Haute 5 Places in New York to Bring in the New Year: Your Guide to Starting 2010 in Style

10, 9, 8, 7…. New Years is fast approaching and there are oh so many options. Will it be the city’s hottest party or an intimate dinner with friends? Whatever your preference, we’re here to recommend the city’s best. 3,2,1…Happy Haute New Year!

Start the Year with a Boom

The ever-elusive Boom Boom Room is ringing in the New Year with a black tie soiree. The lounge is offering a number of options for guest, but we recommend reserving a table (seating 4-8) with friends. Those with the best views range from $2,000-$6000. (The “Hudson” or “South Fire” to look out at the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson.) We’re not exactly sure what else is in store for the evening, but with Courtney Love set to perform, we do guarantee it will be a party.

The Boom Boom Room is located in the Standard Hotel at 848 Washington. Call 212-645-7600 or go to http://standardnyc.myshopify.com/ for reservations.

Should Auld Acquaintances be Forgot, Invite Them to Dinner

Maybe you’d like to go out but don’t want to deal with the hassle of the crowds.

The Hotel On Rivington will let you and your twenty closest friends celebrate in its private dining rooms. The $15,000 price tag includes five hours of open bar, an additional five bottles of vodka, and five bottles of Cristal champagne for the table. You can also venture to the Penthouse on the twentieth floor to mingle with the regular partygoers and take in what many have deemed the best view in the city. The hotel’s Lavant East restaurant will also serve dinner and tailor the menu to your party’s preferences.

The Hotel Rivington is located at 107 Rivington Street. Call 917-338-9737 for reservations and information.

Cocktails and Conversation—Hold the Dancing!

If you’d like to celebrate in style but the idea of venturing onto a crowded dance floor (or any dancing at all for that matter) makes you cringe, check out Avenue. The meatpacking district staple offers a happy balance for those who are looking for more laid-back luxury.

The exclusive New Year’s Eve event is by invitation only, although patrons are welcome to try their luck at the door (keeping in mind Avenue has one of the strictest door policies in the city). A Premium Mezzanine table package, seats 10-12 in a VIP lounge upstairs. Chef Roble Ali’s signature comfort foods will be served all night, along with an open bar. Perhaps you’d like some Avenueade (Absolut Raspberri, muddled raspberries, fresh squeezed lemonade) to go with that Bacon Grilled Cheese?

A Premium Mezzanine table is $3,900 in advance by reservation and also includes two bottles of Dom Perignon and four bottles of premium spirit and mixers.

Avenue is located at 116 Tenth Avenue.

Party of Two

If you prefer to ring in a more intimate New Year, the Gramercy Park Hotel has created a special New Years package for couples. When guests arrive, they will be greeted with champagne, chocolates and strawberries and treated to an in-room couples’ massage. In the evening, stop by the understated party at the hotel’s Rose Bar, where you’ll automatically have a reservation. Breakfast is served at the Hotel’s private Roof Club & Garden. But that doesn’t mean you have to wake up early—checkout is extended to 3pm. Though you probably won’t want to leave.

Rates start at $2,300. The Gramercy Park Hotel and Rose Bar are located at 2 Lexington Avenue. Call 212-920-3300 for reservations.

Dining in the New Year

Those who choose to forgo the city’s rowdier downtown celebrations may prefer to celebrate by entertaining their palettes uptown. Some of the city’s best restaurants are offering special menus, with festive touches. 

On the Upper West Side, Per Se is offering two seatings for dinner. The first seating begins between 5:30 and 6:30 and is $600 per person for an eight-course tasting menu; the second seating is $750 for a ten-course menu. The special menu is still being created, but it will feature foie gras, truffles and caviar. Guest will receive a champagne welcome and parting gift. Life jazz will be played throughout the evening courtesy of the Hard Bop Trio.

On the Upper East Side, Daniel is serving up its seasonal French cuisine in two seatings as well. There is a pre-theater three-course dinner at ($195 per person) beginning at 5:30 and a Gala Dinner beginning at 8:30. The Gala Dinner includes a five-course tasting menu, live music, dancing and a midnight champagne toast to the tune of $595 per person.

Per Se is located on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center at Ten Columbus Circle, reservations can be made at 212-823-9335. Daniel is located at 60 East 65^th Street and reservations can be made at 212-288-0033. Note: both restaurants have already sold out their later seatings.