As the countdown to midnight begins, the world’s most discerning travelers seek iconic destinations to welcome the New Year in extraordinary fashion. From serene desert hideaways to the heart of Times Square, the United States is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts to ring in the new year. These prestigious destinations deliver delightful experiences, exclusive celebrations, and unforgettable experiences that make New Year’s Eve a truly magical event.
Here, Pursuitist presents the ultimate guide to the finest high-end hotels to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the U.S. From private rooftop parties to beachfront luaus, here’s why we love them, what makes them special, and how you can make the most of your celebration.
1. Amangiri — Canyon Point, Utah
Nestled in the heart of the Utah desert, Amangiri provides a serene retreat amid stunning landscapes. This secluded resort is renowned for its minimalist architecture that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, offering guests a tranquil haven. For New Year’s Eve, Amangiri curates intimate gatherings featuring gourmet dining and live entertainment under the expansive desert sky, allowing guests to welcome the New Year in peaceful luxury.
📍 Address: 1 Kayenta Rd, Canyon Point, UT 84741, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Secluded Desert Escape: Tucked away in the stunning Utah desert, Amangiri is a sanctuary of peace, privacy, and minimalist luxury.
- Design Meets Nature: The hotel’s design blends into the landscape, offering an otherworldly experience where natural beauty meets modern elegance.
- Wellness & Rejuvenation: From sunrise yoga to holistic spa treatments, this is the place to restore your mind, body, and spirit for the new year.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- Intimate New Year’s Celebration: Celebrate with an intimate gathering in the desert featuring stargazing, live music, and a champagne toast under the night sky.
- Private Firepit Experiences: Guests can relax by their private firepits while enjoying cocktails, artisanal s’mores, and scenic views of the desert landscape.
- Desert Adventures: Take a hot air balloon ride, hike through slot canyons, or explore the desert on horseback.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Spa Bliss: Indulge in Amangiri’s desert-inspired treatments, including a Navajo-inspired clay wrap.
- Outdoor Dining: Dine under the stars with a private chef-prepared dinner in the desert.
2. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai — Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Situated on the picturesque Kona-Kohala coast, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai epitomizes Hawaiian luxury. The resort features elegantly designed rooms and suites, seven pools, and a private Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Guests can indulge in island-inspired cuisine at the resort’s restaurants and partake in traditional Hawaiian cultural activities. New Year’s Eve at Hualalai is celebrated with beachfront luaus, live music, and spectacular fireworks over the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Address: 72-100 Ka’upulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Tropical Elegance: Experience authentic Hawaiian hospitality at this beachfront paradise on the Big Island.
- Luxury Meets Nature: From swimmable lava rock pools to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, this resort blends natural beauty with modern luxury.
- Perfect for Families: Activities for kids, couples, and solo travelers alike, including water sports, cultural lessons, and private dinners.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- Beachfront NYE Celebration: The resort hosts an iconic beachfront luau featuring hula dancers, live Hawaiian music, and fireworks over the Pacific Ocean.
- Private Villas & Residences: Book a private villa with butler service and enjoy front-row views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
- Eco-Friendly Paradise: Enjoy sustainable luxury with environmentally conscious design and locally sourced cuisine.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Manta Ray Night Snorkeling: Experience a magical encounter with manta rays after sunset.
- Island-Inspired Spa Treatments: Try the Pohaku Wela Hot Stone Massage for deep relaxation.
3. Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, California
Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged California coastline. This adults-only retreat is celebrated for its eco-friendly design and intimate atmosphere. Guests can enjoy stargazing sessions, guided nature hikes, and rejuvenating spa treatments. The New Year’s Eve experience includes a gourmet dinner at the award-winning Sierra Mar restaurant, accompanied by live music and champagne toasts.
📍 Address: 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Clifftop Luxury: This adults-only resort offers cliffside cabins with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Eco-Friendly Opulence: Sustainability meets elegance, with the resort using recycled materials and natural design.
- Exclusive Privacy: With only 40 suites, guests experience unparalleled privacy and intimacy.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- Gourmet Dining: Celebrate with an exclusive New Year’s Eve tasting menu at the world-renowned Sierra Mar restaurant.
- Unmatched Views: Floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring nature into your living space.
- Mindfulness & Relaxation: Meditate, stargaze, or enjoy a private soak in a cliffside hot tub.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Stargazing Nights: Relax under the stars with a glass of wine.
- Private Yoga Classes: Reflect on the new year with a personalized yoga session.
4. The Baccarat Hotel & Residences — New York, NY
Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Baccarat Hotel exudes French elegance and sophistication. The hotel’s crystal-inspired design is complemented by luxurious accommodations and exceptional service. Guests can celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Grand Salon with a lavish dinner and live entertainment, followed by a midnight champagne toast. Its prime location also offers easy access to New York City’s iconic festivities.
📍 Address: 28 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- French Sophistication: This opulent property channels the elegance of Paris with stunning crystal chandeliers and silk-lined walls.
- Prime Location: Located steps from Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Unmatched Opulence: From the crystal-clear indoor pool to the Grand Salon, every detail radiates luxury.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- Opulent NYE Gala: Celebrate with an exclusive dinner, live entertainment, and a champagne toast in the Grand Salon.
- World-Class Design: Baccarat crystal chandeliers, plush furnishings, and museum-quality artwork adorn every space.
🛎️ What to Try:
- The Baccarat Signature Cocktail: Sip this iconic cocktail at The Bar.
- La Mer Spa Treatment: Experience world-renowned skincare treatments at Spa de La Mer.
5. The Knickerbocker — New York, NY
Situated in Times Square, The Knickerbocker provides an unparalleled vantage point for New York’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. The hotel’s St. Cloud rooftop bar offers direct views of the Times Square Ball Drop, allowing guests to be at the center of the festivities. The Knickerbocker combines historic charm with modern luxury, featuring elegantly appointed rooms and exceptional dining options.
📍 Address: 6 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Front-Row Ball Drop: Enjoy exclusive access to the Times Square Ball Drop from the hotel’s rooftop.
- Timeless Charm: A historic landmark infused with contemporary luxury.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- St. Cloud Rooftop Party: A once-in-a-lifetime rooftop NYE experience with front-row views of the Times Square Ball Drop.
- Exclusive Access: Skip the crowds and experience Times Square from the comfort of a luxury suite.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Signature Cocktails: Sip on rooftop cocktails at St. Cloud while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the celebration.
- World-Class Cuisine: Dine at Charlie Palmer’s acclaimed on-site restaurant.
6. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort — Orlando, Florida
Combining the magic of Disney with Four Seasons luxury, this resort is ideal for families and couples alike. The property boasts a five-acre water park, an adult-only pool, and access to Tranquilo Golf Club. On New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy special character dining experiences, rooftop fireworks viewing, and themed parties, making it a memorable celebration for all ages.
📍 Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Disney Magic Meets Luxury: The only AAA Five Diamond resort at Walt Disney World® offering an exclusive blend of Disney enchantment and world-class luxury.
- Family-Friendly Excellence: Perfect for families, with a 5-acre water park, lazy river, and a kids’ club to keep little ones entertained.
- Exquisite Dining Options: Award-winning restaurants, rooftop dining, and Disney-themed character breakfasts.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- Fireworks with a View: Guests can watch Disney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from the rooftop restaurant, Capa, or from the resort’s private viewing areas.
- Family-Focused Fun: Kids can party at the Explorer Island kids’ club while parents enjoy fine dining, cocktails, and live entertainment.
- Exclusive Disney Perks: Early access to Disney parks and a private Disney concierge for guests.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Capa’s Rooftop New Year’s Dinner: Savor a multi-course dinner paired with sweeping views of Disney’s New Year’s fireworks.
- Private Poolside Cabana: Enjoy the exclusive tranquility of a private cabana complete with personalized service.
7. The Peninsula Chicago — Chicago, IL
Set along the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago is synonymous with refined elegance. The hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning city views, a world-class spa, and award-winning dining. New Year’s Eve at The Peninsula includes a gala event with gourmet cuisine, live performances, and dancing. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s ice skating rink and festive decorations, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
📍 Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Iconic Elegance: A modern classic on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
- Holiday Magic: Skating on the rooftop ice rink and festive decorations add to the New Year’s charm.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- New Year’s Eve Gala: Celebrate with ballroom dancing, a multi-course dinner, and live entertainment.
- Exclusive Winter Retreat: The rooftop ice skating rink and holiday decor create a winter wonderland in the heart of the city.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Afternoon Tea: Enjoy the Peninsula’s legendary afternoon tea with live harp music.
- Spa Retreat: Indulge in a spa day with their award-winning treatments.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas — Las Vegas, NV
Located at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Four Seasons Hotel offers a tranquil oasis amid the city’s vibrant energy. The non-gaming hotel provides luxurious rooms with panoramic views, a serene pool area, and direct access to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. For New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy exclusive dining experiences, live entertainment, and a front-row seat to the city’s renowned fireworks display.
📍 Address: 3960 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
🌟 Why Pursuitist Loves It:
- Oasis of Calm: A non-gaming, non-smoking haven in the heart of Las Vegas.
- Exclusive Elegance: Access to the buzz of the Las Vegas Strip while retreating to a serene sanctuary.
✨ What Makes It Special:
- Private Celebration: Dine at the Veranda with an exquisite multi-course dinner.
- Personalized Experience: Enjoy a front-row seat to the Las Vegas fireworks from a private balcony.
🛎️ What to Try:
- Signature Dining: Savor gourmet Italian cuisine at Veranda.
- Private Cabana: Reserve a private poolside cabana for a luxurious escape from the Vegas bustle.
Pursuitist Concludes
Whether you prefer stargazing in the Utah desert, watching the Times Square Ball Drop, or experiencing beachfront luaus in Hawaii, these iconic properties offer unparalleled luxury for New Year’s Eve. Each hotel offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to mark the start of a new year in grand style. Book now and prepare to welcome in the new year in elegance, style, and pure luxury.
