Traditional or trendy: What’s your New Year’s Eve style?

For an outrageous NYE celebration, catch A-listers and live performances with Jay-Z, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

By Jay Pierce

With New Year’s Eve only days away, time has almost run out for travelers to finalize their celebration plans.  Almost. For the first time ever, Orbitz is recommending the most unique traditional and modern hotel pairings for New Year’s Eve, taking the guesswork out of deciding where to go. Just steal away to one of these top five  NYE destinations and you’ve got only one thing left to figure out; will you celebrate old-school style or in all the latest rage?

1. Las Vegas
Few cities can match the excitement, energy or frenetic pace of New Year’s Eve every single day of the year.  Of course, not many cities compare to Las Vegas, especially when it comes to hosting New Year’s Eve festivities ranging from concerts and shows to world-class dining and high-stakes casino games.

• Traditional – Luxor Hotel (Opened 1989):  While not the oldest hotel and casino in Vegas, the Luxor Hotel has long been the most recognizable.  Inside, guests will enjoy luxuriously designed and stylish accommodations.  Outside, the Luxor is a construction marvel, climbing 350 feet into the desert sky, welcoming millions of travelers with its trademark beacon of light.

• Modern – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (Opened 2010):  One of the newest hotels on the strip, The Cosmopolitan embodies Las Vegas style and adventure.  With 52 stories, 2,295 residential-style rooms and a state-of-the-art 100,000 square-foot casino, The Cosmopolitan offers guests breath-taking views and a world-class collection of restaurants.

The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

2. Chicago: Don’t let the winter weather fool you —  Chicago heats up over New Year’s Eve with some of the best dining, clubs and dancing, and entertainment for travelers willing to brave the cold.

• Traditional – The Palmer House Hilton (Opened 1875):  An iconic, world-class hotel, The Palmer HouseHilton is located in the heart of downtown Chicago near the bustling Loop area.  Travelers can walk to some of the best attractions in the city, catch a play in the theater district or shop along the Magnificent Mile before enjoying Chicago’s thrilling night life.

• Modern – Dana Hotel and Spa (Opened 2008):  A unique blend of location, personalized service, modern technology and luxurious furnishings give the Dana Hotel and Spa a unique boutique experience in the heart of downtown.  For cocktail hour, or as your final New Year’s Eve destination, be sure to check out the Vertigo Sky Lounge during your stay.

3. Miami:  For warm weather travelers, there’s a lot to love about ringing in the New Year in South Beach.  With a vibrant downtown, amazing beaches and the hottest night clubs, Miami gives Las Vegas a run for its money when it comes to showcasing the glitz and glamour of New Year’s Eve.

• Traditional – Delano Hotel (Opened 1947):    The Delano is a mainstay of South Beach’s Art Deco District with a clean, distinct style and the country’s first indoor/outdoor lobby, giving the hotel’s public spaces a feeling of an interwoven village.   From the luxurious and legendary white guestrooms to a full array of on-site amenities, the Delano is a cool haven in the heart of downtown.

• Modern– Fontainebleau (Re-opened 2008):  After a recent $1 billion renovation and expansion, the Fontainebleau offers guests a mix of Miami’s golden era with stylish modern luxury.  Check out the Fontainebleau Shops during the day, then enjoy their hub of trendsetting nightlife with four on-site bars and clubs to ring in the New Year.

The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, HI.

4. San Francisco:  From trendy and hip to laid back and chill, San Francisco is home to arguably the most diverse array of New Year’s Eve options for travelers heading to the Bay Area later this month.

• Traditional – The Fairmont (Opened 1907):  A Nob Hill mainstay for more than 100 years, the centrally-located Fairmont blends contemporary and historic to captivate and inspire guests.   Spacious guestrooms, impeccable service and a panoramic view ofdowntown create a breath-taking experience for New Year’s Eve travelers.

• Modern – The InterContinental (Opened 2008):  One of the Bay Area’s newest upscale hotels, The InterContinental features luxurious rooms with striking contemporary artwork, sleek furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows and modern amenities.

5. Oahu: Coined ‘The Heart of Hawaii®,’ Oahu offers a lush New Year’s Eve paradise with the world-renowned beaches of Waikiki, legendary North Shore and azure waters of the Windward Coast.

• Traditional – The Royal Hawaiian (Opened 1927):  Famous for its long-standing heritage and coveted spot on Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian continues to redefine authentic Hawaiian luxury experiences.   From private beachfront cabanas and luxurious guestrooms to world-class dining and on-site entertainment, this is truly a New Year’s Eve experience travelers won’t soon forget.

• Modern – Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa (Opened 1961):  Although it will celebrate its 50^th anniversary next year, extensive renovations and recent expansion give the Hilton Hawaiian Village a modern feel (not to mention Waikiki’s largest super pool).  Explore the white sand of Waikiki, beachfront lagoon and tropical gardens before heading out to one of 20+ restaurants and lounges.

Related resources:

• Las Vegas hotels
• Chicago hotels
• San Francisco hotels
• Miami hotels
• Honolulu hotels
• Oahu hotels
• Opening night at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

Tagged: California, Hawaii, Hotels, Las Vegas, Midwest