These NYC hotels are shining for the season

Come bauble time, book a staycation or a holiday meal and spa treatment at one of these festive stays.

Flight of fantasy

Watch the planes from the TWA Hotel—specifically, from its year-round heated infinity pool on the rooftop, transformed into the 1960s-inspired Runway House. There, you can watch in comfort as planes take off and land on the lively runway 4 left/22 right of JFK, overlooking Jamaica Bay while sipping a seasonal cocktail or homemade hot cocoa.

When you’re done soaking up the scene from the 95-degree pool and 10,000-square-foot observation deck, go on a design-driven scavenger hunt, head to the life-size Twister game room, or find exhibits that explore New York as the birthplace. of the airplane age.

Take a photo in the stunning lobby, decked out in its best holiday decor. Or, say cheer at Paris Café by Jean-Georges, Sunken Lounge or Connie Cocktail lounge, located inside a 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane. From $250 a night.

Square deal

Departing in December. 1, the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square will host 25 Days of Festive Fun. Experiences run the gamut from cookie decorating and slime workshops to the popular Very Merry Santa brunch.

Santa himself will enter the venue and there will be live performances by Broadway stars and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mike Yung. Bonus: You can book a holiday-themed guest room with holiday decorations and some goodies donated by Broadway sensation “Elf” (from $739 per night). From $439 per night.

Palace to be

Lotte New York Palace shines with a 30-meter courtyard Christmas tree and lavish decor. Get back into a jolly mood with Christmas cookies and a shot of, say, hot chocolate, hot buttered rum or Kentucky caramel cider at Bar Winter at the Palace. Youngsters can send cards to Santa (they can expect a handwritten reply “from Santa’s desk”).

There are also Sunday visits from Santa throughout the month of December, who also welcomes holiday brunch to the Villard with tasty treats like gingerbread, sprinkled pancakes and hot cocoa.
For an unforgettable splurge, check into one of the three new Palace Holiday Suites (from $2,595 per night), featuring gorgeous seasonal decor, handcrafted ornaments and an artificial Balsam Hill Christmas tree. From $600 per night.

Branch out

There are many delights to be found in the lower parts of NYC. At the Conrad New York Downtown, we’re totally convinced of the Christmas Tree Forest, where, starting in November. On the 24th, the lobby becomes a sylvan escape filled with fully decorated Virginia fir trees.

Guests will also find complimentary hot chocolate at the ATRIO Barista Station, operating from December. 21 to Christmas Eve. To enhance a seasonal stay, spring for the Christmas Tree Package, where the hotel will deliver an undecorated tree with decorations provided ($300) or a pre-decorated tree ($350), complete with milk and cookies.

Mr. Claus will make a cameo in the lobby in December. 21st and 24th and kids can write letters to Santa and get a parchment paper reply. From $518 per night.

The spirit of the holiday

The Regency Bar & Grill at Loews Regency New York may be the home of NYC’s powerhouse brunch, but you should make it your mission to expand your horizons here for a winter wonderland.

First, head to holiday pop-up shops from candle maker Jo Malone London (December 6-8) and fashion brands Reiss (December 13-15) and Zadig & Voltaire (December 20-22). Then, yes, you can switch to that precious grill, swapping breakfast for seasonal cocktails.

Or, just open shop in the lobby every Friday and Saturday in December, where guests will be served Chandon champagne and hot cocoa. À votre santé, city slickers! From $599 per night.