Christmas 2024 holiday season is coming soon. The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards have picked the top 20 hotels. They are known for their festive decorations and amazing Christmas experiences. These luxury holiday resorts are a great choice if you don’t want to be home for the holidays.
USA TODAY 10Best editors and experts nominated the hotels. Then, readers voted for their favorites. You’ll find everything from grand historic hotels to cozy mountain retreats. These hotels promise a magical and memorable holiday getaway.
Key Takeaways
- The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards showcase the top 20 hotels for a festive Christmas vacation.
- These luxury holiday resorts offer a range of Christmas activities, from ice skating to light shows, to create an unforgettable holiday experience.
- The selection process involves nominations by experts and voting by readers, ensuring the list represents the best of the best.
- The hotels featured cater to a variety of preferences, from historic grand hotels to cozy mountain retreats.
- These Christmas vacation packages provide a perfect alternative to staying home for the holidays.
Also read: Airbnb vs Hotels Comparison in USA: Best Choice 2025
Magical Christmas Destinations Across the USA
This holiday season, explore some of the family-friendly festive destinations and winter wonderland getaways in the United States. See the bright lights of New York City and the snowy peaks of Aspen. There are many yuletide travel deals waiting for you.
New York City: A Winter Wonderland
See the real Christmas magic in New York City. The Plaza Hotel offers a glamorous holiday stay. It has a 18-foot-tall Great Gatsby tree from “Home Alone 2.”
Try festive teas at the Palm Court. There’s a Holiday Signature Tea for $155 and a kids’ Eloise tea for $110. Stays at The Plaza start at $2,395 per night during Christmas.
Aspen: Skiing with a Holiday Twist
Aspen, Colorado, is perfect for a winter wonderland trip. Ski and then warm up with hot cocoa by the fire. Vail, Colorado, also offers a white Christmas and fun events like the Kris Kringle Market.
San Francisco: Holiday Lights and Cheer
Feel the holiday magic in San Francisco. The Fairmont hotel has beautiful decorations and special offers. It’s a great place for a memorable holiday trip.
“The holiday season in the USA is filled with endless possibilities for magical experiences. From the twinkling lights of New York City to the snow-covered slopes of Aspen, there’s a winter wonderland getaway perfect for every traveler.”
Iconic Hotels for a Festive Stay
This holiday season, dive into Christmas magic at top hotels in the USA. The Plaza Hotel in New York City and The Fairmont in San Francisco are highlights. They offer memorable christmas escapes with festive hotel amenities and all-inclusive holiday stays.
The Plaza Hotel, New York City
Enter a winter wonderland at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Its grand marble and holiday decor make it special. Enjoy the hotel’s famous afternoon tea and ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Then, relax by the fireplace in your suite.
The Fairmont, San Francisco
The Fairmont San Francisco sits atop Nob Hill, with amazing views. Its lobby is decked out with a huge Christmas tree and greenery. It’s a festive hotel amenity for guests. Explore the city, then come back for cocoa and a fire.
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is a winter wonderland. It offers all-inclusive holiday stays like skiing and horse-drawn carriage rides. Enjoy the hotel’s dining and views of the Rocky Mountains for a memorable christmas escape.
Cozy Mountain Retreats Perfect for Families
As winter comes, families look for places to enjoy the season. They find cozy mountain retreats in the United States. These spots have snow, holiday fun, and Santa visits for kids. Places like Oregon, Vermont, and Wyoming are great for making memories.
Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Timberline Lodge is near Mount Hood and loved by many. It has a rustic feel with log cabins and fireplaces. Guests can enjoy snow sports and s’mores by the fire.
Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Lodge is in the Green Mountains. It’s a luxury spot with ski access and views. Families can ski, ice skate, and decorate gingerbread houses here.
Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming
Jackson Lake Lodge is near Grand Teton National Park. It’s great for outdoor fun like snowmobiling and sleigh rides. Families can also enjoy hot cocoa and holiday movies.
These mountain retreats are perfect for a family Christmas. They offer snow, fun, and Santa visits. They’re great for a memorable holiday.
Beachfront Escapes for a Unique Christmas
Winter covers much of the country, but some look for warm places to celebrate Christmas. Beachfront resorts offer a special holiday experience. They mix traditional festivities with a beachy vibe.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Hawaii
Leave the cold behind and find aloha at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki, Hawaii. This hotel is a mix of old and new, perfect for a tropical Christmas. Enjoy hula classes, lei-making, ukulele lessons, and holiday cocktails.
Don’t miss the Christmas Day luau. Relax by the iconic pool and in the lively lounge.
Hotel Del Coronado, California
The Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, California, is full of history and beauty. It turns into a winter wonderland at Christmas. Walk by the beach, drink hot cocoa, and see the lights.
Try seasonal foods, ice skating on the beach, and s’mores by the fire. It’s a unique holiday experience.
Looking for sun or a cozy beach getaway? These resorts offer memorable christmas escapes. They make the holiday spirit shine in new ways.
“The perfect Christmas is one spent on the beach, sipping a tropical cocktail and soaking up the sun.” – Unknown
Most Romantic Hotels for Couples
Looking for a special Christmas getaway with your partner? These top romantic hotels in the U.S. are perfect. They offer yuletide travel deals and luxury holiday resorts.
The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia
The Inn at Little Washington is in Virginia’s beautiful hills. It’s a memorable christmas escapes spot for couples. With 24 unique rooms and suites, it has charm in every corner.
Try the award-winning food at the on-site restaurant. It’s one of the best places to eat in the country.
The Post Ranch Inn, California
The Post Ranch Inn sits on Big Sur’s cliffs. It’s a stunning place for a couples’ retreat. With 39 rooms, each has private decks, fireplaces, and ocean views.
This resort is the top in luxury holiday resorts. Enjoy yoga, stargazing, and hikes to make your stay unforgettable.
| Hotel | Location | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Auberge du Soleil | Rutherford, CA | 50 one- and two-bedroom suites on a 33-acre olive grove estate in California wine country |
| The Kehoe House | Savannah, GA | Luxury bed and breakfast located in a gorgeously restored 1892 Renaissance Revival mansion with 13 stunning guest rooms |
| The Four Seasons Resort | Lanai, HI | Personalized luxurious experiences like sake tastings, mixology classes, and sunset sails along the coastline |
“The Inn at Little Washington and The Post Ranch Inn offer the ultimate in luxury and romance for couples seeking a memorable christmas escapes this holiday season.”
Best Hotels for Holiday Traditions
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at these top hotels. They offer festive amenities and Santa experiences for kids. Enjoy a magical Christmas getaway at these cozy mountain retreats and all-inclusive holiday stays.
The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown
Feel the charm of a nostalgic Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown. This historic hotel turns into a winter wonderland. It features a life-size gingerbread house, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and nightly choral performances.
Try the hotel’s special holiday cocktails and enjoy a fancy Christmas Day brunch. Santa will even make an appearance.
Hotel Chocolate, Vermont
Experience the holiday coziness at Hotel Chocolate in Vermont. This resort offers festive activities like cookie decorating and gingerbread house making. Relax by the fireplace with hot chocolate.
Then, explore the beautiful town and its holiday markets. Don’t miss the hotel’s chocolate-themed spa treatments for a special treat.
“The magic of Christmas comes alive at Hotel Chocolate, where the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and the twinkling of lights create an unforgettable holiday experience.”
| Hotel | Festive Offerings | Rates (Starting From) |
|---|---|---|
| The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown | Gingerbread house, Christmas tree, choral performances, holiday cocktails, Christmas brunch with Santa | $399 |
| Hotel Chocolate, Vermont | Cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, hot chocolate by the fireplace, chocolate-themed spa treatments | $299 |
Budget-Friendly Choices for Holiday Travelers
As the holiday season comes, many look for affordable travel options. They want to make their Christmas trips more budget-friendly. While fancy all-inclusive stays are appealing, there are cheaper choices that offer comfort and cheer.
The Drury Plaza Hotel, St. Louis
The Drury Plaza Hotel is in St. Louis’s heart. It’s a budget-friendly spot for exploring the city during Christmas. With prices starting at $582 for flights and hotels, it’s a cozy place. It’s close to famous spots like the Gateway Arch and Missouri Botanical Garden, which have magical holiday events.
La Quinta Inn, Various Locations
La Quinta Inn has spots all over the U.S. It’s a great pick for those watching their holiday budget. Prices for flights and hotels range from $618 to $687, depending on where you go. These hotels offer warm rooms and useful amenities, perfect for families and couples wanting a fun holiday trip.
Even though fancy hotels are tempting, these budget-friendly spots let you save money. By picking places like the Drury Plaza Hotel in St. Louis or La Quinta Inn across the country, you can have a great holiday without spending too much.
Unique Experiences Offered by Luxury Hotels
As the holiday season comes, luxury holiday resorts in the U.S. are ready. They offer festive hotel amenities and luxury holiday resorts experiences. You can find ice hotels and mountainside retreats for a special Christmas.
The Ice Hotel, Minnesota
The Ice Hotel in Minnesota is a winter wonderland. It’s made of ice and snow. Guests can sleep in cold temperatures and see ice sculptures.
They can try ice sculpting, snowshoeing, and hot cocoa by the fire.
The Greenbrier, West Virginia
The Greenbrier in West Virginia turns into a winter wonderland at Christmas. It has holiday decor and festive meals. There are fun activities like a holiday fun run and ornament decorating.
On Christmas Eve, there’s a special service and a Season’s Greetings Dinner. Christmas Day has puzzles, games, and music.
| Resort | Location | Christmas Package Rates |
|---|---|---|
| The Greenbrier | West Virginia | Starting at $659 |
| One&Only Nyungwe House | Rwanda | Starting at $3,250 |
| Ojai Valley Inn | California | Starting at $829 |
The One&Only Nyungwe House in Rwanda offers unique experiences. There are basket weaving and Imigongo painting workshops. Guests can enjoy East African feast dinners and barbecues.
“The holiday season at luxury resorts is a time of enchantment, where guests can immerse themselves in unique experiences that create lasting memories.”
How to Choose the Right Hotel for Your Holiday
Planning your Christmas vacation means picking the perfect hotel. This choice is key for a memorable holiday. Look at several important factors to find the best place for your trip.
Consider Location and Activities
The hotel’s location greatly affects your holiday. Choose hotels near top Christmas spots and fun activities. For example, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona has lots of holiday fun.
It offers ice skating, Santa visits, and light shows. It’s great for families wanting a festive holiday.
Balancing Price and Amenities
Finding the right Christmas vacation package is about price and amenities. Luxury hotels like the Ojai Valley Inn in California have fancy spa treatments and peaceful views. But, you can also find cozy and festive hotels that are more affordable.
Reading Guest Reviews and Recommendations
Reading what other guests say is very helpful. It tells you about the hotel’s service, amenities, and how happy people were. This helps you pick the best hotel for your Christmas vacation.
FAQ
What are some of the best hotels in the USA to visit this Christmas 2024?
What kind of Christmas experiences can I expect at these hotels?
Are there any budget-friendly options for holiday travelers?
What unique experiences do luxury hotels offer for the holidays?
How should I choose the right hotel for my Christmas vacation?
Source Links
- We3Travel – Read More: 30+ Best Hotels for Christmas in the USA
- Nine Travel – Discover More: A Stay at This Hotel for Christmas Will Set You Back Over $4000 a Night
- NerdWallet – Explore More: 8 Last-Minute Christmas Vacations in the U.S.
- Country Living – Find Out More: The 31 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S.
- Local Adventurer – Learn More: 17 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the USA This Year
- Trips to Discover – Read More: 21 Best Christmas Hotels in the U.S. for a Festive Stay
- Travel + Leisure – Check It Out: 15 Festive Hotels in the U.S. That Make the Holiday Season Even More Magical
- Timeout – Read More: 12 Festive U.S. Hotels That Go All Out for the Holidays
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- Conde Nast Traveler – Find Out More: 24 Christmas Vacation Ideas for 2024
- Live The Gulf Coast – Learn More: 7 Best Christmas Getaways in Florida!
- Reader’s Digest – Check It Out: 25 Best Christmas Getaways to Escape the Cold
- Select Registry – Read More: Your Guide to the Most Romantic Getaways on the East Coast
- AAA Trip Canvas – Discover More: 47 Romantic Getaways in the U.S. to Fall in Love With
- Lonely Planet – Find Out More: 12 Hotels That Go All Out for the Holidays
- The Plaza NYC – Explore More: Holiday Vacation in NYC at The Plaza Hotel – Deals & Things To Do
- Southern Living – Check It Out: 17 Best Christmas Resorts in the South for a Merry Getaway
- Travel + Leisure – Discover More: 15 Cheapest Places to Travel in December, According to Kayak
- AARP – Learn More: 8 Affordable U.S. Destinations for 2024
- CNN Travel – Check It Out: 17 Luxury Hotels That Go All-Out for Christmas
- Michelin Guide – Explore More: The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States
- The Times – Find Out More: 24 of the Best Christmas Holiday Destinations for 2024
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