Los Angeles is a city that sparkles year-round, but it’s during the holiday season that its magic truly comes alive. In a town known for its vibrant cultural mix and stunning scenery, some hotels go all out to create a festive atmosphere, making them the perfect places to stay during the winter holidays.
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or simply looking for a unique holiday experience in your own city, these three festive Los Angeles hotels stand out for their incredible decorations, seasonal offerings, and holiday events.
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1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is one of LA’s most luxurious hotels, and during the holidays, it transforms into a true winter wonderland. This iconic hotel, known for its classic style and elegance, offers a holiday experience that’s both sophisticated and full of cheer. Located in Beverly Hills, the Peninsula provides a serene escape amidst the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, yet its seasonal décor and activities are designed to captivate visitors of all ages.
Holiday Décor and Ambiance
Starting in late November, The Peninsula Beverly Hills decks its halls in festive garlands, shimmering lights, and traditional holiday ornaments. A grand Christmas tree, resplendent with twinkling lights and vintage-inspired ornaments, graces the main lobby, making for a perfect photo spot and a wonderful welcome. The entire hotel is draped in holiday cheer, from the decorated lounges to the cozy fireplaces that provide a warm retreat for guests.
One of the hotel’s standout features is its rooftop garden. Although typically associated with sun-soaked poolside days, during the holiday season, the garden is transformed with holiday lights and heaters to create a cozy winter retreat. The rooftop also offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, creating a beautiful contrast of festive cheer and iconic Los Angeles beauty.
Seasonal Dining and Festivities
The Peninsula takes holiday dining to another level with its seasonal offerings. The hotel’s renowned restaurant, The Belvedere, offers a holiday menu inspired by classic festive dishes with a contemporary twist. Guests can enjoy Christmas brunch, Christmas Eve dinners, and even special New Year’s Eve celebrations, all of which include a selection of gourmet dishes crafted with the highest quality ingredients. A holiday tea service is also available, featuring seasonal teas, scones, finger sandwiches, and festive treats.
For those who enjoy holiday sweets, the Peninsula’s pastry team is known for its exceptional gingerbread houses. Each year, they create elaborate gingerbread displays, showcasing miniature winter villages complete with tiny train sets, festive characters, and intricate candy details. Guests, especially families, often look forward to these displays, which add a whimsical touch to the hotel’s holiday ambiance.
Exclusive Holiday Events and Experiences
The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers a variety of holiday-themed events, from cookie decorating for kids to Christmas caroling performances that echo through the halls. Families with young children can enjoy exclusive storytime events, where hotel staff dressed as holiday characters read classic Christmas tales by the fireplace. The Peninsula also offers a “Holiday Suite Experience,” where families can book a suite that’s fully decorated with a Christmas tree and festive decor, creating a home-away-from-home holiday feel.
For an extra touch of magic, the hotel also provides “Letters to Santa” stations throughout the property, where children can write letters that the hotel will “deliver” to the North Pole. This small but thoughtful touch ensures that guests of all ages are enchanted by the holiday spirit, making The Peninsula Beverly Hills a top destination for a festive holiday stay.
2. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Located in Santa Monica, The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is a seaside retreat that perfectly blends California charm with holiday splendor. This luxurious hotel is known for its stunning ocean views, and during the holiday season, it truly shines with a special atmosphere that combines coastal beauty and festive cheer.
Festive Decor and Warm Ambiance
The Fairmont Miramar celebrates the holidays with décor that is as elegant as it is festive. The lobby is adorned with a towering Christmas tree covered in ornaments that shimmer in the light, creating an impressive display that greets guests upon arrival. Seasonal garlands, festive lights, and unique holiday accents decorate the common areas, adding warmth and joy to the space. The hotel’s famous fig tree, which is over a century old and a landmark in Santa Monica, is also strung with lights, making it a glowing centerpiece that’s both beautiful and nostalgic.
Unlike the traditional winter wonderland theme, the Fairmont leans into its seaside location, incorporating coastal elements into its décor. Seashell ornaments, white and blue holiday lights, and beach-inspired holiday accents blend the magic of the season with the hotel’s signature style.
Seasonal Dining and Events
The Fairmont Miramar’s signature restaurant, FIG, offers a holiday dining experience that emphasizes seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy holiday-inspired menus that feature unique California twists on traditional festive dishes, including freshly caught seafood and farm-to-table vegetables. The restaurant also hosts holiday brunches and special dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, where guests can indulge in a selection of holiday cocktails, decadent desserts, and classic festive dishes with a California twist.
For a cozier setting, The Miramar’s Lobby Lounge serves hot chocolate, mulled wine, and seasonal pastries throughout December, creating an inviting space for guests to relax and unwind. In addition to regular holiday dining, the hotel offers private in-bungalow dining, where families can have their holiday meal served in the comfort of their own bungalow, complete with holiday decorations and even a mini tree.
Unique Holiday Events and Experiences
The Fairmont Miramar offers a variety of holiday activities and events, from wreath-making workshops to live holiday music in the lobby. Guests can participate in holiday-themed wellness sessions, including beachside yoga with a festive twist or a hot stone massage with holiday-scented oils.
A standout experience for families is the hotel’s “Santa at the Miramar” event, where children can meet Santa Claus and share their holiday wishes. This event is a highlight for families, offering plenty of photo opportunities and fun for kids of all ages. Additionally, the Fairmont offers “Holiday Beach Picnics,” where guests can reserve a spot on the beach for a private picnic experience, complete with blankets, lanterns, and a holiday-themed picnic basket filled with seasonal treats.
3. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
For those seeking a holiday experience that’s both glamorous and historic, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel offers a unique blend of Old Hollywood charm and festive decor. Located right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this hotel is an iconic Los Angeles landmark, and during the holiday season, it becomes a glitzy, festive retreat for guests from around the world.
Holiday Decor and Classic Ambiance
The Hollywood Roosevelt transforms its art deco-inspired lobby into a glamorous holiday scene each year, with lavish decorations that harken back to Hollywood’s golden age. Think gilded ornaments, crystal chandeliers adorned with holiday accents, and classic red and gold holiday colors that fill the space with warmth and sophistication. The hotel’s famous Tropicana Pool is also lit up with holiday lights, creating a festive and unique atmosphere that’s perfect for LA’s mild winter evenings.
The lobby boasts an elaborate Christmas tree and an array of vintage-inspired holiday décor, making it a top spot for photos. Guests can admire the historic architecture of the hotel while enjoying the holiday ambiance, which seamlessly combines old-school Hollywood glamour with modern holiday charm.
Seasonal Dining and Glamorous Experiences
The Hollywood Roosevelt’s restaurant, The Spare Room, offers a holiday menu featuring unique takes on classic seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy holiday cocktails inspired by famous Hollywood stars, alongside small plates and desserts that pay homage to the city’s rich history. The Spare Room also offers a “Holiday Afternoon Tea,” which features a selection of teas, holiday pastries, and finger sandwiches served in a glamorous, intimate setting.
For those looking for an immersive experience, The Roosevelt hosts a pop-up holiday bar known as “The Blossom Room,” which is inspired by Hollywood’s early 20th-century golden age. Decorated with vintage-inspired holiday decor, the bar offers themed cocktails, festive music, and a cozy, speakeasy-style atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated and fun holiday evening out.
Holiday Events and Unique Experiences
The Hollywood Roosevelt offers a series of events throughout December that are designed to capture the spirit of the season while highlighting the hotel’s historic allure. One of the most popular events is the “Old Hollywood Christmas,” where guests can attend screenings of classic holiday movies in the hotel’s historic movie theater. Watching films like It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas in a space that feels like stepping back in time is a memorable experience.
Another standout experience at The Hollywood Roosevelt is the annual “Silent Disco Holiday Party,” where guests can don wireless headphones and dance to holiday music around the pool area. This event adds a modern twist to the holiday season, combining music, dancing, and festive decorations for a unique celebration.
For families, the hotel also offers “Holiday Movie Nights” by the pool, where children can watch family-friendly holiday films under the stars, complete with popcorn, blankets, and hot chocolate.
Los Angeles may not have the snowy landscapes typically associated with the holiday season, but these three hotels prove that the city’s holiday spirit is as vibrant and festive as any winter wonderland.
From the luxurious elegance of The Peninsula Beverly Hills to the coastal charm of The Fairmont Miramar and the vintage Hollywood flair of The Hollywood Roosevelt, each of these hotels provides a unique holiday experience that blends seasonal traditions with the distinct character of Los Angeles. So, whether you’re planning a family getaway
