It’s 16 days until New Year’s Eve, but do you have plans? If you’re still looking for a party or even a trip, we’ve rounded up some of the top events going on at hotels across the country.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, California – If you’re looking to party, the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is throwing an event with dancing, culinary treats, and open wine and champagne, vodka, and tequila bars sounds like your ideal way to ring in the New Year, then this getaway, located in San Diego County, is the place to be. Tickets are $375/person and include all alcohol and entertainment.
The US GRANT Hotel, San Diego, California – For all those trend setters out there here is your chance to be a part of The US GRANT Hotel’s first annual New Year’s Eve Soiree: The Bivouac! The event will feature DJ Brett Bodley, a live performance by Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, and beverage stations designed by celebrity mixologist Jeff Josenhans. Rates range from $60 for general admission to $800 for admission with exclusive seating/ 2 bottles of champagne or liquor (selected by The US GRANT).
US Grand Hotel. Credit: Dena Braun
The Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta, Canada – The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is not only celebrating the New Year, they are also celebrating their 125th birthday. To celebrate the events they will be hosting a dinner followed by a dance in the Van Horne Ballroom. For those with little ones, there will also be a separate Kid’s Club with a party featuring dancing, bowling, games, and other activities. Tickets are $295 per adult for dinner and dance; prices for the kid’s party vary by age.
Royal Palms, Scottsdale, Arizona – Caviar, lobster, and champagne? There are worse ways to ring in the New Year! Join new Executive Chef Todd Sicolo who brings with him over 25 years of luxury hotel food and beverage experience at the Royal Palms this New Years to experience the classics as well as a Chef Sicolo’s latest dishes. First seating starts at $98 plus tax and gratuity.
The Surrey, New York, New York – Looking to change things up this New Years? How about spending the night at The Surrey in New York City, where guests ordering special holiday cocktails can get a crash course on how to make drinks such as East Side Mulled Wine, Pumpkin Pie Delight, and Hot Surrey Cider from the in-room mixology service. Rooms start at $495 a night.
Windham Hill Inn, West Townshend, Vermont — For those looking for a more traditional experience consider the Windham Hill Inn in Vermont. Guests will be treated to a six-course dinner starting at 6:30 pm, which will be accompanied by live jazz by the Draa Hobbs Trio, as well as a midnight toast. Black tie is requested; the dinner is $105 per person.
The Modern Honolulu, Honolulu, Hawaii – If you are looking to go all out this New Year’s Eve, The Modern Honolulu is the place to do it. They will be throwing a huge party with will include six different areas for revelers to enjoy the festivities which will feature cocktails by Grey Goose, Bacardi, Ace of Spades, and several others, as well as a firework show on the pool decks at midnight. While packages start as low as $75 for general admission, those seeking the full experience may have to dig a little deeper into the pocket books if they were interested in say, the OVER THE TOP NYE EXPERIENCE, which will set you back $133,000.
Regent Palms, Turks & Caicos – For anyone interested in a fresh new way to experience New Year’s Eve and are ready for a break from the winter weather than a trip to Turks & Caicos may be in order. The Regent Palms, located just off of the Brace Bay Beach, will be hosting their Rock the World 2012 party which will include a gourmet buffet of foods from across the world. 
Rooms start at $625/night.
Hotel Abri, San Francisco, California – Are you a music lover with plans to be in San Francisco this New Year’s Eve? If so check out the Hotel Abri which will be treating overnight guests with a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne upon arrival as well as two tickets to either the 80’s cover band Tainted Love, who will be playing the Regency Ballroom, or to Primus who will be at The Warfield. Rooms start at $319 per night including Tainted Love tickets; $339/night including Primus tickets.
The White Barn Inn, Kennbunkport, Maine – Another option for those seeking the traditional NYE fare is The White Barn Inn’s celebration. The black tie affair includes canapés at 7 pm followed by dinner at 8 pm which includes wine pairings, live music, and a midnight toast with Chef Jonathan Cartwright, followed by a kitchen tour. Cost $290/person.
Vanderbilt Grace, Newport, Rhode Island — The Vanderbilt Grace will be offering a 2-night package for anyone who is interested in a relaxing start to the new year. Their New Year’s Celebration package includes canapés and champagne in the Bar to start off the night followed by your choice of a five course dinner for two at MUSE by Jonathan Cartwright, or at the more casual Conservatory along with live entertainment and a New Year’s Day brunch the following morning. A complimentary “All About the Ladies” nail care special is also included. Rates start at $905 for MUSE and $835 for The Conservatory.
The Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco, California – Forget spending NYE in just another dull ballroom, this year try The Fairmont San Francisco, where they will be ringing in the New Year from the hotel’s Crown Room which features a stunning view of the San Francisco skyline. The package includes a six-course menu paired with wine, full bar, party favors, and live music for $299 per person.
credit John Bahu
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta, Canada – If you are trying to find a family friendly venue to spend this NYE take a look at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta. Experience a five-course meal with the family and then head to the Beauvert Room for cocktails and dancing while the kids enjoy dancing, games, and crafts in the Lodge’s Kid’s Club New Year’s Celebration.
The Setai, Miami Beach, Florida – One option for those looking for a fancy night out they won’t soon forget is the VIP Black or White Tie Soiree hosted by The Setai. This event will feature gourmet canapés, wine and champagne, a mix of live big band and DJ, six-course dinner with wine pairings, and a unique dessert, Brazilian dancers, and special acts during the midnight toast. Tickets are $850 per adult; $425 per child( 5-12).
For more holiday coverage, check out:
- The Holiday Travel How-To Series
- 4 Initial Secrets to Holiday Travel Savings
- Top 5 Holiday Discounts at US and Global Chains
By Steven Knight for PeterGreenberg.com
Feature Image Credit BigStock
