NYC Hotels to Check Out – or Into – for The Fourth of July

Ka-boom

237 may not be a Big Moment birthday, like a bi- or tri-centennial, but hey, how many people do you know who have reached it?

Countries are another story, but we love July 4 and so, it seems, do these hotels. All offer something, like a spot for taking in the fireworks, viewing the sport of competitive eating or just gazing at Lady Liberty on a red-white-and-blue-letter day.

Hot Dog! What’s July 4 without hot dogs? How about 69 in ten minutes? That’s uber-eater Takeru Kobayashi’s record, and the slender guy with the cast iron stomach aims to break it at noon at the Eventi’s July 4 hot dog eating contest. Kobayashi (pictured) – who found his calling early on by effortlessly downing 10 bottles of milk, a record at his school — goes gut to gut with seven other competitive eaters in the spacious outdoor plaza behind the hotel. The event is free of charge, and don’t worry about scoring a seat near the eaters. Every gulp will be broadcast on the plaza’s Big Screen – 16-feet by 30 feet, to be precise. If watching makes you hungry, stick around. Kobayashi will be unveiling his new line of all-beef, Midwestern grain-fed dogs aptly called Kobi Dogs from Rastelli Foods (hey, you don’t have to eat 69).
Eventi, 851 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) at 30th Street; 212.564.4567.

Roof Party with a View With its big rooftop bar overlooking the Hudson from 11th Avenue, the Press Lounge at Ink48 is literally steps away from the Hudson River, where the barges launching Macy’s fireworks float (the show starts at 9 p.m.). Not surprisingly, the hotel hosts a party every July 4. This year’s promises passed hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, a DJ, dancing and  views just like last year’s. $265.66 buys it all, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Or get a room and go to the party (from $569). Call 212 747-2224 to book.
Ink48, 653 11th Avenue at 48th Street; 212 757-0088.

Fireworks and Food Views at Top of the Standard, the Standard‘s window-lined nightspot towering over the High Line, are pretty spectacular most nights, barring fog. Add fireworks, and things really light up. Though the hotel’s prime guest rooms for watching the ‘works are sold out, you can still book dinner at Top ($200 minimum per person) and catch the drama. Or take your chances and drop in at the bar. Call 212 645-4646 for dinner reservations.
The Standard New York High Line, 848 Washington Street; 212-645-4646

Roof Party with Fireworks The Hudson’s Sky Terrace, an outdoor/indoor bar that wraps around the hotel, goes into party mode with a one-hour open bar sponsored by Moet-Henessey from 6 to 7 p.m. The party goes on until 11:30, with music by Rawse, J. Schott and Brandon James.  Tickets start at $40. Table packages are also available. And yes, you can you see the fireworks from the terrace, a hotel rep tells us. Call 212 554-6000 to book.
Hudson, 356 West 58th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues; 212-554-6000.

Wake Up to Lady Lib Half of the rooms at the Ritz Carlton New York Battery Park have big picture windows overlooking the water – and the Statue of Liberty. It’s the next best thing to sleeping on Ellis Island if you want a Liberty view – and a lot cushier. Rooms with a Statue view start at $370 ($295 without the view). Other hotels offering Lib views are the Marriott New York Downtown, Millenium Hilton and Conrad New York. (Click here to read about them.) Just don’t expect to see the fireworks this far south.

Ritz Carlton New York Battery Park, Two West Street; (212) 344-0800.