The New York tourism bureau has made arrangements with several businesses and hotels in the immediate vicinity of One Times Square and Bourbon Street to make available rooms and suites for reservation up to one year in advance. This would allow visitors to view the activities from a different perspective, their hotel room window. Albeit not a safe option if the windows were able to be opened, as there are many who get stupid during this celebration, but to actually get to see anything that is going on outside of arm’s length, this option is an attractive one; but like anything else, you get what you pay for.

For a mere $200 per night, visitors can reserve rooms (paid in full at the time of booking mind you) for up to six people per room directly above where the New Year in New York will be celebrated…the downtown area. Businesses are attracted to this option as it begins their new year right with extra profit in their pockets, and hotels of course, they cater to the public, they relish in the fact that certain rooms will pay top dollar a year in advance just for a one night stay. Does the hotel staff look forward to this night? Probably not so much! If I were a maid in one of those hotels where people come to celebrate the New Year in New York, I would make certain (a year in advance) that I had surgery scheduled the next day, an aunt that will die or even a terminal illness develop the next day…I WOULD NOT clean up after those people who choose to celebrate the New Year in New York in my hotel!

New York tourism is heightened during the last day of the Gregorian calendar year and for this reason, retailers, restaurants and service industries of all types begin preparations at least two months in advance by ordering needed supplies before anyone else in the area lest there be nothing left available until after t he celebration, and by batting down the hatches on anything that they don’t want stolen or broken. Now, it’s not to say that all people who flock to celebrate the New Year in New York are bad decision makers, or that all these people even would think of such a thing, however, especially from the street vendors, kids make plans and bets to see who can actually “rip off” the most from a street vendor. How do I know this? I’ll never tell. One kid engages the vendor in some kind of conversation, if they are able as most don’t’ speak very good English, while the others are pocketing all types of items. When the “distracter” is aware that the stealing is over with, he shakes his head, pretends not to understand or agree with the rock bottom price offered and walks away. This takes place several times up and down the strip, making sure that they are far enough away from the last victim as to not be suspected and caught.

The New Year in New York is a special time for many as it marks the generation long tradition held dear in families of all cultures and races. This “melting pot” of a state does come together on this night to celebrate…each in their own way and each with their own flare. So take a tip, if you’re going to make the trip to the big apple, make sure that your view is one unobstructed by heads!