Skip to main content

The USA’s cosiest stays for the festive season


Type of trip
Luxury trips

For anyone who wants to get away but also feel at home for the festive period, Christmas is a great opportunity for some escapism added to the celebrations. Because whisking yourself away to a special setting doesn't have to mean you can't also feel right at home; book any one of these cosy long-term stays across the USA for an unforgettable festive break (all of these stays allow bookings of up to 90 days).

New York City, New York

Manhattan Guest Suites, New York City, New York

For a homely festive stay in Manhattan, you couldn’t do much better than the characterful Manhattan Guest Suites right in the heart of vibrant Harlem. This beautiful brownstone directly faces the leafy, historic Marcus Garvey Park, home to a drum circle plus ensemble of instruments that performs every week. The period features of each suite are reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, with peach-coloured walls, ornate carpets, hand-painted screens and other delightful antique furnishings. Expect homemade cookies, cinnamon rolls, and banana or walnut bread from the welcoming host, as well as close proximity to some of NYC’s best eateries. Harlem is known for its soul food (check out the renowned Sylvia’s restaurant nearby), as well as its legendary jazz clubs and speakeasies.

Vail, Colorado

Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort, Vail, Colorado

For the cosiest of festive stays, head to the snow-covered mountains of Vail. This charming town is the gateway to 5,317 acres of skiable terrain and the turreted, fairytale Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort offers ski-in/ski-out access. Wake up to winter wonderland views from your balcony before spending the day on the slopes enjoying the resort’s bounty of fresh powder and range of runs. If you’re not so keen on skiing or snowboarding, there’s also snowmobiling and various other outdoor activities. Alternatively, you can indulge in a sumptuous spa day at the hotel. Make the most of on-site massages, hot tubs, a sauna, steam room and a rooftop swimming pool. For lazy evenings, cosy up by your suite’s fireplace or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the town’s cobblestone streets, tucked up in a warm blanket beneath starry skies.

Washington, DC

Riggs, Washington, DC

Bedecked in brass and marble, Riggs Washington DC makes for a luxurious home away from home and a very special festive season. The hotel occupies the former Riggs National Bank, and its present incarnation incorporates its history into the elegantly updated lobby with grand chandeliers and velvet upholstery. Suites boast four-poster beds and views across the city, while Riggs’ prime location five minutes from Gallery Place means that it’s well-positioned for guests to visit DC's main Christmas sights. Check out the National Christmas Tree, lit up on the first Thursday of December just across from the White House in the President’s Park (the public can swing by to see the lit-up tree every evening starting at 4:30pm). Grab a cup of mulled wine from a vendor and wander the park to admire the ‘America Celebrates’ display of trees honouring the history, heritage and culture of each US state.

Chicago, Illinois

The Guesthouse Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

See the Windy City illuminated and filled with festive cheer while staying at The Guesthouse Hotel. This family owned, boutique hotel in the Andersonville neighbourhood has a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for admiring the city skyline over a bottle of wine in the evenings. Spend wintry afternoons reading a book by the fireplace, before heading out to enjoy Chicago’s seasonal Downtown theatre productions and festive markets. Grab a hot chocolate or egg nog to sip while weaving through the stalls and admiring twinkling Christmas lights. Or don a pair of skates and partake in a magical Chicago tradition of gliding around the ice rink in Millennium Park.

Savannah, Georgia

The Inn on West Liberty, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah during the festive season is an atmospheric feast for the eyes; stroll around the Historic District at dusk to see windows lit up from the inside with candles and Christmas trees. The public squares are often decked in greenery with red ribbons adorning the lamp posts. While wreaths of holly and berries decorate the front doors of old houses like a scene from Charles Dickens. Spend the season staying at The Inn on West Liberty, an Italianate-style home renovated with elegant and inviting individual suites. Located right in the middle of Downtown, the property is ideal for enjoying the city’s festive attractions – check out the colourful Christmas parade or the City Market for ornament-making and photo opportunities with Father Christmas.