The St. Regis Atlanta’s Winter Wonderland
Photo Courtesy of Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide Inc.
You can wait in line with the masses at the mall for a quick and impersonal photo op with Santa, or you can meet and greet him in style and comfort at one of a slew of luxury hotels hosting the man in red this season. Here are four spots Mr. Claus will make appearances at this month:
Panache, Photo Courtesy of Auberge Saint-Antoine
Auberge Saint-Antoine
At this Quebec City hotel, you’ll get an utterly charming holiday experience that harkens back to French colonial times. Book the Dreaming of a White Christmas package, and your family will not only enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride of Old Quebec, Dec. 25 brunch, a traditional Christmas dinner at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Panache and a screening of a holiday movie in the cool onsite cinema, but you’ll also receive a personal visit from Kriss Kringle at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel. Bonus: He’ll have gifts in tow for the kiddos.
The Langham, Boston
Santa Claus appearances are a bit more sophisticated at this Four-Star Boston hotel. On Saturdays throughout December, he shows up for the famous Chocolate Bar, an extravaganza of all-you-can-eat treats. Expect live jazz and photos with Santa. On Sundays, Santa is back again to attend the hotel’s City Brunch buffet (where you’ll also listen to live jazz tunes). The Langham adds a few festive theatrical offers this holiday season, but we’re partial to the Reindeer Rendezvous package — it includes tickets to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, a chocolate-themed dinner, breakfast in bed, reservations to the Chocolate Bar and a stay in a Loft Suite that will be stocked with candy and chocolate.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Holiday Cheer, Photo Courtesy of Hyatt Corporation
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
While Santa arrived at the San Diego-area resort early (he made an appearance in late November), he inspired a festive atmosphere here with holiday events galore. Through Dec. 28, kids and adults can ogle over decorative Christmas trees being auctioned off for charity. You’ll also want to stop by the spa through Dec. 31 for seasonal services such as the peppermint massage and merry berry facial. Other treats include specialty winter cocktails (we’ll have a cranberry mojito, thanks!) and complimentary roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and apple cider.
The St. Regis Atlanta
Santa and Mrs. Claus show up for afternoon tea every day through Dec. 24 at this stately Four-Star hotel in Buckhead. It’s an intimate setting, where kids can talk to the jolly old elf throughout the three-hour tea. And if that doesn’t delight them, the menu sure will — it’s loaded with sweet and savory treats such as candy cane cheesecake pops, pimento cheese sandwiches and gingerbread cookies. Afterward, take a spin on the luxury hotel’s ice skating rink (found at the pool piazza) where you can enjoy more goodies (s’mores, hot cocoa) under a tent.
