Where’s the party at New Year’s Eve

RINGING in the New Year can be expensive. Champagne, dinner and other premium drinks often cost patrons thousands of dollars on Old Year’s Night.

Hilton, for instance, will have a dinner and party at its La Boucan restaurant for $2,400 per couple or $1,300 per person, though guests can choose to opt out of the dinner and instead pay for the premium drinks party for $850.

However, some event co-ordinators recognised there are many who want to go out for New Year’s Eve but would not want to spend that much money.

To help navigate the Old Year’s, here is a list of events costing under $700 per person.

Magdalena Grand: $350

Described by general manager Vinod Bajaj as a casually elegant affair, the Magdalena Grand New Year’s Eve party is a premium-drinks-inclusive event which will cost only $350. It is the cheapest drinks-inclusive event on this list.

“We are in a different league in Tobago. We realise the way the economy is. We can maintain the premium value and meet the price value for people. There is a lot we have to offer,” Bajaj said.

This is the third year Magdalena will host this party in their Tavaco lounge. Baja is catering for 150-200 people.

He wanted to keep it small in order to focus on a quality experience for their guests, and wants them to be enchanted by the Magdalena at New Year’s Eve and return for other events.

“We were trying to build the client base so people will come back. We are offering all-inclusive premium liquor, corn soup and hors d’oeuvres, champagne, fireworks by the pool and a live DJ,” Bajaj said.

Absolut Elyx – Toast: $550 - $650

With The Great Gatsby as the theme, Initiate Novelty is hosting a premium drinks event called Absolut Elyx ­– Toast at the Normandie Hotel, St Ann’s.

Early birds were able to get tickets for $550, while $600 and $650 tickets are still on sale.

“Other events are so expensive people choose to stay home rather than party. We are bringing something more reasonable to the market. We have dinner and drinks inclusive and a line-up of DJs,” said Tiffany Ramsey, head committee co-ordinator.

This is the second year Absolut Elyx – Toast is happening. Last year, the event was at capacity, with 500 people. They are catering for 800 this year.

Partygoers also have the option to book a room at the Normandie with a special room package for the night.

Passage to Asia: $600 per person

Passage to Asia has an all-inclusive dinner and drinks party with a rate of $1,000 per couple or $600 for one ticket. For that price you get party favours, premium all-inclusive drinks, a buffet-style meal with appetisers, main course including fish, shrimp, chicken, duck and noodles, and a mid-morning breakfast.

Owner Dipchan Persad said he does not profit from the party. The tickets only cover the cost of hosting the event.

“I like to feed people, I like to lime and I have a beautiful chandelier hall I would like to show off,” he said.

StarStruck: $700

Hosted by Jamboree Trinidad, StartStuck is a premium-drinks-included

event at the Hilton poolside offering unlimited drinks, appetisers, breakfast, and complimentary parking at Queen’s Hall and a shuttle service.

Tickets started at $600 and are now $700. Jamboree is catering for 1,300-1,500 partygoers.

“When you look at our events and offerings, we have maintained our price for the past four years. We want to offer a total experience when you come out to Old Year’s Night with Jamboree,” said Soriya Reba Mohammed, Jamboree committee member.

Hyatt New Year’s Eve Buffet Extravaganza: $565-$585

Though it is not a party with premium drinks included, the Hyatt Regency has a buffet dinner for those who want to dine in the new year. There is an early celebration dinner before from 6.30 pm-9 pm for $565. This includes a champagne toast. There’s also a dinner and midnight toast from 9.15 pm-1 am for $585. This includes a midnight buffet and a glass of champagne. There will be live DJs throughout the night. Unlike the others on the list, people will have to buy their premium drinks.