Guest Comments
October 10, 2011 – jump “20 yrs in the business - this hotel is spot on!” (Trip Advisor)
I am a member of senior management for a high end resort property in the Keys, FL. Due to where I live, when I have the opportunity to go on vacation, the last place I want to be is on a hot and humid island or beach, surrounded by the sea!!! Exactly the reason why I picked Helen and the Helendorf as a vacation destination for two nights of my vacation.
Allow me to say that the family/owners and staff of the Helendorf should be very proud of their property! My family and I had the best time!! The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and clean. Being in the business myself, I often get frustrated with guests at my hotel who focus on what the property doesn't offer versus what the hotel does offer. I knew before I got there that the lodging in this quaint town was not going to offer me amenities and services like a concierge, room service, valet parking, bell service. If I wanted that then I probably shouldn't be planning a vacation in Helen or at the Helendorf. With my 20 years of hotel experience I can say that this hotel fulfilled all of my requirements! Everything in the room was functional...the bedding was clean...the bathroom was clean...and the service was always pleasant and with a smile!!
I have not stopped talking about Helen and the Helendorf to everyone who has asked me where I went and how was it when I returned from my vacation!! Hats off to the staff of the Helendorf!! Keep doing what you do!!! And for those of you that are looking for high end....no there is no Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriott so maybe Helen, GA is not the place for you!!!!
Sunfunkeys, Keys, FL
October 6, 2011 – “first class hotel with exceptional service.” (Trip Advisor)
I spent the last weekend at the helendorf and I was absolutely impressed. The hotel was clean! Neat and decorated nicely. The location is perfect, right in the center of town. Easy walking to shops and restaurants. The staff went above and beyond to help make my stay very pleasant. Especially Bob and Sheryl were a joy to see each morning. Overall the hotel gets an A.... Don't be discouraged by a few bad reviews, these are bitter and hard to please individuals. Go by the most reviews which are positive. Again for a wonderful weekend, go to Helen and stay at the Helendorf River Inn.
phillipfromthecoast, Tampa, FL
October 2, 2011 – “The perfect place!” (Trip Advisor)
We stayed at The Helendorf during a weekend of Oktoberfest.We couldn't have chose a better hotel! The staff were very friendly . The standard room we stayed in was very spacious with vaulted ceilings and big comfy comforters. we had rocking chairs and the sounds of the river flowing....the location was so convenient to everything in town and nearby .We never needed our car! We will be back to The Helendorf Inn Soon!!!
Deb429
October 1, 2011 – “Ich Liebe Helendorf” (Trip Advisor)
Reviewed October 1, 2011
Really good place to stay. Fabulous staff. Friendly and they really make your stay special. They are in a great location.
Memaw2
September 11, 2011 – “What a great hotel” (Trip Advisor)
I was extremely pleased with the Helendorf hotel after we stayed there for 3 days. The hotel staff was extremely efficient, polite, and very always there with what you needed. The management was just awesome. I have never been to a hotel where the manager actually checked on how you were doing and if you needed anything. I will be back to Helen and I will stay in the Helendorf hotel. Thank you for making our trip so successful.
Pjstoney, Hinton, WV
September 8, 2011 – “Wonderful Place, clean and hospitable” (Trip Advisor)
This is the best hotel in Helen. We stayed ther for an aniversary weekend and enjoyed the great view to the river while watching the tubers abd having a glass of wine. We cannot believe that there is a negative review posted. Those people must have confused the place.
MGHANES
August 30, 2011 – “veryyyyyy nice” (Trip Advisor)
went on vacation down there had a very nice time the inn was very nice will stay there again
Room Tip: best to go on weekend there more to do
Fattoristar, East Liverpool
August 23, 2011 (Facebook Post)
We stayed at your facility the first weekend of August. We had such a wonderful time that we booked Labor Day weekend before we left. We travel with our toy poodle and we were so glad that he was welcomed by everyone. The view off our river front balcony was absolutely beautiful. We can't wait to come back. See you all soon!!!!
Melissa C.
August 15, 2011 – “Great place to stay, good price too!” (Trip Advisor)
This hotel is situated right in the heart of Helen. The room was clean, quiet, and modern. They had free parking, free wifi, & free cont. breakfast. There was lots of outdoor seating (plastic tables and chairs) setup in a large patio area along the banks of the river. Very peaceful to sit and read or chat with others. Helen is a fun town my family has been visiting since I was a small child. I wish I had stayed here a long time ago!
Happytravels29, Fairburn, GA
August 14, 2011 – “Had a wonderful time” (Yahoo Travel)
Me and my husband went to Helen on our honeymoon a little over a year ago. This was the first time that I had ever been to Helen. It was so beautiful I hated to leave. We really enjoyed the shops and the fine restaurants, and tubing down the river, it was so much fun. We look forward to returning to Helen soon.
Mary M., GA
August 8, 2011 – “loved it.” (Trip Advisor)
Not new or trendy, It's not a chain, but Clean, comfortable, and quite. Kids welcomed covered pool. Breakfast consists of cereal, milk, juice, bagels, Danish, coffee or tea. But there are other options for breakfast close by. Internet available, Beds are comfortable and bedding nice, water pressure good. The TV was a small set, but ok. The view over the stream was calming. the water park close by, is a great value if you have kids and teens. And the shops are all around and have all kinds of items…
Room Tip: Ask for one on the river view with balcony. I like those better.
jude98, Rome, GA
August 7, 2011 – “We enjoyed our stay.” (Trip Advisor)
This was my first visit to Helen, GA and we enjoyed our stay at the Helendorf. This is an older hotel but our room had recently been renovated and it was nice. Granted it is not like a new Hilton, but it was clean and comfortable. The location is the best thing. Staff was friendly and nice view of the river.
Kirven1
August 6, 2011 – “Best people, best amenities in Helen” (Trip Advisor)
My husband and I visited Helen during his block leave after returning from deployment. We visited family and friends and met more friends along the way. The entire team of staff are friendly and hospitable from the manager, front office, and the house keeping folks. The grounds were gorgeously adorned with matured foliage and trees to offer a great view for all. Not sure about you, but I prefer this over the cookie cutter bright white concrete stamp with saplings for trees you often get with the outfits built overnight. Our room was very clean and well maintained and furnished with furniture and deco to fit the charm of the town. The beds were very comfortable with plenty of pillows, so there was no need for me to bring my own from the car. (BTW I had to use it at a stop we made at a chain hotel in Chattanooga). We enjoyed dipping our toes into the river and walking around ankle to knee deep and climbing on the boulders. There were plenty of great shops and restaurants within walking distance-many of them were recommended by the local staff familiar with the best in town for anything you were looking for. If you can't eat all the goods from the restaurants you have a fridge in the room to tuck the extras away for a snack. The maps they provided were also very helpful to us in our exploration of all the beautiful natural surroundings. I wish we made it back for the hot air balloon week! In getting to know the folks in Helen it was obvious they love their community and welcome visitors like family with open arms. This vibe started at Helendorf River Inn. PS My husband said you MUST get the funnel cake with ice cream and strawberries from just around the corner.
Room Tip: Tell them what you are looking for, and they'll find a way to make it happen.
heather078, Clarkesville, TN
July 15, 2011 – “Great Stay” (Trip Advisor)
We had a great stay at the Helendorf River Inn. The staff was fantastic, especially the maintenance staff were my heroes. I ran into a little car trouble and they came to my rescue. We stayed in a Standard room and had plenty of space. The beds were also comfortable. The area for the Continental breakfast is small, but durable. They serve your basis breakfast, which was fine with us. The hotel does not have room service if that's one of the amenities you are looking for, but all of the eating places are within walking distance. We are looking forward to going back and staying at this hotel again.
TiredMom97, Metro Atlanta Area, GA
June 27, 2011 – “Awesome and will return for sure!” (Trip Advisor)
This Inn was wonderful! Friendly and helpful staff. The room was very clean, the bed was extremely comfortable, We enjoyed the balcony overlooking the river. It is an older Inn and doesn't have fancy flat screen TV's and Wifi is available only in the lobby. But neither of those things were an issue for us. It was within walking distance to many restaurants and shops. We enjoyed ourselves very much and intend to return again.
cbrowning, Brunswick, GA
June 13, 2011 – “Too cute!!” (Trip Advisor)
I am writing this from one fo the rooms right now. We checked in very late last night so I honestly didn't look around much as we made our way to our room. What a nice treat I woke up too! You have the option of rooming riverside or across the road in its own little shop and dine area. The buildings looked like they were picked right up out of a little Alpine village and dropped right here. So cute! And there are little pictures painted on the walls of German Fairytales, if our daughter were with us she'd really like that. It looks like Snow White could pop around the corner at any time. We left the kids at home this time so hubby and I are in a nice single bed room with a pretty woodland view outside our window. I think we'll be back with the kids next time. The staff has all be very nice and helpful, the breakfast is nothing special but it gets the job done. Juice, cereal and coffee kind of thing. That's ok though, leaves plenty of room for all the great looking restaurants!
The rates seem quite reasonable and my family always looks for the non-chain, family run places to stay when we travel. This is a older hotel but it is clean, roomy and in good shape. Free WiFi is always a plus!
Melindaleigh55, Douglasville, GA
June 12, 2011 (Facebook Post)
I don't know how many times we've stayed at the Helendorf but it has been many times, dating back to the mid-80s. We'll be calling soon for reservations again! Yours is the best place to stay in Helen!
David C.
June 10, 2011 – “Is the only place we stay in Helen” (Yahoo Travel)
My husband made the plans to stay at the Helendorf Inn 22 years ago on our Honeymoon. And we still stay there today. And we have been going to Helen once a year ever since. The hotel looks like a old German Inn, and is on the river. It is in the heart of everything in Helen. You can walk everywhere, and run back to your room all by yourself with out ever having to turn on the car. We love, love, love to leave our back door open to hear the sounds of the river that is below our balcony. The sounds of the river will put you to sleep. And that’s the best sleep in the world. We can also hear the bells that are played on Sunday morning. We also like to sit out on the balcony with a bottle of wine, and watch the water, and the people as they wave at us as they are tubing by. The people running the place are the same ones that were there 22 years ago. Yes, the hotel is old. And old buildings have a certain smell, but it is not offensive. And it looks old, but well maintained, and very clean. And I'm a clean freak. I hope it stays the same.
Georgia Peach, Savannah, GA
June 8, 2011 – “Best and Friendliest View on the Chattahoochee River” (Trip Advisor)
We were up there for Helen to Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race. I have stayed there several times and like the wines made in the Helen area, this place only gets better with time. This place is American owned and has been a family operation for 2 generations and was started by an ex military guy. This owners and staff will make you feel at home if you give them the chance. While some may call the place dated, renovations are in progress and the mountain and river views more than compensate for this. Location is on the main drag through Helen and offers free parking. Downtown is a 5 minute walk across the river and other attractions such as hiking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and tubing are close by. The place is also animal friendly. Most room have mini fridge, microwave, coffee service, and wifi with some having small kitchenettes. WI-FI is free and they also have a banquet meeting facility on premises a with indoor heated pool. This is a resort area with year round events so it pays to make reservations early. Fall season during Oktoberfest is especially busy for leaf watchers and good time can be had on weekend in the Festhall. Only 90 minutes from metro Atlanta visiting here is an easy weekend trip.
Room Tip: Reserve early , ask for river view.
Newsbear, Atlanta, GA
June 2, 2011 – “Great place to stay while in Helen.” (Trip Advisor)
Friendly service, clean rooms, and a great hiker rate.
Crj3
May 31, 2011 (Facebook Post)
Thank you for having such a nice relaxing place to spend the weekend away from the Atlanta rush. The room was even nicer than we could have imagined and the staff was fantastic...We will definitely be back..
Patti P.
May 27, 2011 – Pleasant & Enjoyable!” (Trip Advisor)
The hotel was very clean, and walking distance to all of the downtown shops and restaurants. Located right on the river, it is a very pleasant place to visit. The hotel staff was very kind and courteous. We will be returning again!
caretakert, Steinhatchee, FL
May 25, 2011 – “Great Location! Friendly Staff” (Trip Advisor)
I traveled here for a big event and the staff did a great job accommodating the influx of people and keeping the grounds neat. The location is ideal for someone wanting to spend time in Helen. I loved it!
Mandyb4973, Bluffton, SC
May 24, 2011 (Facebook Post)
I was in Helen during SoWo this past weekend and while I didn't stay at the Helendorf, I wanted to thank you for putting up with all of us all weekend! Hopefully I’ll stay there next year.
Daniel C.
April 28, 2011 – “Best Staff Even in times of Crisis!” (Trip Advisor)
While hiking the Appalachian Trial, we stopped in Helen due to forecasted storms. The Helendorf was very hospital to us, even as smelly hikers! The second night of our stay the South East was hit with the most violent storms seen in over 30 years. The city's tornado alarm sounded sending us running with our packs to the basement. Through it all the staff continued to focus on our needs, bringing us food and drinks throughout the night, when they could have been huddled into a safe place. I cannot say enough about the staff here! Very Very Impressed.
juliastutts, Sweetwater, TN
March 21, 2011 – “Helendorf Rocks!!!” (Trip Advisor)
Love this place. I've been staying here since I was a child and now I bring my husband and children here. It feels like home. Quaint, cozy, walk to everything, fab views, my teenage son loved to fish in the river. My daughter thinks we are staying in a fairy tale!!! Something for everyone!!!
Jensoesman
February 21, 2011 – “Awesome Place” (Trip Advisor)
They didn't give us more then a few choices on this site. We were there last in October 2009. We have been guests of the Helendorf multiple times and have loved every stay!! We plan on going again this September for our anniversary. We were married at the Chapel next to the hotel on 9-23-06. The Hotel went out of their way to be sure that all our guests had the best rooms. The Helendorf rocks!!!!!!
Oddwalk, Sarasota, FL
August 23, 2010 – “Fantastic Place” (Trip Advisor)
We had a Bike weekend in Helen. The staff especially Pam was great when we checked in she told us all the places in town to visit as well as the restaurants. The room was right on the river, extremely clean with the sound of the river coming in the back door! When the rains came in we watched the river rise quickly. My hubby left his GPS on the bike by mistake. They call us w/in 15 min to let us know, so we could retrieve it before it went missing!. The place was right in the center of town, so we could walk to most places outside of the events. Looking forward to Oktoberfest, we made our Resv's when we checked out.
Pammie, Syracuse, NY
August 21, 2010 – “by far best stay in Helen, will return again” (Trip Advisor)
We visited on a weekday, left on a whim with no reservations. We were about a hour from Helen when we called and spoke to a nice gentleman who informed us they could accommodate my family even with no notice. When we checked in the young gentleman informed us where to head for good German food. They were right food was amazing. We stayed in a Riverview room after talking to the front desk and them recommending it for a relaxing rest. We slept with the screen door latched and had one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a while. When visiting get a room where you can listen to the river.. quite relaxing. Also we had forgotten our laptop at home but were surprised to find they had a public terminal so i could check email and grab MapQuest directions to our next destination on our trip. They also left the pool open a little longer so my kids could play even though they normally shut it down around ten. Rooms were very clean and the staff made it warm and inviting. We are planning to come back during Oktoberfest with a group of friends and experience it without the children. We passed by a couple house keepers and grounds men while walking around property and they seemed as nice as the front desk. All together we were very surprised with the Helendorf. Experience it for yourself the location is prime you can walk to anywhere in Helen from shops, restaurants, and even the local grocery store(Betty’s) Thanks Helendorf staff, for now on when we come to Helen you’re the only place we will be staying.
Autisticdad, Tampa, FL
August 5, 2010 – “Fantastic Vactation” (Trip Advisor)
My family and I just stayed at the Helendorf and had a wonderful experience there. The Helendorf is a well run, exceptionally clean hotel. The hotel's architecture and decor is in keeping with the alpine village theme of Helen,Ga. We enjoyed a very nice continental breakfast each morning, swimming in the pool, watching people from our balcony as they tubed down the river. The hotel sits in the perfect location. It's right in the middle of town next to the river. It is just beautiful! The staff at the Helendorf were so nice! One night I received a call from the front desk to let me know I had left my interior light on in my car. It felt great to know the staff are looking out for their guests. Everything about our stay at the Helendorf was great. Helen,Ga. is a fun town to visit. We went tubing on the river every day. It's only $3.00 at Helen tubing. There are an abundance of shops and restaurants. Carriage rides, a waterpark, gem grubbing, wine tasting are just some of the activities you can partake in and they are all in walking distance. My husband and I have decided this is going to be an annual trip for us!
Kimi44, Augusta, GA
August 5, 2010 – “Great Experience” (Trip Advisor)
My experience at the Helendorf was very good from check in to check out. Would definitely stay there again. It is an older hotel within walking distance of everything.. Choose a room right on the river.
Kathy, Tampa, FL
Jul 12, 2010 – “Felt as if Germany!”
My husband and i stayed at the Helendorf in June. The town itself is very unique with all the buildings looking like old world Germany! The hotel is decorated the same. This hotel is definitely a 3star hotel and this is the best rating that any hotel in Helen receives. The room is simply decorated with furnishings that reminded me of Ancient Germany! This is not a luxury hotel; however, it really added to the German flair of the town. The room was extremely clean and had a view of the river. The king bed was firm and comfy! Helen was very much a tourist trap; however, the hotel seemed to remove one from the cheesy shops in the town. The restaurant recommendations were right on and the location is good too!!!
tjaynes, Knoxville, TN
July 5, 2010 – “Hotel seemed a little dated, but was very clean and roomy. Excellent location!” (Trip Advisor)
As I said in the title, the hotel seemed a little dated; however, it was very clean. We got the large luxury suite and it was very spacious and quite cozy at the same time. The room had a large bedroom and hallway leading to a living room/kitchen with a balcony overlooking the river. The bathroom was accessible from either the bedroom or the living room hallway, which was convenient in itself. The bedroom also had nice jacuzzi tub. The location was convenient to downtown Helen, and all the major attractions. There was also a complimentary continental breakfast which was mostly just pre-packaged bagels/cinnamon rolls, cereal, and fruit. That sufficed for us, but if you want a more hardy breakfast I'd walk down the street to a restaurant. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone.
Travis028, South Carolina
July 4, 2010 – “Can’t wait to come back” (Trip Advisor)
Stayed at the Helendorf for 2 nights great palce to stay with your family, everybody was so friendly (except the two older guys with beards not friendly at all but only had to deal with them twice) they even kept the pool open longer for my kids to swim, its right on the river and right in the middle of Helen, will be back in Sept, I hope!
Alexjes, Winston Salem, NC
July 2, 2010 – “Great Stay” (Trip Advisor)
The staff and management were great, even when off work on property, so friendly. The rooms were nice with a great view of the river. Our dogs loved it too. Helen is a nice place to go and visit. The tubing was a blast.
Crazygator, Palm Coast, FL
June 19, 2010 – “Good value for the money” (Trip Advisor)
Sheesh, some reviewers expect a stay at the Ritz for Motel 6 pricing. When staying in a touristy, tacky place such as Helen, one shouldn't expect the world. I only want 4 things in my room at these prices, and that is clean carpet, clean linens, a clean bathroom and a air conditioner that is in good working order. The Helendorf met all of these requirements, with the ac working extremely well, which felt wonderful after a day spent hiking. Yes, the property is dated, but still well worth what we paid. The counter people were friendly and helpful and the housekeeper for our floor was very sweet and helpful. If I ever go back to Helen again, I will definitely stay here.
OldHandatThis, Atlanta, GA
June 5, 2010 – “Friendly Staff, Clean Rooms, Great View” (Trip Advisor)
I took my parents to Helen to spend quality time with them. This was the first time I stayed at the Helendorf Inn and was pleasantly surprised. The staff was friendly and let us check in an hour early. The rooms were very clean and the view from the balcony was fantastic. You could sit out there, listen to the river flowing over the rocks and feel the stress melt away. We were able to park in front of our room and the town is just over the bridge, well within walking distance. I would definitely recommend this inn to others.
hdlowrider85, Macon, GA
May 30, 2010 – “Relaxing!!!” (Trip Advisor)
My mother, sister, and myself recently thoroughly enjoyed our 5 day stay at Helendorf Inn. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the room was very clean and compfortable. We will be returning!
Dcpeace, Augusta, GA
May 18, 2010 – “Comfortable and relaxing” (Trip Advisor)
I had a riverfront room with a small kitchenette and private balcony overlooking the river for four nights. At night we were able to leave the balcony door open and listen to the river running over the rocks. The room was comfortable and most of all clean - no mold in the shower! Coming home from hiking all day we found our room spruced up, including the carpet being vacuumed. I can't wait to go again.
Alf56, DeLand, FL
February 12, 2010 – “Great hideaway” (Trip Advisor)
Great little hide away for us....we can have peace and quite...go shopping...convinent to everything and go across the street to Paul's and not risk a DUI driving home...well worth it to us...we try to stay at the Helendorf at least once a month.
Twldwilliams, Gainesville GA
December 2009 - WE WILL GO BACK!!!!!! (Yahoo! Travel)
We hope to make this a yearly visit to Helen each Thanksgiving!!! Of course 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 smell of a pet… We will stay again next year, Location, Location.
Jerry & Sue, Blakely, GA
August 24, 2009 – “THE only place to stay in Helen” (Yahoo! Travel)
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.
J, A Yahoo! Contributor
August 11, 2009 – “Second Time Around” (Yahoo! Travel)
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!
A Yahoo! Contributor
December 14, 2009 – “ Great place to stay” (Trip Advisor)
We really liked the location. You can walk to downtown shops. Everything was clean . Staff was nice. We will stay there next time we visit. Price of the rooms were very good. Great value.
November 12, 2009 – “The best Inn in Helen!” (Trip Advisor)
Great location! Wonderful view of river! Very friendly and helpful staff. Housekeeping was a very pleasant lady and a truely sincerely nice person.
June 8, 2009 – “Stayed here before. Never disappointed. Very nice!” (Trip Advisor)
This was our 2nd time staying at this hotel. It is always a pleasure. The rooms are clean and the hotel is charming. It is right on the river, so you can see the water from your balcony. It is walking distance to downtown. Very friendly staff and great place to stay.
March 15, 2009 – “I hope to go back soon.” (TravelPost)
My wife and I just returned from a weekend getaway to the Helendorf Inn. We had never stayed in Helen before and reserved the “Top of the Tower”. This is a good room for romance as you are all alone, the stairs, split level room with king bed.
December 26, 2009 (FACEBOOK Post)
Love those river suites! Can't beat a Jacuzzi, a fireplace that comes with a fire starter even I could use and a nice, forested view of the river.
25 December 25, 2009 (FACEBOOK Post)
Love this place, I spend the weekend there every year for my birthday.
December 20, 2009 (FACEBOOK Post)
What a wonderful home away from home.
20 December 20, 2009 (FACEBOOK Post)
My family always enjoys going to Helen and staying here!
December 20, 2009 (FACEBOOK Post)
"Der Helendorf Gasthof, der Alpenhafen, wo sich Familie und Freunde seit guten Zeiten und dem Bilden von zärtlichen Erinnerungen versammeln"
(The Helendorf Inn, the Alpine haven where family and friends gather for good times and the making of fond memories.)
August 4, 2008 – “Great Hotel - Perfect for our Retreat!” (Yahoo! Travel)
We took a group of 37 from Charlotte, NC to the Helendorf motel and loved it! The staff was great, the rooms were clean, and the location was perfect. We will definitely go back to this charming place and stay at the Helendorf. At first we planned to stay in another hotel, but the rooms were not clean at all (dirty, bugs, etc), but the Helendorf was just the opposite. And, the price was great too. If you're visiting Helen there's no better location, price, and staff than the Helendorf!
A Yahoo! Contributor