Millenium Broadway v's Roosevelt Hotel
 

I've found identical rates for these two hotels for early July. Both in Superior Rooms. Which do you think? My feeling would be that the Millenium is a bit more central? But the Roosevelt looks really nice.Thanks Again for all the help

It depends on what you consider "central." The Millennium Broadway is just off Times Square, so while it's convenient to Broadway theaters, it's within walking distance of little else except for expensive, mediocre Midtown restaurants. The Roosevelt is on Madison near Grand Central, and while it's pretty convenient, the immediate area is really quiet after dark, though you are within pretty easy walking distance of more residential areas of Manhattan where there are reasonbly priced restaurants. The hotels are very different in atmosphere. The Millennium is a skyscraper with modern rooms; the Roosevelt is a bit old-fashioned, but I like it. Frankly, I like both hotels, so I don't think you'll be disappointed in either. But I really really HATE staying near Times Square. Too busy for me. For a tourist, it may appeal.

Realize that virtually none of the major tourist attractions is within walking distance of Times Square. It's just a busy hub.

I disagree with Doug's comment that "virtually none of the major tourist attractions is within walking distance of Times square. Just to name a few, within a mile walk are the following:
*Top of the Rock
*Empire State Building
*St. Patrick's
*Rockfeller Center
*Macy's
*Central Park
*Grand Central Terminal
*Museum of Modern Art

I always choose a hotel depending on what we plan to do during our visit. Weather in July can be really hot and humid, making using the subway, especially if you're all dressed up for the evening, miserable. It's often difficult to find a taxi at dinner time, show time, right after a show, so the more convenient to your evening activities your hotel the better.

I find the Millennium rather impersonal, and too slick/modern, but there are some terrific views from rooms on the upper floors. (We prefer views of Midtown to Times Square.) I love that the Roosevelt is old fashioned, and it's just gorgeous.

Our favorite hotels are on 44th between 5th and 6th (Sofitel, Iroquois, Algonquin, Royalton, etc.), where Times Square is only steps away in one direction and 5th Avenue in the other, with lots of options for a really nice breakfast before heading out for the day, along with wonderful places nearby for a nice late supper or peaceful nightcap, and most of the theaters are within a reasonable walk. Despite the proximity to Times Square, it's a really quiet block.

As a New Yorker my advice is to avoid Times Square t all costs - but I know that many tourists think it's the place to stay.

As a tourist I enjoyed staying in Times Square as there is always something going on and lots of people walking around which made me feel safe in the big city. I found it easy to walk to lots of sights and resturants. I can imagine if you are a local you would hate the place but as a tourist, there is a reason we all flock there, it is convenient.

Well, actually Times Square is one of the less safe areas - if what you're talking about is pickpocketing - which is most likely to affect tourists. the more tourists the more pickpockets.

And really The Millennium isn't that much closer to al of of places than the Roosevelt (which is closer to Grand Central, the main branch of the public library, Lord & Taylor and Macy's) and is only 2 blocks from the subway.

In terms of proximity to sights I would rate them about equally.

Hmmm... I've decided four nights at the millenium and three at the Roosevelt as I couldn't decide. Thank you

Tell us the truth, are you really King Solomon?

I guess if you insist, then splitting up your hotel stay would work, but you're going to be wasting a lot of time and effort just to move 7 blocks. My advice would be to decide if you haven't already made a nonrefundable reservation.

King Soloman? I got them both for $160 per night... :)

Lissa, surely you know the biblical tale of King Solomon!

Is one really that much better or more central than the other? Unless you really have a need to stay at both properties, I agree you should just pick one and stay there. Moving seems like such a hassle. But whatever you decide, I'm sure you will have a great trip and will enjoy your visit.

hehehehe... I do know now HowardR (I googled)but I'm determined I'm not going to feel silly and blonde :). My DH has decided to split the stay in half so I'll be happy with either. We are back for two nights at the end of our trip, he imagines he'd like something closer to central park then. Any suggestions? :)

For something closer to Central Park, have a look on quikbook.com for 6 Columbus (but get at least a queen room NOT a pod which is tiny). It's near the southwest corner of the park. Another nice option which would be even more different than your midtown stay is the Beacon on the upper west side. It's not far from the park and a totally different area/feeling. They have special summer rates. beaconhotel.com
Ontheave-ny.com is another good hotel in that area.

PS, if you're still debating b/w the Mill. B'way and the Roosevelt, it depends on what's important to you. Apart from the location differences, the Mill. B'way has great views and is a more modern hotel. The Roosevelt is an OLD classic NY hotel with nice public areas but room sizes range from closet sized to decent and you won't likely have any views.

THanks Mclaurie, we ended up with four nights at the Millenium and three at the Roosevelt, hopefully a good mix. When we get back to NYC we have one night, and we really wanted somewhere near central park (maybe a view) so i'll check the ones you've given me. Thanks again, Lissa

At least there seem to be several very positive opinions here at Fodor's for the Roosevelt, which is encouraging!

I just won it on Priceline for May ($99) and the reviews at tripadvisor are pretty varied.

I will write back to state if we get a "priceline tiny room" or are lucky and get a little larger one.

The internet website photos look wonderful.