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 - New Yorker Hotel

Sure you can enjoy the 4th of July Macy’s Fireworks on tv. But if you want to look out the window and see some 40,000 odd shells wizzing around exploding in a shower of light and sound, then here’s a few options.

Last year, to honor the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s foray into the Hudson River, Macy’s moved the fireworks from the East River to six barges on the Hudson River off the west side in Manhattan, between 24th and 50th Streets. 

This gives an entire new bunch of hotels in New York and some across the Hudson in New Jersey prime viewing spots for the Macy’s fireworks, and some of them are making the most of it with ‘fireworks view rooms’ and 4th of July specials and deals.

1. The New Yorker Hotel - The New Yorker has two 4th of July specials – one where you can enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of your own room, and another one where you’re invited to a viewing balcony and BBQ dinner on the hotel’s 38th floor. Details here.

2. Mandarin Oriental - In addition to the Hudson River View rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Mandarin Oriental is also offering a ‘July 4th Fantastic Fireworks on the Hudson’ package which includes free breakfast and a late 6 pm checkout the next day. Minimum 2-night stay, valid from July 2-5, 2010. Details here.

3. Crowne Plaza - Package includes overnight accomodations in Fireworks View rooms. Details here.

4. W Hoboken - Across the Hudson on the New Jersey side, the W Hoboken offers a view of the fireworks, and will give you 25% off if you stay 3 nights and arrive Wednesday through Sunday.

Note that they don’t guarantee a fireworks view room, so you should contact the hotel first to see if one is available. Also note that you can still enjoy the show from the riverwalk in front of the hotel, or from the hotel’s Chandelier Room Bar/Lounge. Details here.

If you want to widen your horizons beyond New York, there’s plenty more 4th of July hotel deals from Dealbase, Expedia and Travelzoo.

Fireworks photo by unforth

Related posts:-
Best Places to See 4th of July Fireworks
Millennium Hotel in St. Louis Offers 4th of July 2010 Package

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.