First of all, the top line of this review is that, while the hotel quotes its rates between $400 and $500, I was able to snag it for $175 on Priceline. And I'm sure people have gotten it for less before. Amazing deal at that price. At $500, I probably wouldn't have been as happy.

I think the reviews about the World Trade Center construction are exaggerated. I had a room facing ground zero and was not disrupted at all. If I turned off the TV and the air conditioner, I was only barely able to hear construction, but not at all if anything in the room was on.

The room had a 42" plasma TV which was nice, however there was no HD programming, which I find quite annoying. What's the purpose of having such a great TV if it has a crappy picture?

The bath linens and bed were very comfortable. I would have liked a few more outlets, though.

We usually stay at the Courtyard Times Square South when coming to NYC. We opted to stay the night of July 4th at the Millenium Hilton in order to have closer proximity to the fireworks and the South Street Seaport. We had a king room which was about what we expected; not huge but certainly big enough to move around and room for our bags. The room was very clean; had a huge flat-screen tv, a large bathroom with Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, and a great view of the waterfront/Ground Zero. We were on the 45th floor and still had a little street noise, but that's to be expected in NYC. The construction didn't start until late in the day; possibly because it was a weekend, but again, the noise didn't really bother us. There were earplugs provided in the room for those who are light sleepers; or I suppose you could request a room on the opposite side of the hotel. We didn't take advantage of the pool or restaurants, so I can't comment on those. The bed was comfortable, the shower was great, and I can't think of any reason not to recommend this hotel to anyone.

This hotel is lovely. It is alittle off the beaten track but has great rooms. Subways are accessible but you need to know where they are. We found the service to be great as well and based on our priceline deal it was affordable. Would love to stay here again.

THE FOLLOWING IS MY LETTER TO HILTON DESCRIBING OUR ISSUESSS!

Hopefully this reaches someone of importance, as my wife and I had the worst hotel experience. Today is our anniversary and we booked a room at the Millenium Hilton with the Romance Package.

While booking, I asked online, the 800#, and this hotel directly, to confirm if Guest Certificates were accepted. All three assured they were honored. Trying to check-in at 2:15 pm, the reception desk employee took the Certificates and put a Smoking Room on hold.

Since we purchased to the Romance Package, which provides early check-in amongst other amenities, we were disappointed the room was not ready 45 minutes prior to normal check-in. But this wasn’t the main issue.

We dropped bags and couldn’t freshen up after our trip. When using the hotel bathroom, I waited a while, realizing the street vendors used them to bath in. But even this wasn’t the main issue.

Trying to check-in later that day, the Assistant Front Office Manager, Jacqueline Concepcion, told us they wouldn’t accept the Guest Certificates. After a long unfruitful conversation, she left to talk with “The Director.” Returning she said they still wouldn’t honor them, adding a Smoking Room was not available, supposedly put on hold, ruining our carefully planned, reconfirmed “Romantic” Anniversary getaway.

My wife and I are extremely disappointed with Millenium and Hilton in general. We are both avid business/personal travelers, taking two vacations a year and often traveling to family out of state. I am disappointed that unless Hilton makes retribution for our poor experience, lack of respect and understanding, and lying to us, we will not stay at nor recommend Hilton. It will be a experience that my wife and I will certainly tell our friends and blogs about, and will be a chain I’ll have my business and wife’s business decline.