4 reasons to check into a hotel for the holidays instead of hosting at home
There are a few things you should know about me: I love spending time with my friends and family and I love to cook. But I do not love hosting at home during the holidays.
I know that some people absolutely love preparing a big, festive dinner with all the fixings and inviting loved ones into their homes for a big celebration. I am just not one of them. I don't like the amount of cooking, cleaning and hovering about it takes to make sure everyone is having a good time.
But I've found a great alternative for hosting during the festive season: Skip it entirely and instead, check into a hotel. Last year, for example, I spent Thanksgiving at a hotel in Orlando — and it was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Here's why I think you should forgo hosting duties and spend the holidays in a hotel.
Related: 10 luxury hotels that go all-out for the holidays
You don't have to cook, clean up or play host(ess)
My husband and I have three kids — all boys — and as hard as we try to make it otherwise, our home's cleanliness level is questionable at best. The amount of work we have to do to make it presentable is more than we can manage on top of keeping those boys fed, clean and clothed.
So last year, we flew to Orlando, where a pristine room was waiting for us at the Gaylord Palms Resort near Walt Disney World.
Related: Something for everyone: 6 things to know before you visit a Gaylord resort
We returned to our room each afternoon to find the beds made, the garbage emptied and the room tidied. I still did my best to keep the kids' mess under control in between cleanings, but this alone alleviated a lot of my holiday stress.
I am a huge advocate for tipping hotel staff and restaurant servers, and I recommend tipping even more around the holidays if you have the means. Tipping a little extra is an easy way to say "thank you." Plus, it was well worth the peace of mind knowing I could soak up extra family time rather than spend the holiday cleaning nonstop.
Though we tried to save money by stocking up on breakfast essentials and snacks for our hotel room, we also dined out during our visit. Most hotels I've visited around the holidays serve celebratory meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I enjoyed lunch poolside at the Gaylord Palms Cypress Springs Water Park. And while I'm not sure that a tuna poke bowl is a historically accurate holiday meal, it certainly made me feel grateful that I was sitting by the pool in sunny Florida instead of in chilly southern Indiana cooking for a lot of people.
Most hotels plan special meals and activities
In many cases, you don't even have to leave your hotel for a traditional holiday meal. Down the road at Universal Orlando, several on-site hotels serve holiday meals. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort all serve a festive buffet on both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Outside of Florida, there are several other hotels that serve special meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Big Cypress Lodge in Memphis serves a Southern-inspired meal of Thanksgiving classics, while the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, serves a traditional turkey dinner (or a "Thanksgiving-to-Go" for guests who want to dine in the privacy of their suite). Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya and Punta Cana serve a special Christmas brunch, so you can fill up before you hit the beach or water park.
In addition to delicious meals, hotels around the globe mark the festive season with special events and activities. In past years, we sang along with carolers and met Santa in the lobby of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Every hotel at Universal gets into the holiday spirit.
This year, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando held a tree-lighting ceremony the day after Thanksgiving. It was complete with complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and surprise character meet-and-greets.
In addition to specialty meals, Santa stops by at both Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts locations on Christmas, and kids can participate in special holiday-themed activities like cookie decorating.
Or, if you are someone who loves a holiday turkey trot race, Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri, holds an annual "Gobble Wobble 5K" the day after Thanksgiving.
You'll create new holiday traditions and memories
The above activities are just a handful of examples offered at festive fun hotels you can visit during the holiday season. You can find similar offerings in destinations all over the world. No matter where you travel for the holidays, the unique experiences that you can't have at home help create cherished holiday memories.
My family has made a tradition of visiting a Gaylord Hotel during the holidays to experience the annual holiday event called Ice!
Doing something like this — and getting out of our usual routine while filling the day with fun activities — meant I wasn't wrestling the iPads away from my kids or thinking up ways to keep us busy.
You can earn last-minute status nights or use up expiring certificates
I don't know about you, but this year I am thankful for all the ways points and miles have improved my travels. I've earned perks like room upgrades, late checkout and free hotel nights thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and American Express Platinum Card®.
The Amex Platinum grants me automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required), which comes with perks like room upgrades, late checkout and bonus points earnings on stays. My Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card comes with an annual free night certificate (up to 35,000 points; certain hotels may have resort fees) on my cardmember anniversary.
I almost forgot to use it a couple years ago, which led to another fun story — but this isn't about the time we took our dog for a staycation in order to avoid losing a free hotel night. This is to remind you that the holiday season is the perfect time to check for any free night certificates or other money-saving credit card benefits that may be on the verge of expiring.
For example, my Amex Platinum comes with up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits each calendar year (up to $300 biannually) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® (THC requires a minimum two-night stay). And as the old saying goes, if you don't use it, you lose it.
Related: Last-minute tips for locking in hotel elite status before the end of year
You can also justify throwing holiday traditions out the window and creating your own if you need to squeeze in a few last-minute nights to move up to a new elite status tier. You'll get to enjoy a special holiday with your family and lock in elevated hotel benefits for the coming year. Now that's something to be thankful for.
Bottom line
Don't get me wrong — I love throwing a party. But I am more of an appetizers, drinks and board games kind of hostess.
Rather than drive myself up the wall trying to plan the perfect holiday event, I've found a festive alternative. It allows my family to celebrate all the things we love about the holidays without any of the stress.
However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a very merry holiday season.
Related reading:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.