Interested in celebrating the holiday season in a place that takes the utmost care in creating and enjoying the holiday spirit? What about seeing beautiful Christmas displays or Christmas trees with exquisite family decorations? Or eating delicious food from Christmas banquets prepared with holiday cheer? If so, the Dolder Grand in Zurich (Switzerland), Coronado in San Diego (USA) and the Plaza Athéneé in Paris (France) are the places for you!
Winter landscape at the Hotel Dolder Grand, Switzerland. Photo: www.thedodlergrand.com
Hotel Dolder Grand, Zurich (Switzerland): Offers guests a luxury holiday season experience centered on sophisticated cuisine, art and its pristine spa
The Dolder Grand in Zurich, one of the most exclusive accommodations in Europe, has been the emblem of Swiss hospitality since 1899. A complete renovation in 2008 created a new urban complex with exquisite cuisine, a unique art collection and an outstanding spa.
Christmas Lobby at The Dolder Grand, Switzerland. Photo: www.thedodlergrand.com
During the Christmas and holiday season, the Dolder Grand pulls out all the stops and elegantly decorates the interior and exterior of the hotel with an array of festive decorations fit for the holidays. As guests travel further into the hotel, mouth-watering smells waft from its industrial grade kitchens as haute cuisine is prepared by chef Heiko Nieder, who was recently named as the best chef for 2019 by the prestigious French gastronomic guide Gault Millau. Nieder is also one of the most decorated chefs in Switzerland.
During the Christmas holidays, the hotel offers a brunch-buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., which includes a classic breakfast, starters, antipasti, a variety of hot meals, a generous buffet breakfast and wonderful views of Zurich.
English style tea at the Hotel Dodler Grand, Switzerland. Photo: www.thedodlergrand.com
In addition, from November 3, 2018 to February 24, 2019, Hotel Dolder boasts a genuinely English afternoon tea in the lobby or bar. However, the best of gastronomy will happen during December 24 to 26 thanks to master chef Heiko Nieder, who will surprise diners at The Restaurant and at Saltz Restaurant with exclusive five to eight course dinners.
Children at the Hotel Dodler Grand, Switzerland. Photo: www.thedodlergrand.com
Apart from the delectable cuisine, pianist Gabriel E. Arnold will transport you to a world lit up by the northern lights during his The Polar Tour concert, which showcases northern Europe covered in ice and snow on a big screen as he plays beautiful piano compositions. The multi-media concert will take place on Sundays (December 9, 16 and 23, 2018).
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego (USA): A luxury family holiday retreat
Hotel del Coronado, one of the most well-known 5-star resorts in the United States will celebrate its 130th anniversary this year. The hotel, which is located next to the sea, highlights a relaxed mentality and timeless elegance, allowing guests to sit back, relax and enjoy a unique luxury experience.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, United States. Photo: www.hoteldel.com
This California Jewel, which has captivated travelers from all over the world since 1888 with its luxury beachfront accommodations and elegant evenings, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and has been regularly frequented by Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and British royalty. As a result of its extensive history it has become one of the most iconic hotels in the United States to celebrate the holidays as a family.
On December 24, 25 and January 1, hotel guests can enjoy a fabulous buffet in the Crown Room or in its lounge overlooking the sea. In addition, children can visit St. Nick during the brunch, which will be held every Sunday in December.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, United States. Photo: www.hoteldel.com
On December 22 the hotel will host its “Special Polar Bear Tea,” a Victorian-style tea with canapés and sweets accompanied by Christmas music and a visit by Mrs. Claus, who will tell stories to the children and give out gifts.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, United States. Photo: www.hoteldel.com
During the holidays, the large ice-skating rink that is installed next to the Pacific Ocean will delight young and old alike. On December 28, from 4 to 8 pm, “Skating by the Sea” will take place, featuring professional skating demonstrations and a spectacular fireworks display.
So don’t miss out! Check out the Hotel del Coronado this Christmas and holiday season and experience the best of what San Diego has to offer.
Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris (France): A Holiday Getaway for Fashionistas and Lovers of Haute Couture
The Hotel Plaza Athénée is far from being common or regular. Located in Paris along the famous Montaigne avenue, a tree-lined boulevard of French fashion with views of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, this holiday season getaway is a one in a lifetime experience that is sure to impress guests at every level.
Entrance of the Plaza Athénée in Paris, France. Photo: Plaza Athéneé
The Plaza Athéneé, which opened its doors in 1913, has become one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, attracting celebrities and tourists from around the world. During the holiday season, guests flock to this luxurious Parisian getaway during Christmas and the holiday season to not only experience the holidays, but to shop at some of the most luxurious and exclusive stores in the world.
Lobby Plaza Athénée in Paris, France. Photo: Plaza Athéneé
During the holiday season, the Hotel Plaza Athénée, joins the fight against cancer with its 23rd edition of “Designer Christmas Trees,” a unique exhibition of Christmas trees created by some of the greatest names in fashion, design and architecture.
The trees will be sold to collect funds, which will be put towards advancing cancer research. In addition, young customers ranging from 4 to 12 years old will be invited to skate and snowboard in the garden on a track that is installed by the hotel after Thanksgiving.
Ice skating rink, Plaza Athénée, Paris, France. Photo: Plaza Athéneé
During the holidays, the hotel lobby displays an array of decorations starting December 14, which are managed and overseen by the hotel’s florists. However, if there is one thing that stands out at the Plaza Athénée during the holidays, it is its sophisticated French cuisine. In the restaurant Relais Plaza, famous chef Alain Ducasse, a three-star Michelin chef, shows his ingenuity with festive menus created specifically for Christmas eve and New Years.
Christmas dessert by Studio des Fleurs. Photo: Plaza Athéneé
Not to be outdone by chef Ducasse’s French cuisine, dessert is a must at the Plaza Athénée as pastry chef Alexandre Dufeu and Angelo Musa, winner of the World Pastry Cup and of the Best Craftsman of France, whip up delectable delicacies. Together they have created a dessert fit for the holidays with: a 100% gourmet forest to share, with fir trees covered in snow, in a variety of shapes, each combining flavors and textures in a celebration of vanilla, white chocolate and dark chocolate with crystallized dry fruits. ■
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