Source: @Balmoral
As long as I’m not driving anywhere, I love a cold, gray, rainy day. At home, I turn on the fire, brew up a hot cacao and dig into the latest self-care-ish book I’ve been meaning to tuck into. This evening, I will be doing just that: whipping up a Buddha bowl in my air fryer alongside that hot cacao, courtesy of this handy Well + Good roundup, cracking open the gorgeous Lonny Home book and parking myself right in front of the fireplace. What’s even better than a cozy night in is a cozy night in some of the coziest hotels I’ve visited. Think plush couches, massive fireplaces, endless horizons and warm vibes. Here are the five hotels I wish I could transport myself to right now, rain, book, and all.
Source: @CentralHotelogCafe
Central Hotel & Cafe, Copenhagen, Denmark
This tiny hotel is as teeny as my teeny tiny dorm room was once upon a time. At just 12 square meters it’s certainly one of the smallest hotels anywhere. It’s coziness factor, or hygge as the Danes might say, comes from dark wood details and rich emerald wallpaper. The sole guest-room room on-property contains a double bed and sits above a cafe. A lovely sound system, views of the neighborhood bustle outside and Geismar linens make this a perfect cozy stay for a happy shut-in.
Source: @Sohohousenewyork
Soho House, New York, New York
Sitting just above the members’ areas, Soho House New York’s 24 guestrooms, categorized as small, medium or large are all cold-weather friendly, with residential-feeling, bleached wood flooring and paneling, oversized armchairs, a fully stocked bar cart and massive and beautifully tiled showers. The coziest rooms might be the property’s Medium Rooms, with plush seating areas, high ceilings and, most importantly, a claw-footed bathtub smack in the middle of the room. If a fireplace is what you’re after, pop downstairs to the private members’ club restaurant and bar area (hotel guests have access as if they were a member, and can bring one guest) and grab a table right in front of the roaring, wood-burning fireplace.
Source: @Balmoral
With almost 200 days of rain each year, there’s more than a 50% chance that if you’re booking the Balmoral even in May that you’ll get a gray day, perfect for cuddling up inside. Opened in 1902, and renovated with contemporary finishes in 2018, modern creature comforts like heated bathroom floors meet old world detail like intricate plasterwork and a massive clocktower. Fireplaces throughout the property are lit 24/7 during holiday time, and the daily breakfast buffet and famed afternoon tea in the Palm Court are vegan-friendly, making it way too easy to never step foot outside after check-in.
Lough Eske Castle, Donegal, Ireland
Dating from the 15th century, Lough Eske stands apart from the other castle-hotels in the region that often feel awkwardly split between time periods - with stately bones but mismatched furnishings. Not so at Lough Eske, which is the castle-hotel of our winter wonderland dreams. Multiple fireplaces, tapestry-covered walls, reading nooks and soaring ceilings make the public spaces the real draw here. The property’s 43 acres of manicured gardens and walking paths (bundle up!) make for a beautiful afternoon meander when clutching a mug of hot coffee.
Source: @pjhavel
Tutka Bay Lodge, Tutka Bay, Alaska
Located at the entrance of a seven-mile fjord, accessible only by float plane or local water taxi, Tutka Bay Lodge is one of the most customized, high-touch luxury lodge experiences anywhere. Just six cabins onsite (some with wood-burning fireplaces that can be lit as part of turn-down), and a truly world-class culinary program mean that your version of a five-star, cozy af, off-the-grid experience with some of the best food you’ll ever have are just what they do. There is nothing like sitting in the outdoor hot tub after a day of privately guided hiking, looking at the stars, with nobody and no light pollution for miles.