I've been flying to New York for business every few weeks. I'm trying to hit several different hotels in different areas I need to be in. This time I had several meetings in the Financial District so I booked this hotel. I knew the view would be great but maybe a little strange since the World Trade Center is no longer in front of it. You see, this hotel is located right behind where the World Trade Center used to be.

I fly from Buenos Aires so it's a LONG 10+ hour flight. Even flying in Business Class to JFK is no comfort and after a long flight I like to go right to the room. I arrived very early around 6:30 am. I encountered a very grumpy middle aged man that didn't even offer a "good morning". I gave him my name and reservation number and I also showed him my Hilton HHonors Gold VIP card. I have spent a LOT of money with Hilton hotels around the world but this didn't seem to matter to this guy. He didn't even look at it.

I inquired about checking in early and he said "no it's impossible". He didn't say anything like "I'm sorry Mr. X all the rooms are occupied". Or any other explanation. He simply said that check-in is at 2 PM and that was that. It was only 6:30 am and I was exhausted since I didn't sleep on the long flight. I was going to wait in the lounge but the chairs are not comfortable and the lounge area really isn't that nice. I checked my bag and decided to go have breakfast and do some shopping.

I stayed out until about 1 PM. I was a few blocks away but usually not in this area and I didn't know it well. I called the hotel to ask for directions and said "I know I'm only a few blocks away...can you help". The guy that answered the phone said that he couldn't help and transferred me to what I'm assuming is the concierge desk and no one answered the phone. I was furious. I asked a police officer and he kindly pointed me in the right direction.

I get to the hotel and it's 2 PM now. I see there is still no one at the concierge desk. It's very rude when a guest is calling to get directions and you simply transfer it to an empty desk. It would have taken him all of 10 seconds to explain where the hotel was.

So I get to the front desk and they give me my key. I go to get my checked bag and I had a big bag plus all the bags I had from shopping (and I did a LOT of shopping). The bellboy (or I should say middle aged man) just handed me my suitcase and didn't even offer to help me take it to my room. This is extremely unprofessional.

So this was 3 things now all before I even got to my room that I was not happy about. Someone definitely needs to do a customer service seminar for these employees. This is not a way to treat a customer that frequents their many hotels around the world.

I get to my room and my bad mood goes away once I see the view. They put me on the 49th floor and I have an amazing view! It's very very strange to see the big hole where the World Trade Center was. I snapped some photos that I don't know if they will allow me to post on Trip Advisor since it's not the hotel but of the view.

The room size is extremely big for a New York City hotel. I guess for the u$s 350+/night range you get mostly small hotel rooms here in NYC but this was very spacous with a King size bed. The room had a 42'inch Plasma/LCD TV which was a great touch. I do the same thing in my properties that I have for rent and people really appreciate these things. The bathroom was a good size as well. Nothing luxurious but it was at least spacious.

The bed was extremely comfortable with great pillows as well. I stayed a few nights and used the room service and each time they were very quick. I'd say the food was delivered in less than 30 minutes each time. The food quality was ok as well. The prices on the menu don't seem too expensive but then remember they add on like $4 service fee + 15% tip which is also fairly common these days.

I'm here getting ready to check-out. I must have just gotten a grumpy check-in guy. I just called down to let them know that I didn't use anything in my mini-bar and there were at least 4 things on my bill. The nice guy that answered (said his name was Robert) was very friendly and explained that the refrigerators have motion sensors that detect if you take something out. I did move some things around to put in some water that I had but put them back in. I thought that was interesting and never heard of that before so make sure you check your bills at the check-out.

I asked Robert if I could have a late check-out and he said "sure, no problem. What time did you want to check-out. I told him I just needed a few extra hours. 2 PM would be fine and he said not a problem. Now that is good customer service and very friendly. He sounded younger and was much friendlier than the grumpy old guy at the check-in.

All in all, I'd highly recommend this hotel. If they got rid of the grumpy ole guy at the check-in and trained their staff to be a little friendlier than I'd say it's highly recommended.

Mike

My wife and I loved the Millenium Hilton. This is a beautiful, modern hotel with good rates. We had a junior suite on the 46th floor with windows facing west toward Ground Zero and the Hudson River and north to the Empire State Building and midtown. It is sad staring out at the construction at Ground Zero and the other surrounding buildings that were damaged, but therapeutic in a way. It's also eerie working out in the fitness center because you're staring out at the site also.
The hotel itself was great. Very modern, clean, comfortable. There were two thermostats in our room, one for the bedroom and one for the lounge area. Housekeeping and the staff were helpful and friendly. Breakfast in the restaurant was also good and reasonable. We didn't eat there any other meals though.
While aside from the WTC site there isn't a lot for tourists in the immediate area, there is a subway stop right across the street and it's easy to hop on and go to Times Square or wherever you want to go. I'd definitely stay here again.

We stayed here only one night but were impressed immediately upon entering the establishment. The staff was friendly and although we arrived a few hours earlier than check-in time, we were able to go straight to our room on the 24th floor. The view was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful yet sad (WTC) at the same time. The bed was so comfy and the bathroom was spacious and immaculate. We would definitely stay here again.

I used tripadvisor reviews to help chose this hotel for our stay in New York and was very pleased with the choice.

The hotel is very comfortable, with everything you need for a great stay. The rooms were very modern with comfy beds, good coffee makers and marble bathrooms. The decor is modern and pleasant.

We enjoyed a couple of early morning swims in the pool. When full of children (Saturday afternoon) the pool was bit less enjoyable, as it's really quite small.

Once we'd worked out how to navigate the subway we found the hotel's location was excellent. It is easy to get to several subway lines, including the express which took us to Bloomingdales in only minutes.

We only ate a couple of times at the hotel. Breakfast was much better and cheaper at the nearby Stage door deli. We had a very enjoyable dinner at the hotel restaurant, but it was comparatively expensive.

The hotel staff were very helpful from the concierge who recommended a great restaurant one night and helped with directions and queries, to the front desk who helped me check in on line for our return flight.

I would happily return to this hotel.