The Best Hotels in NYC with Ball Drop Views

‍

The Times Square Ball Drop is a beloved New Year's Eve tradition in New York City, dating back to 1904 when it was first organized by The New York Times to celebrate its new headquarters. After brief pauses during World War II, the event has continued annually, drawing huge crowds to Times Square each December 31st. The Ball Drop symbolizes hope and renewal, with people worldwide celebrating the end of one year and the start of another.

Today, the event uses energy-efficient LED lighting, highlighting both tradition and sustainability. The Ball Drop has become a global phenomenon, watched by millions in person and on television.

Planning to see the Ball Drop in person? We’ve put together a list of the best hotels near Times Square for visitors. If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here’s our introduction. We connect local Experience Designers to visitors to share insider tips and save time planning things to do. We know time is short and we want visitors to enjoy their time doing things they love with the people they love. Space with the team is limited. Reserve time early.

‍

{{ad-three}}

‍

‍

Ok ... on to the list ...

‍

‍

Our Top 13 Hotels in NYC to Watch the Times Square Ball Drop

‍

‍

Margaritaville Time Square

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.

‍

‍

‍M Social

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.

‍

‍

New York Marriott Marquis

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:

• A private party in the Broadway Lounge with views of Times Square and the ball drop.
• A party at the View Restaurant & Lounge with spectacular skyline views and TV screens to watch the ball drop.
• A New Year's Eve party in one of the ballrooms with full or partial views of Times Square

Prices vary depending on the experience and the type of room or package.

‍

‍

The Pearl Hotel

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.

‍

{{ad-one}}

‍

‍

The Knickerbocker Hotel

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.

‍

‍

Residence Inn by Marriott - Central Park

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.

‍

‍

Renaissance New York Time Square

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.

‍

‍

Time Square Edition

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.

‍

{{ad-two}}

‍

‍

Casablanca Hotel Times Square

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.

‍

‍

Crowne Plaza Times Square

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

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.

‍

‍

The Chatwal

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.

‍

‍

Hyatt Centric Times Square

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.

‍

{{ad-three}}

‍

‍

Our team of local Experience Designers has collaborated with travelers from around the world to help them discover hidden gems and plan the best attractions. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers. Each plan is built with a 3-step process: 

Step 1: Bucket your must-see attractions 

Step 2: Add in restaurants, rooftops & other hidden gems 

Step 3: Create a custom map and provide transportation tips, so you know the best way to navigate the city. 

Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.

‍