You’re standing in the middle of New York City, and you’ve just realized something confusing. There isn't just one Millennium. In fact, if you’re looking for Millennium Hotels New York, you’re actually looking at two very different beasts: the Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square and the Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza. They share a name. They share a brand. But they absolutely do not share a vibe.
Most people book the first one they see on Expedia. Big mistake. Honestly, if you want to actually enjoy your trip, you’ve got to understand the geographic and cultural chasm between the neon chaos of 44th Street and the buttoned-up, diplomatic quiet of the East Side. One is where you go to feel the "center of the world" energy (and the crowds that come with it), and the other is where you go when you want to look at the Chrysler Building without hearing a taxi honk every three seconds.
The Identity Crisis of Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Let’s talk about the Broadway location first. It’s huge. It’s 626 rooms of "I need to be near the theaters." If you’ve ever stayed here, you know the lobby feels like a transit hub. It’s busy. It’s loud. It’s exactly what you expect from a massive hotel sitting right off 7th Avenue.
The rooms? They’re okay. But let’s be real: you aren't paying for the thread count here. You’re paying for the fact that you can walk out the front door and be at the MJ: The Musical stage door in four minutes. The hotel is physically attached to the Hudson Theatre, which is a genuine piece of Broadway history built in 1903. It’s actually the oldest operating theater on Broadway. That gives the hotel a weird, cool historical tether that most of the sterile glass towers in Midtown just don't have.
But here is the thing people get wrong. They expect a boutique experience because the word "Millennium" sounds fancy. It’s a workhorse hotel. The elevators are busy. The breakfast line can be long. But the views from the higher floors—especially looking south toward the New Year’s Eve ball—are legitimate. If you’re a tourist who wants to do the "New York" things, this is your base camp. Just don't expect a quiet glass of wine in the lobby at 6:00 PM without seeing a dozen families with strollers.
One UN Plaza: The Sophisticated Sibling
Now, flip the script. Go east. Keep going until you almost hit the East River. That’s where you find the Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza.
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It’s technically a Hilton-managed property under the Millennium umbrella, and honestly, the quality gap is noticeable. This place was designed by Kevin Roche, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect. It feels intentional. It feels like a place where people in suits discuss global policy, mostly because they do. It sits right across from the United Nations Headquarters.
The views here aren't of neon billboards; they are of the river and the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign in Long Island City. It’s arguably one of the best vistas in Manhattan because you’re far enough east to see the skyline’s depth.
What People Forget About the East Side
People avoid the UN area because they think it's "too far."
Is it?
Grand Central is a ten-minute walk.
The 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains are right there.
You’re basically a short stroll from the Chrysler Building.
The trade-off is simple: you walk an extra few blocks to get to the subway, but in exchange, you get a room that feels like a sanctuary instead of a dorm. The Ambassador Grill inside the hotel is a New York City Interior Landmark. It’s all mirrors and 1970s futuristic glamour. It’s a vibe that feels very "old school cool" New York.
Navigating the Logistics: What You Need to Know
Booking Millennium Hotels New York requires a bit of tactical thinking. New York hotel prices fluctuate like the stock market. During United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) weeks in September, the One UN Plaza prices will skyrocket. Like, "don't even bother looking" skyrocket.
Conversely, during Broadway’s slow weeks in January or February, the Broadway location can be an absolute steal.
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- Proximity to Transit: Times Square is a cluster, but it has every train. One UN is a hike to the train.
- The "Vibe" Factor: Times Square is tourist-centric. One UN is business and diplomat-heavy.
- Room Size: Generally, older NYC hotels have tiny rooms. Millennium Broadway’s rooms are surprisingly decent in size for the price point, but the decor is often described as "functional."
Why This Brand Still Matters in 2026
With so many Moxy hotels and CitizensM "lifestyle" brands popping up with their 100-square-foot rooms and communal sinks, the Millennium properties represent a disappearing era of NYC hospitality. They are large-scale, full-service hotels. They have actual desks. They have closets where you can actually hang a coat.
In a city that is increasingly trying to turn every hotel into a "social club" with a rooftop bar that charges $24 for a mediocre gin and tonic, there’s something almost refreshing about a hotel that just wants to be a hotel.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Don't get blindsided by the "Facility Fee" or "Destination Fee." It’s a plague in New York City hotels, and the Millennium properties are no exception. You’re looking at roughly $30 to $40 per night on top of your room rate. Usually, this covers "free" Wi-Fi (which should be free anyway), maybe a credit for the pantry, and access to the fitness center.
Is it annoying?
Yes.
Is it avoidable?
Not really.
Just bake it into your budget so you aren't grumpy at checkout.
Also, parking. Look, if you’re driving into Manhattan to stay at a Millennium hotel, you’re doing New York wrong. Valet parking can hit $80-$100 a night. Take the train. Take a Lyft. Walk. The Millennium Broadway is so central that having a car is actually a liability. You’ll spend more time in traffic on 44th Street than you will in your hotel bed.
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The Verdict: Which One Is For You?
If you are coming to the city for a three-day Broadway blitz and you want to be able to run back to your room to drop off shopping bags between a matinee and a dinner reservation, stay at the Millennium Broadway. It’s the logical choice. It’s the "I’m here for the chaos" choice.
But if you are a repeat visitor—the kind of person who has already seen the Statue of Liberty and doesn't need to stand in the middle of Duffy Square—go to One UN Plaza. The peace of mind you get from being away from the "Elmo performers" and the "discount comedy club" touts is worth the extra walk.
There is a certain quiet dignity to the East Side that the West Side lost decades ago. You wake up, you see the sun reflecting off the East River, and you feel like you’re in a movie about New York, rather than a theme park version of it.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Check the UN Calendar: Before booking the One UN Plaza, Google "UN General Assembly dates." If your trip overlaps, the security perimeters will make your life a nightmare.
- Request a High Floor: At Millennium Broadway, the street noise is real. Anything below the 20th floor is going to hear the city breathing all night. Ask for "High and Quiet" in your booking notes.
- The Grand Central Shortcut: If staying at One UN, don't just walk 42nd street. Cut through the lobby of the Tudor City buildings or walk through the side streets to see the hidden parks. It’s a much prettier walk to the subway.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Millennium’s "My Millennium" program actually offers decent "Member Rates" that are usually 10% lower than the public price. It takes two minutes to sign up and pays for itself in one night.
- Ditch the Hotel Breakfast: At either location, you are surrounded by better options. For Broadway, hit a local deli for a bacon, egg, and cheese. For One UN, walk a few blocks to a local cafe. You’ll save $30 and eat better food.
New York is a lot. It’s exhausting and beautiful and loud. Your choice of hotel is basically your armor for the city. Choose the Broadway Millennium if you want to be in the fight; choose the UN Millennium if you want a place to retreat from it. Both have their place, but they are definitely not the same experience.