Not all posh destinations have to feature wine as their high-end drink of choice; in fact, now that the American craft beer scene is becoming more refined, plenty of hotels and resorts are focusing on malty beverages as a means of gravitating globe-trotters. Yes, you can have your fine linens, a Five-Star spa and fine amenities — with a frothy cold one on the side.
Four Seasons Resort Vail
What better way to celebrate craft beer than by bathing in it? That’s right, at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Four Seasons Resort Vail, they not only offer local beers to drink, but incorporate suds from the nearby Crazy Mountain Brewing Co. into a few choice spa services as well. Choose from a bath or foot soak that uses beer, as well as a body scrub comprised of hop oil mixed with spent grains and hops from the brewery. Or, go for the beer can massage, a treatment similar to the hot stone variety that leaves you feeling relaxed and soothed, even before you take a sip of gratis craft beer at the end of your session.
Waldorf Astoria New York
In honor of the 20th-floor roof garden and beehives gracing the Four-Star Waldorf Astoria New York, the hotel has partnered with local brewery Empire Brewing to create some special suds. When you stay at the Park Avenue treasure, try the Waldorf Buzz, a fall brew laced with the property’s own honey. You can also enjoy the Greatest of Them Ale, a refreshing Belgian-style summer pour made with lemon verbena from said garden. Have the beers with a dry-aged steak at the on-site Bull & Bear Steakhouse or sidle up to the classy Peacock Alley Bar & Lounge for a quick taste of NYC.
The Brewhouse Inn & Suites, Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the birthplace of 171-year-old Pabst Blue Ribbon, so if you happen to be in the vicinity, make sure to stay in the appropriately named Brewhouse Inn & Suites. The hotel is located in the historic building that used to house the Pabst brewery. With exposed brick walls, thick slabs of wood and tall windows, the place exudes an industrial charm that’s mixed with modern, high-end accommodations. The property pays homage to its past with the Pabst Beer Baron Package, a promotion that includes a six-pack of PBR and two tickets to the Pabst Mansion.
The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver
When you stay at this Four-Star hotel, make sure to book the Micro Beer Package, a special that comes with the opportunity to sip one of The Brown Palace’s own craft beers in the Ship Tavern. Though the Denver property doesn’t have a brewery on site, it works with celebrated Colorado labels to make special beer for its guests. Currently, the tipples are made by Hall Brewing Company, who uses the venue’s own artesian well water to create Palace Pale Ale. When you’re not indulging at the hotel’s bar, take advantage of the city’s huge craft-beer scene with a self-guided microbrew tour, a complimentary listing The Brown Palace offers online.
Calistoga Inn
Sure, many people head to Calistoga to be close to Napa Valley and its superb vino. But for those who are equally happy with hops, this combination inn, restaurant and brewery proves just the ticket. Here you find the Napa Valley Brewing Company, a small craft brewery that caters solely to this European-style inn with four staple brews — a wheat, pilsner, red ale and porter. If you’re lucky, you’ll come in time for a few seasonal selections, too. Cross your fingers that the spacious cottage room is available when you reserve; the bright unit comes with a private bath. Make sure to call ahead to book a tour with the brewmaster because it’s a fun jaunt that adds another sudsy layer to your adventure.