It's that time of the year. You’ve been so busy wondering how it's possible that it is already late December that you still haven’t planned where and how you will spend the last night of 2011. No need to fret -- Oyster has compiled a list of the best hotel parties in our most popular cities to help you ring in 2012.
LAS VEGAS
WHERE: Bellagio
WHAT: A jam session by Bruno Mars, champagne, and other surprises await at The Bank, one of Las Vegas’ most exclusive nightclubs. Hyde, slated to open on New Year’s Eve, will put the cap to the celebrations with a grand opening party on the 31st and a New Year’s Day session by Paul Oakenfold. Tickets are $175 per person.
WHERE: Aria Resort & Casino
WHAT: The Aria doesn’t fall short in the party department, with six parties for different budgets and styles. LMFAO will be performing live at Haze, and Playboy Mansion DJ Laura Cavender will spice it up at The Deuce.
LOS ANGELES
WHERE: Viceroy Santa Monica
WHAT: For a poolside party, head to Viceroy Santa Monica’s sexy Cameo Bar, where renowned DJs such as Garth Trinidad, Valida and Aaron Byrd of KCRW will spin music all night long. Tickets are $175 and include a premium open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Cabanas and tables are available for reservations starting at $350.
WHERE: W Los Angeles Westwood
WHAT: Dress to impress at the W‘s Whiskey Blue club, where you can dance the night away drink in hand for $112. Tickets include open bar till 1 a.m., midnight champagne toast, ice skating at Chill and DJ sets.
NEW YORK
WHERE: Empire Hotel
WHAT: The Empire has one of the best deals in town for NYE: Five-hour premium open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from Jeffrey’s Chodorow’s Signature Kitchen, a gourmet menu served until 1 a.m., champagne toast at midnight, and panoramic views of New York, all for $95.
WHERE: Eventi
WHAT: For a little less ($85), Bar Basque offers a five-hour premium open bar, a midnight champagne toast, a surprise renowned DJ, and party favors, but no food. And if you want to welcome the New Year with some pampering, book the wonderful “Countdown to Midnight” package, which includes rickshaw service on New Year’s, a $30 minibar credit, discounted rates for signature treatments at the Spa@Eventi, a Joy Bauer breakfast, a “Hangover Kit”, and late check-out.
MIAMI
WHERE: Fontainebleau
WHAT: Though relaxed and family-friendly, the Fontainebleau hosts some of the greatest NYE parties in Miami, with celebrities, VIP tables, cabanas and sky-rocketing prices. This year, world-renowned DJ Axwell will bring house, electronic and club music to the hotel’s gorgeous poolside bash. Get ready to shell out some green: Tickets start at $350 for a three-hour open bar and a champagne toast at midnight.
WHERE: Delano Hotel
WHAT: With performances by Jamie Foxx, Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, fireworks, music by DJ Irie, open bar the entire night and Dom Perignon toast at midnight, the stunning Delano sets the bar once more for South Beach NYE parties. It doesn’t come cheap, though—general admission tickets are $500 per person. Adding a gourmet dinner option will cost you up to $1,200.
CHICAGO
WHERE: Sax Chicago
WHAT: The sexy Crimson Lounge’s New Year’s Eve offering is one of the best deals in Chicago. A premium open bar including champagne and Red Bull from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., gourmet hors d’oeuvres, performers, party favors and an exclusive invite to a private Eve of the Eve Party will cost you $100.
WHERE: Hard Rock Hotel
WHAT: DJ Chris Kennedy, DJ Timbuck2, Team Bayside High and a few surprise guests will liven up the party at the Hard Rock. Tickets are $150 and include performances, premium open bar till 2 a.m., appetizers and champagne toast at midnight.
SAN FRANCISCO
WHERE: W San Francisco
WHAT: The hip W is rolling out the cannons to start 2012 the best possible way. They’re planning a midnight balloon drop, live performances till 1:30 a.m., appetizers and a champagne toast. Tickets start at $95 and offer access to both the Upstairs Bar & Lounge and the Living Room.
WHERE: Palace Hotel
WHAT: SoMa might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a night out, and this elegant property is better known for its classy jazz brunches than for rowdy parties, but the Palace wants to kick off the year in style. International DJs, salsa lessons, party favors, free coat check and four rooms playing different music styles until 2 a.m. will keep guests going through the night.
TORONTO
WHERE: Drake Hotel
WHAT: This funky property in the Art and Design District offers a Champagne bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live music, DJ sets, a midnight toast, and rooftop dancing for $35. The NYE package (starting at $479) includes one-night accommodation for two, in-room bubbly and party favors, two tickets to the party, an upscale dinner, and noon check-out.
WHERE: Gladstone Hotel
WHAT: The historic and hip Gladstone has a great offer for those who like to keep it low-key as far as drinking goes: Pay $40 and get a glass of bubbly and performances by Jokers of the Scene, The Soul Proprietor (from Bedouin Soundclash) and more. Admission after 1 a.m. is $20.
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