Christmas is wonderful. But let’s be honest, New Year’s Eve is where the party is really at.
Had a good year? Time to celebrate. Had a crappy year? Time to celebrate it ending. Looking forward to 2024? Start it with a bang. Terrified of 2024? Ignore it and party. Every question leads to the same answer—go big.
But choosing the best destination is no easy feat. The popular spots have become oversaturated and require a little more creative thinking, while “under-the-radar” spots might be all hype and let you down.
Fear not. We’re here with a list of the best hotels to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2023 from around the world.
The Balmoral
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Price: $650+
Vibe: Hogmania
The rundown: New Year’s Eve (or Hogmanay as it’s known in Scotland) is a big deal in Edinburgh. Its street party is legendary and regularly takes pride of place atop the best places to ring in the New Year. And the crowning jewel in its crown is the five-star hotel, The Balmoral.
Ideally situated on bustling Princes Street and feet from the party’s epicenter, it’s undoubtedly one of the best hotels to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2023. If the chaos outside isn’t for you, don’t worry; grab a dram of whisky at the property’s renowned bar, SCOTCH, and tipple away 2023 before heading to your room to watch the fireworks explode from the castle above.
The Knickerbocker
Location: New York City, New York
Price: $795
Vibe: Ball-dropping brilliance
The rundown: The Times Square Ball Drop is arguably the most famous NYE tradition on the planet. The only issue? It kinda sucks to pack into the center of the city like sardines for hours to watch a B-list celebrity push a button. There are a ton of horror stories, with people peeing in bottles, hypothermia, and much more. The only reasonable solution? Grab an amazing hotel with a view of the square.
The Knickerbocker is something of a New York institution and has been drawing famous faces since the early 20th century. It’s had a recent facelift, bringing it up to date while retaining its history’s glamour. Of course, it looks down upon Times Square, and if you’re lucky enough to snag a room, you might be able to grab a spot on the outside deck for the big moment.
Shangri-La Sydney
Location: Sydney, Australia
Price: $1,000+
Vibe: Fantastical harbour lookout
The rundown: The Aussie New Year is one of the first major celebrations across the world, coming a full 16 hours before NYC. And it’s a spectacular one…if a little chaotic. Trust me, I’ve done it. The fireworks over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are nothing short of magnificent, and it’s something that needs to be seen.
If getting down and dirty with the best of the party-goers for New Year’s Eve 2023 isn’t your thing, take it in at a safe distance at Shangri-La Sydney. Looking out over the harbor, you’ll have an unmatched view of the entire spectacle, cocktail in hand, and never more than an elevator ride away from your bed.
Copacabana Palace: A Belmond Hotel
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Price: $1,000+
Vibe: Beachside Brazilian bells
The rundown: If it’s a party you’re looking for, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the place to be for New Year’s Eve 2023. More specifically, Copacabana is where the party will be found. Expect a frolicking mess of music, dancing, and a carnival-like atmosphere.
The Copacabana Palace is the single best place to bring it in. Close enough to get in on the beach action but also boasting its own elegant NYE party, Rio’s premier five-star hotel will make the dying hours of 2023 your most memorable.
Radisson RED
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Price: $350+
Vibe: 360 Marvel on a budget
The rundown: It’s hard to find a strong hotel in any of the world’s big NYE destinations that don’t break the bank. Most of the hotels on this list double in price, including this one. But thankfully, the starting point was far lower for this Cape Town gem.
By no means the flashiest hotel on the list, this humble Radisson is a simple affair. But what it lacks in pizzazz, it makes up for with its phenomenal 360-view of the city. From its rooftop deck, you can watch Cape Town explode into life as the clock strikes 12. Just be prepared to fight off the rest of the guests.
Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
Location: Dubai, UAE
Price: $750+
Vibe: Opulence overloaded
The rundown: Dubai does everything big, and that stretches to its New Year’s Eve 2023 celebrations. Expect fireworks erupting from everywhere in the city. In true Dubai style, the best way to celebrate is at one of the hundreds of all-you-can-eat-and-drink banquet parties in any of the hundreds of world-class hotels.
But we’d recommend Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. Not only will it host its own epic party and banquet, but its excellent location allows for views of the entire Dubai skyline so you can soak everything in.
by travelers, for travelers.
