Curator’s statement
My husband and I took our first trip as a married couple to NYC after Christmas in December 2023. It’s always been a bucket list item for me to see the New Year's Eve Ball Drop, but I didn’t want to stand for hours and hours in the cold and no way to go to the bathroom! I searched diligently for months, but found the Casablanca Hotel in the heart of Times Square- and it did NOT disappoint. The view of the ball drop from their rooftop was nothing short of magical, and I would love to show others how to see it too!
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If you’ve been like me and love the lights and sights of the “Big Apple,” there is no better time to see NYC than at Christmas time. Even better is New Year’s Eve- when millions line up to see the infamous ball drop- but if you’re like me, you don’t want to stand for hours in the cold to see this spectacle.
I worked tirelessly to try and find a hotel where I could see the ball drop from our room- but at $2,500/night for these rooms, plus an additional $1,000/person for their NYE parties, I didn’t want to spend a fortune. Finally, I landed on the Casablanca Hotel, located on 42nd Street, just a block from Times Square.
Their service was second to none. From the time we checked in, they had soothing but exemplary service from all their employees. In addition to your stay (a minimum of four nights during this time of year), they provide continental breakfast every morning, afternoon wine and cheese receptions, a four course meal New Year’s Eve and exclusive access to watch the ball drop from their rooftop.
Everything was IMMACULATE, and we had the best time. Just that alone made all the busyness of the city worthwhile. If you’re interested in booking this special offer, just contact me and I can book for you!
Need to know
They have a special package during New Years, that they normally don’t offer other times of the year, but the perks are FABULOUS, and even if you don’t go during this time, their service is impeccable!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New York. In need of further inspiration? Check out Celine Serrao’s guide, Start Spreading the News: A Local’s Guide to New York, New York.
Travel Advisor
Chelsea Chandler Berry
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