5-Star Hotels: How To See In The New Year
As New Year approaches, choosing where to spend New Year’s Eve can be a real challenge. At first glance, a luxury hotel package may seem expensive, but for many people the ease, food and ambience that they provide more than make up for the cost. In this article we examine why a five-star hotel could be the best way to see in the New Year and what to look out for when booking a package.
No queues, no stress
Never fight the crowd, never overpay for watered-down cocktails and sketchy bars.
There’s the reassurance of a party at a top hotel, with guaranteed entry, attentive service and a well-planned evening, instead of queuing in the cold outside a packed bar or searching for somewhere with space at eleven o’clock. Many people find that simply knowing where the night is going is part of the luxury.
Food and drink worth dressing up for
New Year’s Eve dinners at top hotels can be presented as a special tasting menu consisting of a number of courses and offering guests a wide choice of seasonal produce. Occasionally a Champagne reception may precede the dinner, followed by a number of wine pairings throughout the meal and, finally, something to eat around midnight. Food lovers will note that the kitchen has been planning the special dinner for weeks and the service has been set up for the occasion instead of being stretched by it. Guests would be advised to check the menu prior to booking and also inform the hotel of any special dietary requirements.
Make the most of the menu
Seasonal ingredients such as game, shellfish, winter truffles and citrus often feature. Hotels may provide vegetarian and even vegan options for their special dinners and these often need to be booked in advance. The final course of the evening is dessert and this is usually served close to midnight. Some hotels then provide a late night supper or even serve up bacon rolls in the early hours of the morning while others offer a leisurely New Year’s Day brunch or extended Sunday lunch style meal which can be the most enjoyable meal of your stay at that hotel.
Entertainment to match
Many hotels book live bands, jazz musicians, singers or DJs for the night, so the evening builds towards midnight in style. The entertainment is usually chosen to suit the venue and the guests, rather than the generic music of a busy club. For Luxury UK Hotels, visit https://anderburyhotels.co.uk/
No travel worries
One of the greatest luxuries is that you don’t have to go home. Your bedroom is upstairs, and that’s it. No searching for taxis late at night, no journeys home through crowds at one in the morning, no costly surcharge. Instead you can retire to your upstairs bedroom, and wake up slowly to a late breakfast the next day rather than a rush to check out.
Better value than it looks
New Year packages may seem expensive at first but the ingredients for the night are often included in the price: dinner, drinks, entertainment, a room and breakfast. If you work out what the individual components would cost you on the busiest night of the year, including travel, then the package can be better value.
What to check before booking
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What does the package include? | Dinner, drinks, entertainment and breakfast are not always all included |
| Is there a minimum stay? | Many hotels require two nights over New Year |
| What is the dress code? | Black tie is common at formal events |
| What is the cancellation policy? | New Year bookings are often non-refundable |
| When is check-out on 1 January? | A late check-out makes the morning far more relaxed |
Tips for getting the best New Year hotel stay
- Book early. The best hotels and packages sell out months in advance.
- Ask about table placement if you want to be near, or away from, the dance floor.
- Look for packages that include a New Year’s Day lunch or spa access.
- Consider a hotel within walking distance of fireworks if you want to see them.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book a hotel for New Year’s Eve?
As early as possible. Popular hotels often open up their New Year bookings many months before December, and well before then all the best rooms and packages will have been snapped up. Booking early can result in you getting the best choice of rooms and packages, and sometimes a better price too.
Are New Year hotel packages suitable for families?
Some hotels offer family packages with children’s activities and celebrate earlier, whilst others are adults only and a more formal occasion. It’s worth checking with the hotel before booking to see if it’s going to be the sort of occasion that suits everyone.
Where to go next
If you prefer a daytime treat, our guide to what you should know about afternoon tea covers a great British hotel tradition.
For more on making the most of a luxury stay, read our guide to nailing the luxury hotel experience.
