Even though there’s really no place like home for the holidays, these luxury hotels will make you second-guess that popular Christmas hymn. Decked in the season’s brightest and most beautiful décor, these hotels deliver everything you love about the holiday season — from glistening Christmas trees to trays full of cookies to elaborate holiday dinners — without any of the hassle.
Without a dish to wash, a string of lights to hang, or a present to wrap, you can soak up the true meaning of the season without getting stressed or frazzled over the details. Whether you opt for a ‘Home Alone’ inspired holiday at the Plaza or a quaint country Christmas in Montana, these breathtaking resorts might change the way you celebrate Christmas from now on.
The Plaza, New York City, New York
One of the most iconic properties in New York City, The Plaza comes alive during the holidays, featuring a gigantic Christmas tree in the lobby, bountiful wreaths, and garlands extending more than 20 feet. For a lucky few, the Plaza offers an exclusive ‘Eloise at the Plaza’ Suite, complete with embroidered presents and robes. They also offer a ‘Home Alone 2’ experience for kids, including extravagant ice cream sundaes and VIP personal shopping at FAO Schwarz.
Edgewood Resort, South Lake Tahoe, California
There are few places more quintessentially “Christmas” than Lake Tahoe, with its glistening snow-covered trees set against the glacial blue lake. Offering 12 days of Christmas at the Edgewood Resort, this sprawling property features holiday gift wrapping (so you don’t have to), cocktail and tea parties, evening s’mores bars, and an après-sleep cart, alongside high-end Christmas dining and holiday specials. Moreover, they host a Christmas-themed soiree with a tree lighting ceremony and pictures with Santa at the end of November.
The St. Regis Hotel, Aspen, Colorado
Experience the holidays in your very own Winter Wonderland at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen. During the season, the St. Regis provides a sumptuous Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner, a holiday gift-making workshop, and a charming sleigh ride with Santa in downtown Aspen. Furthermore, the alpine-chic decorated suites come with a butler, dedicated to adorning your room with festive furnishings, trimming your tree, and even wrapping presents for you.
The Mayflower Inn, Washington, Connecticut
Abounding with New England elegance, the Mayflower Inn is a favored holiday retreat among New York City’s elite. This establishment in Washington, Connecticut — a new addition to the Auberge Resort collection — showcases 56 acres of Christmas charm from November to December. The inn offers a sophisticated Christmas Eve cocktail party, a delightful dinner on Christmas Day, and access to snowshoes and cross-country skis for exploring the beautifully snow-covered property. Additionally, the interior is bedecked with festive garland, fresh wreaths, and elegantly decorated trees.
The Roosevelt, New Orleans, Louisiana
If you desire a magical holiday but dislike the cold, consider a Christmas at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. A Waldorf Astoria hotel, this beautiful venue celebrates the season with a glittering lobby display, including over 40 lit-up birch trees, a life-size gingerbread village, and majestic Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments. Moreover, the hotel offers an annual Teddy Bear Tea for children, featuring a visit from Santa and his elves.
The Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland
Just a few miles from the nation’s capital in National Harbor, Maryland, the Gaylord National Resort transforms into a winter wonderland starting mid-November, featuring an extensive Christmas Village — complete with a full-size ice-skating rink, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a 55-foot suspended Christmas tree, and over 2 million twinkling lights. The most impressive aspect, however, is the glass atrium, which features a magical indoor snowfall and intricately carved ice sculptures.
The Swissotel, Chicago, Illinois
Located right in the heart of Chicago, the Swissotel is a festive spectacle for the senses. For the sixth year running, the hotel offers a Santa Suite, featuring 16 decorated trees, a catered feast with an array of savory and sweet dishes, and delightful decorations, along with a visit from Santa himself. The suite is open to the public and provides activities such as face-painting, letter writing, a hot chocolate bar, and Christmas cookie decorating. Furthermore, for a lucky few, the suite can be rented for the ultimate holiday package.
The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
While a working cattle ranch may not seem like an idyllic hotel getaway, the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana quickly dispels that stereotype. The resort’s “Storybook Christmas” package includes a five-night stay filled with festive flair, featuring a personal visit from Santa, a luxurious Christmas Eve dinner, a pre-decorated tree in your room, and horse-drawn sleigh rides (with homemade eggnog to sip) through the snowy, mountainous landscape.
