When the ball drops in New York City to close out another year, the world watches. It’s truly one of the world’s biggest celebrations, which is why crowds from every corner of the globe flock to Times Square to take part in the spectacle. While being on the ground is, well, certainly an experience in its own right, there are numerous Times Square hotels that offer picture-perfect views of the New Year’s Eve celebrations from their rooms and rooftops. If you’re looking to see the NYE celebration and the ball drop firsthand, without waiting in the freezing cold for hours on end, these are the hotels to book—just make sure to give yourself some time as these rooms can book out very early in advance.
Renaissance New York Times Square
A terrace room at the Renaissance New York Times Square gets guests a front-row seat to the iconic NYE celebrations in Times Square. The terrace rooms are on the fourth floor of the hotel and even have a spacious outdoor area with views of the entire party below and the Waterford Crystal NYE ball. The hotel's RLounge is also hosting a black-tie event if that suits your fancy. This year's event includes a live DJ and a stunning food spread, including hand-made sushi, lobster tails, and filet. And of course, guests can purchase tickets that get them the best view of the ball drop.
The Knickerbocker Hotel
The Knickerbocker Hotel has a stunning rooftop bar, St. Cloud, that overlooks Times Square. Their menu typically focuses on seasonal small plates and upscale cocktails. The party takes place 150 feet below the New Year’s Eve crystal ball, which the hotel boasts is the closest party to the ball drop in the world. The Knickerbocker’s New Year’s Eve bash is a private event with live entertainment, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and carving stations, and an open bar. You can also opt to stay overnight with one of their New Year’s Eve packages or book one of their four ultra-luxe Tribute Suites.
Millennium Times Square New York
Millennium Times Square is—you guessed it—right in the heart of Times Square, giving it a perfect vantage point to the New Year’s Eve celebration below. Millennium Broadway’s New Year’s Eve party is hosted on the 52nd floor of the hotel from which you can watch the live ball drop. The black tie-optional party will have canapes, a seafood bar, other snacks, and dessert. They sell various tiers of tickets, the most coveted of which offers a private room with a direct view of the ball drop. To reserve a room with great views, opt for their suites on the 50th, 51st, or 52nd floor.
Times Square EDITION
The new Times Square EDITION is hosting its inaugural New Year’s Eve experiences this year with three separate events at three different on-property venues: 701West, The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens, and Paradise Club. 701 West has a $1,200-a-head, black-tie party with a six-course menu with a cocktail and wine pairing. There’s a view of Duffy Square from the 11th floor and five hours of open bar. The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens soirée has a buffet dinner and a ninth-floor view of the square, and the Paradise Club hosts more of a classic nightclub party with a live screening of the ball drop on 27-foot 8K LED screens. And of course, be sure to book a Premier Times Square View room at the hotel.
New York Marriott Marquis
New York Marriott Marquis is hosting its third annual exclusive NYE party at their Broadway Lounge on the eighth floor of the hotel. The "Marquis New Year's Eve Party,” produced by Matt Gavin Enterprises includes food, premium open bars, and live entertainment. But best of all, some tickets include access to breathtaking views of one of the Times Square ball drop. If a NYE smash isn’t your scene but you still want the views, book one of their Superiors rooms with a view of Times Square—so you can take in the celebration while sipping champagne in your robe.
Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
Book a mini suite at Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection or reserve through their four-night NYE package. The package includes dinner for two at Tony Di Napoli, featuring live music and an open bar. It also includes a New Year’s Day brunch, and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. Most importantly, it gets you access to the Ball Drop viewing—with some bubbly—on the roof of the Casablanca Hotel Times Square. From the Casablanca rooftop, you’ll have a full view of the ball drop and the crowds gathering to celebrate.
