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These N.Y.C. Hotels Have Epic Views of the Thanksgiving Day Parade


Credit: Ben Hider/Getty

Ah, it's that time of year again. And no, we're not talking about Christmas just yet. The 90th anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held in the Big Apple is swiftly approaching and we couldn't be more excited. Considered to be most beloved and the biggest parade, the parade has over ten thousand people participants, but more significantly, it's watched by more than 3.5 million people on the streets of Manhattan and more than 50 million people nationwide.

But if you've ever been, you know that actually watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a wholly different experience than viewing the live broadcast on TV. A palpable vigor surges through the air and the animated balloons and intricate floats are even more impressive in person. The only problem--who really wants to dawdle outside for hours on what always seems to be the chilliest (and windiest) day of November? If you want to experience the 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade--sans crowds--these hotels have still have rooms available with incredible views. It's the perfect solution: a warm hotel room without the baggage. So this year, rather than jouncing elbows with strangers and shivering in your fleece jacket, check out our favorite New York City hotels along the route. Whether you still need to book a hotel stay, or simply require a rendezvous (preferably a heated one) pre-parade, these spots have got you covered.

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1. New York Hilton Midtown:


Credit: New York Hilton Midtown

Home to a whopping number of rooms (nearly 2,000) and conference space (150,000 square feet), it's safe to say that the Hilton is well-equipped to handle the multitudes of conventions it hosts each year--as well as the holiday masses who swoop upon the property come Thanksgiving. New York Hilton Midtown is positioned directly on the parade route at the corner of 54th Street and 6th Avenue, providing the leading vantage point for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can relish the festivities from their cozy guest rooms overlooking the parade. Select from high or low floors and a variety of views, but don't wait--the magic happens just once a year and their parade-view rooms sell out fast.

2. The Refinery Hotel:


Credit: Refinery Hotel

Located in a thriving fashion hub just off of Sixth Avenue on 38th Street, this uber posh boutique hotel is snuggled in a historic building that was once a tea salon and hat factory. The retro, industrial-chic rooms feature 12-ft ceilings and windows that open (perfect for parade-viewing). The property's past inspired its present industrial-chic design, and minute details such as embellished milliner's tools pay homage to the building's prior purpose. In the lobby, sleek white stone and Gothic arches are juxtaposed against flamboyant contemporary art, while in the rooms, a minimalist black-and-white motif is warmed by the oak hardwood floors. Guests at the hotel can not only easily sneak peeks of the parade, but can also quickly reach popular hot spots like the Empire State Building and Herald Square (where the parade ends) by foot.

3. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park:


Credit: Ritz-Carlton New York

Everything you'd expect at a Ritz property--impeccable customer service, luxurious rooms, a stellar location--you'll find at The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park. This stylish Ritz rises above Central Park's south side, gesturing to luxury-seekers in search of a prime midtown Manhattan location. With a tony address right on the grandest park in N.Y.C., they boast marvelous views not only of the city's largest green space, but also the parade as it marches by. Guests can book rooms overlooking the route, or munch on breakfast at the on-site bistro, with windows looking out at the street. As can be expected of almost all brand properties, this Ritz features their classic extensive amenities and luxurious lodgings.

4. Mandarin Oriental, New York


Credit: Mandarin Oriental

The exceedingly luxe Mandarin Oriental in New York towers over Columbus Circle, giving guests the ultimate view of the day's balloons and floats. In the same building as some of the city's best restaurants, and directly across the street from Central Park, the Mandarin's location is idyllic -- particularly for those watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But it's the hotel's dizzying assortment of contemporary indulgences--a 75-foot pool, one of the city's best spas, sweeping views from virtually every common area and colossal bathrooms with deep soaking tubs (even in standard rooms) -- that make this a proper standout for the holidays. Enjoy the parade from your opulently designed guest room, or from the hotel's signature restaurant. In addition to its ritzy guest rooms, the hotel has two other principal viewing spots: the Asiate restaurant--where brunch is offered Thanksgiving morning--and Lobby Lounge. The restaurant and lounge are also open to non-guests, so you can invite your friends over!

5. Trump International Hotel and Tower


Credit: Trump International Hotel and Tower New York

You won't forget your stay at Trump International Hotel and Tower--largely due to the fact that every accessible surface is inscribed with the Donald's moniker--but, politics aside, the stupendous staff, stunning rooms, and extraordinary views are also quite memorable. A sublime spot for people-watching, probably especially this year, this luxe glass tower overlooks Central Park and many rooms feature remarkable views of the parade. Guests can even opt to book the Thanksgiving Day Parade package for the ultimate experience, which comprises of hot chocolate (capped with marshmallows) upon arrival, room service-delivered breakfast to be enjoyed while watching the parade, and tickets to the Trump ice-skating rink in the park. For the best views from above, ask for the Executive City View Suites and Executive Park View Suites, or if you want to be closer to the action, just stand by the entrance of the hotel, which is situated directly on the parade route.

6. Warwick New York Hotel:


Credit: Warwick New York

Only a several blocks from Central Park, and just down the street from the Hilton, the Warwick New York is another solid upscale possibility for parade-viewing. Sitting on the corner of 54th and 6th, the Warwick New York Hotel has been enticing Thanksgiving Day guests for years. This historic landmark from media-magnate William Randolph Hearst was built in the 1920s. A former celebrity hangout, the Warwick boasts an upscale elegance that exudes complete "New York." The former guest list here is quite the impressive resume, with such names as Cary Grant (who lived here for 12 years), Audrey Hepburn, and Elvis Presley. Nowadays, modernized decor upholds some charming historic elements. Unfortunately, not all rooms include views of the parade, so we recommend one of the prominent "On the Avenue" suites.