Approximately 45 million turkeys are gobbled up every Thanksgiving, according to a 2017 Time Magazine report. And from the look of holiday menus we’ve checked out from top hotel restaurants around the United States, that number will likely hold steady on November 22.
But like any Thanksgiving meal worth its weight in stuffing, these elaborate dinners offer so much more than the celebrated bird. Whether you’re craving seafood stew, braised Brussels sprouts or lamb chop lollipops on your plate this year, should you pull up a chair at any of these extravagant spreads, you won’t be disappointed.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
When you vacation at this Five-Star Jackson Hole beauty, you leave the outdoor adventures (onsite fly-fishing expert) and in-house pleasantries (Four-Star spa) to the hotel’s talented staff, so it only makes sense that the Thanksgiving dinner would be taken care of as well. Served at the 3,860-squre-foot Cottonwood Ballroom, the resort’s holiday bonanza promises everything from smoked salmon and lobster-corn bisque to pork shank and hickory-smoked prime rib.
Reunion Resort, A Salamander Resort
While most people flock to Orlando and Kissimmee over the summer, we’ve learned that late November is a fantastic time for a trip to central Florida, too. For one, local meteorologists still call for clear 75-degree days. And two, this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Resort insists on hosting a Thanksgiving smorgasbord filled with butter-basted turkey, striploin and other traditional favorites. That you can pair all of that deliciousness with a Fall Savings sale delivering 40 percent off overnight villa rates makes things even more appealing.
The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe
With Lake Tahoe as your breathtaking backdrop, this newly expanded resort promises a Thanksgiving weekend your family won’t soon forget. Consider the themed dishes and seasonal buffets at the onsite Bistro, Edgewood Clubhouse, and Brooks’ Bar and Deck on November 22 as appetizers for the main courses of fun to be had on November 23 (Black Friday boutique specials, build-your-own s’mores bar) and November 24 (Christmas tree lighting, pictures with Santa).
InterContinental New York Barclay
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition that everyone should be a part of if you’re in New York City on the big day. Of course, if you’ve ever stood on Sixth Avenue sidewalks for two hours on the November morning, you know that another tradition is achy feet. But if you visit this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property, you’ll be close to the action (your room is a mere four blocks from the floats) and have access to in-room spa treatments and the Gin Parlour’s impressive roster of modern, sustainable cuisine all weekend.
Woodstock Inn & Resort
With the Ottauquechee River and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park in the distance, this Southern Vermont treasure is a picture-perfect fall destination. Things will officially turn into an autumnal wonderland once you get a whiff of the apple-cider-braised chicken and winter vegetable crepes coming from the kitchen on Thanksgiving.
After finishing the apple-cinnamon pie, retreat to a cozy guest room (the Wake Up in Woodstock package, which consists of accommodations, breakfast for two and a maple syrup gift, is available around Thanksgiving) to nurse your food coma.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
When Forbes Travel Guide editors visited the Hub in early November, they found trees covered in autumnal golds and ambers. This Five-Star hotel’s Lobby Lounge keeps the mood going inside with a Fall Harvest menu filled with seasonal bites (cranberry scones, parsnip soup) and beverages (maple hot cider, whiskey-packed Autumn Wind).
Even when the afternoon excitement concludes on November 18, the hotel will stay in character with a Turkey Day stuffed with culinary fun at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Bar Boulud Boston.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Sit back, relax and let the professionals handle the holiday heavy lifting at this Four-Star Windy City staple, where a three-course family-style feast will be served on November 22. Snag a seat at the hotel’s Margeaux Brasserie to savor roasted turkey with sage alongside crispy pork belly and king crab glaçage (topped with hollandaise).
But if you feel there’s just no place like home on Thanksgiving, you can still enjoy a chef-prepared dessert by ordering a chocolate bourbon pecan or pumpkin pie from Petit Margeaux to impress at your family function.
The Gasparilla Inn & Club
Fill your holiday with sand and sunshine at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Boca Grande getaway. With a full week of activities surrounding Thanksgiving (a 5K, tennis clinics and sand sculpture workshops), you’ll work up an appetite before sitting down to a classic holiday meal in the resort’s Main Dining Room, so don’t be shy about asking for seconds.
The Breakers Palm Beach
There’s a lot to be thankful for at this storied Four-Star South Florida retreat, and you can revel in it all during a festive feast this year.
Served in the spectacular Ponce de Leon Ballroom, the sumptuous spread will feature Thanksgiving favorites (turkey breast and cranberry sauce), a seaborne bounty (hand-rolled sushi, smoked oysters and Alaskan king crab legs) and an array of dazzling desserts ranging from traditional pumpkin pie to whimsical tiramisu teacups that will leave you satisfyingly stuffed.
Blantyre
This recently refreshed Five-Star escape in Lenox, Massachusetts, is pulling out all the stops on Thanksgiving with a family-style feast fit for royalty. Dine on elevated classics like butternut squash soup with spiced cream, roasted Berkshire turkey with brioche and chestnut stuffing, and brown sugar pumpkin bars with marshmallow meringue.
Make your meal extra luxurious with wine pairings, or simply opt for that second slice of bourbon pecan pie.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
Put a new spin on your annual holiday noshing with a Thanksgiving brunch at this Four-Star Northern Virginia hideaway. On November 22, gather your friends and family around the table for customary festive fixings served alongside breakfast favorites, an impressive raw bar and creative culinary presentations (be sure to try the garlicky cooked-to-order mussels), all accompanied by live music and fun activities to keep your little ones entertained.
Fashion Island Hotel
It may not feel like autumn in Orange County, but this coastal Four-Star stay is putting seasonal flavors front and center during a decadent Thanksgiving meal.
Hosted by the property’s Oak Grill, the four-course fete will feature carved turkey and stuffing as well as fun fall cuisine like blue-cheese-and-pecan-stuffed figs, apple-and-candied-walnut-topped kale salad, and juicy Maine lobster in a tomato brown butter sauce.
While you dine, bask in the velvety voice of Pasadena-based performer Robby Fontana during the property’s nightly Fireside Sessions.
Hyatt Union Square New York
Give your Thanksgiving in the Big Apple some farm-to-table flair when you dine at this Four-Star Fourth Avenue stay’s Bowery Road restaurant this holiday. With seatings available for lunch and dinner, the rustic-chic eatery will serve a three-course feast featuring a blend of favorites and fresh takes — think endive and pear salad with a walnut vinaigrette, pepper-crusted short rib, roasted organic turkey with sausage stuffing, and salted caramel apple pie.
L’Auberge Carmel
Leave Thanksgiving dinner to one of the country’s best restaurants. At Five-Star Aubergine, start with appetizers like the Maine lobster with butternut squash and pumpkin seeds. Whether you choose a roasted turkey or 28-day dry-aged ribeye as the follow-up, the fixings will include truffle mac and cheese, cider-glazed Brussels sprouts and Yukon potatoes with ossau iraty cheese.
After the apple, persimmon and burnt cinnamon ice cream, you’ll be thankful that the journey to your room in the intimate inn is a short one.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Macy’s parade marches right past this Sixth Avenue hotel, and you can enjoy the colorful floats from newly renovated accommodations.
But don’t spend too much time in your contemporary brown and white room. You don’t want to miss the Five-Star hotel’s feast, including acorn squash soup topped with spiced pecan crumble and cardamom syrup, turkey roulade with sage and leek focaccia stuffing, and a roasted pear-cranberry crumble with crème fraîche ice cream.
Boar’s Head Resort
The expansive Thanksgiving brunch buffet may be the reason to stay at this elegant Charlottesville, Virginia, hotel, but don’t leave after the Belgian waffles, snow crab, maple-mustard-glazed turkey and butternut squash ravioli.
On November 23, Boar’s Head hosts its Grand Illumination, an annual tree-lighting tradition where you can meet with Santa, ride a horse-drawn carriage and indulge in hot chocolate and cookies.
The Raphael Hotel
Thanksgiving at the Kansas City hotel’s Chaz on the Plaza restaurant will sate every palate. The four-course prix fixe meal lets you choose from roasted turkey with sage and rosemary stuffing, prime rib with horseradish, grilled salmon slathered with béarnaise or tenderloin with bone marrow cabernet butter.
Afterward, walk to Pennsylvania Avenue and Nichols Road for the 89th annual KCP&L Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Witness 200,000 bulbs flick on to illuminate the 14-square-block plaza and its buildings. You can see the lit-up scene from The Raphael’s plaza-view rooms, too.
Trump International Hotel & Tower New York
Warm up with a hot chocolate from Jean Georges when checking into this hotel on November 21 for the Ultimate NYC Thanksgiving Day package. You’ll need it for the walk to 77th Street to watch Macy’s larger-than-life balloons get inflated behind the scenes.
Then wake up on Thanksgiving to room service before heading downstairs for VIP parade viewing in front of the Five-Star hotel. Cap off the festive getaway with ice skating in Central Park’s Wollman Rink.