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For clients that are looking to make this Christmas extra special, there are countless hotels worldwide that go all-out for the festive season. From enchanting décor and unique holiday experiences to nearby Christmas markets, these hotels offer something unforgettable for every kind of traveller. Whether they’re dreaming of a snowy escape or a sunny holiday getaway, each of these hotels has its own way of making Christmas extraordinary, setting the stage for a memorable season filled with joy, exploration, and relaxation. Here’s a roundup of the best places to stay for an unforgettable Christmas.
5* The Ritz, London
At The Ritz, London, the magic of Christmas comes alive in true British style. Known for its opulent holiday décor, this iconic hotel is transformed with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and festive floral arrangements. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in The Palm Court, where the scent of fresh pine and the sounds of Christmas carols create a cosy holiday ambiance. The Ritz’s famous Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch are a must, featuring indulgent menus and live music.
This year, The Ritz has introduced a special children’s tea party, bringing the magic of Santa Claus himself to their elegant halls. Held in a beautifully decorated room adorned with holiday cheer, the tea party offers little ones an afternoon of sweet treats, including mini scones, gingerbread cookies, and Christmas-themed cupcakes. Santa makes a memorable appearance, greeting children, sharing stories, and posing for photos—a moment kids are sure to remember. Festive activities, like ornament decorating, add to the fun, giving young guests a hands-on holiday keepsake to bring home.
5* Le Meurice, Paris
Located in the heart of Paris, Le Meurice exudes festive French elegance during the holiday season. Close to the Tuileries Garden and Place Vendôme, the hotel is adorned with opulent decorations and features gingerbread houses crafted by its talented pastry chefs. Guests can savour festive afternoon teas and cosy up with a signature “Chocolat Chaud” experience by Chef Cédric Grolet, one of Paris’s most celebrated pastry artists.
Le Meurice is hosting a charming pop-up Christmas market in its courtyard this year, offering gourmet treats, artisanal crafts, and hot chocolate, making it a perfect holiday escape within the hotel’s refined ambiance. This festive addition is perfect for those who want to experience the magic of a Parisian Christmas without leaving their luxurious surroundings.
5* The Plaza Hotel, New York City
Few places capture the spirit of a New York City Christmas quite like The Plaza Hotel. Known for its iconic location and grand holiday decorations, The Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland each December. Guests can enjoy Christmas Eve dinner in the opulent Palm Court or sample holiday treats at the bustling Plaza Food Hall. For a nostalgic twist, the hotel offers a “Home Alone 2” package, which includes a self-guided tour of filming locations, and a themed gift bag inspired by the iconic Christmas movie.
New for this year, The Plaza has introduced fireside storytelling sessions for children, where they can gather around and listen to classic Christmas tales. This enchanting event, complete with hot cocoa and cookies, brings the hotel’s younger guests a magical taste of the season in the heart of New York.
5* Hotel Sacher, Vienna
Set in the romantic city of Vienna, Hotel Sacher makes Christmas feel like a fairytale. This grand hotel, famed for its luxurious interiors and its signature Sacher Torte, is beautifully decorated during the festive season. Just steps from Vienna’s historic Christmas markets, the hotel adds to the holiday ambiance with garlands, poinsettias, and traditional ornaments throughout its lobby and dining rooms.
This year, Hotel Sacher is offering an exclusive “Christmas Torte Workshop,” where guests can learn to create their own version of the legendary chocolate cake. The hotel also hosts special holiday afternoon teas, complete with seasonal pastries and mulled wine, while live classical music provides an elegant soundtrack to an unforgettable Viennese Christmas.
5* The Peninsula, Hong Kong
For a unique East-meets-West holiday experience, The Peninsula Hong Kong celebrates Christmas with grand style. Known for its awe-inspiring lobby decorations, the hotel transforms with festive lights, oversized trees, and a sparkling display of seasonal charm. Guests are invited to indulge in a Christmas brunch, complete with both Western and Asian holiday dishes, and can even book a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the dazzling holiday lights along Victoria Harbour.
The Peninsula has introduced a “Winter Snow Globe Experience” for this year, where artificial snow falls gently within the hotel lobby, creating a magical winter wonderland indoors. The stunning holiday display offers a perfect blend of tradition and newness, making it a holiday highlight in the bustling city of Hong Kong.
4* Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada
For a classic winter escape, Fairmont Banff Springs, known as “The Castle in the Rockies,” provides the perfect snowy backdrop. The hotel’s holiday season is filled with festive charm, with Christmas trees, wreaths, and twinkling lights adorning its stone corridors. This season, guests can experience the “12 Days of Christmas” programme, where each day brings a new activity, from sleigh rides and ice skating to movie nights by the fire.
Adding to this year’s celebrations, Fairmont Banff Springs has created an outdoor “Winter Wonderland” experience, complete with an ice rink and bonfire stations where guests can warm up with hot cocoa after a day of snowy fun. It’s a truly magical Christmas setting for families and couples alike.
5* The Langham, Sydney
For those seeking a warm-weather holiday, The Langham Sydney provides an exceptional Australian Christmas experience. The hotel is beautifully adorned with holiday decorations, blending traditional festive elements with a touch of Aussie summer. Guests are invited to celebrate with a Christmas Day buffet featuring both classic holiday fare and fresh Australian seafood, perfect for a holiday meal with a local twist.
This year, The Langham has introduced a unique “Santa by the Pool” experience, where families can relax by the pool while Santa makes a special visit to greet children, making for an unforgettable Christmas in the sun. With its mix of festive luxury and relaxed atmosphere, The Langham offers a holiday stay like no other.
5* Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
At Hotel Adlon Kempinski, located near Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, guests are surrounded by the charm of a German Christmas. Known for its grand, seasonal décor, the hotel’s lobby sparkles with Christmas lights and offers a cosy winter garden where guests can enjoy mulled wine and gingerbread cookies as they soak in the festive ambiance.
The hotel has introduced a “Culinary Christmas Tour” for guests this year where they are guided through a tasting experience of traditional German holiday treats, such as stollen and lebkuchen, while learning about the country’s rich holiday traditions. With easy access to Berlin’s famous Christmas markets, Hotel Adlon Kempinski offers a truly immersive holiday experience.
5* Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
For a luxurious high-rise holiday, the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo brings together traditional Japanese holiday elements with global festive flair. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo’s holiday lights from the hotel’s upper floors, while the lobby is adorned with carefully arranged floral displays inspired by Japanese New Year and Christmas symbols.
New this year, the hotel is offering a “Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop” in collaboration with some of Tokyo’s top pastry chefs, where guests of all ages can create their own gingerbread masterpieces. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a holiday twist is also available, blending local culture with the spirit of Christmas for a one-of-a-kind celebration.
5* Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St. Moritz
Nestled in the stunning Swiss Alps, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is the ultimate winter wonderland for Christmas. Known for its breathtaking mountain views and luxurious interiors, this historic hotel celebrates the season with candlelit dinners, festive cocktails, and even sleigh rides through the snow. Guests can spend their days skiing or exploring the wintery landscape, returning to the warmth of the grand fireplace in the hotel’s lounge each evening.
A highlight this year is Badrutt’s exclusive “Christmas Stargazing Experience,” where guests are guided by expert astronomers to observe the winter night sky. With hot cocoa and plush blankets provided, it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season in one of the world’s most magical winter destinations.
