Holly Jolly Hotels: The Best Hotel Holiday Decorations Around the World
The holidays are a time of festivities and good cheer no matter what you celebrate. One of our favorite traditions of the season is the stunning, larger-than-life decorations that make an appearance each year. Hotels around the world go all out to provide a magical experience for guests of all ages, which is why December is one of our favorite months to travel. To help get you in the spirit of the season, we’ve compiled a list of hotels around the world with some of the best holiday decorations.
Wherever you spend the holidays this year, M&IW wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season and a joyous new year!
Fairmont San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Fairmont San Francisco has spread unrivaled holiday cheer for more than a century. Perhaps the most magical experience is the life-size, two-story gingerbread house in the lobby. Made of more than 8,000 bricks of gingerbread and 1,900 pounds of candy, the masterpiece measures 25 feet tall, 35 feet wide, and almost 11 feet deep. It’s not just for show, either—private dining experiences are offered inside the gingerbread house with seating for up to eight guests.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo wows visitors with new holiday decorations every year. If you visit in 2023, you’ll find yourself dreaming of a red Christmas thanks to the hotel’s trendy and chic décor celebrating the color of the season. Designed by the hotel’s artistic director, Perrine Guyonnet, an abundance of red ribbons of varying textures greets you around every corner for an undeniably festive atmosphere that still evokes the elegance and luxury the hotel is known for.
Mayflower Inn & Spa
Washington, Connecticut
Like Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, the Mayflower Inn & Spa introduces new decorations each year. This holiday season features the work of interior designer Eliza Harris of Sister Parish Designs. Like the hotel itself, her work is inspired by the timelessness of New England elegance with a touch of whimsy for that special holiday flair. The effect is a cozy, idyllic escape with unrivaled attention to detail, such as the handcrafted ornaments adorning the 18-foot Christmas tree.
The Jefferson Hotel
Richmond, Virginia
For a classic holiday getaway, it’s hard to beat The Jefferson Hotel. From the larger-than-life nutcrackers that greet you at the door to the hundreds of poinsettias, thousands of lights, dozens of wreaths, and more than 20 trees scattered across the hotel, every decoration captures the spirit of the season. It’s not just a feast for the eyes, either—the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafts through the halls thanks to the annual gingerbread display.
The Ritz London
London, United Kingdom
There’s something quintessential about Christmas at The Ritz, and The Ritz London is no exception. The classic red and gold décor embody the sophistication and glamour of the iconic hotel while still bringing the spirit of the holiday season to life. Even the famous Afternoon Tea gets a festive upgrade thanks not only to the stunning decorations and specialty Christmas cakes but also the sounds of a live choir serenading diners with classic carols.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
New Orleans, Louisiana
The lobby of The Roosevelt has been turned into a winter wonderland for more than 80 years. Decorated with 22 birch trees, 46 Christmas trees, 30 yards of garland, and more than 60,000 lights, a visit during the holiday season is at the top of the list for tourists and locals alike. Of course, the lobby isn’t the only place you’ll find festive décor. The famous Teddy Bear Tea features towering candy canes, twinkling lights, and red bows galore to dazzle and delight all ages.