2015 NYE Times Square

Bucket list item: New Years Eve in Times Square, New York City. We booked this portion of our 8 day vacation 10 months in advance. Why? I secured 3 nights stay with Times Square view at the Marriott Marquis on 1535 Broadway on points. Yes, on points versus spending $1100-$3500 per night! The differences in rate are no view, partial view for $1800/nt, or full view. Here are some other details to know. Times Square starts shutting down and rerouting both pedestrian and vehicle traffic around 0900 on the 31st. If you want a view of the stage or ball drop, then you either have to get out before 0900 and stay there all day, pay around $3000 per head for a ball drop party in addition to your room, or do like me and get a room on points. If interest is experience with little desire for ball drop view, then you can still get rooms in Manhattan for $250/night and secure nearby NYE party tickets in Times for around $200-$1000. You may ask; how much confetti is there? Over 3 tons and the square is clean and open by sun up. How many people are in Times Square? 1.2 million attendees. How many stages are there? 3 this year with Carrie Underwood, Jessie J, and Luke Bryan performing. How much did it cost? 3 nights hotel, 14 drinks, NYE buffet for 2, taxes, and no car ($90+ per night per car) cost us 135,000 Marriott points, 3 hours drive from Philadelphia, 2600 Hertz points for one way rental, and $300. Of course we spent more on food and sightseeing on the other 2 days. Is it worth it? Yes, add this to your bucket list at the appropriate budget tolerance and make plans if you haven't already.

On another note, we also started our day with a 9/11 Memorial and Museum tour, had a late lunch at the Amish Market in the Financial District, and picked up sweets from the Bleecker Street Magnolia Bakery.