7 Luxe Hotels Around the World That Decked the Halls for Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and hotels around the world have decked their halls with garland, tinsel, and evergreen trees. But a few familiar marquees, from Grand Dames to society hubs, take the holidays extra seriously. They’re offering trees curated by top fashion designers, specialty menus with treats galore, roaring hearths, gifting pop ups, and, of course, swagged-out Santas.
Here is a look at how seven of the world’s best hotels are celebrating this Christmas.
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Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Paris’s iconic Hotel George V has transformed into a wonderland with an array of Christmas trees and oversized ornaments that resemble a gallery exhibition. An enchanting Winter Dome adorns the marble courtyard, adding to the fairytale atmosphere. But beyond the visual splendor, the centrally located hotel is home to some of Paris’s best dining, and guests can enjoy seasonal Michelin-starred menus and afternoon teas alongside singers and a pianist. And for the most magical views? Book the Eiffel Tower suite. C’est magnificique!
Doubles from $2,100.
Claridge’s, London
Each year, a major designer creates an artistic Christmas tree for Claridge’s. There have been interpretations by Dior, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana. This year, Louis Vuitton has taken the reins with a play on its iconic monogrammed trunk. Once greeted by charming top-hatted doormen and passing through the hotel’s storied halls, you’ll find a towering Malle Vestiare open around 12 chrome trunks that have been arranged like a sculptural Art Deco Christmas tree. The annual Christmas tree unveiling has become quite the spectacle, but over the holiday season, the hotel’s restaurants and bars are even more abuzz. They’re among the most coveted of London’s holiday reservations for merry gatherings and special occasions.
Doubles from $1,366.
The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Conn.
Nowhere does a cozy country escape quite like the Mayflower, and over the holiday season, it is even more magical with fairy lights illuminating the labyrinth gardens and an abundance of elaborate Christmas decorations throughout. Fireplaces crackle with stockings hung above, toasted marshmallows, cakes, and Champagne are on tap, and Christmas carols echo throughout the charming, homely property. There are a series of seasonal pop-up shops in the Parlor with beautiful gift options, should the conditions be too snowy to drive into the quaint township. On the 23rd, children can delight in gingerbread making workshops with holiday sweets, frosting, and sprinkles.
Doubles from $1,300.
The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach
The Colony has been the center of celebration in Palm Beach since the days of Slim Aarons, and this year, it has a spectacular Christmas display designed by beauty mogul and entertaining extraordinaire Aerin Lauder and Lewis Miller, known as the Banksy of flowers. The tree perfectly complements the whimsical candy-colored lobby, with flamingo-pink baubles, seashells, and tropical flowers. And along with its recent multimillion-dollar renovation, the Colony has a coterie of high-end brand partners on site that make for ideal gift-shopping, be it macarons from Ladurée, an NYE-ready bag from the Dolce & Gabbana boutique, a voucher for the new Naturopathica Spa or cult Tracy Anderson classes, or a bejeweled necklace from Asprey. On Christmas Day, Santa will make an appearance, and live music will be playing day and night through December.
Doubles from $799.
The Mark, New York
Where else could you enjoy a private performance of The Nutcracker, a bespoke four-course feast created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, access to the Met and Bergdorf Goodman after hours, and a private ice-skating rink overlooking Central Park and the Manhattan skyline? It’s all included in the Mark’s Suite Spectacular Package, along with Augustinus Bader facials, gifts from Assouline and Lingua Franca, hair treatments by Frederic Fekkai, and a long list of luxurious highlights. The two-night package can be yours for $200,000. But for something a little less extravagant, visit the Alps-inspired Mark Chalet pop-up for mulled wine and fondue and see the stunning Christmas tree display in the hotel’s glossy lobby.
Doubles from $1,200.
D’Angleterre, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s most iconic hotel becomes a spectacle over December with a glittering facade that is enchanting for children and adults alike. Rows of illuminated Christmas trees, life-size Nutcrackers, and elaborate decorations encase the iconic building, making it one of the most popular destinations on the city’s seasonal highlight circuit. Inside, the festivities continue with fairytale-like scenes and an enticing array of dining options, ranging from its signature white glogg cocktails to set menus with caviar and local delicacies. And for some of the most gorgeous and unique gifts around, visit the Creations Studio, which offers elegant ornaments, Christmassy trains, and antique-style music boxes.
Doubles from $605.
Gleneagles, Edinburgh
Christmas is the best time of year to visit Scotland’s most famous hotel, Gleneagles, located just an hour outside of Edinburgh. The charming estate is transformed into a stunning winter wonderland with ornate decorations, ice skating, and countryside adventures. Hot chocolates and toasted marshmallows are served by roaring fires, Champagne and mince pies are on tap, and decadent Michelin-star feasts are served for sophisticated dinner celebrations. It’s a popular escape for families, with an array of activities to stay entertained ranging from biscuit decorating in the Kids Kitchen to arts and crafts workshops to a cinema screening classic films like Home Alone. And this month, there will be a dazzling show by European World Championship Ice Skaters, a Beauty and the Beast Pantomime, and fireworks displays.
Doubles from $723.
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