooms were clean, the property was well kept. The kids enjoyed the pool and the river! The location was perfect. The gentleman at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. When we wanted to go tubing later in the afternoon, the lady at the desk made a call and we were on our way! Our party of 8 had a great getaway there and will go again!

The location of the hotel is terrific - within very short walking distance to the heart of the town and all of the restaurants. We stayed in the patio area overlooking the river and loved it. The staff was very friendly and efficient. Our room has always been clean and the appliances work fine for us. The rooms do smell a bit musty to me. One thing I would like to see added is a full-length mirror. The only mirrors are waist-up ones in the restroom. McDonald's is just across the street and a new little restaurant called "The Steak Haus" which served delicious food. Loved the nearby shops.

We are a military couple who went to Helen and wanted to be on the river. We chose the Helendorf for its location and the fact that the owner advertises that he is retired military. Funny thing is they dont offer a discount for the military. We ended up getting their suite which smelled terrible. The microwave worked but all the dishes had silver edging and could'nt be used in it. Two of the light bulbs were burned out and never got changed during our 3 day stay. They never vaccumed the floor once during our stay and to top matters off the water went out our last day. It was just an overall bad experience. Location is great everything else sucked.

My family has stayed at "The Helendorf" non-stop since the mid- 70's. All any of us can say is WOW! "The Helendorf" has just finished a COMPLETE update and it looks just like I remember in the 1970's. THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER!!! My mother, now in a wheelchair, LOVES EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE! The elevator allows us to select virtually any room we desire, without worrying over accessability...PRICELESS! The LOCATION and STAFF make our stay always one to remember! "CARING EMPLOYEES WILLING TO GO THAT EXTRA YARD MAKE ANY BUSINESS A SUCCESS", AND THE HELENDORF STAFF IS PROOF OF THAT STATEMENT! THE STAFF AT THE HELENDORF ARE THE TOPS!

From first-hand experience in staying at The Helendorf Inn before, I can assure you a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable stay. The riverfront rooms are the main attraction here and are wonderful for taking it easy. There's virtually no noise since the hotel is located at the start of the strip. It feels like you're removed even though your still in walking distance to everything Helen has to offer. Though some may see The Helendorf Inn as needing a facelift, having been to Germany and Switzerland before I can tell you the decor is right on the money - kind of a vintage 70's country style. Also, know that all of the motels in Helen are no more than a two-star rating, so if you're looking for a luxury stay you may need find another vacation destination. All in all I would say our visit was a perfect escape from Atlanta for the weekend. We're planning on coming back in September 2009 for another cleansing stay.

The Helendorf inn is the best in Helen to stay! It was clean, Good staff, and ROMANTIC. If you want something fancey, you need to go to the Ritz or some other Hotel, And pay 200 a night. Like I said this one is old fashion and Cozzieeeeeeee. I loved it. Me and my boyfriend are going soon!!!!!!! Can't wait.

I stayed at The Helendorf River Inn and was mad VERY sick! We stayed in one of the rooms (204) with a fireplace and after burning a fire for several hours my husband and I went to bed. I woke up at 2:30 A.M. ( to use the restroom) to a room FILLED with smoke! The smoke detectors NEVER WENT OFF!!!!! We had to open the front door and balcony door to get the smoke out. After that my husband checked the fireplace and the vent had closed somehow in the middle of the night!!! Me and my husband had breathing problems for several days afterwards. I did call the hotel to try to have them correct the problem in room 204. I hope they did, but after the rude way I was treated over the phone I do not know! I will also try to contact the fire department because I do not want anyone else to ever have to go though this!

Not to restate what has been said before, but yes it needs a face lift - but you can't beat the location. The Helendorf is in walking distance to everything. You can walk to the small night club across the road and not worry about driving after having a few cold ones. Staff is very accomodating -- I prefer the 700 building and if a room is available - they always give it to me. The parking is an interior courtyard. We often come over on our Harley and feel safe leaving it there (locked of course) We are going back this weekend for our 6th anniversery in a row. Nice quick get away.