There’s a timely quote that goes, “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” We’re almost certain that author Jim Bishop was talking more about the shades of leaves than the quality of hotel packages when he wrote that, but the observation appears to fit both quite nicely.
In between summer trips to the sand and winter getaways for skiing is the present, a time that’s still perfect for prancing through the Pacific Northwest or hanging out in the Hamptons. Write your own sonnet about a fabulous fall escape to one of these high-end properties.
Le Bonne Entente
If September and October temperatures hovering between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit don’t entice you to visit this Quebec City oasis, the property’s autumn-colored culinary menu — MC Lounge’s $1 oysters on Fridays and the festive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays — certainly might.
Inn on Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate director of horticulture Parker Andes says that Western North Carolina is preparing for a magnificent leaf season, with a peak in early November. But you don’t have to wait until then to see the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property at its most colorful; thanks to horseback rides, Segway tours and the Taste of Biltmore festival (through October 31), you can experience the heavenly hues right now.
Wheatleigh
With a Berkshires knoll dotted in Northern hardwoods and oaks as your postcard-ready backdrop, this Five-Star retreat has a way of transporting you to another time and place. Trust us, it’s fine to let the mind drift. Just remember that you have a 7 p.m. reservation at Five-Star The Dining Room at Wheatleigh.
The Mansion at Ocean Edge
Kids love this Cape Cod charmer throughout the year for its youth tennis program, toasty pools and proximity to the beach. But in October, they’ll turn up the “C’mon, mom, please” meter trying to get to TimberNook, the resort’s two-day family-friendly shindig (October 7-8) filled with imaginative games, pirate adventures and a pizza party.
NH Collection Doelen
Amsterdam bursts with shades of amber and orange come October. This historic property sits a short ride from both the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, making it strategic place for capturing all of the city’s seasonal splendor.
The American Club
This Five-Star Kohler getaway annually tops our fall list for one reason: the Kohler Food & Wine Experience. For this 17th installment (October 19-22), celebrity chefs like Richard Blais and Stephanie Izard have been asked to join in the foodie fun. You can, too, by reserving a hotel package that includes overnight accommodations, cooking demonstration tickets, VIP-only invites and more.
Gurney’s Newport
Newport, Rhode Island, lures foodies this fall with the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival (September 21-24) and Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival (October 14-15). Check into this brand-new hotel and dine at Italian favorite Scarpetta. Cap off dinner with a cocktail in front of one of the 11 fire pits at The Regent Lounge’s three-tiered deck at sunset.
The White Elephant
Nantucket empties after the summer, which makes it a good time for a romantic rendezvous. Bring your significant other to this Four-Star favorite for its Table for Two package. Enjoy breakfast, a $100 spa credit and a seafood-filled dinner at the waterfront Brant Point Grill. Afterward, retire to charming accommodations complete with fireplaces.
St Julien Hotel & Spa
To see the aspen, cottonwood and maple trees ablaze with color in Boulder, you can drive through Peak-to-Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, pedal along the bike-to-breweries trail or walk through the Mapleton Historic District near downtown. Be sure to stay at Four-Star St Julien for awe-inspiring views of the Flatiron rock formations set against the Rocky Mountains.
Hidden Pond
A cozy cottage getaway among the birches and firs in Kennebunkport, Maine, Hidden Pond seems made for autumn. Ride one of the complimentary bicycles along the nature trails that crisscross through the 60-acre property, make s’mores at the nightly bonfire or get a massage among the forest treetops at the onsite spa.
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest
Autumn is an idyllic time to visit Budapest. Tourists scatter, changing leaves light up World Heritage sites and warm weather settles in, creating prime conditions to explore this walkable city. When your feet get weary, return to your room in The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest and soak them in the luxurious marble bathtub.
The Inn at Little Washington
For an indulgent taste of fall’s bounty, make reservations at The Inn at Little Washington and its Five-Star restaurant in Washington, Virginia. Chef Patrick O’Connell’s tasting menus are filled with masterful seasonal American fare. Visit the destination restaurant, about 1.5 hours outside of D.C., as it approaches an important milestone: 2018 marks its 40th anniversary.
The Bernards Inn
Hidden in Northern New Jersey, this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel recalls an English country house from a bygone era. The traditional guest rooms come with four-poster beds, mahogany furniture and pale colors. But before you rest your head, ask the boutique hotel about an apple-picking excursion or a hike to explore the countryside.
Sopwell House
Escape to the English countryside this autumn at Sopwell House. Stroll to the nearby historic city of St Albans and peruse the quaint shops and Roman ruins or simply linger on the property’s 12 acres of tranquil gardens and enjoy the brilliance of the changing leaves.
Corinthia Hotel London
Feel fabulous this fall with a visit to Four-Star Corinthia Hotel London and its luxurious spa. The Four-Star ESPA Life at Corinthia offers a sumptuous seasonal package that includes a 60-minute relaxing body wrap followed by your choice of a massage or facial. Take a dip in the pool before indulging in lunch with champagne.
The Lodge at Glendorn
Enjoy a rustic autumn trip without sacrificing any creature comforts at this luxe lodge. Located next to the Allegheny National Forest in northwest Pennsylvania, the hotel gives you a front-row seat to the transforming leaves as well as a host of seasonal onsite activities, like jeep tours through the woods, apple cider press demonstrations and tractor-drawn wagon rides.
Pan Pacific Seattle
The fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest is sublime, but that’s not the only reason to hightail it to Seattle. A 10-minute jaunt from this Four-Star hotel, the quirky Freemont neighborhood hosts an Oktoberfest celebration during the third weekend of September that is not to be missed. Highlights include a rambunctious chainsaw pumpkin-carving contest, polka-dancing lessons and live bands.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
Take a break from London city life at this Four-Star refuge. Nestled on 500 sprawling acres just under 70 miles from the city, the historic estate boasts an array of outdoor activities to help you take advantage of the cooler weather, including horseback riding, falconry lessons and even a Highwire Adventure ropes course up in the treetops.
Capital Hotel
A fall gourmet getaway awaits in an unexpected place: Little Rock, Arkansas. The storied Four-Star hotel’s One Eleven at the Capital serves up world-class seasonal fare on a menu that changes as frequently as the October temperatures. And don’t forget to make reservations for the restaurant’s popular afternoon tea — it’s only offered on the first Saturday of each month.
The Charlotte Inn
Step back in time with a stately stay at Four-Star gem on Martha’s Vineyard. Take in the cool breezes and the golden-hued leaves during a lobster lunch at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Terrace at Charlotte Inn restaurant, or simply stroll down the street to browse the quaint shops and eateries along the Edgartown waterfront.
The Fearrington House Inn
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life at this Four-Star North Carolina inn. Upon arrival, leave your car behind and relax at the Four-Star spa, dine at the Five-Star restaurant (which boasts a 500-bottle wine list) or wander the grounds and browse the Tuesday evening farmer’s market to taste the local bounty.
Madeline Hotel and Residences
Before ski season arrives, head to Telluride for gold season. Witness all of the aspen leaves turn a vibrant gold on a scenic drive down Last Dollar Road or a three-mile hike along the Jud Wiebe Trail. Afterward, check into Four-Star Madeline Hotel and Residences and request a room facing the San Juan Mountains for even more breathtaking vistas.
The Chanler
Get back to nature in Newport with Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Chanler’s Autumn Escape package. In addition to New England’s famous fall foliage, you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner at Four-Star The Spiced Pear restaurant and two tickets to tour the historic mansion of your choice with round-trip transportation.