New Year’s is the perfect excuse to travel. Your holiday obligations are over, extended family members have left, and now it’s time to say goodbye to 2024 and celebrate all the possibilities of 2025.
If you haven’t made plans for New Year’s Eve, here are the top-booked destinations from last year and some of our favorite hotels in each spot. For insider intel on where to go and what to do on New Year’s, reach out to a Fora Advisor — they’ll provide personalized recommendations and get you hotel perks along the way.
London
Image courtesy of Rosewood London
There aren’t many New Year’s Eve fireworks displays that can rival London’s, which light up the city skyline and reflect off the Thames (book a river cruise for amazing views). But the next day is just as exciting, with London’s New Year’s Day Parade, packed with the majesty of the Queen’s Horses and a host of bands and performers. And don’t miss the chance to delight in some of England’s finest offerings, like afternoon high tea, a trip to Harrod’s and discovering some of the world’s best museums.
“I love seeing an old historic building set amongst modern highrises,” Fora Advisor Jen Lyon said, “so celebrating on Madison's rooftop was an unforgettable New Year's with a gorgeous view of St. Paul's Cathedral and London's skyline.”
Raffles London at The OWO: Regal and traditional hotel housed in London’s Old War Office building a block from the Thames.
Accor HERA perks a $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Broadwick Soho: Stylish urban retreat set in London’s West End with a colorful bar and terrace dining.
Fora Reserve perks include a 20£ credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood London: Quintessentially British gem with contemporary yet elegant interiors and posh dining just minutes from Covent Garden.
Rosewood Elite perks include daily breakfast, a welcome amenity and an upgrade whenever possible.
Cabo San Lucas
Image courtesy of Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Wherever you stay in Cabo over New Year’s, position yourself with a view of Médano Beach for the impressive fireworks display. Several hotels host festivities, ranging from specialty dinners to DJ and dance parties. For a closer look at the fireworks, book a dinner cruise with a special New Year’s menu and champagne toast. Check out these hotels for plush poolside cabanas and relaxing sea views — the perfect way to recover from the festivities.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos: A combo of Mexican flair and Japanese design, plus sleek infinity pools and celebrated dining experiences.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection: Suites, casitas and oceanfront villas mingles with dining options, a swim-up bar and a spa.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: Seaside spot with numerous dining options, a spa and a dreamy beach club with gorgeous views.
Hilton for Luxury perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and an upgrade whenever possible.
Paris
Image courtesy of Kimpton St Honoré Paris
With its Eiffel Tower visible from all parts of the city, Paris knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve party. The iconic landmark anchors an exceptional fireworks display, made more majestic when seen from the River Seine. Several venues host celebrations, including the Moulin Rouge, which puts on a dinner followed by a splashy show and midnight champagne toast. For a family-friendly option, head outside the city to Disneyland Paris to ring in the New Year with the kids’ favorite characters.
Hôtel Providence Paris: Vibrant choice with boldly decorated rooms and a welcoming bistro near Le Marais and Saint-Martin neighborhoods.
Fora Reserve perks include daily breakfast, a welcome drink, butler service, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Kimpton St Honoré Paris: Playful and effortlessly chic spot, with a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views set in the 9th arrondissement.
IHG Destined perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Château Voltaire: A discreetly luxurious stay with understated style and a warm restaurant and bar near the Jardins des Tuileries.
Fora Reserve perks include daily breakfast, a welcome drink, butler service, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
New Orleans
Image courtesy of Virgin Hotels New Orleans
If there’s ever a city known for its party vibe, it’s New Orleans. From Bourbon Street to Jazz Fest to Mardi Gras, the Big Easy loves a good celebration. Travel here to experience the annual Fleur De Lis drop punctuated by fireworks over the Mississippi River, and stay an extra couple of days to dive into the city’s culture, food scene and live music venues.
“Year after year, I've chosen to celebrate New Year's Eve in New Orleans, where the energy is unparalleled,” said Fora Advisor Hannah Love. “Whether I’m dancing to a jazz band at the Columns Hotel, watching the streetcar glide by, or celebrating on Bourbon Street among Sugar Bowl fans, the city never fails to deliver an unforgettable party.”
Virgin Hotels New Orleans: A stylish hotel with a photo-worthy rooftop pool and terrace in the city’s trendy Warehouse District, a short walk from the French Quarter.
Preferred Platinum perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Monteleone: The place to stay for French Quarter glamour, with the superb Carousel Bar (yes, it spins like a carousel), fancy suites and an on-site spa.
Preferred Platinum perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Eliza Jane: Historic hotel set in converted 19th-century warehouses with a cool brick courtyard, a brasserie-style restaurant and colorful rooms.
Hyatt Privé perks include a welcome amenity, a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Los Angeles
Image courtesy of Palihouse West Hollywood
Depending on where you stay in Los Angeles, you can have vastly different New Year’s experiences. Choose West Hollywood for hip clubs hosting DJs and themed parties on Sunset Boulevard, or Beverly Hills for upscale celebrations and champagne at iconic hotels (even if you’re not staying there) like The Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel. Head a bit out of town to Santa Monica for its New Year’s countdown at the pier, or to Marina del Rey for early (9pm) and late (midnight) fireworks, perfect for families who don’t want to stay out until midnight.
“Los Angeles at New Year’s is electric,” Fora Advisor Anne Travous said. “My favorite celebration is at The Grove, where you can choose to stay in the thick of the party or sneak away from the crowds to the top floor of the Grove’s garage to watch fireworks across the entire city — from Downtown LA to Santa Monica. It's spectacular!”
Kimpton Everly Hotel: Contemporary Hollywood hotel with a streamlined aesthetic, rooftop pool terrace and a laid-back restaurant for California-inspired fare.
IHG - Lifestyle perks include a $50 hotel credit or amenity, welcome snack, an upgrade and late checkout whenever possible.
Palihouse West Hollywood: Close to restaurants and excellent shopping, boasting a cool design with a touch of retro and old-Hollywood, plus a rooftop pool.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills: Sophisticated retreat offering traditional, upscale rooms with a spa and stylish rooftop pool.
Peninsula PenClub perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Connect with a Fora Advisor for personalized recommendations on where (and how) to ring in the New Year.
