Looking for a last-minute winter getaway? From extravagantly decorated lobbies with massive Christmas trees, special visits from Santa and plenty of hot chocolate for kids to free-flowing champagne brunches for adults, vacations this holiday season have never looked so exciting. Here are the tinsel-covered goodies that 10 upscale hotels have in store for end-of-the-year travels.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Highlands, North Carolina
Escape to Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina, where the charming accommodations and mountain air are sure to delight.
Throughout December, the Old Edwards’ elves are available to tuck in younger guests with an added treat of milk, cookies and a bedtime Christmas story. Older guests can enjoy special Comfort and Joy deals consisting of spa treatments, complimentary wine tastings or an extravagant Christmas lunch.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, Virginia
Get into the spirit at the historic Five-Star Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, where the property is dressed to the nines for the holiday season.
Enjoy the hotel’s Holidays at the Jefferson package, which includes a night’s stay in a luxuriously decorated guest room, or the Holiday Bed and Breakfast deal, which includes a traditional Southern breakfast for two. At midday, you can also look forward to a special treat: holiday musical performances by talented local groups fill up the hotel’s rotunda with the sounds of the season.
The Peninsula Paris
Observe the holidays in the City of Love at Five-Star The Peninsula Paris. For a romantic Christmas Eve, chef Laurent Poitevin serves a five-course menu in the glittering Le Lobby to the accompaniment of a live jazz band. On the big day, dig in to a special brunch spread and relish the free-flowing bubbly.
The Milestone Hotel, London
Four-Star The Milestone Hotel offers a Magical London package for the holiday season. Take in the city’s Christmas lights on Regent Street and shops in Knightsbridge and Bond Street while enjoying a daily English breakfast, mulled wine upon arrival, a champagne afternoon tea for two and a stocking full of surprises on Christmas Eve.
Meadowood Napa Valley
Pack your bags and head to a Napa property that glistens with holiday spirit: Four-Star Meadowood Napa Valley.
If you stay throughout December, you will get to try festive cocktail classes, a sparkling wine tasting, family cookie decorating and holiday menus you can enjoy in the privacy of your rooms.
The Langham, Chicago
At the Windy City’s luxurious The Langham, there are plenty of delicious ways to celebrate this special time of year.
Savor the Five-Star hotel’s Wonderland Tea, a holiday-inspired afternoon tea service with savory treats. On Christmas Day, mark the occasion with an epic, festive brunch fit for a king, complete with special visits from Santa, magicians and balloon-animal artists for kids.
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Escape to Utah’s Four-Star Waldorf Astoria Park City for one of the city’s most extravagant Christmas brunch options. The lineup is full of festive flavor: grass-fed prime rib, roasted turkey, candied yams, smoked salmon, oysters, local cheeses and a dessert station that dreams are made of. That’s at least seven delicious reasons to book your reservation now.
French Quarter Inn, Charleston
Make your way to genteel Charleston to the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended French Quarter Inn for one of the city’s most vibrant holiday set-ups. Tour the beautifully decorated historic mansions, shop on King Street or see live Christmas productions at the Dock Street Theater.
The inn’s Heighten the Holidays package gets you started with a $100 gift card to try the above activities. Back at the hotel, snack and sip on sweet and savory treats at the bar. Offerings include hot apple cider, hot chocolate, eggnog, gourmet Christmas snacks and a port nightcap before bed.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Skating by the sea in Southern California? Make it happen at the Hotel del Coronado. San Diego’s legendary oceanfront resort has delighted guests for more than 125 years, and it isn’t done for 2016 yet.
The property has transformed its beachfront into a winter wonderland, complete with ice, lights, snowflakes and its very own outdoor skating rink. When you need a break from skating, mingle with Santa at Sunday brunch, partake in massages at the spa, journey through chic Coronado Island during nighttime bike tours or kick back by the fire during a classic s’mores experience on the sand.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Trade “Merry Christmas” for “Feliz Navidad” and spend Christmas at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Puerto Vallarta. Bask in the ocean views, tranquil beaches, championship golf or relaxing spa treatments, courtesy of the hotel’s Feel the Spirit specials for the upcoming holidays.
From gourmet dining at the resort’s three restaurants to shopping at Galerias Vallarta, there’s no reason not to add a little Mexican flavor to the holiday mix.