HotelChatter

According to Crain's, the Middletowne outpost is closing because the lease is expiring, but some industry folks are speculating that more "winding down" of Leona Helmsley's estate will follow. The Helmsley Carlton apartment-hotel, for one, is on the auction block. Perhaps Trouble, the Maltese, is running out of kibble?

Over at Times Square, the Sheraton is losing its name so Starwood can give it the Cinderella treatment and make it a lot more fancy. It's still unclear what the hotel will be called once it's been wired and prettied up, but Starwood Preferred Guest members will still be able to earn points when they stay at the unbranded property. Its sister property across the street, the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers will keep its name but will also get a $90 million renovation later this year. [Photo: New York Helmsley Archives]