Even though there’s really no place like home for the holidays, these luxury hotels will make you second guess that popular Christmas hymn. Decked in the season’s brightest and most beautiful décor, these hotels deliver everything you love about the holiday season — from glistening Christmas trees to trays full of cookies to elaborate holiday dinners — without any of the hassle.
Without a dish to wash, a string of lights to hang or a present to wrap, you can soak up the true meaning of the season without getting stressed or frazzled over the details. Whether you opt for a ‘Home Alone’ inspired holiday at the Plaza or a quaint country Christmas in Montana, these breathtaking resorts might change the way you celebrate Christmas from now on.
The Plaza, New York City, New York
One of the most iconic properties in New York City, The Plaza comes alive during the holidays, with a gigantic Christmas tree in the lobby, bountiful wreaths and garlands extending more than 20 feet. For a lucky few, the Plaza offers an exclusive ‘Eloise at the Plaza’ Suite, complete with embroidered presents and robes. They also offer a ‘Home Alone 2’ experience for kids, complete with extravagant ice cream sundaes and VIP personal shopping at FAO Schwarz.
Edgewood Resort, South Lake Tahoe, California
There are few places more quintessentially “Christmas” than Lake Tahoe, with its glistening snow-covered trees set against the glacial blue lake. Offering 12 days of Christmas at the Edgewood Resort, the sprawling property offers holiday gift wrapping (so you don’t have to), cocktail and tea parties, evening s’mores bars and an après sleep cart, as well as high-end Christmas dining and holiday specials. Plus, they offer a Christmas-themed soiree with a tree lighting ceremony and pictures with Santa at the end of November.
The St. Regis Hotel, Aspen, Colorado
Spend the holidays in your very own Winter Wonderland with a stay at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen. During the holidays, the St. Regis offers a sumptuous Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner, a holiday gift making workshop, a ride on Santa’s sleigh in downtown Aspen and more. Plus, the alpine-chic decorated suites come with a butler, who will adorn your room with festive furnishings, trim your tree and even wrap presents for you.
The Mayflower Inn, Washington, Connecticut
Abound with New England elegance, the Mayflower Inn is one of New York City elite’s favorite holiday retreats. The Mayflower in Washington, Connecticut — a new addition to the Auberge Resort collection — boasts 56-acres of Christmas charm in November – December. The inn offers a swanky Christmas Eve cocktail party, a dinner on Christmas and access to snow shoes and cross-country skis to explore the snow-covered property. Plus, the inside is decorated with festive garland, fresh wreaths and elegantly decorated trees.
The Roosevelt, New Orleans, Louisiana
If you want a magical holiday but hate the cold, opt for a Christmas at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. A Waldorf Astoria hotel, this beautiful hotel celebrates the holidays with a glittering lobby display, complete with more than 40 lit-up birch trees, a life-size gingerbread village and giant Christmas trees overflowing with lights and ornaments. Plus, the hotel offers an annual Teddy Bear Tea for the kids, complete with a visit from Santa and his elves.
The Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland
Just a few miles from the nation’s capital in National Harbor, Maryland, the Gaylord National Resort transforms into a winter wonderland come mid-November, with an extensive Christmas Village — complete with a full-size ice-skating rink, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a 55-foot suspended Christmas tree and over 2 million twinkling lights. The most impressive, however, is the glass atrium that features a magical indoor snowfall and carved ice sculptures.
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The Swissotel, Chicago, Illinois
Located right in the heart of Chicago, the Swissotel is a festive feat for the senses. For the sixth year in a row, the hotel offers a Santa Suite, which features 16 decorated trees, a catered feast with savory and sweet dishes, beautiful decorations and a visit from Santa himself. The suite is open to the public, and offers face-painting, letter writing, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas cookie decorating and more. Plus, for a lucky few, the suite can be rented out for the ultimate holiday package.
The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
A working cattle ranch may not seem like an idyllic hotel getaway, but the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana will quickly disparage that stereotype. The resorts “Storybook Christmas” package offers a five-night stay complete with festive flair, from offering a personal visit from Santa, a luxurious Christmas Eve dinner, a pre-decorated tree for your room and horse-drawn sleigh rides (including homemade eggnog to sip) through the snowy, mountainous property.
