Alyssa Meadows/TWA Hotel
Come tinsel time, book a staycation, or a holiday meal and spa treatment, at one of these festive stays.
Flight of fancy
Watch planes from the TWA Hotel — specifically, from its year-round, heated rooftop infinity pool, transformed to the 1960s-inspired Runway Chalet. There, you can gaze in comfort as planes take off and land on JFK’s bustling Runway 4 Left/22 Right, with views to Jamaica Bay, as you sip on 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, take a design-driven scavenger hunt, head to the life-sized Twister gameroom or scope out exhibits exploring New York as the birthplace of the Jet Age.
Grab a photo in the stunning lobby, outfitted in its finest holiday decor. Or, say cheers at the Paris Café by Jean-Georges, the Sunken Lounge or Connie Cocktail lounge, situated inside a 1958 Lockheed Constellation “Connie” airplane. From $250 per night.
Square deal
Kicking off on Dec. 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 pop in to the premises and there will be live performances by Broadway stars and “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist Mike Yung. Bonus: You can book a holiday-themed guest room with holiday decorations and some gifted goodies from Broadway sensation “Elf” (from $739 per night). From $439 per night.
The Palace to be
Lotte New York Palace shines bright with a 30-foot courtyard Christmas tree and decor aplenty. Slink into a merry mindset with Christmas cookies and a tipple of, say, hot chocolate, hot buttered rum or Kentucky caramel cider at the Winter Bar at the Palace. Youngsters can mail postcards to Santa (they can expect a handwritten reply “from the desk of Santa Claus”).
There are also Sunday visits from Santa throughout the month of December, which also welcomes the holiday brunch at Villard with tasty delights like gingerbread oatmeal, sprinkled pancakes and hot cocoa.
For a memorable splurge, post up in one of the three new Palace Holiday Suites (from $2,595 a night), spotlighting gorgeous seasonal decor, handmade ornaments and a Balsam Hill faux Christmas tree. From $600 per night.
Branch out
There’s plenty of merriment to be found in NYC’s lower parts. At the Conrad New York Downtown, we’re totally swooning for its Christmas Tree Forest, where, starting on Nov. 24, the lobby becomes a sylvan escape brimming with fully adorned Virginia spruce trees.
Guests will also find complimentary hot chocolate at ATRIO Barista Station, operating from Dec. 21 through Christmas Eve. To elevate 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 cameos in the lobby on Dec. 21 and 24 and kids can write letters to Santa and receive a parchment paper reply. From $518 per night.
Holiday spirit
The Regency Bar & Grill at Loews Regency New York may be home to the NYC power breakfast, but you should make it your mission to expand your horizons here for a wintry wonderland tryst.
First, venture to pop-up holiday shops from candlemaker Jo Malone London (Dec. 6-8) and fashion brands Reiss (Dec. 13-15) and Zadig & Voltaire (Dec. 20-22). Then, yes, you can mosey over to that treasured grill, swapping breakfast for seasonal cocktails.
Or, just set up shop in the lobby every Friday and Saturday in December, where complimentary Chandon champagne and hot cocoa will be served to guests. À votre santé, city slickers! From $599 per night.