Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The 12 Best Hotel Travel Ideas For The Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing, and hotels around the world are gearing up to welcome revelers of all ages to celebrate. From family-friendly Santa suites and hot chocolate bars to s’mores butlers and private New Year’s Eve escorts to celebrate in Times Square, these are some of the top deals to keep in mind this month.

Christmas At The Princess

For 15 years, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has been hosting a holiday extravaganza that appeals to guests of all ages. Its enchanting lights display features more than 10 million sparkling LED lights and the holiday market is one of its big draws. There is an ice skating rink, holiday characters, s’mores and an electric symphony. Don’t forget to take advantage of Accor’s All Live Limitless loyalty program to earn points for your stay.

Unique Christmas Experiences With Anantara In Europe

European Christmas markets are a holiday tradition for many, and if you are Europe-bound, Anantara properties have some special promotions in store. The Anantara New York Palace Budapest has a special offer including breakfast, holiday amenities, free transfers to the Christmas markets and bonus DISCOVERY Dollars loyalty points. Foodies should consider a stay at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel where the package includes daily breakfast and a six-course Christmas dinner at Wintergarten restaurant. The property is within walking distance of several of the city’s Christmas markets. Anantara is hosting holiday and New Year’s events at dozens of properties around the world, including dream destinations like the Maldives, southeast Asia and the Amalfi Coast.

The Santa Suite At Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Treat the kids to a Santa-inspired suite in southern California at Fairmont Frand Del Mar. The overnight package includes access to a hot chocolate bar (with grown-up drinks another option) and free, Classic Christmas movies. The hotel can also personalize surprises to your liking, including placing gifts or pre-filled stocking in the room on your behalf or family-friendly activities like cookie decorating.

Ball Drop From The Rooftop At Hilton Times Square

Be one of only 26 people to witness the famous Ball Drop from the rooftop of Hilton New York Times Square. The property only opens this 47^th floor terrace one night a year on New Year’s Eve to host a sleek party for a private viewing of the ball drop to ring in the new year in style. The energy, lights and buzz of Times Square surrounds you (as does the chance to pile up more Hilton Honors points with this package). The deal includes a welcome drink, dinner for two with unlimited beverages at the bar and lounge on floor 15, a premium bottle of champagne with two keepsake flutes waiting in your ball-drop view guest room, party favors and snacks to enjoy after midnight. Call the hotel to book directly at 646-813-5249.

Winter Wonderland Market At JW Marriott Orlando

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, know how to put on a holiday celebration. They have a variety of activations available for locals and guests this month. They include a Winter Wonderland Market at JW Marriott Orlando with a European-inspired Christmas market featuring handcrafts, snacks and holiday treats. It is home to Orlando’s Largest S’mores Bar with a dedicated s’mores butler. They Teddy Bear Tea and Gingerbread School at The Ritz-Carlton are other popular events that are capped off by a special visit from Santa Claus himself. Guests staying during the holidays can take advantage of earning or redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points.

VIP New Year’s Event at Tempo by Hilton

Enjoy New Year’s Eve in Times Square from your own private space amid the crowds. Tempo by Hilton, within the TSK Broadway building and atop the Palace Theatre, has a special package that includes a stay in one of its famous “ball drop” view rooms. This package includes a special New Year’s Eve party plus a security escort to be a part of the live ball drop from a special pen in Times Square.

Ultimate Holiday Experience At Omni

Omni Hotels & Resorts is offering a variety of themed events for the season. They include things like Santa Suites, beachfront igloos, Santa visits to a private ranch and “carols and barrels” at pop-up bars. There’s even an Omni Express holiday wine train. The hospitality brand has special packages and events taking place all month at many of its properties around the country.

Christmas Market At Hilton Anatole

Dallas locals and visitors can experience a Bavarian Village packed with local vendors and seasonal activities like a Christmas Tree maze, Ferris Wheel and other family activities including snacks, drinks and a 40-ft burlap slide. The Christmas at the Anatole package includes extras like attraction tickets and free parking.

Winter Chalets At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

In honor of colder weather around the world, IHG is looking to channel its iconic hotels in places like France and Switzerland with chalet experiences in other hotels. Interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins and Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris have helped the brand design cozy spaces with special drink and snack menus. There’s a curated music playlist, special chalet turndown amenities, and special credits for spa services and club lounge access. You can find these features at properties within IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle Collection, including brands like Hotel Indigo and InterContinental. Properties include InterContinental New York Barclay and Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara.

Gratitude Sunrise Yoga In Aruba With Embassy Suites

Ring in the new year at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort where guests can enjoy two-room suites, a beach area with private palapas accessible via underground tunnel and large swimming pool. A DJ and champagne station will kick off New Year’s Eve for the festivities, and the next morning, package guests can enjoy a gratitude sunrise yoga experience and special brunch with live entertainment ($120 per adult, $45 for children).

Let Bvlgari Do The Decorating

At Bvlgari London, those who book the Bvlgari Suite for Christmas need not worry about bringing any festive décor. The hotel will decorate the room for you and add a Christmas Tree and decorate the fireplace and rest of the accommodations. They can also help coordinate special meals or other personal ensuite preferences.

Waldorf Wonderland In New Orleans

Each year, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, hosts a block-long “Waldorf Wonderland” holiday decoration experience that can be enjoyed by guests and passersby. On display are 112,000 lights worth plenty of photos. Arrive early to take part in their Teddy Bear Tea with Santa and Mrs. Claus, which takes place daily leading up to Christmas.

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