There's always something to do in Miami, and New Year's Eve is no different. In true David Letterman fashion, we'll be counting down our top 10 hottest ways to usher in 2010 and make resolutions you won't keep (let's be honest). We're givin' a complete rundown; so if you're looking to avoid being with the fam or staying alone in bed, we advise taking a gander at this.
10. ON THE WALL: If New Year's in the open air is what you're looking for, Viceroy's Club 50 is it. The indoor and outdoor lounge with many fabulous views from the 50th floor (hence the name-clever) is celebrating under the night sky with DJ Sky Nellor and an open bar until 12:30 a.m. Eos, the Viceroy's signature resto, will also be serving a six-course dinner with wine pairings (priced separately). Tickets are $200 a pop, or $75 for ladies who order in advance. Call 305-503-4400, ext. 7138 or e-mail NYE@viceroymiami.com. 8:30 P.M.
9. ALL ABOUT THE W: If you want a star-studded event, then look no further than The W South Beach. It features a live performance by Kid Cudi, with a musical interlude (whatever that means) by John Legend. Cocktails will be provided by Grey Goose with an open bar until midnight and midnight toast to follow. General admission is $300, $2,000 for VIP. Call 305-531-5535 or visit their website for reservations. 9 P.M.
8. TAKE THE PLUNGE: If Drama's your deal, then head over to the Ganesvoort to party with the drama king himself. "The Hills," um, star, Brody Jenner, will be hosting the last party in 2009, with open bar until 2 a.m., a champagne toast at midnight, and hors d'oeuvres going around. To purchase your $225 ticket or table reservations, call 212-255,4233. 10 P.M.
7. PARTY RECESSIONISTA: Just because we're slumming it on a budget of less than $200 doesn't mean we forfeit our right to an awesome New Year's Eve. For the bargain price $95, you can enjoy an all-inclusive pass to The Catalina's three buildings. The Spam Allstars will be in Maxine's Bistro & Lounge, the best of old school hip-hop takes over Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi and 80's groove in the Red Bar. Enjoy some delicious dinner buffets, sushi, desserts, an open bar (including vodka ice luge-- classy) and specialty cocktails. There will be a champagne toast New York-style to the Times Square Ball Drop on the big screen. Purchase tickets here or by calling 305.674.1160. The Catalina Hotel Miami, 8 P.M.
6. BRAZILIAN BETSY: For a little culture in your NYE step, head on over to the Betsy Hotel. They'll be ringing in 2010 Brazilian-style, with the intoxicating beat of the Capoeira and Batucada drummers and a just-before-midnight dancing procession led by torches to the beach for the ocean side Seven Wave Jump of Good Fortune (you can do the toe-dip to protect that hot outfit of yours). Top it off with a candlelit paper boat drifting to summon Yemanja, the Goddess of the Sea, to bestow a good year upon us all. She knows we can't keep those resolutions on our own. 9 P.M.
5. REMEMBER THE RALEIGH: The Raleigh will be keeping it simple this year with two packages to choose from. The Drinks and hors d'oeuvres package includes an open premium bar until midnight, with said hors d'oeuvres going around until 1 a.m. for $200 a pop. The all-inclusive dinner package includes pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres until 9:15 a.m., a full-on pre-fixe menu until 11:30, and open premium bar until 2 a.m. for just $100 more. The ceremonial midnight champagne toast comes standard, as does the good times with great company. RSVP to NewYearsEve@raleighhotel.com or call 305-612-1173.
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4. SYMPHONY AT SUNSET: If you prefer a more classical New Year's Eve, Tommy Pooch and Alan Roth cordially invite you to the Mondrian South Beach, where a 20-piece symphony orchestra and Macy Gray will be at your vocal disposal. Your $250 ticket will admit you to Sunset Lounge, and you can opt to dine on a five-course meal at Asia de Cuba. Remember one thing: when it doubt, pinky out. Mondrian South Beach, 10 P.M.
3. POOLSIDE MANNERS: You can't be in Miami and not celebrate New Year's Eve poolside. You'd also be a fool to miss a special performance by Common with a live band. While it is free, there is a cash bar all night. However, if The Florida Room's your place, general admission is $275 including tax, gratuity, and an open bar until 1 a.m. Purchase your tickets by calling 305.674.6152 or visiting the website. The Delano Hotel, 9 P.M.
2. NEW YEAR'S CAMPOUT: If you're looking to celebrate 2009's last night a little more north this year, il Lugano with famed chef Todd English is your choice. The real dilemma lies within the $50 lobby party, da Campo Osteria's $125 early seating, or the $150 late seating. The lobby party features a live DJ, some bubbly at midnight, a photo booth, a vodka luge, and light hors d'oeuvres. If you're leaning a little more toward da Campo, there's an early seating and a late seating for which you can stay to toast the new year. 6:30, 9, & 10 P.M.
1. GET YOUR (POKER) GAME FACE ON: Celebrate NYE with 2009's most controversial pop star. Shell out the big bucks and help Lady Gaga countdown to 2010 poolside, with tickets and cabanas ranging from $375 to a whopping $35,000. It's the price you pay to live la dolce vita. If your credit cards aren't maxed out before the chart-topping star's performance, be sure to dine at Scott Conant's Scarpetta or Alfred Portale's Gotham Steak, each with their own distinct menu. For tickets, visit www.newyears.com. Fontainebleau Miami, 9 P.M.
