London’s New Year celebrations are certainly something to behold. Aside from the many parties and celebrations taking place throughout the capital, everyone can’t wait to ooh and aah at the mighty fireworks display that takes place over the Thames. So many people turn up for it, in fact, that it’s now a ticketed event. If you missed out on getting a ticket, or simply don’t fancy the idea of squeezing with thousands of strangers in the cold, why not book a stay at one of these hotels and enjoy the view from the comfort of your own hotel room? Here are the best hotels overlooking the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London.
Popular attractions near the Thames
London Eye: You can’t go to London and not visit this iconic structure! It was opened only in 2000 but has since then become a crowd favorite.
Victoria Embankment Gardens: This majestic garden is situated on the western bank of the Thames, facing the London Eye. It houses the Embankment Cafe where you can get some great coffee, or you can always go for a cup of tea.
About London's New Year's Eve Fireworks
London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks is one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve spectacles across the world. Its history is fairly recent, with the first of such fireworks displays organized only in 1999 to mark the turn of the millennium. However, it has from then been catapulted onto the world stage as a popular sign of the New Year. As such, it tends to get pretty crowded.
In order to control the crowd, the areas from where you can watch the fireworks are categorized and will be cordoned off closer to the 31st of December. Entry will be banned for those without valid tickets.
Tips about London's NYE Fireworks
The Blue Zone is arguably the best place to watch the fireworks. It mainly extends along the Victoria Embankment from the Hungerford Bridge to Parliament Square, putting spectators directly opposite The London Eye.
Tickets usually go on sale from October or November. Accurate dates will only be announced closer to New Year’s Day, so keep checking the official tourism board page for the event for updates!
Tickets usually cost 20 GBP (25.93 USD).
Queue up by the entry gates well ahead of opening time as the lines tend to get extremely long, according to the BBC. This seemed to be an issue in 2023, but I’d still go early if I were you. Or you can always book a room with a view of the fireworks and skip the crowd!
Hotels overlooking the New Year's Eve fireworks in London
1. Hotel Cafe Royal (from USD 973)
Best for: Couples, families with kids, people with disabilities, luxury travelers
One of the best hotels in London for New Year’s Eve, this iconic luxury hotel set in West End, Hotel Café Royal offers views of the fireworks lighting up the sky over London’s historic buildings. For the best views, ask for a room on one of the higher floors. The Dome Penthouse offers a rooftop terrace that provides views of the Big Ben, and you can even make out the London Eye from here!
The rooms are full of class and character, with panelled walls, marbled bathrooms, and spacious lounging areas. You can wind down after celebrations in the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre with its lap pool, sauna, and gym. I’d love to try out some of their treatments!
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Dome Penthouse
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: Club Suite (views of Regent Street); Two-Bedroom Tudor Suite (views of Regent Street); Celestine Suite (views of Regent Street); Two-Bedroom Royal Suite (views of Regent Street)
On-site locations to check out: Pompadour Ballroom (views of the city)
Awards: Two Michelin Stars - Michelin Guide (2012)
Hotel Cafe Royal
Address: 10 Air Street, West End - Mayfair
Accommodates: 5
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna
2. Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London (from USD 960)
Best for: Families with kids, luxury travelers, couples, pet parents
Although the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard is a distance away from the fireworks, it’s hard to imagine not being able to see them from the highest building in London. You can get the best view at GÕNG on the 52nd floor, which is also coincidentally London’s highest bar.
The floor-to-ceiling windows will provide you with a breathtaking panorama of the capital as the sky lights up, and I’d probably just lounge here with some wine. Before you retreat to your magnificent hotel room to welcome the New Year, treat yourself to a meal at one of the top fine dining restaurants in the city. You can then enjoy the view from your luxurious hotel room with a body-contouring bed and heated bathroom floors, or you can buy a ticket to one of the Shangri-La’s many New Year parties and welcome the new year in style.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Shangri-La Suite
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: London Suite (views of River Thames and skyline); Westminster Suite (views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, and more); Southwark Suite (views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and skyline); Iconic Shard Suite (skyline views)
On-site locations to check out: GŎNG bar (views of Tower Bridge); Sky Lounge (skyline views)
Awards: Blue Badge Access Award (2022)
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Address: 31 St Thomas Street
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna
3. Corinthia Hotel London (from USD 1048)
Best for: Couples, group stays, wellness travelers, luxury travelers
Welcome the New Year front and center and in style at Corinthia Hotel London. Positioned right across from London Eye, this luxury hotel will reward you with unbeatable views of the evening’s celebratory fireworks display.
New Year’s deals at Corinthia Hotel London will give you the option to get the best views with restricted access from the River Thames, or while counting down at their restaurants and bars, or from the comfort of your spacious rooms with state-of-the-art amenities (best views can be had from their penthouses and suites). The Royal Penthouse offers an especially great view with its rooftop terrace facing the London Eye, so you should have no issues watching the fireworks!
Best room with NYE fireworks views: The Royal Penthouse
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: The Hamilton Penthouse; The Musician’s Penthouse; The Writer’s Penthouse; The Whitehall Penthouse (views of the skyline)
On-site locations to check out: Kerridge’s Bar & Grill (city views)
Awards: Inspectors’ Choice/Red Star Award - AA Award (2016 – 2017), England’s Leading Luxury Hotel - World Travel Awards (2019)
Corinthia London
Address: Whitehall Place
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
4. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (from USD 370)
Best for: Families with kids, people with disabilities, couples
One of the best London hotels for New Year’s Eve celebrations is Park Plaza. This stellar hotel is located in South Bank, in the center of all the happenings during the festive season in London. Even after the fireworks are done, I’m pretty sure there’ll be plenty of places to explore in the neighborhood. The Presidential Suite and Studio Room offers amazing views of the London Eye and the fireworks!
The hotel has one of the best views of the annual fireworks show in London–guests can easily walk to Westminster Bridge just a few minutes away and watch the spectacle from there. Some rooms also have impressive views of the fireworks display so you wouldn’t have to leave the comfort of your spacious and modern accommodation to enjoy the sight.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Presidential Suite; Studio Room-London Eye View
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: Suite-Duplex-King (views of the Palace of Westminster); Suite-1 Bedroom-Big Ben View; Studio Room-Big Ben View; Studio Twin Room (city views)
On-site locations to check out: On-site restaurant (views of The Big Ben)
Awards: AA Award - Large Hotel Group of the Year - Winner (Hospitality Awards 2019-2020), Green Tourism Gold, AA 2023 Recommended Spa Award
What guests are saying about the view:
“stayed here for two weeks which included new years day and the view of the fireworks off of the london eye was amazing. The staff were very friendly and helpful at all times. The room had a great view of the london eye.” - by Google reviewer, Kay
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Address: Westminster Bridge Road
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna
5. The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London (from USD 483)
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples
Situated right along the Thames, directly across from the London Eye, the view of the fireworks doesn’t get any better than this. The classic, European bedrooms offer stunning views of the Thames. The Tower Suite should offer amazing views of the fireworks, but it would be best to check with the hotel whether there are other rooms with views of the fireworks.
If you’re planning to spend New Year’s here, you can opt for their New Year’s package, which comes with a six-course dinner with drinks, as well as access to the hotel’s private outdoor terrace where you can get the best view of the fireworks. I’d expect five-star luxury and a glamorous start to the new year at this hotel.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Tower Suite
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: River View Waterloo Suite; River View Horseguards Suite; Double Room River View, King Room River View
On-site locations to check out: The Terrace (views of The London Eye and NYE fireworks)
Awards: AA Award - Hotel of the Year - Winner (2010)
What guests are saying about the view:
“My room is on the 8th floor and opposite to the London Eye. We can watch the firework through our window.” - by Mai (United Kingdom)
“Stayed on New Year’s Eve and loved being able to join everyone on the terrace to watch the fireworks.” - by Jacqueline (United Kingdom)
The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London
Address: 2 Whitehall Court
Accommodates: 4
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Terrace
6. ME London by Melia - Covent Garden (from USD 488)
Best for: LGBTQ+ community, luxury travelers, couples, group trips, families with kids
You can enjoy the most gorgeous view of the fireworks from ME London’s Radio Rooftop Bar, or you can also enjoy the show from one of their river-facing rooms. Located on The Strand where you can find some of the oldest restaurants in London, ME London has a great location, both for the fireworks and for exploring the city. I’d probably extend my stay here to just explore the beautiful neighborhood.
The hotel has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows, a Bali shower, and free WiFi. It would be best to contact the hotel directly on available rooms with views of London’s NYE Fireworks.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Not specified
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: Superior ME River View Terrace; Superior ME City View Terrace; Beyond ME+ - Suite Panoramic City View; Ultimate ME+ Suite Duplex Penthouse (skyline views); Beyond ME+ Suite Terrace View over London Skyline (views of London Eye)
On-site locations to check out: Radio Rooftop Bar (views of the city and fireworks)
Awards: Queer Destinations Committed
ME London by Melia - Covent Garden
Address: 336-337 Strand, London
Accommodates: 8
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
7. London Marriott Hotel County Hall (from USD 325)
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, group trips, families
Another excellent spot to view the fireworks display at New Year’s is London Marriott County Hall, with its ideal location overlooking picture-perfect views of the River Thames, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. Party the night away with an exclusive countdown celebration at the hotel’s Gillray’s Steakhouse and Bar, where you’ll enjoy the best views of the famed fireworks show. The Balcony Suite is situated right behind The London Eye and should offer a spectacular view of the fireworks.
Ring in the year with live music and entertainment and delicious wine and food. The next day, delight in an ultra-comfortable stay at any of the hotel’s sophisticated accommodations, rejuvenate in the fitness and wellness centers, and explore some of London’s best attractions just close by.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Balcony Suite
Alternative room with views: All rooms have views of the city and river
On-site locations to check out: Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar (views of the Thames and The London Eye)
Awards: Green Key Award
What guests are saying about the view:
“We stayed here NYE night and it made for a great stay. Highly recommend room 606 (a deluxe room of some sorts) as it had a great view of the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, and Belvedere Rd, which is the green zone for any fireworks tickets purchased.” - by Google reviewer, Maria Diaz
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
Address: London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
8. St Martins Lane London (from USD 419)
Best for: Luxury travelers, group trips, couples, pet parents
If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, then St. Martins Lane is the place to turn your dreams into reality. As a hotel guest, you get complimentary access. After ushering in the New Year at one of the hotel’s themed parties, you can wake up and get going on those fitness goals!
If you’d rather stay in for the New Year festivities, you’re guaranteed great views from the Loft Junior Suite, and for more room options with the view, it would be best to directly check with the hotel. Even wake up to a delicious breakfast for two to start the day–or rather, the year!
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Loft Junior Suite
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: Penthouse; Deluxe Junior King Suite; Corner King Suite (views of the city); Deluxe King Garden Room (views of the garden)
What guests are saying about the view:
“We booked a Loft Junior suite, which was very large, clean and comfortable. We were allocated a suite that overlooked the London Eye so we could watch the New Year’s fireworks from the room, which was fantastic.” - by Dimitrios (United Kingdom)
St Martins Lane London
Address: 45 St Martin's Lane
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
9. Sea Containers London (from USD 352)
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, families with kids, pet parents
Though situated quite a bit away from the London Eye, some rooms at Sea Containers London offer views of the New Year’s Fireworks. The hotel has even marketed this in recent years with its Ultimate View package, where rooms with a view of the fireworks are put up for booking, usually with a bottle of champagne included!
Besides, you can always walk to the London Eye if you want to see the fireworks up close as the landmark is just a 15-minute walk from here.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Not specified
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: Riverview Apartment; One Bedroom River View Suite; River View Balcony Suite; Superior Double Double Room (city views)
On-site locations to check out: 12th Knot rooftop bar (views of the city)
Sea Containers London
Address: 20 Upper Ground
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
10. The Trafalgar St. James, London Curio collection by Hilton (from USD 552)
Best for: Couples, families with kids, group stays, luxury travelers
Located on the famous Trafalgar Square, The Trafalgar Hilton is perfectly placed to bring in the New Year. You’re just a short distance away from Westminster and the London Eye so you’ll have a great view.
The Trafalgar Hilton offers access to its rooftop bar widely acclaimed as one of the best spots to view the fireworks. I’d definitely love to try out some of their cocktails! Aside from the view, you can also look forward to beautifully appointed rooms with wide-screen TVs and a stereo system, as well as a prime location in the heart of London.
Alternative room with views: Landseer Suite (views of Trafalgar Square); Studio Suites (views of the city)
On-site locations to check out: The Rooftop bar (views of the NYE fireworks)
Awards: Green Key Accredited
The Trafalgar St. James, London Curio collection by Hilton
Address: 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace
11. Apex Temple Court Hotel (from USD 264)
Best for: Couples, luxury travelers, senior citizens
This gorgeous hotel is nestled right in the middle of the historic Temple legal district. It is an elegant luxury hotel in the bustling heart of London, with large and stylish rooms–some of which grant guests great views of the New Year’s fireworks display. The Junior Suite offers access to a terrace that looks out over the London Eye in the distance and should offer views of the fireworks.
Otherwise, it is a short walk to nearby viewing areas where guests could get closer to the splendid show.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Junior Suite (check with the hotel on which exact suite has the views)
On-site locations to check out: Lazy Ballerinas (views of the city)
Apex Temple Court Hotel
Address: 1-2 Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street
Accommodates: 4
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms
12. Radisson Blu Hotel, London Leicester Square (from USD 444)
Best for: Couples, families with kids, group stays
Situated in Leicester Square, Radisson Blu Hotel, London Leicester Square is a distance away from the fireworks, but the Studio Suite offers a wide, panoramic view of the celebrations over the River Thames and The London Eye. At The Hampshire Penthouse restaurant (open for private dining experiences) is another spot to enjoy amazing views.
You can join in on one of the New Year’s Parties in the city, or simply take in the view from their sumptuous and lavishly designed bedrooms. Many of the rooms have little quirks, such as slanted walls or ceilings, or half-circled windows.
Best room with NYE fireworks views: Studio Suite
Alternative room with views: Most rooms have views, but here are a few top picks: Premium Square View Room (views of Leicester Square); Premium Room; One Bedroom Suite (views of the city)
On-site locations to check out: At The Hampshire Penthouse restaurant (views of the city, especially The London Eye and the NYE fireworks)
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Leicester Square
Address: 31-36 Leicester Square
Accommodates: 4
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms
Hotels near the New Year's Eve Fireworks in London
Though these hotels do not offer a direct view of London’s NYE fireworks, they’re situated close enough to spots where you can see the fireworks, so check them out as well!
13. Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square (from USD 558)
Best for: Couples, pet parents, families with kids
At this exquisite hotel, guests can enjoy complimentary access to a designated area for incomparable views of the annual fireworks display. Located in Trafalgar Square, the hotel is in an ideal position for the season’s grandest festivities.
You will also appreciate its grand marble interiors. Four-star rooms will ensure you all the luxury you need to have the best holiday stay–and also help you welcome the year on a good note.
On-site locations to check out: Club Living Room
Club Quarters Hotel Trafalgar Square, London
Address: 8 Northumberland Avenue
Accommodates: 3
Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
14. The Grand at Trafalgar Square (from USD 190)
Best for: Budget travelers, couples, group trips, pet parents
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian building, The Grand at Trafalgar Square offers stunning views. The hotel occasionally hosts a New Year’s party with dinner and drinks. The Thames is just a 5-minute walk from the property from where you can watch the fireworks.
You can enjoy the views from the bar and dance the night away after that. The hotel also thoughtfully provides a very late breakfast the next day.
On-site locations to check out: On-site bar (views of the city)
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Address: 8 Northumberland Avenue
Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre
15. Waterloo Hub Hotel and Suites
Best for: Budget travelers, families, couples
Who says your New Year celebrations can’t be special and affordable at the same time? Just 10 minutes away from the London Eye, you can expect views of the fireworks (with a river-facing room) at an unbeatable price. And experience tidy, unpretentious lodgings, good service, and a great breakfast at the same time.
With your convenient location, make sure to visit the top attractions in London, too!
Waterloo Hub and Suites
Address: 54 Kennington Road, Lambeth, London, United Kingdom, SE1 7BJ
Enjoy the fireworks in London
The whole ‘new year, new me’ attitude does get a bit old after a while, and many of us can’t quite summon the optimism that the New Year is supposed to bring. However, there’s always something magical about fireworks – somewhere in the middle of the bright lights and noises, it almost feels like anything is possible. So just this once, let yourself get unashamedly excited about these pretty explosions in the sky. Good thing there are New Year’s Eve London hotel packages that allow you to enjoy these fireworks that are truly worth every penny. As always, book in advance, and remember to request a room with the views that you want!