Best New Years Eve Hotels In NYC
Coming to NYC to see the ball drop requires advanced planning. We created this list of the best hotels to book around Times Square for visitors coming to New York City for the ball drop.
September 22, 2023
Coming to NYC to see the ball drop requires advanced planning. We created this list of the best hotels to book around Times Square for visitors coming to New York City for the ball drop.
September 22, 2023
The Times Square Ball Drop is an iconic New Year's Eve tradition held in New York City's Times Square. This tradition dates back to 1904 when it was first organized by the owner of The New York Times, to celebrate the newspaper's new headquarters at One Times Square.
Despite a few exceptions during World War II when the event was suspended due to wartime restrictions, the Times Square Ball Drop has remained an annual tradition, drawing massive crowds to the heart of Manhattan each December 31st. It symbolizes a collective moment of hope and renewal as people from around the world come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. The event has also embraced sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting technology in the ball, reflecting the changing times and the importance of environmental consciousness in modern celebrations.
Today, the Times Square Ball Drop has become a global phenomenon, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the spectacle on television or joining the vibrant crowds in person. It stands as a symbol of unity, optimism, and the shared joy of a fresh start as people across the globe celebrate the turning of the calendar on New Year's Eve.
Coming to NYC to see the ball drop requires advanced planning. We created this list of the best hotels to book around Times Square for visitors coming to New York City for the ball drop. If this is your first time reading our blog, here’s our introduction. We are a team of NYC-based trip consultants who share our knowledge to help travelers discover the NY experiences they want. We use our shared knowledge, connections, and network to give our customers the same experience our friends and family receive when they visit. When you’re ready to start planning your trip, contact our team to reserve time for your trip to New York City.
Ok ... on to the list ...
The Margaritaville Resort Times Square is a new, beach-themed hotel in the heart of Times Square. It offers 234 island-inspired guest rooms, a fitness center, a Tiki Bar, and a heated outdoor pool on the 4th floor. The 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar on the 31st and 32nd floors offers stunning views of Times Square. The resort's Ultimate New Year's Eve Getaway package includes a private party at the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar, a bottle of champagne, and a late check-out. The package has received fantastic reviews from guests during its 2 years running. The hotel also boasts 7 rooms with direct views of the drop.
The new M Social New York is a 480-room hotel located in the heart of Times Square. It offers stunning views of the city, whether you're looking out over Times Square, the river, or the city skyline. All rooms are equipped with modern workspaces, Serta mattresses, and 4K smart TVs. The hotel also has a popular rooftop bar and lounge called Beast & Butterflies, which is perched above Times Square. The bar bites aren’t half bad and from the 7,500-square-foot wraparound terrace, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the city and the iconic Times Square Ball Drop.
The New York Marriott Marquis uses its location in Times Square to offer a variety of New Year's Eve experiences, including rooms and suites with direct views of the ball drop. Even if you don’t snag a room with a view the hotel offers a selection of different parties around the venue including:
Prices vary depending on the experience and the type of room or package.
This hotel is perfect for families or groups looking to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square thanks to its large suite style rooms. It is located in the heart of the theater district, just a short walk from Times Square. The hotel offers 94 boutique rooms with sleek black furnishings and metallic decor. Some rooms have views of Times Square, while others do not. Either way, Guests of the hotel receive a pass to get in and out of police barriers 24/7 on New Year's Eve.
The Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City offers a unique New Year's Eve experience with a rooftop party and private view of the ball drop. The hotel’s famous rooftop terrace St. Cloud is just steps away from Times Square, so you'll be able to see the ball drop in all its glory. While packages start at a slightly higher rate compared to other hotels on this list, priced at $6,000 per room, they include a range of amenities such as accommodations, hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, a midnight champagne toast, and delectable catering from Charlie Palmer Restaurant. The Knickerbocker also boasts the closest view of the drop in the world, being located just 150 feet from the main attraction. Some packages also include reserved seating, heaters, and blankets, so you can stay warm and cozy while you watch the New Year ring in.
The tallest hotel in NYC, Residence Inn by Marriott offers a unique New Year's Eve experience with its prime location. The hotel is well-suited to provide guests with captivating in-room views of the Times Square ball drop. This accommodation is ideal for first-time visitors to the city, offering a memorable stay. Guests can partake in the hotel's New Year's Eve reception and can expect attentive service throughout their visit. Beyond the stunning views, the hotel provides amenities such as on-site parking, in-room kitchenettes, a continental breakfast, and a fitness center, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable stay in Manhattan.
The Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, located in the Theatre District of New York City, has 312 soundproof rooms, some of which have balconies with stunning views of the iconic ball drop. The hotel's communal lounge area is the best place to watch the New Year's Eve festivities, and it also hosts the R Lounge's annual celebration. Tickets for this event start at $1,500 and include an open bar with unlimited champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Guests have called the venue "unbeatable" for viewing the Times Square ball drop, making the Renaissance Hotel an attractive option for those looking for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration steps away from the action.
The Times Square EDITION is a 42-story hotel offering 452 guest rooms and an array of exciting built-in amenities that ensure a memorable New Year's Eve experience. The hotel features a signature 3-star restaurant with access to a spacious 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck that overlooks the iconic Times Square. Guests can ring in the New Year at 701West, where they can enjoy signature cocktails at the Salon, indulge in a delectable 6-course menu, savor canapés, and groove to live music. The celebration culminates with a midnight Champagne toast and an elevated Ball Drop experience. Additionally, attendees with tickets to the 701West dinner gain guaranteed access to the exclusive Paradise Club after-party, available for those aged 21 and over.
The Casablanca Hotel, known for its Moroccan-style decor, offers an exceptional New Year's Eve experience with panoramic views of Times Square from its prime West 43rd Street location. This Library Collection hotel requires a four-night minimum stay for its New Year's accommodation package, which includes complimentary amenities like a bottle of champagne in each room and limitless wine, mixed drinks, cheese, and fruits at the lounge bar. Guests can also indulge in a hearty meal at Tony's Di Napoli before heading to the rooftop, where they are welcomed with abundant cases of champagne. The evening's festivities unfold in the intimate upstairs club, Rick's Café, featuring a cozy fireplace to help guests warm up from the outside chill.
You can experience New Year's Eve in Times Square like a true VIP at this 4-star hotel. Guests are invited to choose from five NYE packages, including the prestigious Times Square Platinum Package and the exclusive Ball Drop Pen Package. As the clock strikes midnight, attendees will have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the iconic NYE Times Square ball drop from an unobstructed private viewing area, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime and extremely exclusive celebration.
Virgin Hotels New York City, which opened its doors in early 2023, offers a variety of appealing amenities, including a seasonal rooftop pool, fitness center, garden, and terrace. The hotel has 460 well-appointed rooms (or as Virgin calls the, “chambers”), suites, and penthouses, as well as ample meeting space and a variety of dining options, including the flagship Commons Club and the restaurant Everdene. Some rooms even have breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the New Year's Eve Ball Drop, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, making it a great choice for those looking for a memorable holiday experience in the heart of the city.
Looking for a truly luxurious New Year's Eve experience and willing to splurge? Look no further than The Chatwal, a 5-star hotel that offers guests the chance to watch the iconic ball drop from the comfort of their own private terrace. This opulent hotel features art deco-style architecture and exquisitely appointed suites, including some designed by master designer Thierry Despont. Guests will also enjoy personalized butler service, access to a wellness center and spa, and dining at The Lambs Club, the hotel’s restaurant which features in the Michelin guide.
The Hyatt Centric Times Square New York is one of the best places to stay for a comfortable and convenient New Year's Eve celebration. Renowned as one of the premier hotels for witnessing the New Year's Eve ball drop in New York City, guests are advised to secure advance reservations at the rooftop lounge Bar54 when booking their rooms. Along with its unparalleled West 45th St. views of Times Square, Bar54 hosts a five-hour black-tie optional party on New Year's Eve, with general admission standing-room tickets starting at approximately $1,200 per person. Premium tables and seats are also available for a higher price.
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