It’s that time again…time to plan how we will spend the very last night of the year, New Year’s Eve, in beautiful and exciting Boston, MA.

Many of my family members and friends prefer not to drive on this night of merrymaking so choosing an event at a Boston hotel is a great option. Attendees can participate in the New Year’s Eve celebration, and then take the elevator up to their rooms with no worry about cold weather or driving after a few cocktails. The next morning you can enjoy a terrific brunch at one of many Boston hot spots.

This year, there are several top Boston hotels offering New Year's Eve events, most with three distinct options. The first option usually includes just the New Year's Eve party itself; DJ/band, dancing, party favors, New Year’s Eve toast and a cash bar. The second option includes the Party plus some type of cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. The most expensive option, number three, often called “all inclusive” includes the party, the reception and a gourmet, multi-course dinner. The fees range from $65 per person up to $195 per person.

Although the most expensive options may be called all-inclusive, they usually don’t include the cost of alcoholic beverages beyond the midnight champagne toast. Hotel room, parking and transportation costs are also extra fees.

The Hyatt Regency, Back Bay is offering their “Back Bay Gala – New Years Eve Baby Boomer’s Ball”. The base package, from 9:30 PM to 2:30 AM, includes a live band (the Love Dogs), DJ, dancing, party favors, gift bags, an online silent auction and multi-media displays. Add-ons include a cocktail reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and/or an all-inclusive dinner. All attendees are eligible for a hotel room discount. Music will include a mix of everything: Swing, Motown, Soul, R & B, 70s, 80s, 90s and current top-40 dance hits. Price range: $85 to $175.

The Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel is sponsoring their annual "Resolution Ball". This black tie optional event has three packages similar to the Hyatt. Party only from 9:30PM to 2 AM, which includes the Felix Brown live band and DJ Samuel L., Party plus cocktail reception and party plus all inclusive dinner option. Prices range from $65 to $175 and per the hotel’s website, last year’s event sold out.

The Liberty Hotel, is offering the “Global Gala In Rome” planned in part with The Boston Young Professionals Association. This event is geared more towards singles in their 20’s and 30’s and they've hired DJ Ran of MTV's The Real World San Diego, to spin their tunes. The Liberty’s three NYE options are called “entrance”, “dinner” and “all inclusive” ranging from $85 to $195.

Note: The Marriot Copley place, which had events in the past, stated in a phone call on November 28, 2008, that they would not be sponsoring any special events this year.

Night Club/Hotel Combos: Another option to consider is attending a New Year’s Eve party at one of the many Boston night clubs, then reserving a room at a hotel room nearby.

Almost every single Boston nightclub is sponsoring some type of event. Your best bet is to visit one of the directory websites which include extensive and detailed descriptions of the events, the entry fees and “buy tickets online” options. Try boston.going.com, clubzone.com or new years.com.

Have a safe, happy, healthy New Year's celebration!

Copyright © 2008, M. Reynolds, All Rights Reserved