According to a new survey conducted by Embassy Suites, many families would rather stay at hotels than with relatives during the holiday season. And with so many enticing promotions — and lower-than-usual rates — we can’t blame them. You’ll find plenty of deals in December, but these are our favorites for families:
1. Big Cedar Lodge – Branson, Mo.
Big Cedar Lodge, a cozy resort in Branson, Mo., is offering a Home for the Holidays Package with two nights’ lodging, breakfast and a horse-drawn carriage ride, along with a cookie cutter, Mueller Family Cookbook, family photo and Christmas ornament, available through Dec. 31, 2013. Standard rates start around $169 per night, and are an additional $100 or so when the package is added.
2. Jekyll Island Club Hotel – Jekyll Island, Ga.
The historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, located about 1.5 hours from Savannah, has a Christmas Package with accommodations, breakfast and Christmas stockings filled with treats. Double Occupancy rates start at $199 per night, plus taxes and a resort fee. Each additional adult is $55 per night, and each additional child is $30 per night. The package is available Dec. 1 through Dec. 29, 2013.
3. Williamsburg Lodge – Williamsburg, Va.
Colonial Williamsburg is not only charming at the holidays, but is also affordable. At Williamsburg Lodge, you’ll enjoy the Holiday Celebrations promotion, with rates from $132 per person, per night. It includes accommodations, breakfast, admission to Grand Illumination and tickets for a Christmas decorations walking tour. The package is valid through Dec. 28, 2013.
4. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Scottsdale, Ariz.
For a warm-weather holiday, visit Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which has a Christmas at the Princess Family Package. It includes lodging (and a second room half off), four ice-skating passes, four beverages at Princess Coffee Shop, access to holiday-themed events and more. Rates start at $289 per night; the package is available Nov. 21, 2013 through Jan. 4, 2014.
5. Ritz-Carlton Boston Common
The Nutcracker Suite at Ritz-Carlton Boston Common isn’t cheap — rates start at $995 per night — but it’ll make your holiday one of the most memorable. The package is available through Dec. 29, and includes festively decorated accommodations, teddy bear tuck-in service and a sugar plum-inspired bubble bath, along with a Nutcracker CD and satin pointe shoe signed by a Boston ballet dancer.
6. Vail Cascade – Vail, Colo.
On Dec. 16, Vail Cascade, located in Vail, Colo., will commence its Cascade Christmas event, a 10-day celebration with gingerbread house making, ornament and stocking decorating, caroling, bingo, visits with Santa and more, all free to hotel guests. And, if you stay three or more nights, you’ll enjoy 15 percent off rates, which start around $600 per night during Cascade Christmas.
7. The Westin St. Francis – San Francisco
The Westin St. Francis has a fantastic Sugar Castle Display that, alone, is worth a trip to San Francisco. Even better is that it also offers several promotions, including a Glide Into the Holidays Package, which features a room and ice-skating admission and rentals (for two, but it still helps families save). Rates start at $229 per night, and are valid through Jan. 21, 2013.
8. Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, Calif.
Not far from San Diego, Hotel del Coronado beckons families with holiday-themed events and attractions, including an ice-skating rink, as well as a Holiday Escape Package, which features accommodations, the hotel’s 2013 collector’s ornament and a reduced self-parking fee ($15). Package rates start at $324 per night (plus tax and a resort fee), and are available Nov. 27, 2013 through Jan 4, 2014.
9. Louisa’s Place – Berlin, Germany
If you’re one of many families traveling to Europe this season, pay a visit to Louisa’s Place in Berlin. The boutique hotel has a Christmas at Louisa’s Place Package, with two nights’ lodging, breakfast, hot mulled cider and treats, a souvenir voucher and more. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance to the city’s famed Christmas markets! Package rates start at 365 euros, based on double occupancy.
10. Gaylord Opryland Resort – Nashville
Gaylord Hotels offer extravagant holiday events, and the chain’s property in Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort, is no exception. Its Christmas Memories at Gaylord Opryland promotion, available Nov. 15, 2013 through Jan 4., 2014, features a room, tickets to ICE! (two-million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures) and a souvenir photo. Rates start at $309 for four people, per night.
11. Sheraton Seattle Hotel – Seattle
At the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, you’ll find a Macy’s Holiday Shopping Package that includes a $100 gift card for Macy’s (per night), located in downtown Seattle, as well as complimentary photos with Santa Claus. The package is available Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 28, 2013 through Jan. 18, 2014. Rates start at $229 per night.
More from Family Vacation Critic:
10 Magical Hotels for the Holiday Season
5 Festive European Cities for the Holidays
10 Most Unusual New Year’s Eve Ball Drops for Families
Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.
