Looking for inspiration to decorate your home and Christmas tree? Upscale Living magazine has rounded up the most eye-catching festive décor from hotels around the world.
Cameron Highlands Resort, Pahang, Malaysia
Cameron Highlands was named after William Cameron, a British Government surveyor who discovered it in 1885 on a mapping expedition but failed to mark his discovery. It was not until 1925 that Sir George Maxwell recorded Cameron’s discovery and developed it as a hill station attracting British colonials and expatriates, including British planters who realized the potential of its fertile mountain slopes for growing tea. Promising splendor, romance, and nostalgia, the interiors hark back to its grand colonial heritage with tall French doors, timber-beamed ceilings, and plantation shutters combined with the colors and textures of Jim Thompson’s famed Asian silks. This is mirrored in the friendly service, where traditional English charm merges seamlessly with discreet Asian hospitality. Today, tea plantations, strawberry farms, and glowing sunsets serve as the backdrop for the luxurious Cameron Highlands Resort, a haven for travelers who adore romance, seclusion, and nostalgia from a grand colonial past. The boutique hotel rests on the largest hill retreat in Malaysia and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing amazing views of the rolling hills. Each year during the holidays, the property decorates to the nines, hosting a special Christmas tree lighting complete with festive decorations throughout the property.
D’Angleterre, Copenhagen, Denmark
Established in 1755, the 5-star hotel d’Angleterre is an icon and a historic landmark in Copenhagen and Denmark. It is rated as one of the best hotels in Copenhagen and indeed Northern Europe. Celebrated for its elegance, luxury, and style, hotel d’Angleterre embodies the perfect balance between the stately Victorian architecture of the historic building and the graceful simplicity of contemporary Nordic design. The result is a uniquely elegant combination of rich materials, surfaces, shapes, and tones. The d’Angleterre has lit up Copenhagen’s central Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square) since its opening (where Hans Christian Andersen himself celebrated Christmas in 1865), with a lavish Christmas being a centuries-old tradition. Typically, the facade of the d’Angleterre is illuminated with thousands of lights and festooned with elaborate themed decorations. And the hotel’s grand lobby, drawing room, and public spaces are all decked out for the holidays by the hotel’s resident Creative Director Alan Evensen. Guests are treated to the d’Angleterre’s signature take on traditional Danish glogg (a festive mix of spices, white port, white rum, apple juice, and sugar, all topped off with champagne).
Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Germany
A living legend in the very heart of Berlin, the Hotel Adlon Kempinski proudly offers an extensive range of five-star services to ensure your visit to Berlin is a trip to remember; from incredible city tours to luxury limousine and concierge services, they will go the extra mile to meet every one of your expectations. Guests can choose to stay in one of the many elegant guest rooms or pick from 13 different suite types, all with beautiful views of Berlin. Germany’s contemporary-cool capital happens to be one of Europe’s most festive locations during the holiday season, with plenty of Christmas markets, events, and holiday cheer. For travelers looking to immerse themselves in Berlin’s magical holiday atmosphere, the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski, located opposite the Brandenburg Gate, is the perfect home base. Offering a legendary history, opulent furnishings, and décor, as well as impeccable service, the hotel boasts a magnificent spa and a wellness area that is a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The iconic hotel offers festive holiday decorations and trees throughout the hotel (including a tree in the Presidential Suite) and a special holiday menu including dishes such as duck bolognese and baked apple tiramisu.
Loire Valley Chateaux, Loire Valley, France
December in the Loire Valley is a magical time of year, as the iconic chateaux dotted around the region are all lit up with incredible Christmas decorations, with grandiose decor on display both outside and inside these historic castles. Typically, the region celebrates “Christmas in the Land of Chateaux” from early December to January, with décor on display for visitors to see throughout this festive period. While this year’s celebrations will be different, visitors can look forward to visiting these majestic chateaux next year. Typically, Chateau de Chenonceau (the iconic chateau built overwater) features dazzling Christmas trees and grandiose floral displays, thanks to its onsite floral workshop. Château Royal d’Amboise is gearing up to decorate for a white Christmas, with snow and snowmen adorning the chateau and on display in the rooms. At the iconic Chateau de Chambord, guests can experience the crackling fires, ornate decor, a massive decorated Christmas tree that stands tall through the famous double helix staircase, and hundreds of illuminated Christmas trees lining the gardens. Chateau de Cheverny’s Christmas decorations take over the gardens and each room of the chateau, with lights illuminated on the façade of the château at night. They intend to decorate the chateau with the theme of “sweets,” for which giant desserts would be on display, from macaron towers to gingerbread houses.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Epernay, Northern France
The fireplaces are lit, the trees are beautifully decorated, and the smell of gingerbread has begun to fill the air. Opened in the summer of 2018, the award-winning Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is the Champagne region’s first contemporary-designed five-star hotel, set in the hills above the most famous towns, Épernay and Reims, of Dom Pérignon fame. A less obvious (and all the more charming) place to spend the holidays, Christmas at the hotel equals family time by roaring fireplaces, 150 illuminated fir trees, and a mouth-watering repertoire of dining experiences that are sure to delight. Staying for two nights or more, guests will check-in to a luxurious Champagne-inspired Junior Suite with vineyard views and be greeted with some of the region’s finest bubbles to start their festive break in style. Catering to all traditions, guests can enjoy delicious authentic Christmas meals and the sweet grand finale this year being a fragrant, fruity dessert inspired by the rich bounty of the region from award-winning Chef Patissier, Cédric Servela: a stunning gourmet yule log designed to look like a shower of shooting stars falling onto the Champagne vineyards that surround the hotel.
The Lanesborough, Hyde Park, London
Home to 93 luxurious suites and bedrooms, Michel-starred Céleste restaurant, the vibrant Library Bar and Garden Room, and magnificent Lanesborough Club & Spa, The Lanesborough is the quintessence of graceful London living. Located on Hyde Park’s doorstep and a short walk from Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and London’s most exclusive shopping district, Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, this grand luxury mansion underwent an inspired renovation by the late famed interior designer Alberto Pinto.
Filling Londoners with Christmas hope and cheer, The Lanesborough once again delighted guests and onlookers with the unveiling of its beautiful festive display at its grand entrance. Created in partnership with London-based florist Dickinson & Doris, the festive installation features a majestic wreath above the entrance, complete with little crowns to match the hotel’s crest, while two twinkling Christmas trees stand guard either side of the hotel’s iconic doors. This softly sparkling Christmas décor is full of merriment, transforming the hotel into an enchanted mansion each year. With plenty of seasonal celebrations in store to see out 2020 in style, The Lanesborough offers a variety of festive-filled experiences, like Festive Shop & Stay, Christmas in Residence, New Year’s Eve in Residence, and their delightful Festive Dining.
