Madrid and London are the top two cities for Spaniards looking to spend the Christmas away.
Christmas is one of the most special times of the year to travel, and we now know the most popular cities to visit during the holiday season in 2019. Here, Lookout Pro brings you the latest data from Hoteles.com on the most sought after destinations at this time of year. Madrid, followed by London, are the two top cities. New York, Paris and Amsterdam complete the top 5, while Seville, Barcelona and Granada are the top three cities when it comes to Spanish destinations.
Hotel.com’s Senior Global PR Manager, Emma Tagg explained: “The holiday period is one of the key times of the year to travel, and we’re seeing that Spanish people prefer international destinations like London, New York, Paris and Amsterdam. This could be for many reasons like family, the weather or simply because it’s where the best New Year’s Eve party is happening.”
Top 10 Christmas Destinations
1. Madrid
2. London
3. New York
4. Paris
5. Amsterdam
6. Rome
7. Benidorm
8. Seville
9. Barcelona
10. Vienna
Top 10 New Year’s Eve Destinations
1. Madrid
2. London
3. Paris
4. Benidorm
5. New York
6. Vienna
7. Rome
8. Barcelona
9. Amsterdam
10. Granada
Once you’ve decided on the destination, the hotel is the next thing to decide on for an unforgettable Christmas. Here, we bring you a list of the best accommodation options to enjoy the festive season in the top Christmas and New Year’s Eve destinations this year.
Hotel Preciados, Madrid
Hotel Preciados is one of the most mythical hotels in Madrid, and at Christmas time it takes on a whole new charm. Over the years, the hotel has hosted leading figures of Madrid’s social life such as the writers Pío Baroja, the Machado brothers and Emilio Carrere. Lights illuminate the streets, and the shops are adorned in Christmas attire to welcome in the new year. Guests can enjoy the exquisite special New Year’s Eve menus at the hotel’s luxurious restaurant. Ideally located, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor, and you can also join the thousands of people ringing in the new year with Champagne and grapes in Puerta del Sol.
Connaught Hotel, London
This is the place where Christmas shines brightest, both inside and outside this luxurious five-star hotel. The Connaught Hotel offers carols to sing with family and friends, horse-drawn carriage rides through the streets decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and even carrots for small children to leave outside their rooms when Santa’s reindeer arrive. The famous Connaught Christmas tree, which is designed by different artists each year, stands just outside the hotel in Carlos Place. And the four-course Christmas menu created by the hotel’s French chef two Michelin-star restaurant Hélène Darroze is a ‘must’ if you’re staying at the Connaught Hotel this Christmas.
Knickerbocker Hotel, New York
The famous Knickerbocker in New York City is known worldwide for being the hotel with the closest live view of the famous Times Ball Drop in the world. Just 150 feet away. The hotel, on the corner of 42nd street and Broadway, offers different packages to ring in the new year in style. All packages include a buffet dinner at Charlie Parker, cocktail reception, premium open bar, champagne toast at midnight and entertainment throughout the evening on the rooftop. You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to attend the party, but you do need to book one of the three different packages available.
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
The City of Love and Light par excellence is a must-visit at Christmas. The Shangri-La Hotel, with its commanding views of the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower, has a whole host of plans in keeping with the Christmas spirit. This hotel with its ancient Asian elegance was the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte. Every year from November 29, the hotel is transformed into a continuous attraction for the festive season. The terrace of the front patio is covered with a mysterious forest of Christmas trees and birches with lots of wooden horses for the children to enjoy.
Hotel Monte Cenci, Rome
All roads lead to Monte Cenci. This boutique-style hotel located in the heart of Rome is adorned with lights and decorations at the main entrance. The Roof Garden features a gigantic Christmas tree decorated with golden lights and red and silver balls. Enjoy the Christmas cocktail reception on the evening of Christmas Eve, where you can sample Italian red and white wines, tramezzini, canapés, and of course the ever typical panettone and pangiallo.
