M Bar & Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
If you’re the procrastinating type, or just fear having to kiss a stranger on New Year’s Eve, you’re not alone. Plenty of party-goers trade in their dancing shoes for a night of Chinese takeout and Times Square festivities on TV. But, if the mood suddenly strikes you to get out and ring in 2012 with the masses, we’ve found a few last-minute hotel bars that will happily play host to your New Year’s endeavors:
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. The hotel’s mezzanine-level cocktail lounge Rebar is hosting a Wizard of Oz -themed party on New Year’s Eve, and space is still available to enter the land of Trump. If you don’t have a table reserved and plan to join your friends last-minute, prepare to shell out $125.
Mandarin Oriental Boston‘s M Bar & Lounge. Head to the bar in the Five-Star hotel for shared small plates, chilled champagne and live music until 2 a.m. If you’re not planning on reserving a table (up to four people is $300 and larger tables are $600), get to the bar early so you can grab a seat. Mandarin Oriental Boston’s Asana restaurant is also hosting a New Year’s formal dinner. Since the bar and restaurant share space, it’s possible diners will spill over into the bar area after dinner. We highly recommend you make reservations and get there early to grab a spot.
Montage Beverly Hills. It’s rare to find anything in Los Angeles that won’t be velvet-roped or accepting last-minute reservations, but we did find one L.A. hotel that is hip to those who like to arrive to the party fashionably late. Montage Beverly Hills is hosting live music, dancing and party favors in their Lobby Lounge starting at 9 p.m. Most of the people in the lounge will likely come straight from the hotel’s New Year’s Eve dinner event, so get there early and call ahead for table reservations.
The Tribeca Grand Hotel. This New York City hotel still has open spaces for its Downtown Ball Drop soiree. It’s a formal affair, but general admission tickets are still available for $150. The party starts at 9 p.m. and includes hors d’oeuvres and a premium open bar until 1 am. Bonus: Arrive after midnight and pay a reduced cost per person, depending on space. You’ll have to call the hotel that day for rates, and even if you arrive late, you’re requested to come dressed to the nines.
Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Boston
