When it comes to inspiring Autumnal getaways, nothing tops a trip to the East Coast of the United States for gorgeous views of Fall foliage. From waking up on brisk mornings, coffee mug in hand, while peering out your window to watch the vibrant colored leaves glisten in the sun to taking a leisurely stroll through the woods toward a serene lake just before sunset, one of the best times of the year to explore the East Coast is during Fall. To inspire your next vacation, here are 5 of the coziest luxury hotels for viewing Fall foliage.
Tucked away in the High Peaks of Lake Placid, New York, the award-winning all-suite Whiteface Lodge is a foliage getaway spot bursting with rustic elegance. In the fall, its woodland setting five hours from NYC by car is a sight for sore eyes, with vibrant hues trimming trees for miles. With warm, homemade cookies at turndown, a top-notch spa, and exquisite restaurants, the Lodge is the ultimate escape year round, but especially when the surrounding leaves begin changing colors. Also included in a visit are accommodations in a king suite with hand-crafted Adirondack furnishings, cozy cast-iron gas fireplaces, a private balcony, and access to all resort amenities and activities, many of which are complimentary.
For gorgeous fall foliage, another great place to head to is Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Here you’ll find The Kimpton Cardinal hotel, located in the historic R.J. Reynolds headquarters, which is the architectural muse for the Empire State Building. And from the top of the hotel (20th floor), visitors can view stunning fall color and mountain ranges in the area. North Carolina’s first Kimpton property, the 174-room Cardinal hotel introduces a new element of Southern sophistication and social elegance to downtown Winston-Salem. The Cardinal features stunning Art Deco details and maintains the luxury and charm of the historic architecture. The Cardinal is just steps from the Downtown Arts District, Southern cuisine and craft breweries and distilleries. The hotel also houses an expansive fitness center and Rec Room, which features a basketball court, bowling alley, and even a twisty slide.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia’s horse and wine country, just 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., the luxurious Salamander Resort & Spa offers 340 acres of picturesque views where visitors can see beautiful fall foliage. Explore the resort’s forest by foot with guided nature hikes, or elevate the adventure by traversing the exhilarating 20 acre zip lining course for a bird’s eye view of historic Virginia’s countryside. Afternoons are spent picking apples at a nearby third generation-owned family farm or with customized picnic baskets prepared by the culinary team at Market Salamander pair perfectly with a horseback or Shinola bicycle rental. In the evenings, come back in time for sunset to lounge in the lawn’s Adirondack chairs and enjoy s’mores around the fire pit.
Surrounded by stunning forest views, Castle Hotel & Spa is perched majestically atop one of the highest points in the region overlooking the historic Hudson River in the lower Hudson Valley of Westchester County, NY. The award-winning estate is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Historic Hotels of America and sits on ten tranquil wooded acres that provide a respite of refinement and luxury with Old-World elegance. Castle Hotel & Spa features 31 traditionally appointed guest rooms and suites, 4,100 square feet of meeting and event space, 24-hour health and fitness center, whirlpool, landscaped jogging paths, and a spectacular outdoor seasonal swimming pool. The renowned Equus restaurant has received Four Diamonds from AAA, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award in 2015, and was rated “Excellent” by the New York Times, and given a Five-Star Diamond Award from The Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Castle Hotel & Spa is also home to the luxurious Sankara Spa. Whether you’re enjoying fine dining, spa treatments, or exploring the nearby area, this beautiful property makes for a cozy Autumn getaway.
Recently named to Travel + Leisure’s Top 5 Hotels in D.C. in their 2018 World’s Best Awards and was the #8 Hotel in the U.S. and #2 Hotel in D.C. in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards in 2017, Melrose Georgetown Hotel is a notable hotel that presents distinct service, creative culinary in a sleek ambiance. Located at the Southeast point of Georgetown, the hotel is an art-deco inspired Washington D.C. boutique hotel. Presenting a chic welcoming space, spacious guest rooms, a luxury lobby library and signature farm-to-fork Jardenea restaurant and bar, Melrose offers a glimpse of luxury in an ideal location to experience all the district has to offer. Currently, Melrose has a family fall foliage package that includes maps to nearby areas to see the leaves change. Not to mention – the hotel’s lounge has a fabulous, seasonal pumpkin spice martini that pairs nicely after a day of seeing gorgeous fall colors. Talk about an idyllic Autumnal vacation.
For more inspiring vacation ideas, check out the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Header image via Pixabay. Article images c/o featured properties.]
