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New Year’s Eve is a night to remember, and for those who want an unforgettable experience, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference. From epic fireworks displays to exclusive gala dinners, some hotels around the world pull out all the stops to ensure guests ring in the New Year in spectacular style. Here’s a roundup of some of the best hotels worldwide, each offering unique and memorable New Year’s celebrations for those ready to start the year with a bang.
5* Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
When it comes to New Year’s Eve opulence, Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is a standout. Known as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, this iconic sail-shaped building hosts a night of pure indulgence. Guests can look forward to an extravagant gala dinner with world-class cuisine, live entertainment, and mesmerising views of Dubai’s grand fireworks show along the coast. This year, the Burj Al Arab promises a newly themed rooftop celebration with live performances by international artists, along with exclusive VIP seating options offering prime views of the fireworks over the Arabian Gulf.
5* The Peninsula Hong Kong
For an elegant and classic celebration, The Peninsula Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve festivities are unrivalled. Guests here enjoy a stunning rooftop experience with views over Victoria Harbour, where one of Asia’s most renowned fireworks displays lights up the sky. A live jazz band and gourmet tasting menus at the rooftop Felix restaurant set the perfect tone for the evening, and for those looking to dance their way into the New Year, there’s a ballroom gala with vintage Hollywood glamour. New this year is an intimate, sky-high cocktail party on the hotel’s newly revamped Sun Terrace, promising an unmatched view of the Hong Kong skyline.
4* Fontainebleau Miami Beach
For a lively, celebrity-fuelled party, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the place to be. This iconic hotel is known for its high-energy New Year’s Eve bash, where top DJs and artists headline, keeping the energy levels soaring well past midnight. Guests can dance on the beach, toast under the stars, and watch a dazzling fireworks display over the Atlantic. For 2024, Fontainebleau has introduced an immersive light show experience on the oceanfront, along with a VIP lounge that offers exclusive cocktails, reserved seating, and private views of the fireworks.
5* The Savoy, London
The Savoy has long been synonymous with elegance and old-world glamour, and it hosts one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve parties in London. Situated on the Thames, The Savoy is perfectly positioned for stunning views of London’s famous fireworks display, visible from select rooms and the riverside dining areas. Guests can enjoy a black-tie gala dinner at the Thames Foyer, featuring live music, exquisite cuisine, and a midnight countdown with champagne. For 2024, The Savoy is enhancing the festivities with an art-deco-inspired jazz lounge in its American Bar, inviting guests to dance and toast the new year in one of London’s most historic venues.
5* The Plaza Hotel, New York City
The Plaza Hotel’s New Year’s Eve gala is an iconic Manhattan event, offering an evening of glamor and style just steps away from Times Square. Guests enjoy a five-star dinner in the Grand Ballroom, followed by a midnight toast with views of the city’s legendary fireworks display. For those wishing to avoid the crowds, The Plaza’s exclusive NYE lounge overlooks Central Park and offers a more intimate setting with live jazz and an indulgent dessert spread. This year, The Plaza is introducing a Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve experience, complete with period-appropriate decor, a swing band, and flapper-inspired cocktails.
5* Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Set along the Chao Phraya River, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok offers a truly magical New Year’s Eve celebration with a stunning riverside gala. Guests enjoy a sumptuous dinner of Thai and international cuisine, accompanied by traditional Thai dancers and live music. At midnight, a grand fireworks show over the river is the highlight, creating a picturesque start to the year. This year, the hotel has added an exclusive boat cruise option, allowing guests to take in the river’s festivities from a unique vantage point, complete with canapés and champagne.
5* Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
Few places know how to party like Rio, and the Belmond Copacabana Palace is no exception. Situated on the iconic Copacabana Beach, this hotel hosts a New Year’s Eve experience unlike any other. Guests enjoy a front-row seat to Rio’s famous fireworks, along with an elegant gala dinner featuring Brazilian specialties and international dishes. Following dinner, the hotel’s party extends to the beach, where samba dancers, live music, and champagne flow freely. This year, Belmond is offering an exclusive rooftop soirée with views of the entire Copacabana shoreline, promising a night filled with Brazilian rhythm and festive energy.
5* Park Hyatt Sydney
Overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Park Hyatt Sydney is perfectly positioned for Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve fireworks. Guests enjoy a lavish dinner, complemented by stunning views of both the 9 p.m. and midnight fireworks displays over the harbour. For 2024, the Park Hyatt is offering a private rooftop cocktail lounge, where guests can celebrate in a more intimate setting with personalised service and gourmet canapés. For those looking to extend the festivities, the hotel also offers a New Year’s Day brunch with live jazz and an ocean view.
5* The Balmoral, Edinburgh
For a magical New Year’s Eve in Scotland’s capital, The Balmoral in Edinburgh is an exceptional choice. Overlooking the historic city centre and Edinburgh Castle, this luxury hotel places guests in the heart of the city’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations. On New Year’s Eve, The Balmoral offers an exquisite black-tie gala in its iconic Palm Court, with a gourmet dinner, live music, and dancing. Guests can also head up to the clock tower, where they’ll have front-row views of Edinburgh’s dazzling midnight fireworks display lighting up the castle and the skyline. This year, The Balmoral is offering a unique twist: an exclusive “Midnight at the Tower” experience, featuring private access to the hotel’s clock tower with champagne and canapés, along with unbeatable views of the festivities across Edinburgh.
4* Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City
For a magical winter experience, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a charming choice. This castle-like hotel hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration that embraces the festive charm of old-world Quebec City. Guests dine in opulent surroundings, with a menu of gourmet Canadian cuisine and a live orchestra. After dinner, the hotel’s terrace provides an ideal vantage point to see the fireworks over the St. Lawrence River, with a backdrop of snowy rooftops and cobblestone streets. New this year is an immersive “Winter Wonderland” experience in the ballroom, complete with ice sculptures, a hot chocolate bar, and live performers.
