The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is one of the most popular parades in the country, watched by millions on TV. But wouldn’t it be great to see it live and in person from New York City?

All you have to do is make your way to NYC and get up at the crack of dawn to get yourself a spot along the parade route, then stand for hours elbow to elbow with a crowd of restless strangers. Want the live experience without the pre-dawn wake-up call? Head to a Manhattan hotel.

As of this posting, Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on 7th Avenue and 53rd Street still has rooms available along the parade route for November 24th, with standard guestrooms starting at $750 (hey, a tradition like this is going to cost you!). To book a room for the parade, call 212-581-1000and make sure to ask for a room facing 7th Avenue.

The W Times Square also had parade view rooms available, but there’s only one person in the hotel who can handle these specific reservations. Call 212-930-7441 and request to speak with Sherry. (Rumor has it that next year’s parade won’t go by Times Square, so this could be your last chance to see the parade from here.) Check out a few less expensive options over at the Lodging blog.

When the parade has passed you by, take advantage of some of the best shopping in the world on 5th Avenue, or head down to Chinatown for something a little more unique. Other holiday favorites in the city include visits to Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.

Photo courtesy Sheraton New York

Outside view of the Sheraton New York

Five blocks from Times Square and three blocks from Central Park, the Sheraton New York could not be located in a more perfect place for the New York visitor. Cheap hotels are not easy to find in Manhattan, so seeing the price of the room for one night (approx $330/night in November ’09) can set you back. But in Manhattan, you get what you pay for. Located at 7th & 52nd, the well-appointed hotel will give you the perfect central location for walking the city or navigating on the subway just across 53rd.

The large lobby is well-designed with a sports bar and bistro restaurant flanking the marble floors of the entry way with room to gather your group. With Wi-fi in the public lobby area, you can sit and enjoy the people-watching while on your computer. (If you’ve ever been to New York, the people-watching should be classified as its own sport.) My biggest complaint about the Sheraton New York is the lack of Wi-fi in the guest rooms, but if you’re staying alone or have only one computer to connect, high-speed internet access is available for a daily fee with their provided ethernet cable.

If location and staying in a comfortable, well-appointed room are your biggest concerns when staying in Manhattan, consider the Sheraton New York.

Contact info:
811 7th Avenue 53rd Street
New York, New York 10019 United States
Phone: (212) 581-1000 Fax: (212) 262-4410

*Photo courtesy of Sheraton New York website