8 Best Hotel Rooftop Views of the Times Square Ball Drop in NYC

If you’re reading this blog post, then it means we are approaching the most festive time of the year – NYE! And what a better place than to celebrate it in The City That Never Sleeps. New York is famous for its Ball Drop at Times Square, which could be an amazing experience for some and overwhelming and too crowded for others. But there’s an alternative way for watching the Ball Drop without being surrounded by a million people. And that is of course from a rooftop. Luckily, NYC doesn’t lack them. But what’s even better is to actually stay in a hotel that has an amazing rooftop views of the Times Square Ball Drop. In this blog post, I am bringing you 8 best hotels in NYC curated for this ultimate NYE experience.

Heads up! Some links in this blog are affiliates. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend stuff I’ve tested or trust. Your support keeps this blog going—thanks a bunch!

⚠️ Before we go into the list, I just want to highlight that I couldn’t give you the approximate starting price of a hotel room, like I did with 11 Best NYC Hotels with Empire State Building Views blog post. And that is mainly because the rooms are being booked up already and the prices are constantly changing due to the high demand. If you want to secure a hotel with the view of the Times Square ball drop, you need to act quickly, otherwise, you might miss out on it!

📖 Heading to New York? Read my NYC Itinerary: The Best of New York in 5 Days blog post.

The Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker is one of the best hotels to watch the ball drop. Their rooftop bar St. Cloud is one of the best in the city, only 45 m (150 ft) below the Times Square ball drop. 🤩

However, regardless whether you’re a hotel guest or not, you have to buy the tickets for the NYE Event to be granted access to the rooftop. If these have sold out, you can still book a room with the Times Square view (just read carefully the room’s descriptions to make sure you’d get that one!).

Either way, it’s a great choice which is why The Knickerbocker is first one on the list.

⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.5 Very Good 🏩 Book it

New York Marriott Marquis

Similar to The Knickerbocker, New York Marriott Marquis has a great rooftop bar and the hotel rooms where you can watch the ball drop in Times Square.

The principle is the same, you need to buy the tickets to the private NYE event and/or book a room that has the view of Times Square.

⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.3 Very Good 🏩 Book it

Hyatt Centric Times Square New York

Hyatt Centric Times Square has the highest rooftop bar in the Times Square area, on the 54th floor with panoramic views of Times Square.

Which only means one thing – you’d be granted an amazing view of the ball drop!

Just like the other 2 hotels, you need to buy the tickets for the NYE event or book a room that has a direct views of the ball drop.

⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.3 Very Good 🏩 Book it

Renaissance New York Times Square By Marriott

Renaissance New York Times Square is located in a perfect location to watch the ball drop.

Their R Lounge bar has amazing views of Times Square perfect for NYE, but you need to buy the tickets to this unique experience.

But also, there are guest rooms with private terraces that are overlooking Times Square which are ideal if you want to celebrate a private NYE with your loved ones. It’s almost like you have a mini rooftop all for yourself.

⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.4 Very Good 🏩 Book it

M Social Hotel Times Square New York

M Social Hotel Times Square is a perfect spot to watch the Times Square ball drop and mainly because all guests are guaranteed a live view of the ball drop!

⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.4 Very Good 🏩 Book it

The Times Square EDITION New York

The Times Square EDITION is a gorgeous 5 star luxury hotel.

For NYE you can watch the live drop from their garden terrace (you need to buy the tickets though) or you can even enjoy it from one of the rooms that offer a great view over Times Square.

⭐️ 5 star ❤️ 8.6 Fabulous 🏩 Book it

Virgin Hotels New York City

Virgin Hotels brings a fresh, energetic feel to the rooftop scene, and it’s no different for NYE.

You have to book the tickets for the ball drop party and/or book a room with the Times Square views.

P. S. You can also enjoy the Empire State Building views from there.

⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 8.3 Very Good 🏩 Book it

Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection

Casablanca Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel in NYC with a very special interior – Moroccan inspired.

While it doesn’t have those amazing Times Square views from the guest rooms, it surely has an amazing rooftop bar where you can watch the ball drop. Same as with other hotels, you need to buy your tickets in advance.

⭐️ 4 star ❤️ 9.1 Superb 🏩 Book it

Which one will be your choice?

Like this post? Pin it!📍