The 9 Best Places in NYC to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

A little late getting together your Thanksgiving Day plans? We’ve all been there. But this year, we here at Oyster did some prior planning—all so you can still have a wonderful turkey holiday despite the fact that you may have dropped the (butter)ball on organizing your hotel arrangements and/or day-of plans for November 26.

If you’re going to be in New York City for this Thanksgiving (and why wouldn’t you be?), here are nine awesome hotels with views of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Whether you still need to book a hotel stay, or simply require a meeting point (preferably a warm, indoor one) pre-parade, these spots have got you covered.

The Refinery Hotel

Just off of Sixth Avenue on 38th Street, this stylish urban boutique hotel is located in a historic building that was once a tea salon and hat factory. The property’s past inspired its present industrial-chic design, and small details such as decorative milliner’s tools pay homage to the building’s former function. In the lobby, cool white stone and Gothic arches are contrasted against colorful contemporary art, while in the rooms, a minimalist black-and-white motif is warmed up by the oak hardwood floors. Guests at the hotel can not only easily sneak peeks of the parade, but can also quickly reach popular spots like the Empire State Building and Herald Square (where the parade ends) by foot.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

With a tony address right on Central Park, the Ritz offers fabulous views not only of the city’s largest green space, but also the parade as it goes by. Guests can book rooms overlooking the route, or dine on breakfast at the on-site bistro, with windows looking out at the street. As can be expected of almost all brand properties, this Ritz-Carlton features extensive facilities and luxurious rooms.

New York Hilton Midtown

Home to a shocking number of rooms (nearly 2,000) and conference space (150,000 square feet), the Hilton is well-equipped to handle the hundreds of conventions it hosts each year—as well as the holiday crowds who swoop upon the property come Thanksgiving. Numerous rooms offer either partial, passing, or full, unobstructed parade views, and all come with large flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms.

Warwick New York Hotel

Only a few blocks from Central Park, and just down the street from the Hilton, the Warwick New York is another solid upscale option for parade-viewing. This historic landmark from media-magnate William Randolph Hearst, was built in the 1920s. The former guest list here could fill an entire book with such names as Cary Grant (he lived here for 12 years), Audrey Hepburn, and Elvis Presley. Nowadays, updated decor maintains some lovely historic touches.

Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square

With kitchenettes in every room, uncommonly friendly staff, and lots of free food, the Residence Inn Times Square is a more budget-friendly pick for families in town to view the parade. There’s not a trace of luxury here, but the staff does an impressive job of keeping the place fairly clean and running smoothly, and facilities include a gym and laundry room.

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Trump International Hotel And Tower

An amazing spot for people-watching, probably particularly this year, this luxe glass tower overlooks Central Park and many rooms feature spectacular views of the parade. Guests can even opt to book the Thanksgiving Day Parade package for the ultimate experience, which includes hot chocolate (topped with marshmallows) upon arrival, room service-delivered breakfast to be enjoyed while watching the parade, and tickets to the Trump ice-skating rink in the park.

JW Marriott Essex House New York

Another luxury hotel with a prime Central Park South address, the Essex House is an iconic New York City property. Aside from parade views, the hotel features a beautiful spa, well-equipped fitness center, and tasty on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

the Quin

Right on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 57th Street, this modern boutique hotel has all the amenities and attributes of an upscale Midtown Manhattan stay. Rooms are modern and luxurious, the downstairs restaurant and bar is a popular local spot, and the large fitness center can arrange for personal training sessions. Guests in town for Thanksgiving can book a room overlooking the route, and then take advantage of the hotel being within walking distance of Central Park, MoMa, and Carnegie Hall throughout the remainder of the weekend.

Mandarin Oriental, New York

In the same building as some of the city’s best restaurants, and across the street from Central Park, the Mandarin’s location is ideal—particularly for those viewing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But it’s the hotel’s dizzying array of modern luxuries—a 75-foot pool, one of the city’s best spas, sweeping views from nearly every common area, and huge bathrooms with deep soaking tubs (even in standard rooms)—that make this a true standout for the holidays.

—Jane Reynolds

This article was originally published by Oyster.com under the headline The 9 Best Places in NYC to Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is reprinted here with permission.

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(Photo: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade via gary718/Shutterstock.com)

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