This four-star property is on the very East Side of Manhattan, directly across from the United Nations. A lot of diplomats and senators stay at the Millenium. Consequently, security in this area is truly excellent. If you have ever been nervous about visiting New York because you've heard about the crime, this may the spot for you.

The rooms are spacious and equipped with a small refrigerator and sink. There is also a safe, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries including body lotion and shower cap. The soap is really high-quality; mild and creamy at the same time. What is not complimentary is the little basket of munchies in the room; there is a price card also in the basket and you must be very strong to keep from breaking into an eight-dollar jar of Jelly Bellies late at night. Happily, there is a 24-hour deli only one block up so you may stock your bar area with your own snacks without much trouble.

This property has recently undergone an upgrade and there are two kinds of rooms: Classic and West Tower. My West Tower room was great: lots of lighting options, and a wonderfully comfortable king-size bed. The Classic rooms are more recent in decor with a very modern flair. If the newness (as opposed to cleanliness; my room was very clean) of a room is important to you, make sure you ask for Classic.

Each room also has a fax machine on a long desk for working, plus table and chairs by the window. Guest rooms start in the mid-20's floor and go up to the 40th floor. There are conference rooms and offices below. Hence,the rooms are quiet, away from traffic sounds and bound to have some kind of view.

There is a small but well-stocked convenience store in the hotel open from 7am to 9pm; prices are good. There is also a small business center that is located IN the conveniece store. I was surprised at the informality of the set-up but it is well-equipped with PC, laser printer and color inkjet printer, as well as a fax machine. Prices start at 69 cents a minute for internet and go up from there. I think the business center here is really for afterthoughts and emergencies. There are also indoor pool and tennis courts on site.

The UN is literally across the street; definitely worth seeing and you could spend most of a day there. The Empire State Building is only a dozen short blocks away and it's an easy cab ride to 5th Avenue for shopping or to Central Park for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The Theater District is a pleasant walk over to the West Side. The only reason I wouldn't stay there again is if I was planning to go to the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side for several days running.

My parents frequently stay at this elegant hotel adjacent to the I. M. Pei designed United Nations and once in awhile, I stay there too. Rooms are all on high floors (27 and up, I believe) as lower floors consist of UN-controlled apartments. Views are incredible - most look at the Empire State Building. Sadly, you used to be able to see the World Trade Centers so now the view leaves me feeling a bit sad.

Rooms were recently refurbished with a Danish modern twist. My mother misses the older, perhaps more elegant look, however this 20 something likes the blond wood furniture and colorful throw pillows just fine!

Another unique feature of this hotel is that it has a swimming floor (and even more interestingly, it's on a high floor - 27?). Most NYC hotels do not offer this amenity. The UN Plaza also has a fitness center.

Service is excellent - staff members be sure to call you by name and are eager to take care of any special requests that arrive.

The Ambassador Grill serves three meals per day except on Sunday when brunch is offered. It's a bit pricey if you're not using an expense account.

For me, the only downside is the location. Being so far east ensures that unless you're doing business on the east side, you'll take a good number of cabs. The hotel is about a ten minute walk from Grand Central (not that far really).