Five Hotel & Resort Ideas For A Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway

Thanksgiving doesn’t always have to mean cooking all day and facing a sink full of dishes afterward. Sometimes, a change of scenery and a meal prepared by someone else sound pretty wonderful!

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a couples’ getaway, or a gathering with grown children, a hotel stay can offer a different way to enjoy the holiday together. These five luxury hotels and resorts offer settings ranging from a Georgia island to the mountains of Montana.

Holiday menus, activities, and packages change from year to year, so check directly with each property before making reservations.

1. The Grand Del Mar – San Diego, California

If your idea of a Thanksgiving getaway includes time outdoors and a little pampering, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is worth exploring. Set beside Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, the resort offers pools, a spa, golf, and outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Its setting could appeal to travelers who want room to unwind between outings. Explore Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

For a Thanksgiving stay, check the current dining options before booking. Ask whether a holiday meal requires a separate reservation and whether there are children’s menus or accommodations for dietary needs. Planning the meal ahead of time can help make the day feel more relaxed.

2. The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Broadmoor is an option for travelers who enjoy a large resort with several dining and activity choices. Its Colorado Springs setting makes it an appealing starting point for a holiday that combines time at the resort with exploring the surrounding area. Explore The Broadmoor.

Food is a big part of many Thanksgiving plans, and the resort currently lists a Thanksgiving brunch on its official events calendar. Check the Thanksgiving brunch page for the applicable date, reservation information, and details before planning your stay around it.

If you’re traveling with children, review the activities available during your visit, including any age requirements and additional costs.

3. The Cloister – Sea Island, Georgia

For a coastal Thanksgiving getaway, consider The Cloister at Sea Island. The property offers rooms and suites in a setting surrounded by waterways and marshes, with access to a private beach. Sea Island also lists children’s activities, tennis, a nature center, and spa facilities, giving families several ways to spend time together or enjoy their own interests. Explore The Cloister.

Rather than filling every hour, you might leave room for a beach walk, a leisurely meal, or simply enjoying the surroundings. Before booking, review the current holiday calendar and ask which activities and dining experiences require advance reservations.

4. Triple Creek Ranch – Darby, Montana

If a cabin in the mountains sounds like your kind of holiday, Triple Creek Ranch offers a different setting from the larger resorts on this list. Located in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, the property features private cabins and ranch homes, dining, and outdoor experiences.

Triple Creek Ranch describes itself as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, making it a choice to explore for a couples’ trip or a gathering without young children. Some experiences carry additional charges, so review the package details when comparing costs. Explore Triple Creek Ranch.

For a Thanksgiving visit, ask about the holiday menu and which activities are available at that time of year. Choose it for the mountain setting and the experience you want, rather than counting on a particular seasonal event.

5. Mandarin Oriental – New York, New York

For travelers who prefer a city getaway, Mandarin Oriental, New York is located at Columbus Circle beside Central Park. Its location puts you near shopping, dining, and entertainment, while the hotel’s MO Lounge offers views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Explore Mandarin Oriental, New York.

If watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the main reason for your trip, speak directly with the hotel before choosing a room. Ask whether it offers a confirmed parade-view room or viewing experience for your dates, and exactly what you would be able to see. A room described as having a park view shouldn’t be taken as a promise of a parade view.

Before You Book Your Thanksgiving Getaway

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, ask a few questions:

Is Thanksgiving dining included in the room package or booked separately?
Are there activities suited to everyone in your group?
What additional fees should you include in your budget?
Is there a minimum stay, and what is the cancellation policy?

A Thanksgiving trip can be a chance to try something different while keeping the parts of the holiday you enjoy most. Whether that means a special meal, outdoor adventures, or a quiet afternoon together, choose the setting that fits the way you want to celebrate.