Watching the Waterford Crystal Ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is a drop in the bucket list for people from all over the world. The dream-come-true event should be celebrated in luxury as only The Plaza hotel can provide. Ring in the New Year staying at one of New York’s best 5-star hotels.

Situated in the heart of Manhattan on the southern end of Central park and just blocks from Times Square, The Plaza and its timeless elegance welcomes guests into opulence at the entrance.

A New Year’s weekend set in luxury is available at one of a select room types from the Plaza King with a street view or inside courtyard view, but even with this quaint room, none of the splendor is spared. As with all of the guest rooms a The Plaza, even the Sherle Wagner faucets are plated in 24-carat gold. It is extravagance at its finest in New York City near Times Square.

A glimpse into the King Plaza room at The Plaza Hotel, New York

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December, especially the holidays, is notorious for great weather all around Florida. Below is a list of some of the best hotel deals and specials from across the state.

Orlando
Buena Vista Suites
1-800-537-7737
ONE-BEDROOM SUITE SPECIAL – Rates from $89.95 for December 2009
FLORIDA RESIDENT SUITE SPECIAL – Rates from $80.95 for December 1-24, 2009

Nick Hotel
866-377-0314 & ask for CVB 3rd night free w/ $75 resort credit
Stay two nights, get the third night FREE – $75 resort credit for food and entertainment on property
Book by December 7, 2009. Valid for new reservations only. Stays based on limited availability now – February 11, 2009.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
(407) 390-6664 (Free for Fall)
From $99/night through Dec. 31, 2009
* Deluxe room accommodations – buy two nights, get the third night free
* Upgrade to premium room based on availability
* Champions 9 – the resort’s lighted, par 3 pitch & putt for two adults
* Phone call from the concierge to assist you with making plans

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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.

champagne glasses

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching! If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, or are planning to be in Atlanta for New Year’s Eve, it’s not too late to book a hotel room at one of the city’s many great hotels. You’ll probably want a hotel that’s either in Midtown or in downtown Atlanta (or, alternatively, in Buckhead) so that you’ll be close to all the great parties and so that you won’t have to worry about dealing with the horrible traffic. Here’s a short list of hotels to consider when welcoming in 2009 this year!

Westin Peachtree Plaza

The Westin Peachtree Plaza

As of Sunday, December 14, there are still rooms available at this Atlanta landmark (it’s one of the very tall buildings you can’t miss on the skyline). Take the famous glass elevator up all 73 floors to enjoy champagne, dinner and a truly spectacular view from the Sun Dial Restaurant on the very tip floor. And when the party is over, slide under the covers in the Westin Heavenly Bed – trust me, these beds will put even an insomniac to sleep. Rates start at $250 for New Year’s Eve, so book soon to get the room you want!

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo

I can’t believe rooms are still available here! You’ll pay between $200 and $300 for a New Year’s Eve stay, depending on whether or not you want to add one of the packages. Hotel Indigo is smack in the middle of fun Midtown, very close to the Fox Theater, and there are tons of great restaurants and bars around. There’s a small bar in the lobby area, too.

Four Seasons

If 2008 was particularly good for your money-wise, you might enjoy welcoming in the New Year at the Four Seasons Atlanta hotel in Midtown. Rates start at around $400 for December 31st, and there are great spa and bed and breakfast packages available for $500-$600. Dress your best – this is a very sophisticated and classy hotel. Indulge in the beautiful health club before heading out for a night on the town.

Twelve Hotels and Residences

There are two locations, but only the one in Centennial Park has availability for New Year’s Eve when I last checked. All the rooms are suites, ranging from 600-1200 square feet, and – get this – for $319 per night, including the room cost, you can rent one of the hotel’s BMW’s for your entire stay. Nice! (I’m not sure what the rates for this would be for New Year’s Eve, however.) It appears as though the rates at the Centennial Park location downtown are $229 per night, which is a fantastic value for New Year’s Eve.

JW Marriot Hotel Buckhead

The JW Marriot is another great choice for New Year’s Even in Atlanta! Rates are $300-$350 for the night of December 31st, and you’ll be close to Buckhead’s fantastic shopping (the hotel is connected to famous Lenox Square Mall and is close to Phipps Plaza), restaurants and hopping nightlife options.

Have a wonderful New Year’s and remember, be safe! These hotels are the perfect place to party and celebrate with friends without having to worry about driving.

JW Marriot Buckhead Atlanta

Photo credits: Westin Peachtree Plaza website, Hotel Indigo website, JW Marriot Buckhead website