Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

On the Fourth of July at 9:00 pm, three million people in New York will be watching the Macy’s Fireworks live. That’s 40,000 fireworks (1,600 shells per minute) fired from six barges positioned on the Hudson River, synchronized to a 25-minute music score.

This year’s theme is “Gift of Freedom” –  a tribute for the 125th Anniversary year of the Statue of Liberty.

For those who want to enjoy the gift of freedom in style, some hotels are offering “Macy’s Fireworks specials” with plush guest rooms and a view of the fireworks.

Trump SoHo: At Trump SoHo, a few select deluxe, premiere and Penthouse suites have views to the north and east and toward the fireworks. The 2-night suite package includes breakfast for two each morning and a special Dean & Deluca welcome amenity.

For those who want to make a party of it, Trump SoHo is offering to help you plan your Fourth of July picnic in one of the penthouse suites.

Two couples can spend the night and invite friends to enjoy a picnic dinner featuring Kobe beef sliders, lobster salad, truffle mac’ and cheese, apple pie, and more as you watch the fireworks. More details here.

New Yorker Hotel: The hotel’s 4th of July BBQ special includes access to the 38th floor balcony overlooking all of the action where a traditional barbeque dinner and drinks will be served. More details here.

Affinia Hotels: Affinia, which has five hotels in New York, is offering a package which includes two exclusive tickets to watch the Macy’s Fireworks from Hudson River Park. The event will feature food, games, and live entertainment before the big show. More details here.

Crowne Plaza Manhattan: Package includes a guest room overlooking the Hudson River and a special amenity basket. More details here.

W Hoboken: The W doesn’t have a package deal lined up, but the view from the other side of the Hudson is going to be spectacular. If you do stay at the W for the 4th of July, head straight for the hotel’s Chandelier Room lounge for the best view of the fireworks.

Mandarin Oriental: The “Fireworks on the Hudson” package includes accommodation in Hudson River View guestroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, daily American breakfast for two and a 6 pm late checkout. Minimum 2-day stay required, and the package is valid only from July 1-5. More details here.

Photo – Macy’s

Related posts:
Fourth of July Hotels in New York
Best Hotels to See 4th of July Fireworks
Celebrating the 4th of July around the U.S.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Perhaps it’s the pyromaniac in me, but I LOVE fireworks displays, so the Fourth of July makes me insanely happy each and every year, more so even than New Years. The U.S. has some truly spectacular fireworks displays, so why not get into the spirit and make a mini vacation out of the weekend? Quite a few hotels are offering Fourth of July deals to entice would-be homebodies into buying a room for a night or two to really enjoy the busy weekend.

For example, check out the Fourth of July deal going on at the Glenn Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. They’re offering a cutely named “Hit the Roof, Then Hit the Hay” package, which entitles you to unlimited access to the rooftop party featuring a DJ, breakfast for two and two “Glennteanis. ” I’ve had them, and they’re GOOD — they’re made up of vodka (of course), cucumbers, mint leaves (YUM) and lime juice. They freshen your breath before you kiss someone while watching the fireworks~! The Glenn Hotel still has rooms available for $189 in this package, which is a great deal for downtown Atlanta at this time of year! You’ll be a five minute walk away from the actual display at Underground Atlanta, too — though I’d recommend just watching from the rooftop!

A friend of mine throwing a Fourth of July party in San Diego, California, told me about the Sheraton located at the marina. It’s a little more pricey, around $210/night, but all rooms have balconies, and if you’re not lucky enough to snag one that actually faces the fireworks (they’re set off on the USS Midway), you can just plop yourself down on the front lawn. While you’re in San Diego, be sure to check out the Polar Bear Plunge exhibit! It’s a fun way to at least pretend to stay cool this summer, and the bears’ antics are hilarious.
Having just come back from visiting beautiful Chicago, Illinois, where there so many things to do, I know that many of the hotels located on the Miracle Mile (or along the water front!) would be fantastic places to watch fireworks displays. I stayed at the W, but the InterContinental is a lovely location as well. They have a chocolate bar — enough said. The display starts at 9pm at the Navy Pier, and it is supposed to be one of the best in the US!

Just a small selection to get you started – enjoy the shows!

Photo Credit: Maurice on Flickr

4th of July Fireworks

guest post by Sherry Gray

It’s that time of year again, when the sky explodes with Fourth of July fireworks, an exuberant visual celebration equaled only by New Year’s Eve displays. Americans have celebrated their Independence with fireworks every year since 1776, and the stirring sight never fails to impress even the staunchest among us. To celebrate in comfort and style, consider staying at a hotel overlooking the grandest displays in the country.

Known for their lavish celebratory style, Macy’s sponsors New York’s incredible fireworks show over the Hudson River. For an unbeatable view, two hotels stand out:

New York City Fireworks by Macy

New York’s Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park offers a panoramic view of the Hudson and overlooks the Statue of Liberty. Package prices start at $375 per couple, and the luxury is legendary.  Details that make the Harbor View room the best choice in the land include an in-room telescope, the Statue of Liberty captured in handmade chocolate, and a pair of ferry tickets to Ellis Island. Since President Obama has promised that Lady Liberty’s torch will reopen to the public on July 4th for the first time since September of 2001, this year’s celebration will be extra special.

A new contender for the view is the W Hoboken. Across the river on the New Jersey side, the W boasts a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline from Frank Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken. With package prices starting at $249, it’s a little easier on the wallet.

Fireworks in Washington DC

Where better to celebrate the nation’s independence than in the Capitol? The most luxury for the best value can be found at the Willard InterContinental Washington. Built in 1850, this elegant colonial style hotel is known as the ‘Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania Avenue’ and is listed with the national registry of historic places. It’s also a prime location for viewing the fireworks over the reflecting pool at the base of the Washington Monument.

Another great Fourth of July destination is the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.   With room prices starting at just $150 per night, you can soak up the historic ambiance in luxurious style, attend a free concert, visit the Betsey Ross house and check out the Liberty Bell.

Mount Rushmore by day

Few sights are as impressive as the annual fireworks extravaganza over Mount Rushmore. The Roosevelt Inn, located at the base of Mount Rushmore offers close proximity at a very reasonable rate. For the best view, they advise a trip to the Grand Terrace at the visitor center inside the park.

Fireworks in Florida

For fireworks on any given day of the year, the best destination in the U.S. might be the Royal Plaza in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Some of the most technologically advanced fireworks on the planet light up every night, launched from both Disney World and Epcot Center, making Lake Buena Vista the center of the daily celebration. At around $100 per night, the Royal Plaza offers affordable luxury and gets bonus points for being a Green Lodging hotel, one of the first area hotels to undertake environmental initiatives designed to protect Florida’s natural resources.