13 Hotels Worth Traveling For This New Year's Eve
Get your resolutions list ready and put your party pants on, because New Year's Eve 2023 is right around the corner. What better way to ring in the new year than by treating yourself to an exciting getaway? Hey, this year, you've really earned it. Whether it's a warm tropical island in the Indian Ocean, a mountainous retreat in Switzerland, an all-night party in Mexico, or a bucket list item like New York City's Times Square, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate the new year in a new and exciting destination.
Not all hotels are created equally when it comes to their New Year's Eve celebrations, and like any holiday, your positive experience will only be amplified by choosing the right accommodation to fit your needs. This year, some hotels are pulling out all the stops as they ring in 2024. Luckily for you, it's not too late to make your New Year's Eve plans, and these hotels are the ones to seek out for a night you won't forget.
Grand Universe Lucca
While many folks flock to Italy in the summer, there's something special about ringing in the New Year in the heart of Tuscany. Lucca, a historic city, has a winter market in the city's Piazza Napoleone, including plenty of shops, an ice-skating rink, and sparkly festive decor. For one of the best places to celebrate, head to Grand Universe Lucca, a centrally-located 4-star hotel.
For a New Year's Eve package that's a step above the rest, enjoy daily breakfast, Panettone (a classic Italian sweet bread loaded with fruit, that's always eaten during Christmas and New Year's), Spumante (an Italian sparkling wine), and a special New Year's Eve dinner. Guests can book the special New Year's package from December 30th until January 2nd. Definitely don't skip out on the hotel's restaurant, Legacy, serving up plenty of seafood as New Year's tradition dictates, including scallops, seafood risotto, and codfish ravioli. For an unforgettable city view, head to Sommità rooftop bar to catch the New Year's fireworks over this underrated Tuscan gem.
Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences
The winter holidays might be associated with, well, the cold weather of winter, but it certainly doesn't have to be that way. Head to the sunshine in one of the most naturally beautiful islands here on Planet Earth: Saint Lucia. Saint Lucia is home to plenty of resorts, but no one does it better than Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences, especially when it comes to celebrating.
Grab your finest white attire for Windjammer Landing's All-White Gala. Sip champagne and nosh on some of the resort's delectable cuisine, whether their hors d'oeuvres or their over-the-top buffet spread. There will even be chef stations, bars serving up the finest cocktails, and in true Caribbean fashion, vibrant live entertainment, including Carnival performers and fire dancers. As the clock strikes midnight, get ready for some colorful fireworks and yet another round of island eats.
If you think the party stops there, you're wildly mistaken. On New Year's Day, the resort offers a brunch at their newly-renovated restaurant, Dragonfly, overlooking the blue hues of the Caribbean Sea. Who wouldn't want to start January 1 in literal paradise with a Bloody Mary in hand?
Sandals Dunn's River
Continuing on the Caribbean train, there's certainly no harm in starting your new year in one of the most aspirational hotels in the region. Head to newly-opened Sandals Dunn's River in Jamaica for a New Year's Eve that's guaranteed to be one for the books. This adults-only resort is ideal for a romantic getaway, especially with the resort's new Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Suites. Couples staying there can enjoy the unique Stargazing Concierge, a complimentary new butler service where a knowledgeable guide will walk you through starry constellations as you gaze from your private rooftop.
If simply gazing at the stars doesn't quite do it for you, Sandals Dunn's River will have fireworks starting right at midnight on New Year's Eve. While the Stargazing Concierge is only available to guests who book the Rondoval suites, the fireworks are for all Sandals guests to enjoy. Watch them from the beach while dipping your toes in the warm Caribbean water, or from your private balcony. In true Jamaican fashion, Sandals is throwing a party: There will also be a live band and DJ, and rum will be free-flowing at Dunn's Rum Club, one of the resort's designated bars. Don't forget to toast to 2024 with some bubbly from the resort's champagne fountain.
Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa
To start your 2024 off in a chic, luxurious fashion, head to Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa for their Black and White soirée on New Year's Eve. Unlike your typical Black and White parties, Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa is hosting two separate events: a "Black" rooftop party at Rooftop 360, which just so happens to be the city's highest rooftop terrace, and a "White" party at Corazón Beach Club, which, in true Corazón fashion, is the largest beach club in town.
Guests at either party can seal their memories at one of the designated photo booths. Dance the night away with live music from 9 p.m. until midnight at both parties, followed by a musical group at the "White" party beach club from midnight until 3 o'clock in the morning. Definitely don't skip out on the taco bar, and enjoy it all while sipping local spirits and champagne.
The Nautilus Maldives
If you're looking to spend the final day of 2023 and the first day of 2024 in one of the most pristine destinations on the planet, look no further than Maldives. Out of all of the glamorous hotels and resorts on these remote islands in the Indian Ocean, The Nautilus Maldives gets our vote as one of the best for ringing in the New Year. This year, the Nautilus will be hosting a "Glistening Sojourn" program with holiday festivities beginning well before New Year's Eve, on December 19th, and extending until January 6th. This festive celebration will offer guests the opportunity to watch the "Final Sunset" of 2023, where you can sip champagne and take a yacht to a picturesque white sandbank to take in Maldives' unmatched beauty. Follow your dreamy sunset voyage with a New Year's Eve Gala dinner, where the resort offers fine-dining with signature flavors, plenty of cocktails, and live music.
Start the new year off by waking up in paradise, and enjoy January 1 at a slower pace by experiencing the String Artist Pop-Up Show. Out with the old and in with the new; you might have just watched the last sunset of 2023, but enjoy 2024's first one by raising a glass at the poolside bar, Naiboli.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel
Fancy a British holiday? Well, we can't blame you there. For a New Year's Eve fit for royalty, head to the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel in London. This is an especially great option for foodies. Head to their Leicester Square Kitchen to embark on a four-course dining journey, with offerings such as smoked paprika ribs with a mezcal glaze, 28-day-aged ribeye with garlic lime butter, and piloncillo (think brown sugar) doughnuts with spiced citrus, salted caramel, and cinnamon sugar. The dishes are naturally best enjoyed while sipping Moët & Chandon Brut as you toast to the new year. The cost for the dinner is 105 British pounds, or approximately $133.
Waking up in the heart of London is certainly a memorable way to start the new year. The Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel's location in Leicester Square is closely situated to some of the city's best attractions, with Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and the National Portrait Gallery all being less than one mile away.
Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne
For a real winter wonderland experience, head to one of the most postcard-worthy destinations in Europe: Lucerne, Switzerland. This year, Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne hosts a lovely evening that blends relaxed dining with a party inspired by Hollywood glamour. Enjoy live entertainment while overlooking the mountainous backdrop of one of Switzerland's most charming towns.
Ring in the new year with a sparkling champagne toast, and an extravagant 5-course dining experience at Brasserie Ritzcoffier, the hotel's haute French restaurant. If you're not in the mood for French food, head to Michelin Guide restaurant Spices Kitchen & Terrace, a pan-Asian restaurant serving up authentic Thai, Japanese, Indian, and Chinese cuisine right in the heart of Lucerne.
Start 2024 off on the right foot in one of the most luxurious and relaxing ways possible at Bürgenstock's spa. The award-winning services range from classic massages and facials to renting a private Alpine Spa suite. Safe to say, the rest of the year will have a lot to live up to.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Out of all of the hotel chains out there, no one quite does it like Four Seasons. For a true family-friendly getaway this New Year's Eve, head to Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. For the final night of 2023, contemporary Italian eatery Ravello offers a buffet, available from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and costing $180 per adult and $55 per child (ages 2-12). Since you are at the Four Seasons, after all, you might be craving an even more refined meal. Luckily, 17th-floor Michelin Star steakhouse Capa will be serving a special New Year's Eve menu. Enjoy a 5-course prix fixe menu from 5:00 p.m. right until the clock strikes midnight for $360 per adult and $68 per child (ages 2-12).
Dining aside, there will be a kid-friendly balloon drop at 10:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, where the party starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 10:30 pm. For live entertainment and libations, head to The Lobby Bar, where you can enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.
W New York - Times Square
You didn't really think we could write a list about where to spend New Year's Eve and not include New York City, did you? For one of the most quintessential destinations to ring in the last day of the year, look no further than New York City's Times Square. Don't make the mistake many do by waiting outside for hours to catch the ball drop. Instead, go big and get a hotel right in the center of the action for an equally exciting but far more comfortable experience.
Not all hotels in Times Square are created equally, so for one of the best of the best, head to W New York – Times Square. This year, the hotel's Living Room Bar is throwing the party. Enjoy 4 hours of premium open bar from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The party lasts until 2:30 a.m., but a DJ will begin playing at 6 p.m., meaning you can easily get the show started early, in true New York City New Year's Eve fashion. Spending New Year's Eve in Times Square is the ultimate bucket list check that will get your year off to a seriously adventurous start.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
A New Year's Eve party destination that's arguably as desirable as New York City is Las Vegas. This year, head to the inaugural New Year's Eve bash of the newly-opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas (slated to open December 13, 2023). In true Vegas fashion, they're headed to the strip ready to bring their A game. And what better way to get the party started than with a performance by Grammy-nominated artist Post Malone? With a show at the hotel's BleauLive Theatre, Post Malone will be the first artist to perform at the hotel, with live performances on both December 30 and December 31. Tickets start at $150.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas also offers a New Year's Eve package, with prices starting at $3,700. This includes a 2-night stay, a pair of row-A tickets to your preferred date for the Post Malone show, and a $250 resort food and beverage credit. Start the year off in a truly new fashion by staying at Vegas's newest resort.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
Mexico is never a bad idea, and that rings truer than ever when ringing in the new year. For a festive experience like no other, flee to Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. This year, the Quintana Roo resort is offering something truly extravagant for those who want to begin their new year in proper treat-yourself fashion. For this year's special New Year's Eve package, rates start at $100,000 for a minimum 7-night stay.
As part of this luxurious New Year's Eve package, guests will stay in the Presidential Villa, a 4,575-square-foot multi-level villa directly on the beach, with the inclusion of a private pool, jacuzzi, and floor-to-ceiling windows. They'll also enjoy the final meal of 2023 at Sotavento, which was recently rated one of Mexico's top 250 restaurants by Guía México Gastronómico. The specialty package also includes a private 4-hour excursion on the Mayakoba yacht, where you and your travel partner can take in some of the vibrant reefs of the Yucatan peninsula. Don't forget about the private in-villa mezcal tastings to get a true taste of local flavor.
Perhaps best saved for January 1, enjoy two 60-minute massage treatments at Naum Wellness and Spa. For ultimate convenience, roundtrip private airport transfers are included, and if you want to seriously go above and beyond, you have the option to add a private jet for an additional $50,000.
Pestana Rio Atlântica Hotel
There are fewer bigger parties on New Year's Eve than the massive festivities at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Head to one of the most popular destinations this New Year's Eve in sunny South America. Pestana Rio Atlântica Hotel is throwing the party of a lifetime. With rates starting at $736 a night, this hotel is directly located on Copacabana, one of Rio's liveliest neighborhoods, where approximately two million people go to ring in the New Year. There's a fireworks party on the beach, with plenty of local Brazilian artists playing live music as the late night hours of 2023 transform into the early morning hours of 2024.
New Year's Eve aside, there's plenty of reason to head to Brazil in December and January. Because of its geographical location, you can escape the North American winter cold for a warm South American summer. Leave the puffy jackets at home and whip out those bikinis and flip flops for a New Year's Eve with a bang.
Sandy Lane Hotel
Last but certainly not least, head to one of the most luxurious Caribbean islands: Barbados. To up the ante on the luxury front, spend your New Year's Eve at one of the island's most opulent hotels, the Sandy Lane Hotel. This year, Sandy Lane is hosting a New Year's Eve Gala, beginning with a champagne reception, and followed by an exciting gastronomical feast of elevated local flavors. The sips and bites will be accompanied by live entertainment, and in true New Year's fashion, with midnight fireworks. Reservations are required.
The party certainly doesn't end when the clock strikes 12. On January 1, entice your senses with a New Year's Day Carnival. Enjoy the beats of Barbadian drummers, take in the sights of the colorful outfits of Barbadian dancers, and stay entertained with puppets and stilt-walkers. Barbadians know how to party, and they'll keep that New Year's celebration going to the sounds of Calypso music so that you can join in the fun.