Holiday hotel packages are popping up everywhere, crowding inboxes and social media feeds, making it harder to weed through and pick the right one for you. So we did some digging and put together a list of our five most exciting, festive or romantic packages for your December travels.
Presidential Package at The Beverly Hilton
You know how at one time or another you’ve uttered the words, “If I were President, I’d…”? Well it just so happens that The Beverly Hilton wants to help you finish that statement. Hosting presidents and diplomats since 1955, the hotel is offering a Presidential Holiday package that is quite fitting of its storied past. After arriving at LAX, your private police motorcade will escort you to the property in a luxury SUV stocked with holiday goodies. Serving as the accommodation for many presidents, including John F. Kennedy, the famed presidential suite will be your home for the holidays. The three-bedroom 1,870-square-foot suite will be decorated in White House-inspired holiday trimmings including a lush evergreen tree, sparkling lights and a selection of holiday music. The three-night package starts at $45,000 and is available from December 1-28, 2013 and further includes:
- Family portrait session with famed celebrity photographer, John Russo
- Private gingerbread making class with the hotel’s renowned pastry chef, Thomas Henzi
- On-call private SUV and personalized shopping concierge including complimentary gift wrapping services
- Full service, daily breakfast buffet at Circa 55 Restaurant and Santa’s milk and cookies served each night
- Bottle of Moët & Chandon 2004 Grand Vintage Brut Champagne, the same champagne enjoyed by celebrities and dignitaries during the 2013 Golden Globes®
- Personalized stockings for each family member
Christmas at "Land's End" in Portugal
This year, why don’t you give yourself a break from cooking duties and let the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel in Portugal create your holiday meals. On Christmas Eve, the hotel will be hosting dinner for families that will feature a festive children’s menu and a designated children’s area to keep them entertained while parents sip on cocktails and enjoy a relaxing evening. The next morning, wake up to a full Christmas Day brunch buffet either at the restaurant or in your residence with their takeaway service. Turkey, all the trimmings, Christmas crackers, special napkins and a bottle of Portuguese sparkling wine will all be included in the service. The property is a great place for families with a wealth of amenities like dolphin watching, bike tours, yoga lessons, tennis, the Kids Club and spa services. Prices start at approximately $151 per night/adult for a seven night stay with Christmas dinner and brunch included.
Christmas Break in the U.K.
If Love Actually is any indication of what a holiday in the U.K. would feel like — snow-covered streets, lobsters in Nativity scenes, Brits singing carols, and Hugh Grant (swoon) — then we'll be the first to sign up for this Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa package. Life is always like the movies, right? The Christmas Break offer starts on December 24 with an afternoon tea at 3 p.m. followed by a Champagne reception at 7 p.m. where a local parish choir will serenade the room with carols. And after a festive dinner, guests can opt to go to a Midnight Mass at Colerne Parish Church and return for hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies.
On December 25, a traditional English breakfast starts off the day and leads into Father Christmas’ arrival by Victorian horse drawn carriage as he delivers presents to families. Throughout the day, a luncheon with harpist, speech from Her Majesty the Queen and a buffet supper will take place. Similar to the previous day’s events, the following day includes most of the same itinerary plus a black tie dinner and dancing. Rates are based upon accommodation preferences and range from around $1,401 to $2,960 per room/night, a three night minimum is required. Here’s to hoping Hugh Grant shows up on your doorstep.
Park City Holiday Memories Ski Package
Resorts West properties has partnered with the iconic toy store FAO Schwarz for a snowy Park City, Utah family-centric Holiday Memories Ski Package. Imagine the excitement on your child’s face when they get to open their (age-appropriate) holiday gifts from FAO Schwarz while you congratulate yourself for being the best parent ever. Prior to arrival, the toys will be shipped, packaged, wrapped and formed into magical, winter-wonderland displays at your personal chalet. Making things even easier, the resort will ship the presents back to the U.S. for you. As a ski-hotel, families can also enjoy world-class slopes at any of the brand’s three mountainside resorts. Available from December 4-31, the seven night package includes seven-night accommodations in a five-bedroom private home. The properties also include gourmet kitchens, game rooms, hotel-like services and amenities, ski-in/ski-out access and fitness rooms. The package starts at $40,000 plus taxes and fees.
Prague Christmas Markets
While the holidays generally mean family get-togethers, there are some that may want to escape with their significant other and enjoy an intimate vacation away from annoying Uncle Lester (we all have one). The Prague Christmas Markets package at The Four Seasons Hotel sounds ideal for couples who are looking for a more private option. Starting off the romantic vacation, you and your partner will get to ride on a horse-drawn carriage through the snow-covered streets to Old Town Square Market while enjoying roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. And if the weather isn’t pleasant, you can opt for a ride in the hotel’s Mercedes-Benz S-Class instead.
Spend a day shopping at the Christmas markets to browse for unique gifts for your family and maybe even throw in a couple for yourself, go ahead, the jolly man in red said it’d be okay. Along with a Christmas keepsake, guests can warm up with a complimentary afternoon coffee or tea and special holiday cupcakes. Known for their top-notch activities and amenities, the rest of your time can be easily be spent enjoying a couple’s spa treatment or dining at the modern Italian restaurant CottoCrudo. The package starts at around $400 based on room choice and a minimum two-night stay is required.
