One of the most popular Thanksgiving travel destinations is New York City, because the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is such a massively celebrated attraction. Luxury travel fans shouldn't just wander into NYC unprepared, however; popular urban tourist attractions are by nature very crowded, and you need a plan beforehand to manage the city.
I've stood outside to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and I can tell you assuredly that the crowd is extraordinary. Enthusiastic, yes, but it can be overwhelming. If being squashed by an indifferent mass of humanity sounds uncomfortable, street level parade viewing might not be for you. A tip: A luxury hotel room or suite with a view of the Thanksgiving Day Parade route is a highly sought-after commodity in New York - so much so, that the best ones can be reserved up to a year earlier.
Parade view rooms in upscale hotels
- Trump International Hotel and Tower, at 1 CPW. Call (212) 851-8425
- Mandarin Oriental, at 88 Columbus Circle. Call (212) 805-8800
- Millennium Hotel New York Broadway, at 145 W. 44th St. Call (212) 768-4400
- W New York Hotel in Times Square, at 1567 Broadway. Call (212) 930-7400
- Crowne Plaza Times Square, at 1605 Broadway. Call (212) 977-4000
- Renaissance New York, at 714 Seventh Ave. Call (212) 765-7676
With all of these luxury hotels, the best parade views aren't on the higher floors. Try to reserve a room or suite between the 5th and 15th floor for the best parade views.
If you've traveled to NYC for the Thanksgiving holiday, and were unable to reserve a hotel room or suite with a view of the parade, you may want to venture out into the streets for an up-close view of the floats and balloons. Click here for pedestrian tips during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Related, on Suite 101:
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Recommendations
Worst Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
Worst Thanksgiving Dessert Blog