New York City - July 4th Fireworks 2012: Why West Side again?

Anyone know why the fireworks are on the West side for the 3rd yr in a row? is this something that's going to continue? very frustrating.

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MODERATOR'S NOTE

Because there can be differing locations and logistics for the July 4th fireworks display each year, we maintain a separate thread for each year.

For previous years' threads, please see:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/1235965-july-4th-fireworks-2011-dissappointing-experience-nyc-side.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/1060481-july-4th-fireworks-2010-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/959113-july-4th-fireworks-2009-viewing-fireworks-hotel.html

dstan
NYC Forum Moderator

As the show increases they need more and bigger barges - they don't fit on the East Side apparently.

Didn't the east side get them for like 11 years in a row or something?

As the show increases they need more and bigger barges - they don't fit on the East Side apparently. The barges are no bigger. There are 6 of them currently. Is that more than in the past?

The west side certainly is easier for pedestrian access to the waterfront.

The barges are no bigger. There are 6 of them currently. Is that more than in the past?

The west side certainly is easier for pedestrian access to the waterfront.

Dunno if the issue is more or bigger, but that's the story I heard on radio the other day when this came up. Maybe it's just an excuse.

I think a legitimate argument could be made that the east side is better because of viewing from other boroughs. The west side allows manhattan and... jersey?

Some people at Macy's seem to have forgotten the New York origins of the store. :td:

Some people at Macy's seem to have forgotten the New York origins of the store. :td:

Is Harold Square really considered east side though?

Is Harold Square really considered east side though?

Harold Square? Lol. It's not an east/west thing. One bank of the Hudson isn't in NYC. Both sides of the East River are.

Harold Square? Lol. It's not an east/west thing. One bank of the Hudson isn't in NYC. Both sides of the East River are.

Tongue was in cheek when I posted that for my buddy Landing. :)

Tongue was in cheek when I posted that for my buddy Landing. :)

Ah. Yes, I hear he is from Brooklyn. Did you know that? ;)

Harold Square?Still laughing. What's next....a reference to Time Square? :D

Hello - will be in NYC over the 4th and was wondering if there were any hotels with spectacular views of the firework show... this way, won't have to bother getting anywhere/reserving seats etc since I need a hotel to stay at anyway. Budget not an issue - recommend away!

If you want a spectacular view of fireworks exploding over New York City, you will have to be in New Jersey. :mad:

There was at least one thread about this last year so please search the forum for it. If I recall correctly, the W Hoboken was one of the recommended places, although, of course, you need to confirm you will be facing the water.

Hmm.. let me clarify. Hotel must be in Manhattan... so I guess not the BEST place to watch but anything still with a view would be awesome.

Not sure why the requirement has to be Manhattan, but since I see you have Hyatt in your profile, the Hyatt in Jersey City is on the Hudson and should have great views of the fireworks. It's also next to the Exchange Place PATH Station and quick ride across the river. Similar comments for the W Hoboken.

In Manhattan, the Standard Hotel on the High Line comes to mind as a hotel that's near the Hudson. The Conrad in Battery Park City might also work (I'd also say the Ritz but it could be too far around the bend depending on where exactly they launch from).

We've had high rooms with western exposure twice at the Westin in Times Square, and you have a pretty good view of the fireworks from there.

There's one tall apartment building that blocks some of the view, but as you have ability to see 3 or 4 of the simultaneous shows that go up and down the Hudson, you really don't miss anything.

AND, the windows open so you can hear the blasts!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODERATOR'S NOTE

Because there can be differing locations and logistics for the July 4th fireworks display each year, we maintain a separate thread for each year.

For previous years' threads, please see:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/1235965-july-4th-fireworks-2011-dissappointing-experience-nyc-side.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/1060481-july-4th-fireworks-2010-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/959113-july-4th-fireworks-2009-viewing-fireworks-hotel.html

dstan
NYC Forum Moderator

Two recent threads on the July 4th, 2012 fireworks display have now been merged to facilitate discussion. A list of previous years' threads has been added to the OP. This thread will now replace the older thread in the Sticky.

/Moderator

If you want a spectacular view of fireworks exploding over New York City, you will have to be in New Jersey. :mad:

There was at least one thread about this last year so please search the forum for it. If I recall correctly, the W Hoboken was one of the recommended places, although, of course, you need to confirm you will be facing the water.Oh well, what are you going to do? There are fireworks on the East River throughout the summer and autumn (and I'm never sure why) so we won't be shortchanged. ;)

You can buy preferred seating tickets through these folks: http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/about-us/fohrp/

^

As an NJ resident whose sister has a riverfront condo at right in front of one of the barges, I'm stoked again! :)