You’re standing on 44th Street. It’s loud. There is a guy dressed as a knock-off Elmo trying to take a photo with you, three delivery bikes are zooming past, and the neon glow from the billboards is so bright it feels like mid-afternoon even though it’s 11 PM. This is the chaos you signed up for. And right there, tucked into the middle of it all, is the Millennium Hotel Times Square New York.
Most people book this place for one reason: location. Honestly, you can’t get more "in it" than this. But here is the thing about New York City hotels—especially the big ones in Midtown—they are rarely what you expect from the glossy photos. The Millennium is a bit of a survivor. It’s seen the city change through decades of shifts, from the grit of the old Times Square to the corporate, Disney-fied version we see today.
Staying here is a specific kind of experience. It isn't a boutique hotel in Soho with artisanal soaps and a 20-minute wait for a latte. It’s a massive, functional hub. If you want to walk out the front door and be at the Broadway stage door for Hamilton or MJ The Musical in four minutes flat, this is your spot. If you want a quiet, zen-like retreat where the city feels miles away? Well, you might want to look elsewhere.
What You’re Actually Getting at the Millennium Hotel Times Square New York
Let’s talk about the rooms. New York hotel rooms are notoriously small. Like, "can't open your suitcase on the floor" small. Surprisingly, the Millennium Hotel Times Square New York actually offers some of the more decent square footage in the area. Because the building has a bit of history, the floor plans aren't as squeezed as the ultra-modern "micro-hotels" popping up nearby.
You get windows. Big ones. If you manage to snag a room on a higher floor, the view is basically a private screening of the city. You’re looking down at the Hudson River or across the jagged skyline of Midtown. It’s one of those moments where you realize why people pay the "New York tax."
The decor is... let's call it "classic." You aren't going to find edgy industrial lighting or velvet-draped walls. It’s standard hotel fare. Think warm wood tones, beige carpets, and heavy curtains. Some folks call it dated. Others call it reliable. Honestly, it’s mostly just a place to crash after you’ve walked 15,000 steps through Central Park and the MoMA.
The lobby is usually buzzing. It’s a mix of international tourists looking at maps, business travelers on laptops, and families trying to wrangle kids. It feels like a crossroads. That’s because it is.
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The Broadway Connection and the Bugis Street Factor
One of the weirdly cool things about this hotel is the food situation, specifically Bugis Street Brasserie. It’s named after the famous street in Singapore. You wouldn't necessarily expect to find authentic-tasting Singaporean Laksa or Hainanese Chicken Rice in the middle of Times Square, but it’s there. It’s a nice break from the $25 burgers and overpriced pretzels found on every other corner.
Speaking of Broadway, the hotel is literally steps from the Hudson Theatre. This is a big deal if you’re a theater nerd. There is something incredibly satisfying about watching a 10:30 PM curtain call and being in your pajamas by 10:45 PM while everyone else is fighting for a spot on a crowded 1-train or trying to hail an Uber in gridlock traffic.
But there’s a trade-off.
Times Square never sleeps. You’ve heard the song. It’s true. Even with double-paned glass, the city hums. You’ll hear a distant siren or the bass from a passing car. It’s the heartbeat of Manhattan. If you’re a light sleeper, bring the heavy-duty earplugs. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The Logistics: Elevators, Fees, and Reality Checks
Let’s get into the weeds. The stuff that actually matters when you’re tired and just want to get to your room.
The elevators can be a test of patience. In a hotel this size, during peak check-out times, you might be waiting a while. It’s just the physics of moving hundreds of people up and down 50+ floors.
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Then there is the "Facility Fee." You’ll see this at almost every major NYC hotel now. It’s usually around $35 to $40 per night. It covers things like Wi-Fi, the fitness center, and maybe a couple of bottles of water. Is it annoying? Yes. Is it avoidable? Rarely. Just factor it into your budget so you aren't surprised when the final bill hits your inbox.
- Fitness Center: It’s functional. It has the basics—treadmills, some free weights. It does the job if you really feel the need to run after a day of walking the High Line.
- Business Center: If you need to print a boarding pass or a voucher for a tour, they have you covered.
- Meeting Spaces: They have a surprising amount of event space, which is why you’ll often see people in suits wandering around with "Hello My Name Is" stickers.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Local (Sorta)
If you stay at the Millennium Hotel Times Square New York, you are in the belly of the beast. Most locals avoid this area like the plague, but if you’re visiting, you have to see it.
Just a pro tip: don't eat every meal in the immediate three-block radius of the hotel. Walk five blocks west to 9th Avenue. That’s where the actual food is. Hell’s Kitchen is packed with incredible Thai, Italian, and Ethiopian spots that won't charge you a "tourist premium."
If you need coffee, skip the massive Starbucks lines where people are stressed out. Find a smaller shop a few avenues over. Your sanity will thank you.
Why Some People Love It and Others Don't
The reviews for the Millennium are always a mixed bag, and it’s usually because of expectations.
If you expect a 5-star luxury experience with a butler and a marble bathtub, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a solid, high-occupancy 4-star hotel. It’s a machine. It’s built for volume.
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The staff is generally pretty efficient, but they are dealing with a lot. New York hospitality is fast. It’s not "slow southern charm." It’s "how can I help you get where you’re going so I can help the next person." Once you understand that rhythm, the city becomes a lot easier to navigate.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’ve decided that the Millennium Hotel Times Square New York is your home base for your next trip, here is how to make the most of it:
Request a high floor away from the elevators. The noise from the hallway can be more annoying than the noise from the street. A room at the end of the hall on a high floor is the "Golden Ticket."
Check the Broadway schedule before you book. If there is a massive festival or a premiere happening right outside, the street will be blocked off. This makes getting a taxi or an Uber to the front door nearly impossible. Check for "Street Closures NYC" on the official DOT website before you arrive.
Use the subway. The Times Square-42nd St station is right there. You can get almost anywhere in the city from that one hub. The N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains all meet there. It’s the most efficient way to see the city, and it’s cheaper than a single cocktail at a rooftop bar.
Don't forget the Millennium Premier side. There is often confusion between the Millennium Hotel and the Millennium Premier. The Premier is essentially the "upscale" wing of the same complex. It offers a slightly more boutique feel and some extra perks like a dedicated lounge. If the price difference is small, it’s usually worth the upgrade for the shorter elevator lines alone.
Join the loyalty program. Even if you only stay once, My Millennium members often get better rates or late check-out options. In a city where check-out is strictly 11 AM, an extra hour can be a lifesaver.
Staying in Times Square is an assault on the senses. It’s bright, it’s loud, and it’s undeniably New York. The Millennium Hotel Times Square New York puts you right in the center of that energy. It’s not a perfect hotel, but it’s a quintessential New York one. Pack your walking shoes, grab a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and get ready to be in the middle of everything.