New York: Best hotels to see the NYE ball drop

If you’ve got the iconic Ball Drop in Times Square on your Bucket List, then you should splash out and stay in a hotel with the best views in town!

Because who wants to stand outside from 3pm until midnight, without even the chance to go to the bathroom. I mean, there is no bathroom and people actually wear adult diapers. Not even kidding!

Ok, so it won’t be cheap – but is New York ever cheap?? But I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, to find the best hotels within cooee of Times Square with Ball Drop views. So get in quick and enjoy your vantage point above the throng of 3 million of your closest friends standing in the chill below!

I’ve also written this post with the best NYC skyline views, for any time of year. But especially for fireworks views too.

Also, this post covers a bunch of fun things to do in New York to see in the New Year, including where to find rooftop parties, harbor dinner cruises to see the fireworks, open bar events with live music, and free stuff too. Plus tips for when to arrive and what to bring if you are heading to Times Square with your puffer jacket on.

The last time I visited I got amongst the media throng and went up to the rooftop of Number 1 Times Square for the unveiling of the crystal ball.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a booking, I may make a commission.

These hotels actually offer views of the famous ball drop in Times Square, but get in quick!

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

Some of these hotels have rooms with a view of the ball drop, and some views are from the rooftops or bar areas. Make sure you check when you’re booking if you want to see the ball drop from your bed!

• The Knickerbocker – best views from the rooftop terrace and bar
• Casablanca Hotel Times Square – see views from the rooftop
• M Social, Times Square – 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

Or if you’d rather be as far from Times Square as possible, read my list of great yet affordable hotels across New York City. They are rated at least 8 and above on Booking.com, and many of them are in the $200’s, depending on time of year.