While many parts of the world are only now starting to settle into autumn weather, the holiday period before the start of a new year is among the busiest times to try to book a hotel room in a major city.
Cities like Rio de Janeiro, New York, Sydney, and Berlin have, over the decades, become known for their extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations. All four draw in large crowds to take in fireworks over the city skyline and some of their most iconic landmarks, but for those looking to luxe it up, five-star hotels are usually the ones holding the midnight balls and offering the truly glitzy experience.
Instead of looking for a party in the city or watching fireworks from a crowd, guests looking to dress up are treated to champagne, a dinner full of fine foods, dancing, countdowns, and fireworks viewing parties (often from a balcony or rooftop with prime viewing access).
Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin announces New Year’s Eve Ball for 2027
One of the original “grand hotels” of Central Europe, attracting a long string of illustrious guests in the early half of the 20the century, the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin was rebuilt from the ground up in 1997 after getting nearly destroyed in a fire during World War II and later blocked off at the edge of East Berlin during the nearly 30 years when the city was split in two.
These days, the hotel offers marvelous black-tie New Year’s festivities to rival the grand balls that the Adlon family would host in the original ballrooms for the many celebrities, socialites, and other members of Berlin high society at the start of the century and in the interwar years.
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These days, the New Year’s experience includes a champagne reception, a five-course Michelin-starred menu at its Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer restaurant, and a prime view of fireworks overlooking the Brandenburg Gate followed by dancing in the grand ballroom into the early hours of 2027. Prices start at €780 ($820 USD) per adult and go up depending on in just how much fine dining one wants to indulge.
Kempinski
Ritz-Carlton in New York: Two New Year’s classics in the city
For those looking to stay in the U.S., the Ritz-Carlton overlooking Central Park on the border of Upper West Side and Midtown has long been associated with extravagant New Year’s celebrations due to its prime location to view the Central Park fireworks.
For a trendier downtown vibe, the Nubeluz by José Andrés at the Ritz-Carlton Nomad transforms into a festive space with glittering décor, panoramic views of Central Park and everything from a roaming magician and DJ-ed dance floor to a buffet of fine foods that range from the classic caviar and blinis to the NYC-themed gourmet version of bagels, lox and cream cheese.
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Prices for both hotel guests and those coming in for the party typically start at $375 USD.
Belmond
Copacabana Palace: The most glamorous party in South America
And for those looking to experience the iconic Révellion celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, the five-star Belmond hotel Copacabana Palace has long been considered the most prestigious property from which to take in the elaborate fireworks display from 19 barges on Copacabana Beach (drawing in more than two million visitors annually, the 12-minute show is generally recognized to be the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world).
The Réveillon do Copa experience at the Copacabana Palace takes place around the hotel’s iconic Art Deco pool with plenty of Brazilian dancing, fine foods and flowing Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Shortly before midnight, guests come out to the hotel balcony from which names like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana and Brigitte Bardot once waved to crowds of adoring fans for prime views of the fireworks. The New Year’s experience is part of a package deal for guests who book more than five nights at the hotel during the period around New Year’s Eve; during this peak time, this can reach up to $3,000 USD per night.
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