Now that Thanksgiving is over, the marathon of gift shopping and holiday parties kicks in.
But the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve are also a great time to travel.
Here’s a round-up of holiday-themed hotel packages I put together for CNBC.
A chef is whipping up Christmas yule logs and other holiday treats inside a life-size gingerbread house at the Peninsula Paris. More than 2 million holiday lights dazzle in the lobby decorations at the Gaylord National Resort near Washington, D.C. And the Hyatt Regency in Seattle has a package that includes two tickets to Enchant Christmas, boasting the world’s largest Christmas light maze.
Holiday-movie inspired stays
If you’re a fan of holiday-themed movies, you’ll enjoy these holiday movie-themed hotel packages.
In honor of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” first released 30 years ago, Chicago’s Ivy Hotel is offering the National Lampoon Christmas Vacation package, complete with ugly sweaters, a move -inspired suite and a holiday dinner. According to the hotel, “The only thing missing are the surprise RV guests.” Rates start at $399; no resort fees.
The Whitehall Hotel, also in Chicago, has a “Home Alone”-themed family package. The guest room comes with two Turtle Dove ornaments by the same studio that designed them for the film; fresh-baked cookies, a jar of M&Ms and a framed photo of Buzz’s girlfriend. Room service will also send up a “Little Nero’s Pizza” served in the same box as the movie, Mac n Cheese, Pepsi, and an ice cream sundae. Available through January 5. Rates start at $184.
In Cleveland, Ohio, guests can book overnight stays at A Christmas Story House, the location of the cult you’ll-shoot-your-eye-out holiday movie starring little Ralphie and his little brother Randy. The Bumpus House (the infamous next-door neighbor’s home) is available for rent as well. Holiday rates at A Christmas Story House start at $845/night; rates for the Hound Dog Haven Suite and the Stolen Turkey Suite in the Bumpus House start at $245 and $295, respectively.
Room with a tree
In New York City, the Refinery Hotel’s Winter Spectacular Stay package includes a fresh Christmas tree and an assortment of decorations; hot chocolate, holiday cookies and other edible holiday treats; and a Gingerbread house decorating kit. Rates start at $579. During December, kids checking in with their families will be able to pick a treat from Santa’s gift-filled sleigh and all hotel guests can partake of the complimentary hot chocolate and cider chart.
Hanukah, and igloo and a history lesson
The Watergate Hotel (famous for its role in the Watergate break-in incident of 1972 and the political unraveling it initiated) is offering a 3 or 8-night Hanukkah package; from $1,450 and $3,029 respectively, not include taxes and urban resort fees. Available December 22 through December 30.
Each package includes two connecting rooms, a bottle of Kosher Olive Oil and, for kids, dreidels, a book about Hanukkah, and Kosher, nut-free chocolate coins (Hanukkah gelt). Private car service to and from the National Zoo or National Mall is also included.
For those who want to mix history, whiskey and dinner in an igloo, the Tzell Travel Group has put together a $3,000/night package that includes a stay in the room used for the Watergate break-in (Room 204), drinks with the Washington police department arresting officers who discovered the break-in and dinner in a decked-out Christmas igloo. (More details at 212-624-2997 or RKunikoff@Tzell.com)
Stay in the city or go skiing?
Can’t decide if you want to stay in the city or go skiing? Two Kimpton Hotels in New England have buddied up with a package that offers both, with a bonus helicopter ride
The Skyscrapers to Slopes Package is for two guests and includes a two-night city stay at Nine Zero’s penthouse suite in Boston, a two-night winter wonderland experience in a Cottage Suite at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester, Vermont and a private helicopter ride between the two locations.
Ski passes to Stratton Mountain, a private in-room yoga session and two 60-minute in-room massages are included as are a personalized cocktail experience, Vermont cheeses, a fire pit experience with s’mores and hot cocoa, breakfasts and dinners. Available through March 31, 2020. Rates start at $14,500; resort fees included.
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