missm

Hi! We are thinking of going to NYC for New Year's and we have the choices of the above 2 hotels. Has anyone been to any of those hotels? Which of the two is the better? Thank you in advance!

karebear4567

I have been to the Grand Hyatt and did not really like it. I thought the rooms were kind of dreary. I thought the whole hotel was a little dark and gloomy actually.

mclaurie

NEITHER of these choices is very good IMO. There are some dismal reviews of the Millenium (mostly service related)here

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._New_York.html

Can't remember exactly where it is but keep in mind the crowds on New Year's Eve in Times Square could make getting "home" a mess.

The Hyatt is not near Times Square but is evidently in bad need of renovation. I've read renovation is scheduled for Jan 2004 on Priceline, yet in a review on Tripadvisor someone mentions August 2003. Either way, not good news for you (it will either not have started or will be in progress.)

Keep in mind both these hotels are regularly available on Priceline for $100/night or less so if this is part of a package, it may not be the bargain you think it is. If you're determined to pick one, I'd suggest the Hyatt and become a member of their Gold Club (register for free on line at the Hyatt website) so you can at least be on the Club floor.

Here's the URL for the Hyatt reviews.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._New_York.html

If you can do something else, I'd suggest bidding a 4* on Priceline in upper midtown (near Central Park South). All these hotels are pretty good. You could add 4* upper east side (the only hotel in this category is the Stanhope Park Hyatt which is terrific). If your bid is still not accepted you can add areas where there are no 4* (like upper west side, JFK etc.) to get "free" rebids. All this is explained on biddingfortravel.com

Otherwise, have a look at Quikbook.com for good rates. Good luck.

GoTravel

I won the Grand Hyatt on Priceline for $75 per night. At that price, it is a steal.

OliveOyl

Mclaurie...to receive complimentary upgrades to Regency Club you must have diamond status on the gold passport program (attained after completing 25 stays or 50 nights at Hyatt within a calendar year).

GoTravel...for NYC, it sure sounds like a deal. Haven't been in that hotel in years, (and it was wonderful then) but have read what has been said here...just hard to believe that they would allow a Grand to slip that much. Still, for $75 I'd guess you did just fine!

GoTravel

I have no problems with the Grand Hyatt at all. Yes, it is a very large busy convention hotel but it is right at Grand Central.

OO-didn't someone post that the Grand Hyatt has been renovated?

OliveOyl

I thought I'd read that as well, but evidently not. Grands are supposed to be just that, so it is surprising that it had been let go to the point where some people were complaining. I have no idea what the problem was. I've read about small rooms, but if that's it, a renovation isn't going to change that--a by-product of an older building. Just went to their website and found the following:

$40 Million Room Renovation

New York, NY-April 29, 2003- A $40 million guest room renovation has been approved for the Grand Hyatt New York. The work is scheduled to commence January 2, 2004 with an expected completion date of August 2004.

All rooms will feature contemporary design and will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.

A comprehensive renovation of the Conference Level, 14th Floor, and Empire State Ballroom Foyer will complement the new 5,000 square foot Manhattan Ballroom, Manhattan Sky Bar and Restaurant, and the new Chrysler and Park Avenue Rooms overlooking 42nd Street.

GoTravel

Aha! Thanks for posting the info. After the renovation, probably will not ever see those $75 rooms again.

Does Donald still own a piece of the Grand Hyatt?

Bo

I would also question whether they would let a room here go for $75 during the New Year's Eve time frame.

OliveOyl

GoTravel, No, I believe they are a thing of the past. If I'm not mistaken, in fact, it's one of the few Hyatt owned hotels. Might be wrong, but I believe it's the case.

Trumps owned it when it was first developed of course and she did the decor. Which...I'm certain has been changed since that era--several times!

suzanne

Missm, are you planning to go to the Times Square celebration or not? If you are, definitely opt for the Millenium!! That way you can walk right out your door and be in the middle of the action. Even though the Hyatt isn't far, the cops close off side streets to pedestrian traffic and you may have to walk for miles through a maze just to get anywhere near Times Square.

However, if you are NOT going to this celebration, stay AWAY from the Millenium. Because it's going to be one crowded mess of people.

Gretchen

We stayed at the Millenium on a Priceline and it was fine. We had no problem with service. It is 1/2 block from Times Square which has cleaned up its act--so that isn't a problem. I would definitely bid on PL or you will pay a lot.

mclaurie

OliveOyl, you're right about the upgrade BUT by signing up for the Hyatt Gold Passport you can take advantage of the express check in desk upon arrival, get free coffee & paper in the morning and perhaps a nicer room.

Postal

I spent three nights at the Millennium for $90 per night thru Priceline and couldn't have been more pleased with the room. I politely asked at check-in for an upgrade or a "really nice room" and the clerk said he could do the really nice room part.

We had a corner room on the 44th floor with great views, a very comfortable king size bed, plenty of other room (we could have easily accommodated a rollaway had we needed one), and a very large bathroom. The location was excellent, as well.

I've stayed at the Marriott Marquis, Renaissance New York (also a Marriott), and the Millennium and I think all three were equally nice.

djkbooks

We stayed at the Millenium Broadway with Hotwire. Location is fantastic, room was huge (got a corner room on a high floor with terrific views), housekeeping was meticulous, service was wonderful throughout, and we did not experience a long check-in line like you hear about. Room was a tad "worn", but nothing objectionable. Bed linens were all new.

I was very pleased for the Hotwire rate, but wouldn't book it on purpose for "regular" rates.