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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York was on my bucket list forever. Did you know there are websites dedicated to addressing your bucket list desires? I evaluated my list and adjusted my plans for 2021 because I was determined to attend the parade as soon as the world opened. This post is updated to include my 2022 visit to New York.
In June, I booked a roundtrip flight on Southwest paying $235 for the flight to New York and redeeming 16,259 Rapid Rewards Points for the flight home. I would leave Chicago at 11:30AM Wednesday and return at 6:20PM Friday. The times worked because check-out was at noon. My final cost for the flight was $197 after a price change. If you fly Southwest, check your fares regularly. Even though I knew Uber or Lyft was out of the question, I checked anyway. You know I was not paying $50 each way for rideshare. Yes, I purchased a 7-day MetroCard for $34 because it was the best option if I wanted to take public transportation throughout my stay.
Lotte New York Palace ConciergeThe lobby was busy, but I received complimentary toffee while I waited in line. The Front Desk Clerk reviewed the $100 hotel credit. Although I wanted an upgrade to a larger room, I was happy with an upgrade to a room with a view. There was a robe, slippers, toiletries in a travel case, and a scale in the bathroom. Rene, the Concierge, looked over the parade route. He suggested I leave the hotel around 9:00AM. I also asked about Urbanspace. Rene recommended I try one of the restaurants in this food court setting. Of course, the vendor selling pork belly was closed. However, Pita Yeero makes a pork belly pita. The sandwich was delicious. If you have questions, do not forget to utilize the Concierge.
I never thought I would pay $28 for pancakes. The perfectly sized lemon mascarpone pancakes and peppered bacon were delicious. By the way, the bacon was $10 for three slices. Overall, I enjoyed the meal. After the Bears game, I headed to the Gold Room. I tried the truffle fries and asked for the oil on the side. I appreciated the complimentary snack while I enjoyed my $22 old fashioned. Oh, I ordered the NY Cheesecake to go.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeI enjoyed being part of the live-action. If you think the balloons are super-sized on tv, they are massive in person. However, when I visit New York for the parade again, I will line up earlier than 9:00AM. I will also dress appropriately. The weather was not as warm as forecasted. If you are interested in planning a trip to the parade, book your flight as soon as the airline releases the dates and reserve your room. Next year I would like to attend the balloon-inflation event the day before the parade and spend more time shopping on 5th Avenue.
I had no problems entering the Centurion Lounge. There was plenty of space, even though the Amex app indicated the lounge was almost at capacity. The menu included: spinach or Cesar salad, asparagus, cauliflower, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, chicken, peach cobbler, and cookies. Most of the meals in the Centurion Lounge are well-prepared, and the complimentary cocktails are a bonus. Even though this was a 2-day trip, I spent under $30 on dining. I take advantage of pre-flight meals in the lounge to save money. I cannot say this enough, check your credit card benefits.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade BudgetI splurged on the budget for this trip. The Lotte New York Palace is beautiful, and the location is near great shopping and dining. I enjoyed the convenience of the restaurants in the hotel and walked to the parade route. I also saved money on meals using the hotel credit and received an additional $100 in savings on my Amex Platinum. Even though I will not reserve a room at the Lotte on my next trip to New York, I will dine at the Villard and stop by the Gold Room. Finally, I saved money going a la carte. The bucket list packages did not include airfare. Do you need more travel ideas? Visit my website. Oh, do not forget your Thanksgiving Day Parade shirt.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022I returned to New York and reserved a room at the Grayson. The hotel is minutes from Time Square. Over the next three days, I went to Happy Hour at Valerie, Ole & Steen for a pastry, walked through Bryant and Central Park, viewed the 9/11 Memorial, and stopped by P.J. Clarke’s for cheesecake. I also discovered the Conde Nast Office and Time Square Ball. Although I did not shop on 5th Avenue this time, I witnessed the parade crew inflating balloons. My perspective about Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade changed after seeing the work that goes on behind the scene. I walked from the hotel to the corner to see the parade as it passed by. My expenses in 2022 were $585. I redeemed 17,000 World of Hyatt points for one night. Overall, I spent $900 less compared to my 2021 budget. Save the date for 2024. Plan now!
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