One of the biggest attractions of winter is just the landscape itself. Pure white snow blanketing everything in sight, rime covered trees frozen in time and powdery slopes perfect for some skiing or sledding.
But, rather than running around all over the place, how about enjoying the views and vibes of winter right in your own hotel room?
Here are some of the best winter hotels worldwide to stay in, chosen for their superb winter facades, decor and views:
Icehotel, Sweden 🇸🇪
It may not be snow, but don’t give this one-of-a-kind ice hotel the cold shoulder just yet!
Sweden’s Icehotel started off in 1989 as an art gallery before being turned into a hotel, after guests decided to stay over at Yngve Bergqvist’s suggestion.
Every winter, the Torne River freezes over. Artisans from various backgrounds then start carving out an entire hotel from its frozen waters. When spring returns, the whole hotel melts back into the river itself. There’s always a new hotel with a completely different design every winter!
And Icehotel’s rooms aren’t just bare ice blocks, they’re fully furnished suites with whimsical decor, atmospheric lighting and of course, a solid ice bed!
Sweden’s not just for ice hotel stays though, as it’s a winter hotspot full of activities that take full advantage of the region’s heavy ice and snow like dogsledding.
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, Finland 🇫🇮
Want some festive cheer with your winter getaway? Then book a room at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle in Finland!
Bordering the Arctic Circle, these rooms have an open glass-paneled view of the Lappland sky, snow and forest.
By day, take a few moments to catch the fine snowfall gently blanketing your room and the surrounding arctic landscape.
By night, turn off the lights and look up, you might just catch the Northern Lights of the Aurora Borealis dancing in rainbow coloured hues right above your bed!
Of course, don’t forget to visit Santa’s workshop at the Santa Claus Village! Say your wishes to the jolly man himself, ride on reindeer sleighs or send a one-of-kind postcard back home.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, India 🇮🇳
When you stay at India’s Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa during winter, you can be sure that all is well!
Sitting 2700 metres above sea level, the hotel has grand views of the Himalayas, especially of the snowy Apharwat peak. During winter, the peak is home to winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling. There’s even a gondola if you want to take the scenic route up. Make sure to bring some of our recommended winter travel gear if you’re going around outdoors!
The hotel itself is also a testament to local Kashimiri heritage with intricate wood and stonework that aims to replicate the famed Kashmiri gardens and a paradise on Earth.
Museum Hotel Cappadocia, Turkey 🇹🇷
If you’re in Anatolia for the winter, you should consider a few nights at one of most charming luxury hotels in Turkey―the Museum Hotel Cappadocia.
Built from ancient ruins and caves once inhabited by the Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans, the hotel practices a “musuem” concept with much of the room layout and stone walls preserved alongside ancient antiques. The result is one of the most welcoming and chic stays in this historical region!
Once you’re done with the interior, gaze outside the windows and savor the panoramic view of the rock dwellings in Cappodocia, all thanks to the hotel’s spot on an excellent elevated vantage point.
In winter, the already charming sights transform into a wintery dreamland with snow topping the roofs below. And best of all, you get to sit back in a spectacular Roman infinity pool warmed to a pleasant 30-32°C while savoring the snow white sights.
Vila Planinka, Slovenia 🇸🇮
Slovenia isn’t usually on most travellers radar, but the Planinka Villa in the village of Jezersko has one of the prettiest looking stays during winter!
The snowy roofs of the villa paired with the warm wooden walls and lighting make it one of the most picturesque winter accommodations in Europe.
Once you’ve settled into the hotel, you can head out for some skiing, showshoeing and sledding in the area’s many fine slopes.
Related: A Time-Travelling Itinerary Through Turkey
Lake Placid Lodge, U.S. 🇺🇸
Even in the United States – a hotbed of Winter Olympics cities and winter sports – there are still many quiet and relaxing winter destinations, and Lake Placid Lodge is arguably one of the best!
Its romantic cabin facade looks out over the towering Adirondack Mountains and serene Lake Placid, one of the oldest winter vacation destinations in the US.
Meanwhile, the rooms are built in the same log cabin style, with cozy wooden interiors and even a fireplace. For outdoor activities, when the temperature’s just right, you can even skate and lounge atop the vast white sheet of the frozen lake!
Lake Placid and its surrounding towns also offer many more views and wintry adventures into valleys, mountains and rivers with ice flows. A strong contender for our list of the best winter towns around the world, were it not for the other beautiful entries!
Airelles Courchevel, France 🇫🇷
The Airelles Courchevel is an almost dreamlike castle standing tall in the Courchevel 1850, one of the most premium ski resorts in France.
Built in the Austro-Hungarian style, the imposing hotel hides a sumptuous palace-like interiors that are outfitted with classical decor and a wooden finish.
With almost six restaurants offering some of the finest in French cuisine under its roof, you’re almost tempted not to head out. Until you remember that the Courchevel 1850 has some of the largest and best ski slopes in the world! There’s also sledding and husky sled riding if you’re more adventurous!
Skye Niseko, Japan 🇯🇵
If you’re looking for a place in Japan with a jaw-dropping mountain view paired with easy access to ski slopes, then pick Skye Niseko for your next winter trip!
This hotel up north in Hokkaido offers deluxe penthouse views of Mount Yotei with elegant and minimalist modern interiors.
For ski heads, the Grand Hirafu Ski Resort lies just a stone’s throw away. Shred the slopes, come back in for a quick bite before heading back out for some snow sliding fun. When you’re done, you can even enjoy the hotel’s indoor onsen hot springs.
Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden, Germany 🇩🇪
Tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, the Kempinski hotel has stunning views of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the dense forests that surround it.
Thanks to its remote location, it has pristine alpine air that’s perfect for a nature retreat. The heavy winter snowfall around the area is also sure to please you snow lovers out there.
To complete the perfect winter getaway, there’s also saunas, a heated pool and spas to help you release your worries and take a brief respite from the chill.
If you’re looking for more winter sights, pair your stay in the Kempinski Hotel with a visit to Switzerland and and follow our winter guide to some of Zurich’s best views and activities!
Silicia Hotel, Iceland 🇮🇸
After trudging through all that snow, is there anything better than soaking in a hot bath?
Well how about soaking in a Silicia Hotel’s volcanic hot springs?
Built right in the middle of a volcanic landscape, the hotel seems to melt into the bright blue waters of the hot springs. The hotel is located 10 just minutes away from the massive Blue Lagoon hot springs facility, not to mention the smaller, private pools for guests.
Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon while you take in the breathtaking contrast between the cloudy winter skies, snow tipped volcanic ridges and the vibrant blue waters! Arguably one of the best non-Olympics sports activities you can do in Iceland.
So these are the prettiest places to stay during the cold winter months!
Still cool for more winter destinations? How about checking out The Best Countries on Each Continent to Experience a White Winter or some of the most charming Winter Towns Around the World?
