NEW YORK CITY: The Millennium Hilton

Editor's note:  The Millennium Hilton at 55 Church Street has been acquired since this review was published and is now being operated by Millennium Hotels and Resorts. The Millennium Hilton New York at One UN Plaza is still owned and operated by Hilton Hotels. 

The Millennium Hilton in lower Manhattan has many things going for it, but also a few drawbacks.

The hotel is mere steps from the World Trade Center Memorial, the memorial museum, and the new World Trade Center. It’s an easy walk to Wall Street, to Battery Park where one catches the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and it’s close to many shops and stores, subway stops and restaurants.


Guest rooms are generous by New York City standards. My main room was 18‘ x 11‘ with a bathroom of almost 8‘ x 8‘. The room came with a king size bed, a chair for relaxing, a desk with a proper task chair for working, a large television, in-room coffee, and a safe. Internet connectivity was hotel-typical: about 5 Mbps as measured by Speakeasy.net/speedtest.

The bathroom had all the usual amenities including shampoo and lotion, soap and a hairdryer.


There are, however, some drawbacks.

Guest rooms do not have a refrigerator or microwave, though a refrigerator can be delivered for a one-time $35 charge. Depending on how long you’re staying and your dining preferences, that might make sense.

The hotel is definitely in need of a refresh. Carpets are a bit worn in the guest rooms, my dresser drawers did not close completely, and other facets of the hotel seem dated. Even though many restaurants in the area have reopened, the hotel’s bar and restaurant have not. The only food service is room service breakfast with its attendant fees.


Other services seemed spotty as well.

A couple of times, my message light was on but when I tried to call to find out why, no one answered. I had to go to the front desk to find out either that there was a package for me or that someone had left a message for me.

For the most part, the people were up to Hilton‘s high standards. Staff members were polite, prompt and helpful. On one occasion, I asked housekeeping for water and coffee, though I didn’t need my room serviced. The next day, I came back to find more coffee packets and water on my doorstep even though I had put out the “do not need service” sign. The person who took that step is someone who anticipates guests’ needs and demonstrates excellent service.

All in all, the hotel met my needs for my business trip but certainly did not exceed my expectations.

There are other properties nearby, including a Conrad by Hilton, that are equally convenient and much more up-to-date. Depending on the purpose for your trip and/or your budget, the Millennium Hilton might be just fine. Or it might be worth looking into nearby alternatives, at least until Hilton has the opportunity to bring this particular property up to date.

Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.

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