Where to watch Macy's July 4th fireworks-west side

[Ann900]

Now that this year's fireworks has moved to the Hudson River- mid 20's to 59th Streets- I'm looking for a good viewing place. (I usually go to a friend's Brooklyn Heights rooftop,which won't work this year.)
Any suggestions for high spots, like rooftop bars or similar places. I'm partially disabled so anything at street level or very crowded doesn't work for me.

[David W]

How about the Empire hotel rooftop? Though I haven't been, you can see it from the Plaza of Lincoln Center...
http://newyork.timeout.com/bars-clubs...

[pbjluver]

Check out this week's TimeOut NY
a lot about the 4th and the fireworks' locations...where to go...where to eat

[RGR]

The Marriott Marquis, in Times Square, has a lounge and restaurant called The View, which rotates, offering 360 degree panoramas of the NYC skyline. I would presume you could see the fireworks from that vantage point.

[Ann900]

But to get to it I would need to go to Times Square - now closed to cabs - which is extra difficult for me, particularly on the 4th when there will be bigger crowds.

[travpard]

only the Broadway part of TS is closed to vehicles. 7th ave is used for all traffic now. not that i would recommend going to TS anytime.

[RGR]

Ann900,

travpard is correct about the configuration of traffic in the Times Square area. If you take a cab, it will be able to take you right to the Marriott, albeit through a slightly more circuitous route.

travpard,

I do not agree with your view that the Times Square area should be avoided, considering that it's where the B'way theaters are located. Plus, there are many very good to excellent restaurants in that vicinity.

[Ann900]

RGR many thanks -your posts are always great. The problem isn't getting to the Marriot- it's getting back - particularly on July 4. Getting a cab can be hellish -dealing woth the crowds for me- even worse.
That's why I was hoping someone might know a rooftop bar further west. For example, I know the Hudson Hotel has a rooftop lounge - but I think it's for guests only- not a public space.
So if you can thinkof any place else, I'd sure appreciate it.

[RGR]

Although cabs do line up alongside the Marriott awaiting passengers, I can understand your hesitancy given the holiday and your physical disability. If I think of an alternative, I'll post again.

[RGR]

Checking around, I discovered that the Hudson Hotel's rooftop will be open to the public for viewing the fireworks -- but at a significant cost. Here's a link that provides the details, as well as other options for viewing.

http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsa...

[RichardW]

So, take the subway and walk 3 blocks.

[david sprague]

not to speak for the OP, but there are many many people who cannot take the subway due to physical limitations, be they permanent or temporary. i was in that position for a good chunk of last year....

[Ann900]

With all due respect, Richard W, if that were an option I wouldn't have needed to post to begin with. Although I can and do take the subway and also walk around in many parts of the city, any location near Time4s Square = because of the crowds-is truly a problem for me-even on a normal day- I use a cane and have very poor balance and people in Times Sq jusrt don't look where they're going. I have been tripped and even fallen around there many times.

David Sprague, thanks for your post. It's good to know that there are people who get it.