Winter Only Hotels

Although there are a number of us who want to escape the cold during the holiday season and find a beautiful hotel in the tropics, there are some of us who want to enjoy the cold, winter season while it lasts. So, for those of you who enjoy the winter wonderland around the world, here are some great places that you can get away to and soak up the snowy, white season.

1. The Ice Hotel- This hotel is located in the village of Jukkasjarvi, which is just north of the Arctic Circle. Here, there is no need to worry about how out-dated the hotel is. Each year, artists and builders create this hotel by using water from a nearby river. Rooms and suites are created by fantastic artists and architects, which create extravagant settings. They feature things such as frozen whirlpools, ice sculptures, and translucent beds.

The way that this hotel is created every year is what makes it one of a kind. I would really recommend this hotel for a holiday get- away if you ever have the chance to go there. This place thrives on the cold, snow, and ice, so it is only available in the winter season. This year, they are building an addition of an Ice bar which gives guests the option of a glowing lounge that has icy booths covered in fur throws. You definitely cannot be afraid of the cold, or winter season to stay here, but it seems like it would be quite an amazing experience.

2. Hotel de Glace- This is America’s only ice hotel and it is absolutely breathtaking. Guests that stay have to be warned that by staying in an ice hotel, they will be spending the night on a bed made from a solid base of ice. But, there is no need to worry about sleeping here and freezing because the hotel provides their guests with an arctic-ready sleeping bag and a specially designed hotel bathroom that is heated. The Hotel de Glace also offers a Nordic relaxation area that has hot tubs and a dry sauna. The guests that come here usually only stay one night because that is enough to get the experience. However, if you would like to just see the only ice hotel in America, there are tours offered during the day. The hotel is only open from January through March because it also thrives off of the cold, winter season. I think this place would definitely be worth the visit, especially because it is the only one in America, but personally I don’t know if I could stay more than the one night that is recommended.

3. Hotel Garni Bel Ami- This hotel puts guests on the slopes of the Silvretta Galtur ski area that is tucked away in the Austrian Alps. Here would be a perfect ski vacation destination with absolutely breathtaking views. The rooms that they offer are all furnished with natural wood beds and armoires, which give a perfect winter-wonderland feel. They are moderately priced, but also include access to the hotel’s steam and sauna facilities. This is a winter only hotel, which means it is only open from December to April each year. They do offer really good deals that include lift tickets to the ski area that is right next to the hotel, with a seven day stay. This is another great opportunity to visit one of the highly recommended winter only hotels. It seems that this one would be better if you are up for a ski vacation, rather than to a winter hotel. Either way, this is another place that if you are ever able to visit, would be amazing.

4. Arlberg Hospiz Hotel- This hotel is also located in the Austrian Alps, but it is one that is much more historical. The St. Christophe hotel houses single, double, suite and apartment style rooms and offers an extravagant spa area with both Eastern and Western spa treatments available. Also, the Alberg Hotel has an indoor pool, fitness facilities, and plunge pools. The views of this hotel are of immense snowdrifts and steep slopes of the surrounding mountains. The hotel iteslf is upscale, with rates that usually hit 600 euros per night. If you are looking for an upscale hotel like this, I’d suggest that you are also into skiing. This is recommended for the intermediate or better skilled skiers because of its surrounding activities, but would be a great hotel if it fits your price range.