Last year, 1 million people descended upon the streets of Times Square in New York City to watch America’s most celebrated New Year’s Eve tradition—the famous ball drop. When the countdown began, the nearly 12,000-pound ball covered in more than 2,500 Waterford crystals began to lower slowly, singling the end of one year and the beginning of another.
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As celebrants rang in the new year with temperatures hovering around 9 degrees, we’re willing to bet one of their resolutions was to view next year’s ball drop from the comfort of a warm room overlooking Times Square. There are only about 9 hotels to choose from with a direct view so if you’re hoping to see it with your own eyes in the comfort of, say, a cocktail lounge or your own guest-room, make your plans now. Below are the 9 hotels that have a view of the ball drop so you can ring in 2019 inside—and in style.
Photo courtesy of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square
This hotel has hundreds of rooms, 460 to be exact, but only 40 of them face the ball drop. Be sure to select a room with a view of Times Square.
Photo courtesy of The Knickerbocker Hotel
The Knickerbocker Hotel
This property has serious New Year’s Eve bragging rights. They boast the closest view since they are just 150 feet from the ball drop. The rooftop is a beautiful and festive space to ring in 2019.
Photo courtesy of Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan Central Park
Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan/Central Park
Only some of the rooms here have a view of the ball drop so be choose one that puts you view of the square. If you opt for a room on one of the top floors, you’ll enjoy the view from your suite-style setup.
Photo courtesy of Hyatt Centric Times Square
Hyatt Centric Times Square
The hotel rooms don’t have a view of the big event, but the Hyatt still hooks you up. To see the spectacle, you’ll have to head up to Bar54. NYC’s tallest rooftop lounge provides a great vantage point from which to watch the party.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
Steps from all the action, the 250-room Hilton Garden Inn opened in 2017, making it one of the newest properties in the area. Many of the guest rooms have views of Times Square, with a select few having direct view of the ball. The hotel’s public spaces, like the lobby and restaurant have views, but be sure and check that they’re open to guests on December 31!
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Photo courtesy of Renaissance Hotel Times Square
Renaissance Hotel Times Square
While the guest-rooms here are elegant and comfortable, they won’t reveal the highly anticipated ball drop from the window. However, the property’s rooftop, R Lounge, certainly does! Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny: The price tag for a private VIP terrace table with a front row seat runs about $16,500 (though that does include three nights’ accommodation). If you’re cool with standing, you’ll only have to shell out around $1,500.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Times Square
Hilton Times Square
Standing 44 stories high with a whopping 478 rooms, the Hilton Times Square has Zagat-rated restaurants, a cool lobby bar and spacious guest-rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Some of the rooms at this iconic Times Square property have limited views of the celebration, so be sure call to confirm.
Photo courtesy of Casablanca Hotel
Casablanca Hotel
Rick’s Cafe, the festive rooftop bar at Casablanca Hotel, overlooks Times Square, and the vibe here is very Moroccan. If you’re hoping to stay a the property during your trip to the Big Apple, they have a four-night minimum stay over New Year’s Eve.
Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza Times Square
Crowne Plaza Times Square
The Crown Plaza has a lot going on for New Year’s Eve. You can opt for a reserved spot in the “pen” area directly in front of the hotel, followed by a party with hors d’oeuvres, open bar, and music afterwards for $1000/person.
