Every December, hotels across the country slip into their most theatrical states, all for the sake of enchanting guests over the holiday season.
And this year, America’s chicest properties are going all-out with truffle workshops in the Appalachians, tequila-spiked cocoa in Savannah, a Swiss-chalet rooftop in Manhattan, and sparkling crystal in Aspen.
As a food and travel writer and also someone who was born on the winter solstice, I’m particularly fond of the intersection of all three: food, travel, winter. In fact, my earliest memory is ordering the Mile High Pie from the The Ponchartrain Hotel in New Orleans, one early 2000s December. As a bright-eyed kid, the mere possibility of getting this towering ice cream cake was the only thing that mattered on that trip.
Once I did get it, I beheld the saccharine masterpiece (in the eyes of a four year old) with such a sensory surge that it became my first memory. All of that to say: If you’re not going to the holiday hotel for the food, at least do it for the memory.
Whether you’re chasing a hands-on culinary class or a cozy, boozy fireside ritual, these are the best food-forward holiday happenings at hotels across the country.
Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley, North Carolina)
Courtesy of Ben Finch Photography
Cataloochee Ranch straddles the blue-toned, hazy range of the Appalachian Mountains between North Carolina and Tennessee. A true Winter hideaway, the ranch consists of contemporary wood cabins with rainfall showers, deep baths, picnic-basket breakfasts, and eye-candy balconies.
After enjoying a cappuccino in the lobby bar aside a slow-burning fire, make your way to one of Cataloochee’s many holiday-themed, hands-on workshops. Learn the fundamentals of tempering and crafting chocolate truffles or decorate holiday cookies with tips from Executive Pastry Chef Hannah Pate. Service at the ranch is high-touch and personal; the guest experience is fully immersive.
The Peninsula New York (New York City)
Courtesy of The Peninsula New York
The Peninsula New York is home to the type of staircase that begs for a saunter, a gown, a glass slipper, and a midnight kiss. This limestone and granite hotel, built in 1905, is opulent and sophisticated, even down to its holiday decor and festivities. The ornament-lined trees are nearly as tall as the building. The train-themed Afternoon Tea keeps the mezzanine spirited all season long. But, this season, be sure to get whisked up to the rooftop bar for The Chesa at Pen Top experience. The rooftop transforms into an Alpine Swiss Chalet-style gathering spot, with fondue, festive cocktails, and a warm, glowing bar. When visiting with kids, don’t miss The Peninsula Sweet Shoppe, with enough Sugarfina sweet treats to fill stockings for days.
Hotel Bardo (Savannah, Georgia)
Courtesy of LEFT LANE
Sleek, sexy Hotel Bardo in Savannah is not only rocking a holiday collab with Saks Fifth Avenue, but is transforming its lobby bar, The Green Room, into the hot cocoa destination of this quaint, kitschy city. Each afternoon, the hot cocoa cart wheels in and doles out piping hot chocolate with marshmallows, sprinkles, and candy canes galore. On the weekends, enjoy a tequila-spiked cocoa because ‘tis the season. And, if time allows, be sure to catch one of the classes at the hotel’s cooking school, be it Christmas desserts, the kids’ cookie school, or French comfort dishes throughout December.
Hotel Jerome (Aspen)
At Aspen’s storied Hotel Jerome, ultimate hygge meets ultimate Western luxury. Already a notable culinary hub with the Prospect restaurant and J-Bar, Hotel Jerome has a lineup of touch-above, yuletide feasts for holiday guests. Plus, the property’s thoughtful, seasonal Après Tea has caviar service to pair — very vogue, very Aspen. In the spirit of celebrating, sip Louis Roederer Champagne out of sparkling Waterford crystal, a Hotel Jerome holiday signature, as live holiday carols echo through the halls. Pre or post-sipping, enjoy the property’s skating rink and the menorah lighting throughout Hanakkuh.
The Charleston Place (Charleston, South Carolina)
Courtesy of The Charleston Place
South Carolina’s lowcountry might not be a snow-capped ski destination, but it is certainly giving traditional festive destinations a run for their money, by way of design and spirit. At The Charleston Place — a hotel as grand, regal, and dramatic as they come — guests first marvel at the Holiday Train winding around the garland-lined lobby. Then, they’ll just delight in the Friday and Saturday Cocoa Cart and the whimsical, merriment-inducing Nutcracker Tea. At the tea, local ballet dancers perform as Champagne cheers clink around the space. The Nutcracker Tea has a stunning savory menu of a caviar-topped beef tartlet and a cheese toast with pink pepper marinated feta. At the hotel’s moody, chic Thoroughbred Club, enjoy the Making Spirits Bright cocktail — the proceeds of which go to a Charleston-based nonprofit supporting public and independent schools.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, riddled with cacti and pink-hued dusks, is “the North Pole’s sister city.” That would be the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and its Christmas at the Princess village where holiday spirit is down to a science. It’s a tinsel-lined labyrinth of holiday characters and outdoor activities, from carousels and ice slides to train rides and a skating rink. Amid the sparkling affair, there is a true village of seasonal food and drink pop-ups, like the comforting chicken schnitzel at The Lodge or Mrs. Claus’ chocolate chip cookies. An intriguing, albeit entertaining, option is the Flaming Coffee and Churro cart.
The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville, North Carolina)
Courtesy of Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
At Asheville’s The Omni Grove Park Inn, gingerbread houses become gingerbread mansions, hotels, forests, and fairytale hideaways. Guests can stroll gingerbread lane with all the entrants from the National Gingerbread House Competition that took place on Nov. 17, then grab a warm beverage (or a signature Gin & Tonic!) on the Sunset Terrace, overlooking a pink-hued dusk. Better yet, settle into one of The Great Hall’s rocking chairs and take in the 14-foot-tall, 36-foot-wide fireplaces that flank the lobby. It’s 1913-level historic here, with vestiges of the hotel’s past displayed throughout the property, like odes to its former tenant, F. Scott Fitzgerlad.
Austin Proper (Austin, Texas)
Courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel
Austin traded worn-down cowboy boots for a chic getup at Austin Proper. And the food-forward holiday affairs are equally stylish: a winter spirits class in the Quill Room or oysters and a DJ on deck for New Year’s. Steal a glance at the marble bar and textured, lush design at Goldie’s, and maybe even stay for its signature Holiday Tea.
Lotte New York Palace (New York City)
Some go to Lotte New York Palace for the timeless decor. Others go to see the iconic Gossip Girl filming location. But, many others go for the buttered rum, a bourbon caramel cider, and a Peppermint Schnapps hot chocolate at The Winter Bar. Locals and tourists alike flock to this holiday gem every year, oohing and aahing at the colossal Christmas tree with a luminous star perched on top. Beyond sweet, sippable treats, the Lotte kitchen team baked and built a 110-pound Gingerbread Palace in the lobby, where you also might catch Santa visiting throughout the season. For an extra-special touch, guests can wake up to a Balsam Hill tree and a fully decorated room in one of the hotel’s holiday suites.
The Lafayette (San Diego)
Courtesy of Shannon Patrick
The daintiest thing you’ll see at The Lafayette in San Diego are the exquisite finger sandwiches at the Holiday Tea Service. Everything else, from the whimsical bar to the Instagrammable pool will be extravagant and maximalist. This hotel’s already ultra-colorful, retro-glam bar design will be taken up a notch with sparkling red bows and silver tinsel strewn across the ceilings, floating Christmas trees, and larger-than-life wreaths. Weekends are jam-packed with tourists and locals wanting one of the festive cocktails, be it an eggnog bourbon bev or an amaro milk punch.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe (Sante Fe, New Mexico)
Courtesy of Four Seasons
A nightly fireside s’mores and hot cider service is exactly the type of holiday magic to expect at the luminous Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. This luxuriously private, terra-cotta sanctuary is sharing hands-on pastry classes, mulled wine in the evening, and a cozy Cocoa Cabin with personalized hot chocolate designs this season. While not edible, the spa’s holiday offerings include pumpkin spice manicures, pumpkin hot stone massages, and a hydrating pumpkin facial. Around Christmas, take advantage of the on-property Yuletide Yoga class. With its slate of cozy, high-desert holiday experiences, this resort is putting the Southwest on the holiday map.
Dining and Cooking