11 Amazing Holiday Hotel Specials
Rethinking the holiday "staycation" you planned? Sure, you wanted to avoid that holiday family dinner where long-buried arguments are brought back to life followed by awkward pauses, but spending the holidays at home is more "ho-hum" than "ho ho ho." If you have yet to make travel plans, don't worry that all worthy rooms are taken. Hotels around the world still have availability for some top holiday packages, with special rates, discounts on dining, and access to some of the world's best holiday events and festivities.
New York is one of the most iconic Christmas destinations, what with Fifth Avenue's charmingly decorated shop windows and that enormous Rockefeller Center tree. Book a room at the Affinia Manhattan with their Miracle on 31st Street package, which starts at $179/night. The package includes a VIP skating package for two at the Bryant Park ice-skating rink (with line-cutting privileges and skate rentals), two cocktails at the Niles Bar nearby, and an in-room holiday movie night with cookies and hot chocolate. The package is available through February 26, 2012.
Some may savor a white Christmas, but there's something to be said for a holiday spent by the sea. Sausalito's Casa Madrona is offering a Sausalito Stocking package, which includes a two-night stay in one of their hillside cottages (complete with fireplace and balcony; both pair well with wine) and classic Christmas stockings hung by the fireplace, filled with tons of locally sourced goodies like a gift certificate to Angelino's, bath salt scrub from the hotel spa, a box of Ghirardelli chocolate, Heath Ceramics candles, and a scarf from a local boutique. This special is available through January 1.
Spend the holidays tucked away at a mountain resort with more hot chocolate than cell service.
Hotel Madeline is offering a six-night stay, all-inclusive holiday package; five days' worth of lift passes and ski equipment rentals for two; and a $100 resort credit for spa services, cocktails, or meals. The package runs $6,500 (tax and tip included) for two and is available through February 25, with some blackout dates. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Madeline)
Or, why not escape the country altogether and spend a romantic holiday weekend in the English countryside? Coworth Park in Berkshire is a luxe retreat offering a cozy, family-friendly three-night Christmastime holiday, with story time for the kids, champagne, afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, a three-course dinner in The Barn, gifts from Santa for the kids, and cake and chocolate-making lessons from the hotel's pastry staff. Rates start at $1,575 per person for the full three-night stay, and this package is only available from December 24-27.
Spring for a city break in Madrid and book your stay at the gorgeous Hotel Villa Magna, where their Festive Season Package or their
(Photo courtesy of Hotel Villa Magna)
Or head to one of the merriest cities, Rome, for a stay at the Waldorf's Rome Cavalieri. This season, the hotel's hosting Santa Claus on Christmas Day, with presents for the kids, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at La Pergola for €245/night. The specials are available through January 7 and include New Year's events as well.
If you're looking for the combination of city and sun, there's no better destination than Los Angeles in December. The hip and chic Thompson Beverly Hills is offering a "To All a Free Night" package, starting from $219/night. Book a two-night stay between now and February 29 and the third night is free, plus they'll include two classic champagne holiday cocktails at the bar. To stay hip and chic on the east coast, the Thompson LES has got a "Holiday for Hipsters" package (from $299/night) now through December 30, which includes a $25 food and drink credit, custom holiday welcome gift, and a VIP shopping card with discounts at many Lower East Side boutiques.
Get away from it all in the Maldives for the ultimate sun-drenched holiday. Both Anantara Maldives and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island are offering tempting Christmas packages. The Anantara's Magical Christmas Experience includes seven nights in a private pool villa, breakfast for two each day, and a choice of sailing for an afternoon (complete with
(Photo courtesy of Anantara Maldives)
Then, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has somehow convinced Santa to make a sunny stop on Christmas Day for their holiday package, which can stretch through New Year's Eve for anyone who can't tear themselves away. Christmas cocktail parties, a champagne and lobster beach barbecue, and a Chateau Latour wine dinner are all on offer on-site to help you bound into the New Year. The rates start from $815/night and are available through January.