As the temperatures drop, warm and fuzzy feelings rise with the bonus of cold weather luxuries like hot chocolate with marshmallows, flannel pajamas, and long movies next to the relaxing roar of a fireplace.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a hearth in their house, but for a winter hotel stay, it’s the must-have amenity. Creating an ambiance of intimacy and romance, the crackle of the fire at these cozy hotels with in-room fireplaces is sure to diminish any winter doldrums.
As the blustering winds howl across Cape Cod, the warm glow of the Captain’s House Inn beckons in guests on a cold winter night. The house was built by Captain Hiram Hardin back in 1839 as an amorous gesture for his wife Lydia and has since withstood the cold of many northeastern winters.
Each of its guest rooms is furnished with a private fireplace, charming antiques, and period details, creating the perfect setting for tender moments between lovers. Guests are also treated to traditional afternoon cream tea with cakes, scones, and pastries– the maple walnut scones are mouthwatering– as well as a full gourmet breakfast.
Don’t wait for the mood to strike — create the mood with a lover’s retreat to the Lake Opechee Inn and Spa. While inclement winter weather can often ruin the spontaneity of romantic plans, embrace being trapped indoors by donning nothing but the linens topping the king-sized feather bed. A romp in front of the in-room fireplace will send your endorphins into overdrive. Plus, with any wayward sounds muffled by the blanket of snow, there is no need to be shy.
Enjoy being snowed in (or at least pretending to be) until checkout with both a spa and surf and turf restaurant operating conveniently onsite.
There is something so cinematic about a couple getting trapped indoors by bad weather with nothing to do but enjoy each other’s company–it’s a rom-com waiting to happen. Setting the stage for your rendition is Boston’s boutique hotel XV Beacon.
Come in from a stroll around the cobblestoned streets to a private fireplace and settle in for the evening as temperatures drop outside. Slip into something less concealing but get the bathrobe ready by the door for when room service knocks with à la carte steaks and finger-lickin’ delicious truffle parmesan fries.
The guest room bar comes well stocked, so pour a drink and cut a little loose in front of the fire to 80s hits over the surround sound music system. Room service breakfast can be enjoyed in bed and you can end your lavish weekend with a couple’s in-room fireside massage.
Wintertime is ideal for a second honeymoon when the peace of seclusion affords you a rare opportunity to reconnect. Awaiting in the heart of romantic Savannah is The Gastonian. As charming as a southern drawl, the inn’s architectural character inspires romance. Clawfoot tubs and fireplaces decorate many of the rooms while others enjoy modern whirlpool tubs.
You’ll be spoiled during your stay with a long and leisurely gourmet breakfast, afternoon wine and hors-d’oeuvres, and evening desserts and cordials, all provided on the house.
Winter and marriage proposals go hand in hand, and if you’ve been considering where and when to pop the question, Gramercy Mansion could be your answer. The ornate English Tudor manor hosts hundreds of proposals and weddings every year. Details like two person jacuzzis, underfloor bathroom heating and the roar of the fire set up the perfect romantic ambiance, leaving you only to decide on the right moment to ask. If you need to get a little air to calm the nerves, the woodland trails surrounding the property are a lovely winter stroll.
Breakfasts are not only lavish but also prepared directly from the oldest certified organic farm in Maryland, conveniently located right on the property.
Every single room at the Lake Placid Lodge is turned towards its eponymous lake in salute of the natural beauty. The frigid temperatures and cutting winds of winter mean the view is best enjoyed pressed against the inside window pane and warmed by the private fireplace in each room at the lodge.
If you desire a bit more space to spread out, spacious cabins come equipped with two fireplaces, which are prepared daily by staff, so that lighting a fire is as quick as striking a match. The time normally spent on clean and prep can be spent scrubbing down with the loofah in the deep tub, one of many decadent amenities.
As life throws its relentless curveballs, press pause and retreat to the cozy ambiance of Salish Lodge. Each guest room at the lodge has a private fireplace, an important aspect of hygge, the Danish concept of winterly feelings of cozy conviviality. Furthermore, huge two-person jetted tubs, cloud-like beds, an award-winning spa onsite and magnificent views over the frozen Snoqualmie Falls from almost every window makes for a memorable romantic escape.
If the Salish Lodge seems oddly familiar, you might recognize it from cult TV series Twin Peaks, and if you have yet to watch it, a winter weekend at the lodge might be the perfect opportunity to dive into the engrossing series.
The Southwest might not be a top of mind ski destination but 300 inches of snow a year bless the region around sunny Santa Fe. End a long day on the Sangre de Cristo Mountain slopes with a lazy evening in front of a traditional kiva fireplace at Las Palomas Inn. The rustic rooms feature local artworks and bespoke furniture and many are pet-friendly — after all, what dog doesn’t love a snooze in front of the fire. Pups also receive treats and toys to enjoy for their stay.
The complimentary breakfast features made-to-order Belgian waffles and omelets as well as staples like muffins and cereals. If you get hungry between meal times, there’s always a plate of gooey and delicious chocolate chip cookies waiting in the lobby to stave off hunger pangs.
A remarkable hotel view isn’t diminished by winter weather but rather shows a different aspect of its beauty. The Heritage House Resort luckily has such a vista over a wide stretch of the Pacific ocean.
Slow down your day by sitting beside the fire watching the chilling fog roll in and out over the rough coastline. You’ll often still get clear nights worth braving the cold to stargaze outside.
The onsite 5200 Restaurant is a sophisticated French-take on American classics, mostly locally sourced. Plus from the window, you’ll often see pods of visiting whales while you dine.
Cozy winter nights aren’t just for romance but also are a great time to bond with your family. Spend your day beachcombing and strolling the Pacific Northwest coastline and your night playing board games in front of the fireplace at the Inn at Nye Beach. Other family-friendly amenities include a free continental breakfast, cookies in the lobby and a generously sized family room with bunk beds for the kids.
Once the little ones have been put to bed, you can sneak out for a soak in the infinity hot tub. Nothing beats relaxing in the warmth while the stars illuminate the majestic ocean view ahead of you.
Grand Teton National Park is even more magical under the cover of snow. Once your frozen toes and Rudolph-red noses force you to seek cover inside, hosts Amy and Casey await with a fire lit at the Inn on the Creek and an array of tempting baked goods. Marrying the soothing ambiance of the fireplace with the full body relaxation of a jacuzzi, these two winter amenities are a wonderful way to finish off a day exploring Grand Teton.