Get ready to indulge in the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, glitter, Champagne, and petit fours. It's time to treat yourself to some well-deserved holiday cheer.
Luxurious hotels offer a glamorous way to elevate the holiday season, whether for a short stay or a sophisticated afternoon tea. These extravagant hotels are worth exploring for a few hours of tea sipping and enjoying the Christmas decorations, for a spontaneous getaway, or for a future vacation indulgence.
The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
A white Christmas at The Greenbrier certainly would be nice.
The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier has been attracting visitors for over 200 years with its natural mineral springs, even hosting US presidents. Opening in 1913, the historic hotel now offers a range of activities such as letter writing to Santa, fun runs, and cookie decorating workshops during the festive season.
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive Seasons Greetings Dinner for $125 per adult and $55 per child, followed by a service in the resort's chapel. On Christmas Day, enjoy puzzles and board games, indoor planetarium presentations, and a lively Christmas musical to entertain the whole family. Rates start at $609.
The Greenbrier, 101 Main Street West, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Fife Arms: Braemar, Scotland
Just outside The Fife Arms, an antique-filled 19th-century retreat within Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, you can enjoy fishing, foraging, and hiking. The hotel is conveniently located 14.5 kilometers (nine miles) from Balmoral, the Royal Family's residence in Scotland.
During the winter season, guests can enjoy a cozy alpine fondue hut with a warm fireplace. The menu includes a traditional Swiss molten cheese option as well as a unique Scottish twist featuring a blend of two local cheeses and a local pale ale.
Room rates begin at approximately $650 in late December, with a special Christmas package available, subject to availability.
The Fife Arms, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Ojai Valley Inn: Ojai, California
Experience "Serenity Season" at the Ojai Valley Inn, a 220-acre coastal valley resort offering spa treatments, golf, tennis, yoga, and more for a rejuvenating stay. In December, guests can enjoy caroling, nightly Menorah lighting, breakfast with Santa, story time with Santa's elves, and a Jingle Bell Jaunt across the resort grounds on December 24th.
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a delicious dinner at Olivella and The Oak. Indulge in a grand buffet on Christmas Day at The Farmhouse for $195 per adult, including wine, and $65 for children 12 and under.
Book your December stay with room rates starting at $795 per night.
Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California
The Plaza: New York
The Plaza dazzles with elegant Christmas decorations.
The Plaza - a Fairmont Managed Hotel
Tea time and Christmastime coincide at The Plazas elegant Palm Court, where three holiday tea menus will be available through December 31.
Experience the exquisite Holiday Signature Tea for $155 per person, showcasing a delectable array of savories and sweets such as a foie gras macaron and oolong tea cheesecake.
Immerse your little one in the magical world of Eloise with our charming children's tea for $118 per child, inspired by the famous fictional resident of the hotel.
Enjoy a festive Christmas Day buffet for $325 per adult, and ring in the New Year with a lavish grand fête for $995 per person. The starting rate at The Plaza for Christmas week is $1,800 per night.
The Plaza, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York
Anantara Golden Triangle: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Anantara Golden Triangle's "jungle bubbles" double as snow globes during the holidays.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
As far as memorable holiday experiences go, its hard to beat sleeping in a clear bubble with elephants roaming right outside.
Escape to the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Thailand's Chiang Rai province for a unique experience. During the holidays, the resort's two-bedroom Jungle Bubble Lodge becomes enchanting snow globes, offering a magical backdrop of starlit skies and majestic elephants. In addition to this special accommodation, guests can also opt for more traditional luxury rooms and immerse themselves in learning about the cherished residents at Elephant Camp.
A Christmas Day brunch will showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Rooms start at about $1,660, including meals, airport transfers and some activities.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Scottsdale, Arizona
Families will find a whole host of holiday activities at the Christmas at the Princess festival.
Rebekah Sampson
The annual Christmas at the Princess festival features a sledding mountain, two outdoor skating rinks, and the new Aurora Ice Lounge. With 7.5 million lights, a train, and more, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess goes all out for the holidays.
The festival, open to the public until January 6, offers free admission for hotel guests. For non-guests, the entrance fee is $35 per wristband if purchased in advance, and children three and under get in for free. Advance self-parking is available for $35. Rooms are available starting at $399, and holiday packages are also offered.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona
Rock House: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Who says Christmas is all about evergreens? We'll take the palm trees at Rock House in Turks and Caicos.
Rock House
Theres certainly a lot to be said for a warm-weather Christmas that involves lounging poolside with a cocktail.
From December 18 to January 3, the prestigious Rock House resort on Providenciales Island in Turks and Caicos presents a festive holiday lineup. Guests can enjoy live music at the outdoor restaurant Vita, a craft market, and activities like smores. On Christmas Eve, guests can partake in a boat experience and indulge in a delectable brunch prepared by chef Dennis Boon. In the evening, a Feast of the Seven Fishes will be served, followed by live entertainment at Vita.
A "Journey of the Mediterranean" Christmas dinner will features flavors from Greece, Morocco and Italy.
Christmas week rates start at $1,100 a night.
Rock House, Blue Mountain Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Hôtel de Crillon: Paris
Twinkling holiday lights set off ornate interiors at Paris' famed Hôtel de Crillon.
Hôtel de Crillon
Historic Hôtel de Crillon delivers a next-level Parisian holiday.
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea service with pastries and canapés at the Jardin dHiver from December 11 to January 1 for approximately $95 per person.
Indulge in a seven-course Christmas Eve menu at LÃcrin starting at approximately $650. Treat yourself to a lavish Christmas Day brunch, which includes scallop carpaccio, roasted veal rack, and black truffle mashed potatoes, for about $250 including a glass of Champagne.
The five-star property, originally built in 1758 under the direction of King Louis XV, overlooks Paris Place de la Concorde.
Over Christmas weekend, rooms start at $2,265.
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, 10 place de la Concorde, Paris
Willard InterContinental: Washington
The Willard is hosting holiday choral performances every evening through December 23.
Discover free nightly performances by local choral and vocal ensembles at the Willard InterContinental in the nation's capital. Join us in the lobby through December 23 for an unforgettable holiday experience, and don't forget to try our signature holiday cocktails at the renowned Round Robin Bar.
Enjoy a delightful holiday afternoon tea experience featuring finger sandwiches and pastries every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 2 to December 30. Indulge in this exclusive offer for $90 per adult, or upgrade to include a glass of champagne for $102. Children can enjoy the experience for $65. Don't miss out on our December room rates starting at $289.
Willard InterContinental, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
Four Seasons: Hampshire and London, England
Horseback riding and English gardens await guests of Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire.
Four Seasons
An hour from central London, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire serves up a sophisticated country Christmas in an 18th-century manor on 500 acres of rolling meadows.
During the holiday season, Hotel Hampshire offers a range of outdoor activities, including an equestrian center. Guests can enjoy hearty holiday meals at Wild Carrot, indulge in afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, or savor a cozy Swiss-inspired meal at the pop-up alpine restaurant Off Piste. Rates for the Christmas season at Hotel Hampshire start at approximately $1,790.
Experience a dazzling city Christmas at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, where guests can discover an enchanting forest of chandeliers in the lobby, indulgent Christmas afternoon tea, and exceptional holiday menus. Room rates for this season start at approximately $1,050. Immerse yourself in the festive magic at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire and Four Seasons Hotel London Park Lane, England.
Madeline Hotel & Residences: Telluride, Colorado
The Madeline Hotel in Telluride makes for a cozy winter retreat.
Whit Richardson/Auberge Resorts Collection
Escape to the stunning backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks and indulge in the perfect holiday getaway with a ski and spa Christmas at Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride. Enjoy luxurious ski-in/ski-out accommodations and pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments, such as the Alpine Remedy Muscle Relief, after a day on the slopes.
Enjoy a three-course Christmas Eve dinner at Black Iron Kitchen + Bar, with the option to take it to-go or dine in. The menu includes juniper-glazed Cornish game hen or herb-crusted Colorado lamb leg, priced at $175 for adults and $55 per child.
In the days leading up to Christmas, there will be a Holiday Makers Market and the return of the interactive art installation, Alpenglow. Additionally, the resort is offering in-room Christmas trees with a variety of options from Tartan & Tradition to the sparkly All That Glitters, in partnership with a local holiday decorating service.
The starting rate during Christmas is $1,799.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mountain Village Blvd. Telluride, Colorado
Royal Mansour: Marrakech, Morocco
Royal Mansour has four different bûches de Noël this year, including a strawberry and pistachio stunner.
Royal Mansour
The holidays are a gourmet affair at the Royal Mansour in Marrakech.
The propertys restaurants will feature special menus for Christmas and New Years Eve from Michelin-star chefs.
La Grande Brassiere, which opened at Royal Mansour on November 1st, presents a new festive afternoon tea curated by chef Hélène Darroze. The menu includes delightful treats such as an orange blossom tropézienne and a cardamom opéra.
This year, pastry chef Jean Lachenal and Darroze have designed four bûches de Noël, including a mango and gingerbread yule log adorned with a light cream infused with local cinnamon.
Experience the festive spirit at the hotel's Christmas market in the lobby on December 16th. Browse through a variety of handmade crafts, Christmas sweets, and unique gift items for sale, all while supporting local charities. Rates for the hotel start at approximately $1,420 per night.
Royal Mansour, Rue Abou El Abbas Sebti, Marrakech, Morocco
The Breakers: Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers dates back to 1896.
The Breakers
Founded by Standard Oil Co. magnate Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896, The Breakers Palm Beach carries its lovely traditions right through the holiday season.
Experience the breathtaking oceanfront Italian Renaissance-style resort, aglow with shimmering lights. Enjoy a delightful holiday tea at HMF from December 20-23 and December 26-30, offered at $120 per person.
Indulge in a lavish buffet brunch on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at The Circle, priced at $285 per person and $100 for children 12 and younger. For a memorable Christmas Day feast, head to the Ponce de Leon ballroom for a decadent buffet. Additionally, Flagler Steakhouse will be serving exquisite three-course, prix fixe menus on December 24 and 25.
Theres limited room availability in December with rates starting at $1,090.
The Breakers, One South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida
Ritz: Paris
Glittering trees, festive menus and afternoon tea. It's Christmastime at the Ritz Paris.
Ritz Paris
Experience the elegant luxury of The Ritz Paris with their Christmas Tea offering, available at Bar Vendôme and Salon Proust. Indulge in a hot beverage for about $75 per person, or elevate your experience with a glass of Champagne for about $95.
The Salon d'Eté will be hosting an extravagant holiday brunch on Christmas Day and New Year's Day for approximately $325 per person. The new restaurant Espadon at The Ritz is presenting a deluxe New Year's Eve tasting menu for around $2,220 per person, which includes wine pairings.
Rates during the Christmas season begin at approximately $2,300 per night.
Ritz Paris, 15 place Vendôme, Paris, France
Claridges: London
Claridge's 2023 Christmas tree is by Louis Vuitton.
Claridge's
Guests at Claridges will be treated to horse-drawn carriage rides and carol singing over Christmas.
Enjoy a three-night Christmas package complete with festive events, a personal Christmas tree, Champagne, a visit from Father Christmas, Christmas lunch, stockings for all, and a full English breakfast each day. Pricing available upon request.
Indulge in festive afternoon tea, available until January 1, starting at approximately $130.
Claridges collaborates with renowned designers annually to design a stunning Christmas tree for their lobby.
This year's tree, designed by Louis Vuitton, is a sculptural masterpiece placed inside two oversized LV wardrobe trunks. Claridges and Louis Vuitton were both established in 1854.
Rooms start at about $1,060.
Claridges, Brook Street, Mayfair , London
A version of this story has been published in years past. This version has been updated with 2023 holiday programs and pricing.