10 luxury hotels that go all-out for the holidays
Ready or not, the holidays are here, and that means twinkling lights, garlands, hot cocoa, decorated trees, menorahs and — for many people around the world — travel.
If you're looking to travel somewhere this year that really gets into the holiday spirit, consider heading to a hotel that takes the season seriously by decorating every square inch in tinsel, serving classic and modern holiday meals, inviting Santa to come say hello and maybe even transforming the grounds into a winter wonderland. Plus, these properties are all bookable using points, either through a major hotel loyalty program or through a luxury credit card booking program.
From hotels with ice skating rinks to holiday-themed igloos serving seasonal drinks, here are some of the best hotels to celebrate the most festive time of the year.
The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
Talk about long-standing traditions: This is the Palace Hotel’s 150th holiday season, and it's ready to celebrate in style. Originally built in 1875, the Palace Hotel was San Francisco's first luxury hotel and the largest in the world at the time. It's still famous for its Garden Court lobby restaurant, complete with an enormous stained-glass skylight roof, and the Pied Piper bar, famed for the enormous Maxfield Parrish painting of the same name that hangs over the bar.
This Marriott Luxury Collection property is offering a festive lineup of holiday experiences that will turn the property into a "The Nutcracker"-inspired wonderland, complete with a grand tree lighting ceremony in the historic Garden Court on Dec. 5. Stop in for Santa Afternoon Tea, Seasonal Strings Lunch or a Tipsy Gingerbread Workshop (adults only, please) in the Garden Court lobby as well as a festive Christmas brunch. Or book the Holiday Nights & Cable Car Rides package that includes two cable car tickets, a 150th anniversary mug and Ghirardelli hot chocolate (from $375 per night).
Rates at The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco start at $256 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Conrad Punta de Mita
For those who wish to escape the cold and jet off to sunnier climes — and perhaps make use of hard-earned Hilton Honors points — Conrad Punta de Mita is just the ticket, especially given the hotel's cheerful holiday offerings.
Guests in search of a festive beachside getaway to this secluded Riviera Nayarit gem can book the Seaside Greetings package and enjoy 20 percent off stays completed through Dec. 20, 2025, or 15 percent off stays completed from Dec. 21 and onward. Depending on what kind of accommodations you book, from standard rooms up to opulent beachfront two-bedroom suites, you can get up to $500 in resort credits to use at the hotel — maybe to be used for a rejuvenating massage at the property's on-site spa, which borrows methods from ancient Huichol culture for its treatments.
Rates at Conrad Punta de Mita start at $337 or 92,000 Hilton Honors points.
Raffles London at The OWO
Edwardian opulence is already a key theme at Accor-owned Raffles London at The OWO, making it a fitting holiday destination with its large Christmas trees and decor both inside and out and a range of special holiday offerings. This year, the Festive Afternoon Tea is taking inspiration from favorite Christmas carols; think White Christmas and Deck the Halls pastries, all accompanied by a live pianist and views of the Household Cavalry at Buckingham Palace. Festive celebrations will continue through New Year’s Eve when The Spy Bar, located in the Old War Office’s original secret service rooms, will host a sultry celebration with vinyl records, Louis Roederer Champagne and canapes.
Rates at Raffles London at The OWO start around $1,141. This Accor-operated hotel participates in the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program. Members can earn points on stays when booking directly through Accor at a rate of 25 points per 10 euros ($11) spent and redeem them in increments of 2,000 points to save 40 euros ($44) on hotel bills.
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: Lankanfushi Island, Maldives
Who says you have to embrace winter in order to celebrate holiday festivities in style? For those who prefer to enjoy the holidays paired with a healthy dose of vitamin D, Gili Lankanfushi is the way to go.
This private island paradise goes all-out for the festive season, with cheerful experiences like gingerbread house decorating for the little ones, and a new theme, "Chronicles of Gili," with a mix of Narnia and Wonderland infused into visits with Santa and even Wonderland-inspired costume making that includes a traditional Maldivian parade. Of course, guests can luxuriate in all this bucket-list-worthy property has to offer, including overwater bungalows and wellness treatments like yoga, meditation and breathwork.
Rates at Gili Lankanfushi start at $1,919.25. This property is bookable via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and is currently offering a complimentary third night free promotion.
Related: Our favorite American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts properties where you can get elite perks
The Roosevelt New Orleans: New Orleans
New Orleans might be most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but at The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Christmas is about as glamorous as it gets.
It’s part of the Hilton Honors family, so guests who spend the holidays at The Roosevelt can earn and redeem points while soaking up the sparkle of the spacious hotel lobby’s ornate decorations, a tradition dating back to the 1930s. To put it in perspective, the display includes 46 Christmas trees, 112,000 lights, 1,610 feet of branches, 4,000 glass ornaments and 300 hand-tied bows. Teddy Bear Tea is a highlight of the season for families, served in the hotel's "North Pole." The time-honored tradition features singing, dancing, storytelling and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Rates The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel start at $154 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: Nashville
For a southern take on Christmas, why not make it a little country with a trip to Nashville and the larger-than-life Gaylord Opryland Resort? There, check out the property’s holiday decorations while enjoying a boat ride down the indoor river, take a thrill ride in a bumper car specially designed for the ice rink (or just go ice skating) and go ice tubing.
Holiday highlights at Gaylord Opryland Resort this year include "A Charlie Brown Christmas" brought to life through giant, colorful ice sculptures and "Pomp, Snow & Cirqueumstance," a new holiday musical/circus show. There is also a gingerbread-making station, ice tubing and an interactive scavenger hunt. If that's not enough, skip the winter cold and hit up the indoor section of the resort's water park, SoundWaves.
Rates at Gaylord Opryland Resort start at $311 or 39,200 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Related: Something for everyone: 6 things to know before you visit a Gaylord resort
Lotte New York Palace: New York City
Ah, Christmastime in New York City — it’s simply too iconic to pass up. And Lotte New York Palace might just be one of the very best places in the city to embrace the festive season.
Those passing through can enjoy a signature hot chocolate at Winter Bar (open Wednesday through Sunday) and marvel at the decked-out tree in the courtyard. But those who plan to stay overnight — and really want to do it up big — have quite the opportunity in store.
This year, the hotel is again offering festively decorated Palace Holiday Suites (from $2,795 per night, available Nov. 24, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026) in collaboration with holiday home decor brand Balsam Hill. Each suite — including the red and white Apres Ski suite, the cream and blush Parisian Palace suite, and the gold and crystal Golden Glow suite — will put you in the holiday spirit with a Christmas tree, holiday cookies and a keepsake ornament. Other Lotte New York Palace holiday traditions include a gingerbread palace on display in the lobby — a true masterpiece that takes more than 300 hours to create — and visits with Santa on Sunday afternoons.
Rates at Lotte New York Palace start at $495. This property is bookable using Chase Ultimate Rewards via The Edit by Chase Travel.
The Peninsula Chicago: Chicago
If you’re willing to brave the Windy City during the holiday season’s blistering cold and snow, The Peninsula Chicago, perfectly positioned to explore the Magnificent Mile, is a top-tier hotel to make a home base.
This year, the hotel is celebrating the season with a handful of jolly good offerings. Consider booking the Holly Jolly Family Holiday Package (from $1,175, available Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 6, 2026), which features an in-room tree or menorah, daily breakfast for four, complimentary treats and access to the hotel's library of holiday books, movies and games.
In the lobby, Santa visits on the weekends by the grand 20-foot Christmas tree that shines with twinkling lights and red ornaments. The hotel’s Holiday Afternoon Tea features finger sandwiches, petite pastries themed to the season and English teas. Giving back is also an important part of the holidays at The Peninsula Chicago. A portion of every afternoon tea will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.
Rates at The Peninsula Chicago start at $420. This property is bookable via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and is currently offering a complimentary third night free promotion.
Related: The best Chicago hotels
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center: Philadelphia
Of all the world’s Four Seasons hotels and resorts, the one in Philadelphia (in the city’s tallest building) might just be the most spectacular. While it’s got a lot going for it — including an indoor infinity pool on the 57th floor with incredible views of Philly — the place takes on a whole new level of grandeur during the holidays. This year, the hotel’s artistic director, Jeff Leatham, is bringing the season to life with modern and edgy decorations, such as a mirrored polar bear and a life-size geometric reindeer, in the Sky Lobby.
To best experience Four Seasons holiday magic in Philadelphia, head up to SkyHigh on the 60th floor for special brunches and holiday dinners with live music, Christmas carolers and holiday-themed cocktails like a hot apple toddy. Come for Christmas brunch, but stay long enough to celebrate the new year because this incredible hotel is also one of the best places in town to catch fireworks over the Delaware River.
Rates at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center start at $1,140. This property is bookable using Chase Ultimate Rewards via The Edit by Chase Travel.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek: Dallas
Texas may not be the snowiest place in the world, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a little holiday magic in the air. At the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, a luxury hotel tucked among some of Dallas' most popular neighborhoods, it's easy to feel like you've been transported back to the golden days of the holiday season. In fact, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is celebrating “The Art of Hosting” this holiday season with unique offerings at every Rosewood property.
At Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, "The Art of Hosting" includes Christmas trees adorned with silver and white ornaments and garlands alongside redesigned suites where guests get the opportunity to have an in-room tree decorated and waiting for them — or they can have it brought up and left to decorate themselves. The Mansion Restaurant brings a new sense of grace and elegance to the holidays.
Rates at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek start at $652. This property is bookable via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and is currently offering a complimentary third night free promotion.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.