Party!

The 5 best hotels for the turn of the year

When the rockets rise into the sky and explode in bright colors in the night sky, the bells ring at midnight and champagne tingles in the glass, it's done: "another year over, a new one just begun", to quote John Lennon. In fact, very few people can escape the special feeling that is inherent in every new year. It doesn't matter whether you're celebrating a lavish party night or prefer to welcome in the new year quietly and in a small circle. If you want to celebrate 2022 in a special way, these hotels are the right place for you:

For gourmets: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel/Budapest

Budapest is a fascinating city. It attracts visitors not only with its historic buildings and special atmosphere, but also recently with the newly renovated Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Anyone booking the festive offer here will receive a free breakfast, a bottle of champagne, a 50 euro hotel voucher and a guided tour of the palace in addition to the welcome mulled wine and ginger cookies from Wolfgang Puck's Hungarian Spago branch. There will also be a soufflé baking course at the Matild Café patisserie. On New Year's Eve, Spago will serve a four-course tasting menu with live music and cocktails. Bookable until January 6, 2022, from 512 euros, excluding New Year's Eve menu. www.marriott.de

For those loyal to tradition: Giardino Mountain/St. Moritz

Located in the immediate vicinity of the St. Moritz ski areas, the Giardino Mountain with its 78 rooms and suites, four restaurants and spa is the perfect place for anyone who wants to party in the snow. During the day, the slopes, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoe hikes and excursions beckon. And on the evening of December 24, the tree is decorated together in the lounge. Christmas dinner is served from 6 pm. The next day, TV presenter Dani Fohrler tells Christmas stories. The turn of the year begins with a champagne aperitif. This is followed by a New Year's Eve menu in the Hide & Seek or in the Ecco Restaurant. From 662 euros/double room incl. breakfast. www.giardinohotels.ch/st-moritz/

For big city fans: The Mark/New York

Just a few steps away from Central Park, The Mark has a spectacular holiday offer. As part of the "Holiday Suite Spectacular" offer, guests staying in the hotel's three largest suites receive a host of activities and amenities to make the end-of-year holidays unforgettable. These include your own Christmas tree, Christmas pajamas, a private ice skating rink, a four-course holiday dinner by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a private performance of The Nutcracker by New York Theatre Ballet, a customized gingerbread house, family portraits by famed fashion photographer Alexei Hay, private late-night shopping at Bergdorf Goodman and much more. Bookable throughout December, minimum stay of three nights, suite from USD 25,000/night.

For the romantics: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti/Pinzolo

New Year's Eve in the mountains, plus a week of wellness treatments, plenty of peace and quiet, good food and cozy suites: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is the right place for couples looking for a stress-free New Year's Eve. The 7-night New Year's Eve package includes breakfast, aperitif and gala dinner on New Year's Eve, lunch on New Year's Day, access to the spa, a peeling, a wrap, an energetic hydro-aromatherapy, a candle massage, a facial treatment and a bath in the salt lake. Bookable from 3,885 euros/person in the Prestige Junior Suite. www.lefayresorts.com

For party people: W Barcelona

W Barcelona celebrates the New Year with a lively party. It starts with a welcome cocktail and a six-course New Year's Eve gala dinner, including Veuve Clicquot champagne. Afterwards, guests enjoy an exclusive New Year's Eve show with hand-picked artists and performers. The highlight is the hotel's famous fireworks display. The New Year's Eve offer can be booked from 420 euros/person. www.marriott.com