You’re standing on the corner of 44th Street. It is loud. The air smells like a mix of roasted nuts from a street cart and bus exhaust. To your left, the neon glow of Times Square is so bright it feels like daytime at 11:00 PM. Directly in front of you sits the Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square.
Most people book this place for one reason: location. They want to be able to fall out of bed and land on a Broadway stage. But honestly? There is a lot of nuance to this massive hotel that travelers miss. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a weirdly complex piece of Manhattan real estate that serves two very different types of visitors.
The Reality of Staying at Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Let’s get the vibe check out of the way. This isn't a boutique hotel in Soho with velvet couches and $25 cocktails. It is a workhorse. With 626 rooms, the Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square is built for volume. You’ve got the Millennium Times Square New York (the main tower) and the Premier Times Square (the more "upscale" wing).
If you walk in expecting the Ritz, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a room that is surprisingly large by NYC standards, you're in the right spot.
Most NYC hotel rooms are basically walk-in closets with a mattress. Here? You actually have space to open a suitcase. That matters. It matters a lot when you’ve been walking ten miles a day and just want to collapse without tripping over your own shoes.
The Two-Tower Situation
People get confused by this constantly. You’ll see listings for "Millennium" and "Premier." They share the same address at 145 West 44th Street.
The Premier is generally considered the "luxury" side. It has its own check-in desk. It feels a bit more exclusive. The standard Millennium side is where the bulk of the tourists end up. It’s busier. The elevators take longer.
But here is the secret: they both put you in the exact same spot. You are literally steps from the Hudson Theatre. You can hear the hum of the city from your window, which is either "atmospheric" or "annoying" depending on how much you like sleep.
Why the Location is a Double-Edged Sword
We have to talk about the chaos. Being in Times Square sounds great on paper. You’re near the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S subway lines. You can walk to MJ The Musical or The Lion King in five minutes.
But.
The sidewalk outside the Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square is a battlefield. You will be dodging Elmos. You will be navigating around tour groups who have stopped dead in their tracks to look at a billboard.
If you are the kind of traveler who needs "zen," this is your nightmare. If you are the kind of traveler who wants to feel the "pulse" (and doesn't mind a little grit), it's perfect.
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Authentic Food vs. Tourist Traps
Don’t eat at the hotel. Just don’t. You’re in New York.
Right outside the doors, you’re tempted by the big chains. Skip them. Walk a few blocks over to 9th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen. You’ll find real Thai food, incredible Italian spots like Becco, and bakeries that don't charge $12 for a dry muffin.
The Millennium doesn't have a massive sprawling restaurant scene inside because it doesn't need to. The world’s biggest dining room is right outside the lobby.
The Business Side: More Than Just Tourists
One thing most people get wrong is thinking this is just a tourist hotel. It’s actually a huge hub for business meetings. The Millennium Broadway is home to the IACC-accredited conference center.
We’re talking 43 versatile meeting rooms. 110,000 square feet of space.
You’ll often see people in suits looking stressed next to a family of four wearing matching Mickey Mouse ears. It’s a strange juxtaposition. But it means the hotel is equipped for high-speed internet and logistics that smaller "lifestyle" hotels just can’t handle.
The Millennium also owns the Hudson Theatre. It’s the oldest Broadway theater, built in 1903. Staying here means staying in a complex that literally helped build the theater district. There’s some heavy history under those floorboards.
What to Actually Expect in the Rooms
Let's be real. The rooms are a bit dated.
If you look at reviews on TripAdvisor or Expedia, you’ll see people complaining about the carpet or the bathroom fixtures. They aren't wrong. The Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square hasn't had a "total" gut renovation in a while.
However, the floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms are the equalizer. Seeing the skyline at night—the Empire State Building glowing in the distance or the frantic lights of 42nd Street—makes you forget about a slightly old-fashioned showerhead.
- Size: Larger than average for Midtown.
- Views: Upper floors are elite. Ask for a high floor.
- Noise: It’s Times Square. Bring earplugs. Seriously.
- Amenities: Standard. Gym, business center, basic coffee.
The furniture is heavy. The lighting is okay. It’s a place to recharge, not a place to film an Instagram house tour.
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Navigating the "Hidden" Fees
Let’s talk about the thing everyone hates: The Facility Fee.
Like almost every hotel in Manhattan now, the Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square charges a daily "destination" or "facility" fee. It’s usually around $35-$45 per night.
What does it cover? Usually "free" Wi-Fi (which should be free anyway), some gym access, and maybe a credit for the grab-and-go shop.
Is it a scam? Basically. But it’s a city-wide scam. Budget for it. Don’t let it ruin your check-out morning. When you book your room for $250, remember it’s actually $300 after taxes and fees.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly, it depends on who you are.
If you are a first-time visitor to NYC? Yes. Stay here. You want to be in the middle of it. You want to see the lights. You want to walk back to your hotel at midnight after a show and feel safe because there are thousands of people around.
If you are a seasoned New Yorker or someone who visits every year? You might find it exhausting. You’d probably prefer a quiet spot in Chelsea or the Upper West Side.
The Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square is a giant, bustling, slightly aging icon that offers unparalleled access. It’s the "Old Reliable" of 44th Street. It’s not trendy. It’s not "cool." It’s functional.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a corner room. They often have double exposure windows and feel significantly larger.
- Check the Hudson Theatre schedule. Even if you aren't seeing a show, the architecture is worth a look if you can peek in.
- Use the 47th Street exit. Sometimes the main entrance is too crowded. Knowing the side exits can save your sanity.
- The "Premier" hack. If the price difference is less than $40, upgrade to the Premier wing. The dedicated elevator bank alone is worth the money during peak check-in times.
- Bag Storage. They offer it, but it can get backed up. If you have a late flight, be prepared to wait 15 minutes for a porter.
- Subway Strategy. Don't just use the 42nd St/Times Square station. Walk to 42nd/Bryant Park for the B, D, F, M lines if you’re heading to Brooklyn or Uptown—it’s often less of a "human zoo."
Forget the "perfect" hotel experience. New York isn't perfect. It's loud, expensive, and crowded. The Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square is the most "New York" version of a hotel you can find: big, busy, and right in the center of the action.