The holiday season is approaching here in NYC, and if you’re getting ready to visit the most magical city during Christmas time…you’re going to need a place to stay! NYC’s coolest hotels transform into holiday wonderlands this time of year, decking themself out with decor and offering extraordinary programming and packages. Here’s our list of the most festive Christmas hotels to book this year…with some just steps away from the Rockefeller Tree and Saks Fifth Ave!
1. The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza is a quintessential holiday hotel, located right in the heart of all things Christmas near Central Park and Fifth Ave. Its luxurious décor is world renowned this time of year, featuring stunning decorations across the lobby and the Palm Court.
As for what’s going on during the holidays, you can expect all sorts of fun like Holiday Afternoon Tea, a Christmas Day Buffet at The Palm Court, Visits with Santa, Champagne & Caviar at The Champagne Bar, plus so much more! See all of their activities and holiday bundles here.
Where: 768 Fifth Ave
2. The Lotte New York Palace
Alongside The Palace’s iconic courtyard Christmas tree and stunning holiday decor, this place is a thing of dreams! This year, the hotel’s holiday experiences include warm drinks and house-made treats at The Winter Bar, specialty cocktails in the Gold Room, letter writing to Santa, weekend visits from the Rockettes and Santa, a $100K holiday experience package for charity, and more! See all of their activities and holiday bundles here.
Where: 455 Madison Ave
3. The St. Regis New York
This historic hotel exudes elegance and embraces the holiday spirit with tasteful decorations and festive events! Of course The King Cole Bar is absolutely stunning, but there will also be holiday brunches all December long, as well as Christmas Day brunch and dinners. Don’t forgot about their lovely suite packages that fit 8 people and come with a fully decorated Christmas tree, Cookies for Santa, and a 3-course meal. Plus, a gingerbread house workshop on December 9! See all of their activities and holiday bundles here.
Where: 2 E 55th St
4. Baccarat Hotel New York
Ring in the most wonderful time of the year at the Baccarat, whose ruby red roses and sparkling crystals have adorned the hotel’s interiors once again! Alongside their holiday hotel rooms, they’re offering special dining menus and experiences…including an Afternoon Tea, and contemporary Christmas Eve and Day meals in The Grand Salon. See all of their holiday happenings here.
Where: 28 W 53rd St
5. The Peninsula New York
The Pensinsula Hotel has it all this holiday season, complete with stunning lobby Christmas trees and garland that drapes all throughout the hotel’s premises! We recommend booking their Holly Jolly New York Holiday Package which includes access to the Top of the Rock, welcome drinks, in-room Christmas tree and florals, plus so much more!
If you’re looking for other things to do, sip rooftop igloo drinks at the Salon de Ning’s Winter Wonderland, get pampered at their in-house spa, and so much more. See all of their holiday packages and happenings here.
Where: 700 5th Ave
6. Refinery Hotel
Get ready to have the most unforgettable holiday experience at the Refinery Hotel, where their Winter Spectacular Stay Package is now available through January 8! The incredible experience includes a fresh in-room Christmas tree, room service with hot chocolate, holiday cookies, and milk, plus a gingerbread house decorating kit to keep you busy! Did we mention it’s only two blocks away from the Bryant Park Winter Village as well?! See package details and book here.
Where: 63 W 38th St
7. The Mark Hotel
Although the Swarovksi facade isn’t returning to The Mark’s exterior this year, this hotel on the Upper East Side is still just as glamorous as ever! They just introduced their brand new chalet which is a one-of-a-kind Alpine fondue experience curated by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Try booking the Suite Spectacular Package (incl after-hours visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a VIP skating experience at Wollman Rink in Central Park, an Augustinus Bader in-suite facial, and more) and ending the night with some mulled wine and fondue. See all of their happenings here.
Where: 25 E 77th St
8. The Wall Street Hotel
If you’re looking for a piece of festive magic downtown, we advise The Wall Street Hotel! This award-winning luxury hotel is right in the heart of the Financial District, just steps away from Seaport, Santa’s Winter Wonderland, and so much more! Alongside their illuminated decor, their holiday programming this year includes a milk & cookies turndown service, Festive Pearl Tea in Lounge on Pearl, gingerbread house kits, and more! Check out all of their offerings here.
Where: 88 Wall St
9. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park
Situated right at the foot of Central Park, the Ritz-Carlton is a five star hotel that will give you the Christmas retreat you’re after! You can expect festive ambiance, elegant décor, holiday-themed dining options, and special events all season long. Their Home for the Holiday Suite Package is happening thorough December 25! See all of their packages and happenings here.
Where: 50 Central Park S
10. The Standard East Village
The Standard is right in the heart of the bustling East Village, and is right near a bunch of holiday pop-up bars and restaurants too! Once you book your room, you should reserve a table at their brand new ’70s inspired pop-up restaurant Partridge! Their seasonal menu of oysters, fondue and seasonal cocktails will surely put you in a great mood! Be sure to walk over to Union Square Holiday Market while you’re so close! Learn more about Partridge and all of The Standard’s offerings here.
Where: 25 Cooper Sq
11. Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental is a magical wonderland that is adorned with holiday delights and decor! Festive season at this hotel includes a festive Home for the Holidays suite package, holiday afternoon tea, carolers, visits from Santa, and so much more! Plus, it’s a few minutes walking distance from both Central Park and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market to put you in the spirit! See all holiday package details and happenings here.
Where: 80 Columbus Circle
12. The Langham
Stay just steps away from the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue holiday lights at The Langham, whose winter transformation is one of our favorites! The hotel packages are endless here, with deals including Saks gift cards, tickets to the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, meals at L’Avenue, and more!
Plus, beloved French patisserie Angelina Paris is teaming up with the hotel for a pop-up beverage cart, serving complimentary hot chocolate on Dec 1-2, 7-9, 14-14 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm! See all of their holiday packages and happenings here.
Where: 400 5th Ave
13. Thompson Central Park
Complete with soaring views of the grand Central Park, this hotel is gorgeous, festive, and luxurious! You can walk to many NYC attractions right nearby or spend a few hours tucked away at their in-house jazz club Parker’s! Everything here is romantic, magical, and merry. Check out everything happening at Thompson Central Park here.
Where: 119 W 56th St
14. The William Vale
The William Vale is one of, if not the best Christmas hotel on the Brooklyn side of NYC. The waterfront oasis offers a relaxing and festive stay in the city…just outside of the tourist hotbeds of Midtown! Of course their gorgeous location is decked to the nines in decorations, but they have other happenings going on like their relaxing winter spa and rooftop ice rink! See all of The William Vale’s offerings here.
Where: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
15. Virgin Hotels New York City
Rounding out our list is Virgin Hotels NYC, where there’s so many amazing offerings we can barely keep up! We’ll start with their “Joy Behind Every Door” Holiday Package that includes proceeds to a local charity. As for programming, the ground floor lobby and rooftop bar Everdene will transform into a winter wonderland with trees, cozy chalets, and live music. Add in holiday-themed sip and paint nights, a spa, and you can’t possibly say no! Learn more about their seasonal offerings here.
Where: 1227 Broadway