Looking for the best places to view 4th of July fireworks? All across America, hotels are offering deals and specials in honor of Independence Day celebrations, and many have public viewing areas where non-guests are invited to join the party.

Whether you’re hanging out for the evening or spending the night, these hotels have exceptional views of fireworks that you won’t want to miss this July 4.

The Westin New Orleans Canal Place – New Orleans, Louisiana

Located along the Mississippi River, this hotel has a 12th-floor lobby with floor-to-ceiling window views of the 20th Annual Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza. Fireworks by the river begin at 9 p.m. Standard rooms start from $309.

XV Beacon Hotel – Boston, Massachussetts

This Preferred Hotel Group property has a private rooftop with views of The Annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular starting at 10:30 p.m. Rate start from $350.

Hard Rock Hotel Beach Club – Las Vegas, Nevada

SKYBAR, the hotel’s rooftop bar and pool, has free access for hotel guests and $20 cover for non-guests. The location provides views of displays from several casinos and surrounding venues that begin at dusk. Rooms start from $99 and 25 percent off room rates during Fourth of July weekend.

Hotel Gansevoort – New York, New York

Guests and non-guests alike can enjoy the rooftop bar and pool that offers panoramic views of Macy’s Hudson River firework display. Rooms start at $350 per night.

Hotel Saint Cecilia  – Austin, Texas

Although fireworks aren’t visible from public spaces, this South Congress hotel has studio rooms with views of the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks. Fireworks start around 8:30 p.m.

Galt House – Louisville, Kentucky

Guests who book the Fourth of July Live It Up in Louisville package on July 3 get to stay on Sunday, July 4 for free, starting from $129 a night. Non-guests can view the Waterfront Independence Festival from Louisville’s only waterfront hotel.

Hyatt Regency Savannah – Savannah, Georgia

River-view rooms, starting from $200 per night, and the hotel’s restaurant, Windows, offer views of Savannah’s Great American Weekend. Fireworks follow the 8 p.m. jazz concert

Kansas City Marriott – Kansas City, Missouri

The Kansas City Downtown Marriott’s Fourth of July KC Riverfest Package from $119 a night include room views of the fireworks. The Riverfest display starts around 10:05 p.m. on July 3 and 4.


Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa – San Diego, California

The San Diego Big Bay Boom Fireworks 2010 display starts at 9 p.m., and this resort property is offering rooms from $379 with direct views of the display.

Porto Vista Hotel – San Diego, California

This Little Italy hotel offers panoramic views of the bay from its Glass Door Restaurant offers panoramic views of the bay where pyrotechnics will play out while you sip on July 4-inspired cocktails and dine on its “patriotic menu.” Or head to the Ripassi Roof deck where $15 buys a picnic meal and a free view of the fireworks.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Ritz-Carlton lakeside suites offer views of the Navy Pier where fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Room rates start around $350.

Bristol Harbor Inn – Bristol, Rhode Island

Although this boutique hotel is already fully booked over the holiday, the public is welcome to hang out in the beach front area to join Bristol’s 225th Independence Day party—supposedly the oldest continuous July 4 celebration in the country. Note that summer rooms here get booked between August and October, so plan ahead if you want to spend the night in 2011.

Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:

• Countdown to the New Year: 12 Strange But True New Year’s Traditions
• American Heroes: Celebrating Volunteer Firefighters
• Lady Liberty’s Crown Re-opening July 4th

By Jessica Kate Soberman for PeterGreenberg.com