The holiday season has a special magic to it, especially for travelers who adore snow-dusted landscapes and festive cheer. Whether your ideal getaway includes strolling through twinkling Christmas markets, cozying up by a roaring fire, or basking in the charm of a winter wonderland, we’ve curated a list of five exceptional hotels, all bookable with The MICHELIN Guide. From urban retreats decked out in seasonal splendor to luxurious escapes where you can sip mulled wine under the stars, here’s where to stay where the holiday magic comes alive.
Feast On Raclette at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
Paris, FranceIn the City of Lights, lots of hotels embrace the magic of the season. At Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, for instance, the courtyard transforms into a snowy alpine escape with a pop-up chalet, offering decadent raclette (a melted cheese dish from Switzerland, for the uninitiated) nights under twinkling fairy lights. A dream for festive junkies, it’s all about soaking up the cozy, charming feel of a mountain lodge— without leaving Paris.
Indulge In Christmas Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s
London, UKThe Three-MICHELIN Key Claridge’s is synonymous with Christmas in London, unveiling a jaw-dropping tree designed by a celebrated artist each year. This year, it was British fashion designer Paul Smith’s turn to curate the iconic hotel’s tree. Festive enthusiasts can flock to its glittering lobby and indulge in decadent afternoon tea by the roaring fire. For the ultimate cheer, sip mulled wine at their chalet-inspired winter terrace, a slice of Alpine magic in London's chic Mayfair neighborhood.
Sip Eggnog Panna Cotta at the Crosby Hotel
New York City, USAThe Three-Key Crosby Hotel in New York is owned by British hospitality group Firmdale Hotels, so it’s hardly a surprise that the holiday season sees guests stopping in for a festive afternoon tea. Seasonal eats mean finger foods like rosemary orange-glazed ham to go with eggnog panna cotta and gingerbread.
Soak Up Storybook Holiday Style at Schloss Elmau
Schloss Elmau, GermanyThere is endless holiday programming at Germany’s Three-Key Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway, a classic mountain resort that earns its name. But even with the firework display at New Year’s Eve, and a concert series this December that includes a jazz take on “Silent Night” and performances by American-Canadian singer Rufus Wainwright, it’s the sheer hope for snow on this idyllic landscape that makes this one of the most festive hotels in Europe. And it gets better: the hotel's Two-Star IKIGAI restaurant is an experience in its own right.
Embrace the Snowy Magic at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Rovaniemi, FinlandIn Finland's northernmost region of Lapland, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is where festive dreams meet the ultimate holiday adventure. Holiday junkies can revel in reindeer sleigh rides, Northern Lights and a visit to Santa Claus' actual house. Meanwhile, grinches can retreat to their modern treehouse accommodation and watch the snow fall through the giant window in blissful solitude.
Hero image: Winter exploration at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Finland
