
Instead of gifting the special woman in your life with the expected this Mother’s Day (May 8), we suggest getting her an unforgettable travel experience. While luxury hotels across the globe are expected to roll out the red carpet for moms, there are a few events and special offers that stand out. Here are seven of our favorites this year:
The Langham, Chicago
We’re betting Chicago’s newest Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel won’t disappoint mom this year — the glamorous spot will host a bountiful brunch with five separate seatings that will serve up live entertainment for kiddos (a magician) and adults (a live jazz band), too.
The food is on point: Expect chef-driven dishes like vanilla pearl sugar Belgian waffles, house-smoked and cured salmons, and an omelet station with cage-free eggs and egg whites.
Got a sweet tooth? Hit up the crêpe station. And anyone in your party with a hankering for a good cocktail will enjoy the bloody mary bar, where you can customize your drink with a host of garnishes.
Island Hotel Newport Beach
Why make mom choose between brunch with the family and a fabulous spa experience? Get her both in Orange County. First, have a festive meal with your kin at the Four-Star hotel’s popular Oak Grill on Mother’s Day. The feast will include multiple food stations (oyster bar, custom omelets, cheese and charcuterie, grilled beef filet, breakfast favorites and more) and, most importantly, bottomless mimosas.
In the afternoon, book mom and a friend the Celebrate Mom package at the hotel’s luxe spa so she and a gal pal can get a massage, facial and sparkling wine.
Archer Hotel New York
A girl’s weekend in New York City is at the top of many moms’ wish lists and a stay at this newer Midtown Forbes Travel Guide Recommended boutique hotel is a smart bet.
Part of the attraction here is the location; Archer is situated in the center of Manhattan and within walking distance to a bevy of sites like Times Square, Fifth Avenue shopping, the Theater District and the Empire State Building.
With the Breakfast for Two package — perfect for mom and daughter or a friend — you get a $70 breakfast credit (in-room or at the comfy restaurant Fabrick) for each night at the hotel, which should fuel mom for the long day of selfie-taking ahead.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
Sometimes what mom really wants is a long date night with dad. She’ll get that and then some at this Four-Star Cleveland hotel when the Reconnect (Comfort You) package is booked.
Upgrade to a suite for two nights and get a $100 hotel credit, or a $200 credit for three nights. Or, simply elevate to a Deluxe room for three nights and get a $100 credit.
Couples won’t want for things to do here, either — the hotel is within walking distance to several top attractions, including The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Warehouse District, an area filled with restaurants, nightlife and boutiques.
The Connaught
If mom loves flowers — and really, what mom doesn’t? — then consider a floral-themed escape at this London hotel. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 24 to 28) is a vast, prestigious event showcasing cutting-edge garden design with exhibits and galas galore.
Book the Five-Star hotel’s Spring Fling deal and you’ll not only get a Superior King room with brilliant views but also an exclusive shopping card to popular stores around the city — which makes for a perfect activity after perusing the aisles of roses and lavender at the show.
Taj Campton Place
A historic hotel near luxury shopping and art galleries in San Francisco’s Union Square is a beguiling place to book your special woman a getaway. Reserve the Suite Celebrations package at the Four-Star hotel and you’ll get the second night in a suite half off.
That, of course, translates to more cash on hand to treat mom to a remarkable dinner at the lauded downstairs restaurant, Campton Place, a Four-Star eatery where the city’s talented chefs on the rise — top toques like Laurent Manrique and Daniel Humm learned their way around the kitchen here — often make a name for themselves.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
It’s hard to beat a holiday brunch with a show-stopping Windy City view and a lavish setting, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Deca Restaurant and Bar located on the Four-Star hotel’s 12th floor.
Throw in an over-the-top menu that includes white wine mussels, king crab legs, fresh sushi, farm-fresh salads, local meats and cheeses, a waffle station and a trove of delectable dessert options (cream puffs, blueberry brioche, key lime pie) and it seems like a no-brainer to book a table at this tony Gold Coast spot. But the clincher? A station to entertain kids with movies, games and more so mom can relax and indulge for once.