Winter Warmers: Cozy Accommodations for a Winter Stay
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is fast approaching and the temperatures are dropping, which often inspires many travelers to contemplate where to go for a cozy winter getaway. While some may want to escape to warmer climes, many want to make the most of the incoming cold weather and visit destinations renowned for their low temperatures instead. In fact, our research reveals that almost half (44%)* of global travelers want to stay in an accommodation in the snow. As finding that perfect cozy stay for a snowy retreat is essential, we invite you to swap the sunscreen for a pair of boots and enjoy a wonderfully cozy winter getaway in one of these seven hand-picked destinations.
Nelson, Canada
If you're looking for a small town with a big city feel, consider heading to Nelson, nestled among the Selkirk Mountains in western Canada. If extreme winter sports are on your vacay agenda, the Whitewater Ski Resort is just a short drive away from Nelson - or if you prefer something a bit more chill, the icy views at Lakeside Park are even closer to home. The Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History enables visitors to explore the city’s history and culture, and is also perfect for warming up inside for a few hours. For foodies and shopaholics, Baker Street is a go-to for warm winter bread, desserts and delicacies, as well plenty of other unique, local shops.
Where to stay: At the picturesque Sunshine Bay Guesthouse, you'll feel like you're starring in your very own Christmas movie, surrounded by snow-covered trees and rustic decor. To fully immerse yourself in all the cozy wintry feels, you can warm yourself up at the nearby Ainsworth Hotsprings, commune around the outdoor fire pit or simply snuggle up inside with your wintry beverage of choice.
Midhurst, England
Midhurst is a stunning and quaint market town in West Sussex where travelers can take a short break to enjoy English winter at its finest. Make the most of a long scenic walk through town by stepping into the local shops to rummage around for antiques or to simply sample some scrumptious cakes and ale. The perfect place for a cozy and charming winter getaway, Midhurst is buzzing with local events during the winter months, including a Christmas market, a tree decorating event and even a winter street party.
Where to stay: Located outside the small market town of Midhurst, the luxurious Cowdray Lodge is surrounded by fields and woodland giving it a truly idyllic feel. After heading intot town to enjoy the frosty scenery and do a bit of shopping, you can cozy up in the large comfy beds or read a book in one of the relaxing armchairs by the fire.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Aspen, a ski resort town located in Colorado’s breathtaking Rocky Mountains, has a lot more to offer than what may initially meet the eye. Travelers can partake in year-round activities such as snowshoeing (a form of hiking in the snow or ice skating). Or, on warmer winter days, travelers can head to the skies in a hot air balloon or paraglider. For culture lovers, the Wheeler Opera House has an abundance of history to explore, and those travelers hoping to relax with some luxury retail therapy can also visit the high-end restaurants and various boutiques.
Where to stay: The Snow Queen Lodge and Cooper Street Lofts is located in central Aspen and is a short distance to all amenities such as the ski lifts, restaurants and shopping boutiques. This Victorian hotel feels like just like the perfect cozy accommodation as guests can cozy up of the sofas in the common room near the wood burning fireplace, while drinking hot drinks. Those looking to take off the winter chill can also relax in the hotel’s outdoor hot tub.
Pont-de-Barret, France
Pont-de-Barret is a pleasant village, perfect for a wholesome winter getaway. The cobbled streets are filled with history and lined with historic houses. Visitors can explore the village with a picturesque stroll and head to Notre-Dame la Brune (a former priory church) in under an hour. Notre-Dame la Brune houses a large amount of architectural ruins and provides beautiful views towards the West and South of the village. For travelers who want to enjoy more quality time with friends and family, this sleepy village is the perfect destination.
Where to stay: Les Beaux Chenes is a recently renovated traditional stone built farmhouse, in a secluded location. This country house is set on four hectares of private oak woodland, with views of both the countryside and mountains. Guests can enjoy their winter vacation indoors or outdoors as the village is located a short distance away, perfect for travelers seeking both an active and relaxing type of vacation.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a village on Lake Hallstatt's western shores and features 16th-Century Alpine houses and alleyways which are home to a variety of cafes and shops. Lake Hallstatt (Hallstätter See) is a lake famous for its salt mining and features one of the world's oldest and still working industrial pipes. In the winter months, visitors can head to Treppe ins Nichts, a high-altitude observation deck where travelers can see the stunning white views of the surrounding alps. The deck also features a glass floor to take in the scenery below and get the adrenaline going! This destination is also fantastic for travelers seeking winter sports as there are many activities to choose from.
Where to stay: Family Hideaway is a spacious apartment is in an authentic Hallstatt style that has been furnished with a modern twist, featuring a new bathroom and kitchenette. Located a short distance from Lake Hallstatt and the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage town, Hallstatt, guests can stay cozied up in bed for longer in the mornings without feeling the guilt of missing the day ahead. For guests seeking winter activities, a free ski bus stop is also located a short distance away.
Harbin, China
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang is home to Yabuli Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in China. At the Yabuli Ski Resort, travelers can feel the adrenaline rush at the country’s largest ski jumping facility. Travelers will never be short of things to do as this city offers an array of activities during the winter months. Winter enthusiasts should consider heading to Bingxue Big World, Harbin’s Ice and Snow World where craftspeople from across the globe create an ice fairy-tale using locally sourced resources as well as other entertainment opportunities for all to enjoy such as the Ultimate Flying Ball Dynamic 6D theater. For travelers seeking a brrrilliant experience, across the river, Sun Island Park offers year-round ice sculptures, so winter-lovers can experience their favorite season year-round.
Where to stay: Harbin Longmen Capsule Hostel which, just like the city itself, offers visitors the feeling of a winter wonderland. Guests can get cozy whilst making new friends, as they enjoy an entertainment system in the lounge, or even snuggle up with a book in their very own private space in the capsule pod.
Shimla, India
Shimla, located in the Himalayan foothills, is surrounded by mountainous views and has a reputation for its snowy winters. Travelers here can hang up their summer hats and pull on warmer ones as they head to Shimla to escape the scorching heat of other Indian regions in the winter months. In Shimla, travelers can take to the ice at the open-air ice-skating rink or celebrate the start of winter at the towns winter carnival hosted every year in Shimla. For travelers seeking a winter getaway at a slower pace, hike into the mountains to the Kalka Shimla Toy Train ride for a great opportunity to wrap up warm and take in Shimla’s views.
Where to stay: Resort, Woodays Resort, offers a modern twist on the conventional cozy accommodation. Guests can feel the warmth during the winter months with a Buffet & à la carte available on site before heading on their long journey into the mountains for their day of winter activities or for guests who are seeking the panoramic views from the comfort of the train ride.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 21,500 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 10 and 30 August 2018.