If you’re traveling for the holidays but don’t want to miss that Christmas cheer, these luxury hotels and resorts are where you want to stay. From decorations that transform lobbies into Christmas wonderlands to exciting events for all ages, you won’t need to feel like the Grinch just because you’re away from home for the holidays.
Check out (or should we say check in?) at these five fantastic luxury hotels and resorts that really go all out for the holidays.
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)
Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, The Greenbrier captures the essence of the Christmas spirit in spades. Wander through the 18th-century lobby and halls decked out with holiday trees featuring unique ornaments and flowers. Enjoy holiday films on the Chesapeake Lawn. Or, participate in the Reindeer Fun Run. Events span the week of Christmas through New Year’s, keeping the Christmas magic alive with Santa Claus meet and greets, tree lighting ceremonies with fresh-baked cookies and cocoa, and carolers singing your favorite tunes. Test your icing skills with the Christmas Cookie decorating workshop, or get festive with the Minted Mixology experience, where you’ll learn the art of incorporating candy canes into wintery (and minty) cocktails!
The Plaza (New York, New York)
If you’re looking for a touch of sophistication and class while traveling for the holidays, The Plaza is a must. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this luxury hotel offers a unique holiday experience for guests that will have you wanting to come back year after year. Book one of their special holiday-themed suites decorated with festive, bright red poinsettia arrangements and a twinkling seven-foot-tall Balsam tree. Love the movie Home Alone 2? Book the hotel’s Home Alone 2: Escape to New York Experience, which includes a four-hour limo ride to filming locations, your very own hot cheese pizza (thanks, Kevin), and a film-themed suite with a massive ice cream sundae to go with it. Don’t miss the holiday tradition of afternoon tea in The Palm Court, where you’ll indulge in festive scones, canapes and fragrant teas. The Christmas Day buffet is a must – the feast includes dishes like Beef Wellington, lobster, and roasted squash soup.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Scottsdale, Arizona)
You haven’t truly experienced Christmas until you’ve checked in at the Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here, 7.5 million lights, 128 firepits, igloos, and an outdoor ice rink transform this desert resort into a winter oasis. Watch colorful light shows in the Enchanted Plaza. See the sights from new heights on the 95-foot Ferris wheel. Sip a cocktail in the frosty ambiance of the Ice Lounge (a bar made from real ice)! Or, snuggle up for the ultimate date night at the Chateau Champagne, where roaring firepits will keep you warm as you toast to the season. For the kids, pay a visit to Santa’s Mailroom, meet the resort’s resident Christmas characters and chow down on sticky and sweet s’mores.
Willard InterContinental (Washington, DC)
Located within walking distance of the White House, this grand hotel offers many holiday delights, including an extravagant (and famous) Christmas Brunch featuring slow-roasted prime rib and savory herb-infused leg of lamb, along with all of the trimmings. Holiday decorations, from massive poinsettia plants to towering Christmas trees adorned in red, gold and silver, elevate the extravagant lobby. Sip a holiday-themed cocktail at the Round Robin Bar – the Bourbon Spice is a festive blend of whiskey, rum, apple cider and maple syrup topped with a smoked cinnamon stick! In the evening, sing along with carolers in the lobby and enjoy a glass of champagne from the Moet & Chandon pop-up bar.
The Breakers (Palm Beach, Florida)
If you’re looking for fun and the sun with a touch of Christmas cheer, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, is where it’s at. Throughout December and early January, this resort hosts a variety of festive events and activities. Explore the grounds and see the massive holiday trees and light displays. Spend some time at the Candy Cane Carnival, home to a gingerbread house, cookie decorating, movie nights and laser tag. In the evenings, cuddle up with a cup of hot cocoa and marvel at the dazzling outdoor wonderland light display. You also don’t want to miss out on the Winter Blast Carnival, a culmination of all of the holiday events with balloon artists, wildlife encounters and a ventriloquist! And when it comes to holiday feasting – The Breakers knows how to put on a delicious spread. The Ponce de Leon Ballroom serves a Christmas Day buffet that’s filled with traditional dishes and holiday desserts like the peppermint bark crème brûlée.
