Lonely Planet, the world's largest independent travel publisher with over 600 guidebooks, has recommended 12 ideal hotels to celebrate Christmas 2024, including one from Vietnam.
Alma Resort in Vietnam
Located in Cam Ranh City, Khanh Hoa Province, Alma Resort represents Vietnam on the list.
Vietnam might not typically come to mind as a Christmas destination, but Alma Resort proves otherwise. This 30-hectare beachfront property on the central coast embodies the festive spirit with features like a gingerbread house made from 230 kilograms of dough and an Advent calendar. Room rates start at VND4.4 million ($173).
The resort also embraces the holiday season with a Christmas market that showcases local handicrafts and products. Additionally, the Kids Club offers handmade Christmas cards created by children from a nearby orphanage, with proceeds going to support these children.
Photo courtesy of Booking
The Plaza, New York City, USA
The Plaza in New York City, holds the distinction of being the first hotel mentioned on the list.
Experts highlight that Christmas at The Plaza is just as enchanting as the films that have brought it fame, including "Home Alone 2" (1992) and "Eloise at Christmastime" (2003). The hotel lobby dazzles with wreaths, lights, and a Christmas tree. Room rates start at $945.
The selection criteria for this list include accessibility of the destination, value for money, luxurious accommodations, Christmas decorations, and a variety of holiday-related activities for guests.
Photo courtesy of The Plaza
Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, Gleneagles Hotel stands out as a top-tier destination for a Christmas getaway. This place is filled with a festive atmosphere, combining the charm of Scottish traditions with holiday cheer.
Guests staying at the hotel can take part in a variety of holiday activities, such as ice skating, attending craft workshops, and watching performances like pantomimes and comedy shows. Room rates start at $550.
Photo courtesy of Booking
Paws Up Montana, USA
For a magical Christmas getaway near the Arctic, Lonely Planet recommends Paws Up Montana in the United States, a 150-square-kilometer ranch. During the festive season, the ranch transforms into a Santa's Village.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as dog sledding through snowy landscapes, cross-country skiing into Canada, or admiring gingerbread creations crafted by experts. A five-night package, including a family lodge, daily meals, and beverages for one person, is priced from $500.
Photo courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up
Four Seasons Resort Maldives
For those looking to escape the cold, Four Seasons Resort in Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives, offers Christmas filled with sunshine and beachside festivities.
Guests can participate in events such as Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas markets. On Christmas Eve, visitors can indulge in a seafood feast. Room rates begin at $1,970.
Photo courtesy of Booking
La Mamounia, Morocco
What would it be like to spend the holidays in a palace? That question is answered at La Mamounia, the hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco.
From Dec. 14 to 24, the hotel gardens host a Christmas market where guests can shop for Christmas tree ornaments, perfumes, and gifts. This market offers visitors a chance to bring home a touch of La Mamounia’s luxury. Room rates start at $550.
Photo courtesy of Atlantida Viatges
Villa d’Este, Italy
Villa d’Este is nestled on the shores of Lake Como. The entire hotel grounds are adorned with lights and red ribbons, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. In classic Italian style, a grand dinner is the centerpiece of Christmas Eve, while a lunch featuring traditional dishes is served the next day. Guests can also enjoy a dessert paradise filled with chocolate, yule logs, and pannettone - an Italian Christmas bread filled with candied fruits and raisins. Room rates start at around $900.
Photo courtesy of Villa d’Este
Union Øye, Norway
Located in a Norwegian fjord, Union Øye offers a peaceful Christmas atmosphere. Set beneath a snow-capped mountain and surrounded by a forest blanketed in snow, the hotel resembles a winter wonderland.
Guests can spend the day sipping mulled wine, sampling Christmas cookies, and ice skating on a frozen lake. During the festive days, the hotel refrains from hosting activities to provide guests with a retreat, except for a traditional Christmas Eve dinner by the tree. Room rates start at around $280.
Photo courtesy of Union Øye
Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, Germany
Staying at Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresdens allows guests to visit Striezelmarkt, the world’s oldest Christmas market, right outside their door.
Visitors can explore 240 stalls at this market or wander through dozens of other Christmas markets in Dresden. The year-end festivities are complemented by treats like fondue and mulled wine. Room rates begin at around $280.
Photo courtesy of Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresdens
Carpa Hotel, Switzerland
Carpa Hotel is nestled in Saas Fee, a Swiss village famous for being the filming location of Wham's Last Christmas song.
Guests can savor panoramic mountain views and enjoy classic dishes from the 1980s. Outside the hotel, a Christmas market offers souvenirs. Room rates start at around $470.
Photo courtesy of Booking
Claridge’s, London, U.K.
In London, Christmas is synonymous with Claridge’s. Its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a highly anticipated event. Even non-guests often stop by to admire the decorated lobby during the season.
The Christmas menu features traditional dishes like Beef Wellington and English Christmas pudding. Room rates begin at around $1,200.
Photo courtesy of Booking
Beaches Turks & Caicos
For a sunny Christmas, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers an alternative to snow-covered holidays.
Inspired by Christmas elves, the resort organizes treasure hunts, evening feasts and outdoor movie screenings. With a packed schedule of activities, guests are guaranteed a memorable holiday. Room rates start at around $1,580.
Room rates were sourced from platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, and the hotels’ official websites for weekdays in December and January, excluding public holidays.
Photo courtesy of Booking
