Fueled by good food and drink, festive parties are an end-of-year staple, giving friends and colleagues a chance to get together and celebrate the joy of the season. Sure, you can hold them anywhere, but the right venue can elevate a holiday gathering to a whole new level, transforming it into a memorable experience that just may become an annual tradition.
Here are six great hotel venues that offer well-appointed spaces, beautiful decorations and so much holiday cheer, they’re worthy of a toast themselves. Cheers!
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Stay Cozy in Utah
If the holiday party of your dreams includes a winter wonderland setting, Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection will bring your vision to dazzling life. Tucked into northern Utah’s mountains — with easy access to the area’s epic ski slopes — the property’s intimate setting offers luxe, ski lodge vibes.
Whether you’re hosting a handful of folks, or planning a sprawling celebration, the hotel’s nine event spaces welcome groups of all sizes. And after the holiday party wraps up, your gang can shift into adventure mode — taking advantage of Park City’s outdoor activities, or exploring its charming downtown, which is draped in twinkling lights during the holiday season.
Go Big in Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including holiday celebrations! Starting each November, the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at the Marriott Marquis Houston is transformed into a winter wonderland thanks to the Texas Winter Lights experience.
This annual event offers an interactive experience that lets guests take a dip in the infinity pool or the world’s largest Texas-shaped rooftop lazy river — which is heated to a cozy 80 degrees — or just take advantage of Instagrammable light activations like a light-up stallion and adult playground.
With its urban resort setting, your holiday gathering will become a highly coveted destination party, but the only flights you’ll have to arrange involve beer.
Find a Fairy-Tale Holiday Wonderland in San Francisco
A San Francisco icon, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square has been the place to celebrate the holidays for more than a century. Every year, the property seems to outdo itself, offering everything from Breakfast with Santa to a Dollie & Me Tea to POP! Champagne Lounge.
The only hotel directly located on Union Square — home to a seasonal skating rink and giant Christmas tree — The Westin St. Francis is truly magical in November and December when the Landmark Lobby takes on a fairy-tale-like quality.
Gather your friends to savor the hotel’s traditional Holiday Tea, a taste of the annual sugar castle or a treat from the irresistible Sweet Boutique. Indulge and remember that calories don’t count during the holidays.
Plan a ‘Capital’ Celebration in D.C.
Head to the nation’s capital for a holiday celebration fit for A-listers. Birth of the American Flag — a lighted, 55-foot sculpture by renowned Baltimore-based sculptor Rodney Carroll — takes the place of honor in the breathtaking white marble Atrium of the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC where, during the holiday season, it’s joined by an eight-story Christmas tree and a delightful gingerbread-house display.
Decorated to the nines, the expansive open lobby offers lots of options for catching up with friends and colleagues in small or large groups while indulging in cocktails and bites from one of D.C.’s hottest hangouts, the Dignitary.
Towering above it all is a stunning rooftop terrace boasting panoramic views. In a city filled with real-life dignitaries, you never know what famous faces you’ll see from this vantage point.
Make Memories in Music City
There’s a lot to sing about at JW Marriott Nashville, the first luxury hotel near the Gulch, one of Music City’s trendiest neighborhoods. On the 34th floor, Bourbon Steak by Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina turns any meal into a party and will make every guest feel special.
With views as spectacular as the food, the restaurant extends into the Bourbon Sky Lounge, where you’ll feel like you’re floating on air.
In previous holiday seasons, the hotel established a Whiskey Wonderland pop-up, featuring the world’s first life-sized whiskey distillery, which doubles as an elevated lobby bar. Now that’s something to raise a glass to!
Mix Things Up in Toronto
Ready to mix things up a little? 43 Down is one of Toronto’s hottest mixology lounges and, as its name playfully implies, it’s located in the lobby of the iconic, 43-story Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel and is available to book for private dining and parties.
Intimate and sophisticated, it’s a place to celebrate the holidays with your favorite people. Whether you choose shareable plates to accompany specialty cocktails and sparkling wine or opt for a sit-down dinner of locally inspired dishes, you’ll end the year full of good tidings.
Holidays always bring a certain amount of cheer, and a party is the best way to celebrate. Gather everyone — big or small, Marriott Bonvoy Events™ has flexible event venues to fit any size group. Start planning your holiday party at one of our 30 hotel brands.
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