NYC Times Sq for New Year's - Help Please!!!

[macs4us]

My DH and I are thinking about doing NYC this New Year's Eve. We would be flying back home New Year's Day at 8AM - do we really need a hotel room New Year's Eve if we plan on being in Times Square? Any advice from those who have gone to Times Square? Where do people go after the ball drops?

Oh, we are in our early 30s - my DH can sleep anywhere, and I am a nightowl (which will be interesting since we live on the west coast).

Thanks all!!!!

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

Planet Hollywood is having a party Wednesday December 31st, 2003
8pm - 6am

 

[adamak]

I wouldn't get a room that night, waste of money. There are plenty of parties in town. Just do a search on any restaurants / bars / lounge. Personally I would go Lower East side or Union Square area for after hour parties.

 

[TimeforMe]

Alright, you probably don't want to hear this, but we did this once and I would NEVER EVER do it again! It was total chaos, someone tried to steal my pocketbook, prices were out of this world and it was just too stressful.

Having said that, if you plan to go, definitely have a plan and a reservation beforehand. Everything is either packed or closed.

 

[Kallison]

I've lived here my whole life a few hours from NYC. Never done it, never will. Had friends who had and it's a total crush of humanity. Not enough port-a-potties, can't get into restaurants or stores, people pushing and shoving. I don't know anyone who has done it who would ever do it again or who has said "Gee that was fun". It's always been -- never again. NYC is a blast but not on NYE In Times Square.

 

[PamOKW]

Remember that you'll be outside for a very long time and it will be cold and could be REAL cold, maybe even snowing. While you are right that spending money for a hotel might not make sense, you'll want to spend money somewhere to get inside and get warm. Your choice on whether that should be a hotel room or a bar.