Best New York hotels to see the 4th of July fireworks 2026!

If you’re planning to be in New York City for July 4th in 2026, this is the year to be very fussy about your hotel room.

Usually, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are launched from either the East River or the Hudson River, which makes hotel hunting reasonably straightforward: pick your river, book the view, pour the bubbles.

But 2026 is going to be different. For the 50th anniversary of the Macy’s fireworks AND America’s 250th birthday, the display is expanding across both the lower East River and the lower Hudson River, with fireworks also around the Brooklyn Bridge.

Macy’s says the 2026 show will include the lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

That means loads more viewing places (you can find free spots and the best dinner cruise events in this post). But also a huge range of waterfront hotels, especially in New Jersey looking across to Manhattan.

Below I’ve listed my picks for the hotels with the best views, but make sure you check when you book that your room is one with a view!

*This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a booking I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.

You’ll want to decide whether you’re aiming for an East River/Brooklyn Bridge view or a Hudson River/Jersey City view — or book one of the official hotel rooftop parties once they start releasing confirmed 2026 packages.

And here is the official Macy’s Fireworks information page, so check back there for their announcements.

Also, if you want to be tricky, follow this tip on how I book hotel rooms but can cancel if need be – and the last time I used this trick I saved $500!

Best hotels for East River and Brooklyn Bridge fireworks views

Here are the hotels I’d be watching:

1. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

This is the premium venue to stay for July 4 fireworks views! My friends just stayed there last summer, and even if you’re too late for a room with a Brooklyn Bridge view this year, it’s a stunning place to stay any time for that iconic NYC skyline!

The rooftop restaurant and bar, Harriet’s is a sublime place to have a drink or a bite for amazing views too. Keep a watch for a July 4th event here.

Book: Bridge-facing or skyline-facing rooms, or watch for an official July 4th rooftop package.

Check out room rates at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge here.

2. 33 Hotel, Seaport

This could be one of the best Manhattan-side options for 2026 because it’s right in the Seaport District, near the lower East River action.

The Seaport is already one of my favourite parts of Lower Manhattan — cobblestones, historic buildings, cute restaurants, waterfront views, and that “I’m in New York but not being swallowed by Times Square” feeling.

Book: A room or terrace with a confirmed East River or Brooklyn Bridge view. Do not just book “downtown view” and assume it means fireworks.

Check out rooms at 33 Hotel Seaport here.

3. MSocial New York, Downtown

The M Social Hotel New York Downtown is another one to watch, especially if it releases a July 4th package with confirmed fireworks viewing.

Its downtown location puts it within reach of the Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge area, and some packages have promoted views over the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. This could be a really good option if you want to stay in Lower Manhattan but don’t necessarily want to be right on the waterfront.

Book: Only a package or room category that specifically says fireworks view, East River view, or Brooklyn Bridge view. If it says “city view”, ask more questions.

Check out rates at MSocial Downtown here

Best hotels for Hudson River and Jersey City fireworks views

4. Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

For the Hudson River side of the fireworks, I’d be looking very closely at Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson.

This hotel sits right on the waterfront in Jersey City, with those fabulous across-the-river views of Manhattan. And because Macy’s has said the 2026 fireworks will include the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, this side of the river suddenly becomes very interesting indeed.

Jersey City is often overlooked by first-time New York visitors, but it can be a smart place to stay if you want skyline views without actually sleeping in Manhattan. Plus, with the fireworks are happening on the Hudson, you will be much closer to the action than people who paid a fortune to stay further uptown.

Book: A Manhattan skyline or Hudson River view room. Then email the hotel and ask whether that specific room category is expected to have a direct view of the 2026 fireworks.

Check out rates for Hyatt Regency Jersey City here

5. Conrad New York Downtown

The Conrad New York Downtown is in Battery Park City, which puts it on the Lower Manhattan side of the Hudson River.

This could make it a very good option for the Hudson portion of the 2026 fireworks, especially if the barges are positioned around the lower Hudson/Jersey City area. It’s also a lovely hotel if you want a more polished, grown-up stay downtown, with easy access to One World Trade Center, Brookfield Place, the waterfront promenade and the ferries.

Book: A confirmed Hudson River view suite. Not “city view”. Not “partial view”. Not “you might see something if you lean dangerously out the window”.

Check out rates for the Conrad New York Downtown here

6. The Dominick, SoHo

The Dominick is a luxury hotel in SoHo with some excellent west-facing views towards the Hudson River.

This one is a little more of a “watch and wait” hotel for me. It could be great if the 2026 Hudson River fireworks are visible from its higher west-facing rooms, but I’d want confirmation before booking purely for fireworks.

That said, if you want a stylish SoHo stay, easy access to downtown, and a hotel that doesn’t feel like you’re bunking down in the middle of tourist madness, this is a gorgeous choice.

Book: A high-floor, west-facing Hudson River view room, and ask the hotel directly about expected July 4th visibility.

Check out rates for The Dominick here

Best hotels in New York to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve

For hotels that actually offer views of the famous ball drop in Times Square

Many of these hotels offer NYE packages which include open bar, maybe dinner, 
always live music and a big party!

• The Knickerbocker – best views from the rooftop terrace and bar
• Casablanca Hotel Times Square – see views from the rooftop
• M Social, Times Square, New York – views from some rooms and Perch and Terrace
• New York Marriott Marquis – head to the 48th floor restaurant for music and views
• Hyatt Centric Times Square – best views from Bar 54
• Hilton Garden Inn – views from top floor rooms
• Margaritaville Resort Times Square – views from 7th floor pool deck, and the rooftop
• The Pearl Hotel – not all rooms have Times Square views
• Renaissance New York Times Square – get a balcony room for great views, or head to the bar/lounge
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – 40 suites offer ball drop views
• Crowne Plaza Times Square – some rooms see the ball drop, or head to the restaurant
• Millennium Hotel Broadway, Times Square – book a room with floor to ceiling windows facing the view
• Residence Inn, Central Park – rooms above the 65th floor looking over the intersection have the view

What other New York posts can I read?

There are plenty of places to see the 4th of July fireworks in New York for free, or book a harbor cruise get amongst it at exclusive events with an open bar and live DJ.

Here’s my list of great hotels across New York for under $300 a night, all rated 8* and above.

Check out the cool street art scene in New York City including where to find some Banksy’s.

The dangerous history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and balloon fails over the years with helium balloon accidents!

How to have the perfect Christmas in New York including tours to see the lights, where to skate and the best windows to see.

12 great ways to have the best New Year’s Eve in New York with private parties, harbor cruises and ball drop views.

Amazing ways to spend Valentine’s Day in New York City from free things to exclusive events.

Find my picks for the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC in this post for every occasion!

My picks for awesome flea markets in NYC to pick up a quirky gift or enjoy the street food.

If you’re looking for best brunch spots in NYC, especially if you love a great bottomless brunch, you’ll love this post.

Shop till you drop in these 12 shopping locations in NYC which I’ve reviewed in this post.