If you’re heading to New York for July 4th, you can get great views of the fireworks from your hotel if you manage to grab a room in one of these fab properties in time.
For the first time in a decade, the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular will be firing off from the Hudson River between W 14th and W 24th, with lots of viewing locations on the west side of Manhattan and New Jersey.
There are plenty of fun events including family-friendly harbor cruises with live DJs, buffet dinner and open bars to ensure the most epic photos of the fireworks. On land, you’ll want to be around the Chelsea Piers.
But to escape the crowds and not miss any of the action, book one of these hotels for eyes on the techno displays and cocktail in hand.
Update 2024: some of the hotels below, while fabulous, face the East River. That’s where the Macy’s Fireworks launched from last year but this year they are going to be on the Hudson, so to be honest, hotels in New Jersey will have the best views!
1. W Hoboken
Grab a river view in this New Jersey hotel and see not only the impressive New York skyline, but enjoy front row (or bed front) views of the 4th of July fireworks. The W Hoboken is also a fab hotel for any trip to NYC. You can walk to the PATH station and get a train across to Manhattan.
Check out room rates at W Hoboken here.
2. Hyatt House Jersey City
Another hotel with epic New York skyline views and the Statue of Liberty, Hyatt House Jersey City has a wonderful rooftop, so even if you don’t have a waterfront room, you can be upstairs under the stars watching the fireworks.
Easy access to NYC is by the PATH train to World Trade Center, where the Ocuclus building will have architecture lovers swooning!
Check out rooms at Hyatt House Jersey City here.
3. The Standard, Highline
If you want to be on Manhattan and have epic fireworks views on the Hudson, then see if you can snag a room at The Standard Highline. The Highline is a free garden walk, high above the city. It used to be a rail line, and now is planted in trees, with murals and gardens and lots of people strolling!
It starts in Chelsea, where I recommend you eat at the Market in this post I wrote about the best Flea Markets in NYC, and you can exit when you like – otherwise it’s 1.45 miles long.
Check out prices of the Standard Highline here.
5. Envue, Autograph Collection
With NYC skyline views from the rooms and a rooftop terrace, the Envue in New Jersey is another great spot for best 4th of July fireworks views. They have two restaurants, a pool and are a 2-minute walk from Port Imperial Terminal to midtown Manhattan.
Check out room rates at the Envue now.
The following hotels have fab views of the East River. They will not be great for fireworks from your windows for the 2024 4th of July, but I’ll keep them in here because they are still cool!
6. The William Vale (Brooklyn)
The William Vale is a stylish and contemporary hotel nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, offering an unparalleled view of the East River.
With its prime location and modern design, this hotel provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking a front-row seat for the vibrant display. In fact, one of the standout features of The William Vale is its magnificent rooftop bar, Westlight, which boasts panoramic views of the city skyline and the East River.
Then there is another rooftop above this rooftop which is great for summer popup events. Unwind on the lounge seating or in bean bags upstairs, sipping handcrafted cocktails, and take in the breathtaking views during the afternoon. Then keep your spot for an unobstructed view of the fireworks at about 9.20pm on the 4th of July.
Check rates for The William Vale >
7. Lillistar at the Moxy, Brooklyn
This rooftop bar on the 11th floor looks straight down the Williamsburg Bridge with views across the East River and lower Manhattan. It sits on top of the new Moxy Brooklyn Hotel.
The bar is a fusion of Aussie/Indonesian influence in the decor and menu, which has a nod to Indo flavors, alongside creative cocktails like spicy margaritas.
There is an indoor and outdoor rooftop space, so if you don’t get here for July 4th, book a spot for New Year’s Eve in NYC when the technomania will strike again, but you want to be sipping warm drinks!
Reserve your July 4th table here >
8. Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza (Midtown)
Located on the East River with several rooms boasting stunning river views across to Brooklyn, Millennium Hilton New York One is a great place to stay to have the best of all worlds.
Some rooms have great views of the Empire State Building to the north, so would be good for NYE fireworks. Being in Midtown, you’re also an easy walk to Bryant Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and some great places for brunch to start your day.
See rates and availability at Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza >
9. The Hoxton, Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Just across the East River is the Hoxton with its 175 rooms and Manhattan skyline views. Hoxton hotels, founded in London, are a bit different from others in that they pride themselves on turning unused buildings into luxury hotels. Think carparks or disused and unloved buildings, reimagined into a hotel to reflect its neighborhood.
Book a room with a view, or head to Laser Wolf on the rooftop for the New Year’s Eve fireworks. You’ll taste award-winning Israeli dishes including skewers cooked over charcoal in the open air skewer house, and great cocktails.
10. The Standard, East Village (Manhattan)
Located in the lively neighborhood of East Village, The Standard is a stylish hotel that’s popular among trendsetters. With its prime location and lively atmosphere, this place promises an unforgettable view of the East River. The Standard provides a variety of chic and cozy lodgings, in addition to its alluring bar, NO BAR, all in the edgy East Village neighborhood.
Check rates for the The Standard >
11. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn)
Nestled near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers a captivating setting across the East River. This eco-friendly luxury hotel provides a front-row seat to the breathtaking display for New Year’s Eve and immerses guests in a sustainable and nature-inspired environment.
With its prime location and emphasis on green living, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s rooftop bar and lounge, Harriets, features on my list of the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in New York and you’ll have clear views of the fireworks from here. As the sky illuminates with vibrant colors, visitors can sip on artisanal cocktails, surrounded by the mesmerizing panorama of the Manhattan skyline.
Check rates and availability at 1 Hotel Brooklyn >
12. The Box House Hotel (Brooklyn)
Join the others at The Box House Hotel and be part of the festivities with the hotel’s special firework-watching event. Experience a truly unique and breathtaking view as you step onto their magnificent rooftop.
Spanning over an impressive 10,000 square feet, this rooftop offers unbarred panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll be able to witness the new year’s eve luminous bursts that light up the night sky in all their glory.
Check rates and availability at The Box House Hotel >
13. The William NYC (Manhattan)
Located in the bustling Financial District of Manhattan, The William NYC offers a prime location with views of the East River. With its stylish ambiance and convenient proximity, this hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable experience.
While The William NYC may not have a rooftop, its central location allows guests to easily access nearby spots to enjoy the fireworks extravaganza.
Check rates and availability at The William NYC >
14. The Williamsburg Hotel (Brooklyn)
Escape to the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where The Williamsburg Hotel, with its unique blend of style and vibrancy, is the perfect choice for those searching for a truly memorable vacation.
The Williamsburg Hotel boasts a stunning rooftop bar and pool area, elevating the celebration to new heights. From this exclusive vantage point, guests are treated to panoramic views of the city skyline.
Indulge in the ultimate luxury on the multi-level rooftop terrace, with an expertly crafted cocktail and the ambiance that goes with it.
Check rates and availability at The Williamsburg >
15. The Refinery Hotel (Manhattan)
Views of the New York City metropolis can be seen from the rooftop bar and lounge of the Refinery Hotel. On the rooftop patio, visitors may sip drinks made with fresh ingredients.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of the Garment District, explore the nearby cultural attractions and vibrant shopping destinations, and revel in the unmatched blend of industrial charm and contemporary luxury that The Refinery Hotel provides.
Check rates and availability for the Refinery Hotel >
Best hotels in New York to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve
For hotels that actually offer views of the famous ball drop in Times Square
Many of these hotels offer NYE packages which include open bar, maybe dinner,
always live music and a big party!
- The Knickerbocker – best views from the rooftop terrace and bar
- Casablanca Hotel Times Square – see views from the rooftop
- M Social, Times Square, New York – views from some rooms and Perch and Terrace
- New York Marriott Marquis – head to the 48th floor restaurant for music and views
- Hyatt Centric Times Square – best views from Bar 54
- Hilton Garden Inn – views from top floor rooms
- Margaritaville Resort Times Square – views from 7th floor pool deck, and the rooftop
- The Pearl Hotel – not all rooms have Times Square views
- Renaissance New York Times Square – get a balcony room for great views, or head to the bar/lounge
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – 40 suites offer ball drop views
- Crowne Plaza Times Square – some rooms see the ball drop, or head to the restaurant
- Millennium Hotel Broadway, Times Square – book a room with floor to ceiling windows facing the view
- Residence Inn, Central Park – rooms above the 65th floor looking over the intersection have the view
What other New York posts can I read?
There are plenty of places to see the 4th of July fireworks in New York for free, or book a harbor cruise get amongst it at exclusive events with an open bar and live DJ.
Here’s my list of great hotels across New York for under $300 a night, all rated 8* and above on Booking.com.
Check out the cool street art scene in New York City including where to find some Banksy’s.
The dangerous history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and balloon fails over the years with helium balloon accidents!
How to have the perfect Christmas in New York including tours to see the lights, where to skate and the best windows to see.
12 great ways to have the best New Year’s Eve in New York with private parties, harbor cruises and ball drop views.
Amazing ways to spend Valentine’s Day in New York City from free things to exclusive events.
Find my picks for the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC in this post for every occasion!
My picks for awesome flea markets in NYC to pick up a quirky gift or enjoy the street food.
If you’re looking for best brunch spots in NYC, especially if you love a great bottomless brunch, you’ll love this post.
Shop till you drop in these 12 shopping locations in NYC which I’ve reviewed in this post.
