Stress-Free Thanksgiving Trips
It may be one of the most stressful holidays to plan but Thanksgiving doesn't always have to be a hair-pulling, aspirin-popping affair. Several hotels and resorts around the US make the long turkey weekend completely streamlined and easy, so you can actually sit back and enjoy the holiday with the rest of your family. We rounded up our favorite Thanksgiving packages where you don't have to lift a finger. Best of all: There's no mess in the kitchen!
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
St. Regis Aspen Resort
Aspen, Colorado
A skiing adventure is great for the whole family, and St. Regis Aspen Resort makes the holiday unforgettable with butler service, myriad amenities and terrific slopes nearby. Best of all, the Ski World Cup happens to take place over the same weekend, so guests will have a room with a perfect view of the race.This year will bring the hotel's inaugural Thanksgiving tree-lighting ceremony. The festivities will also include welcoming in the holiday season with carolers, hot chocolate, cooking decoration stations for kids and fireworks. For 3 nights (starting Thursday, Nov. 22), the hotel is offering a package for two in a premium-room category, Thanksgiving dinner at Chefs Club by FOOD & WINE and spa treatment for two. The package price is $1904 (the year the resort was built!).
Holger Obenaus
French Quarter Inn
Charleston, South Carolina
Take the family to the French Quarter Inn in Charleston, SC, for a memorable Thanksgiving vacation with plenty of food around the clock. The package includes accommodations for 2 nights, champagne and ladyfingers at check-in, afternoon wine and cheese with apple cider and hot chocolate in the evening, continental in-room breakfast and a 3-course menu at the AAA Four-Diamond Tristan restaurant. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles (to help work off the turkey!) and up to 2 kids stay free. Rates start at $374 per night, based on double occupancy.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Symphony Cruise
California and Mexico
Want to spend Thanksgiving at sea? Jump aboard Crystal Cruises' Symphony for the Pacific Holiday Cruise and leave all the holiday drama back home. Embarking in Los Angeles, Nov. 18-25, the cruise hits ports of calls in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Ensenada, Mexico and San Diego, and includes a full-on, multi-course Thanksgiving dinner served in the Crystal Dining Room. Don’t forget the myriad activities offered on a cruise ship. Best of all, there are no international flights or extensive planning -- it’s hassle-free at its best. All-inclusive, cruise-only fares start at $2,660 per person.
Fifteen Beacon
XV Beacon Hotel
Boston
At the well-appointed landmark XV Beacon hotel in Boston, guests can give back to the community. Ten percent of the room rate is donated to the Greater Boston Food Bank, so everyone eats this Thanksgiving. The “ThanksforGiving” package includes complimentary airport transfer, a welcome amenity and $100 food and beverage credit, which makes Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant Mooo (a $75 set menu) free, with $25 remaining. Package starts at $895 for a 2-night minimum stay. While in Boston, take a day trip to Plimoth Plantation, home to what history marks as the first Thanksgiving.
The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier
White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia
This National Historic landmark from 1778 is a fine example of a classic American resort, and Thanksgiving is one of the resort’s favorite holidays. The 710-room property -- spanning a whopping 6,750 acres -- hosts scavenger hunts, afternoon tea, fashion shows and even a gala dinner party and dance for the holiday. It’s a perfect stay for any age group. Thanks to chef Richard Rosendale, the winner of the 2012 Bocuse d'Or USA championship, guests can be assured a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Rates are $400 per night, Nov. 21- 25, with a 2-night minimum stay required.
Washington School House
Washington School House
Park City, Utah
Have a big family? Take over an entire hotel. Washington School House, an 1880s-era school transformed into a boutique hotel, is offering their entire property for the holiday (up to 24 guests). Guests take over the 12 rooms for 3 nights. The package also includes 2 round-trip transfers from Salt Lake City airport (10 people maximum, per ride), a hearty mountain breakfast each day, afternoon apres ski fare with a daily cocktail hour,Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade showing in the ski lounge, access to 4 VIP Fast Tracks ski passes to Park City Mountain Resort and, of course, a family-style Thanksgiving dinner. The package is $29,500 -- while that may sound like a lot, that’s about $1,230 each in a group of 24.
As usual call in advance to verify rates. Prices quoted here are current as of October 2012.
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