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A comprehensive guide to picking the perfect hotel for a fall getaway. 24 fantastic hotels are broken down by vacation type, so choosing the right one couldn't be easier!
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(photo by Nicolas Raymond via Flickr)
Planning the Perfect Vacation with ProntoHotel’s Fall
Hotel Guide 2014
Each of the four seasons has its own way of making you want to pack your bag and go anywhere and
everywhere, but no season brings on travel fever more than fall. Say goodbye to intense summer
heat and hello to crisp, fresh air that begs you to go out and enjoy the weather before it gets too cold.
Sandwiched between two of the most extreme seasons, the blazing summer and the freezing winter,
fall is a very welcome season indeed. It is also one of the best times in the year to travel, as crowds
thin out, kids are back in school, and, as a result, airfare and hotel rates drop in order to attract more
guests and give you a better deal.
When one thinks of autumn, what usually comes to mind are shorter days and longer nights, equating
to having less time to do daytime activities. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t get to fully enjoy
your vacation. There are plenty of things to do both day and night—and the weather around this time
of year is also the most pleasant—even more so than spring. Actually, it’s near perfect.
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Things to Do in the Fall—and Where to Do Them
(photo by Anthony Quintano via Flickr)
A vacation is not a vacation without good accommodation, and autumn is one of the best times to
travel simply because it’s considered an off season. This means that the rates for accommodation,
from hotels to bed and breakfasts, are significantly lower compared to summer and winter. Autumn
brings with it a slew of different activities that you would not normally partake in during other seasons,
and this is an important factor to take into account when choosing a place to stay. This also means
that you get to experience different things every year!
Between the brilliant reds and oranges painting the landscape as trees head in to their winter slumber
to a beautiful bounty of crops making their way from the farm to your plate, fall is a wonderful, picture-
perfect, and delicious time of year to travel. And with that, here is our seasonal guide to the things
you need to do and experience when you go on vacation in the fall.
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for The Best All-Around Hotels for Fall
Aspen Meadows Resort, Colorado, USA
An amazing resort in the Rocky Mountains, you’ll
have a unique chance to view the changing colors
of Colorado right before your eyes. With enormous
windows in each room to take in the 40 acres of
mountainous landscape around you, this property
also offers proximity to a plethora of activities,
including boutique shopping, fantastic hiking and
biking, and even ski slopes late in November.
There are also many great fall deals to be had
within both the hotel and the vibrant city of Aspen.
Book here: Aspen Meadows Resort
Address: 845 Meadows Road, Aspen, Colorado, USA
4 Stars ♦ 98 Rooms ♦ Mountains
Casa Delfino, Crete, Greece
Forget pumpkins, foliage, and the harvest—if
you’re just not ready for summer to end, this hotel
in Greece offers a wonderful respite in the sun.
With temperatures staying warm through the end of
October, the island of Crete is a great choice. This
property is housed in a beautiful Venetian-style villa
from the 17th Century with a mosaic courtyard and
stunning ocean views. Enjoy spacious guest
rooms, lots of sunlight, and a relaxing spa. Pack
your sunblock—summer’s not over here!
Book here: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
Address: Theofanous 9, Chania, Crete, Greece
5 Stars ♦ 24 Rooms ♦ Island
Mamaison Hotel Riverside, Prague, Czech Republic
Located on the banks of the majestic Vltava River,
this property is close to many of Prague’s main
attractions. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of both the
river and Prague Castle from your contemporary
guest room within this historic mansion. Autumn is
a particularly special time to visit Prague, with
many music festivals taking place in the city. The
cuisine is also at its best in the fall, so be sure to try
some of the typical dishes from the area, like the
dumplings, alongside a fantastic local beer.
Book here: Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague
Address: Janáčkovo Nábřeží 15, Prague, Czech Republic
4.5 Stars ♦ 78 Rooms ♦ City
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(photo by wallconvert.com)
Watching the Landscape Change Through Your Window
The tell-tale signs that fall has set in comes when the nights become chilly and the trees start to turn
from green to yellow, red, and orange. The process is truly awe-inspiring, letting you bear witness to
Mother Nature at her finest.
Taking advantage of this scenic spectacle, one of the most popular activities during autumn is leaf-
peeping, where you get to observe and take breathtaking pictures of fall foliage. Leaf-peeping has
become a pretty big tourist attraction in many places around the globe—but there are some spots that
see a more dramatic change than others, particularly France and New England.
A good number of hotels offer special packages and rates for leaf-peepers, showcasing their prime
real estate and sharing their secret views with lucky guests.
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for The Best Hotels for Fall Foliage
Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont, USA
Sitting right at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the
tallest peak in Vermont, you can’t get a much
better location when it comes to leaf peeping. All
of the beautifully-outfitted rooms come with a
balcony and picture-perfect views of the area’s
patchwork foliage. Expect first-class service all
the way, from the helpful staff to the relaxing spa,
the climatized pool to the gondola that takes you
right up to the top of the mountain for a little
hiking and a dramatic, colorful panorama.
Book here: Stowe Mountain Lodge
Address: 7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont
5 Stars ♦ 300 Rooms ♦ Mountain
Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, France
While France may not exactly be known for its
foliage, it is known for its wine, and in the Loire
Valley, those two things combine to make one
beautiful time of year as the now-vacant vines
change color. This 4-star hotel is located in the
heart of it all, surrounded by vast woods that
were once used by hunters. The chalet seems
straight out of a fairytale, and the service you’ll
get is fit for royalty. Be sure to hop on one of the
free bicycles to explore the nature around you.
Book here: Domaine des Hauts de Loire
Address: 79 rue Gilbert Navard, Onzain, France
4 Stars ♦ 31 Rooms ♦ Wine Route
The Castle at Burg Colmberg Hotel, Germany
A stop on both the Romantic Road and the Castle
Road of Germany’s Bavaria region, this 13th
Century castle hotel will take you back in time to
the middle ages while giving you some of the
most glorious views in the area. Perched on the
edge of a mountain 511 meters high, you’ll be
able to see the entire landscape below, alive with
red, orange, and yellow. Be sure to sample some
of the regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant,
which features a cozy wood-burning fireplace.
Book here: The Castle at Burg Colmberg Hotel
Address: An der Burgenstraße, Colmberg, Germany
3 Stars ♦ 26 Rooms ♦ Romantic Road
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(photo by Liz West via Flickr)
Tasting the Season During an Amazing Harvest
Along with the best weather of the year, fall also brings with it lush harvests of different fruits and
vegetables. Depending on the area you plan to visit, your dinner plate will be full of an ever-changing
rotation of nature’s bounty.
This is also the perfect time of year to be on the lookout for harvest festivals—from wine in Italy to
black truffles in France and Spain, pumpkins in Pennsylvania to cranberries in Massachusetts.
People love to celebrate the area’s crop, and finding a harvest festival can be a great way to get to
know your destination better and to mix with the locals.
Many hotels will help you get in on the harvest action, offering everything from apple picking to wine
tasting and grape harvesting, especially in wine country USA.
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Harvest-Worthy Hotels
Cottage Grove Inn, California, USA
Napa is the most famous wine region in the United
States, and being just north of San Francisco, it is
just as convenient as it is beautiful. Fall in Napa is
one of the most magical and most exciting times
of year to visit, as the wine harvest is in full swing.
This series of cottages is the absolute perfect
place to call home, with private whirlpools for two,
wooden lounge chairs outside that just call your
name, and on-site spas and restaurants to keep
you happy and relaxed.
Book here: Cottage Grove Inn
Address: 1711 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, California
3 Stars ♦ 16 Rooms ♦ Wine Country
Le Terre di Isa, Umbria, Italy
Tucked away in the Umbrian countryside near
Lake Trasimeno, this beautiful Italian farmhouse
sits on a gorgeous piece of property lined with
olive trees. It’s the perfect setting from which to
experience the town’s Olivagando festival in
November, as well as October’s famous
Eurochocolate fair in the nearby town of Perugia.
The family that runs the B&B will make you feel
right at home, while the rustic villa will help you
feel one with the landscape around you.
Book here: Le Terre di Isa
Address: Via Case Sparse, 54, Magione, Perugia, Italy
3 Stars ♦ 7 Rooms ♦ Agriturismo
La Trufa Negra, Spain
The small town of Sarrión, Spain, is one of the
biggest producers of the amazing black truffle,
and it hosts the FItruf festival every year in early
December. See the year’s truffle crop, sample a
number of preparations, and then return to this
hotel for some star treatment, including a spa and
trendy decor. All of this in a super charming and
historic town. And since the hotel is named after
the black gold that puts the area on the map,
there’s no better place to stay during harvest time!
Book here: Hotel La Trufa Negra
Address: Av Ibáñez Martín, 10, Mora de Rubielos, Spain
4 Stars ♦ 39 Rooms ♦ Small Town
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(photo by Ryan Blyth via Flickr)
Enjoying the Open Space of Off-Season
Another neat thing to do in the fall that most people don’t is going to museums. Autumn is the perfect
time to visit your favorite museums and other tourist attractions, because their rates are usually a lot
cheaper, and are even free sometimes. This is because it’s off season, so the attractions are less
packed with people than they usually are and there is an extra effort to get people in the doors.
Also, with students having just started their fall term, the bars and pubs that they frequented during
the summer will be nearly empty. You can finally enjoy some downtime without being bothered by
sometimes rowdy crowds.
Take advantage of this time to stroll a little slower, to sip a little longer, and to stare at some of the
world’s most famous paintings for a few extra minutes.
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Hotels in the Off-Season
Thistle Kensington Gardens, London
Located directly on Kensington Gardens, this
beautiful London hotel is in the midst of all of the
action of the city. With beautiful park views and
proximity to Kensington Palace, the happening
Mayfair neighborhood, the shopping mecca
Oxford Street, and Buckingham Palace, you can
enjoy endless strolls through quiet Hyde Park
right outside of your door. The nightlife of the
West End is just a cab ride away from this
contemporary, chic retreat within the London.
Book here: Thistle Kensington Gardens
Address: 104 Bayswater Road, London, England
4 Stars ♦ 175 Rooms ♦ City
The Peninsula, Paris
This glorious, luxurious hotel in Paris just opened
in August, so by now, they’ve worked out all of
the kinks—if they had any to begin with—and yet
it’s still new enough to make you feel like you’re
discovering something exciting. Offering the
stellar service and experience for which the brand
is known, along with gorgeous accommodations
and a great terrace restaurant that has views of
the Eiffel Tower, you’ll also be down the street
from the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees.
Book here: The Peninsula Paris
Address: 19 Avenue Kléber, Paris, France
5 Stars ♦ 200 Rooms ♦ City
Raphael Hotel, Rome
If you want to be in the center of Rome while
staying in one of the best small hotels in town,
then this property will accomplish both. Just a
few streets away from Piazza Navona, you’ll live
your autumn dolce vita in style. The ivy-covered
facade of the building will set the tone, and the
interior will make you feel like royalty. The terrace
and its restaurant (one of two on site) will melt
your heart, the views of Rome’s rooftops keeping
your eyes and camera busy the whole trip!
Book here: Raphael Hotel
Address: Largo Febo 2, Rome, Italy
5 Stars ♦ 50 Rooms ♦ City
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Fun Events Throughout the Fall
(photo by Baker County Tourism via Flickr)
Because of the weather and the harvest and the lack of crowds, fall is also one of the best times of
year to find organized events and things to do. In an effort to showcase the year’s bounty and get
families outside to enjoy the last few days before winter hibernation, many towns around the globe
put on events that are all about fun.
From festivals celebrating local food and drink to harvest demonstrations and fairs where you can
pick your own apples, pumpkins, cranberries, and more, be prepared for hay rides, haunted houses,
and plenty of other activities to keep you and yours busy every weekend. Get out there and enjoy the
crisp fresh air, the warm sunshine on your back, and the sights and smells of such a beautiful season.
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(photo by 46137 via Flickr)
Beer, Beer, and More Beer
It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year—especially by those fond of hops, lederhosen, and
oversized pretzels. Of course, we’re talking about Oktoberfest.
While the celebration originated in Germany, with the beer capital being Munich, the Oktoberfest
phenomenon has quickly spread around the globe—particularly in communities with large German
populations. The festivals often take place in late September and early October, and they offer a
wonderful party atmosphere with carnival games and live music performed by different bands, along
with the opportunity to taste different international beer brands. And, while Ferris Wheels and group
dance lessons are fun and all, we know the beer is what you’re really looking forward to!
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Oktoberfest Around the Globe
Hotel Seibel, Munich, Germany
One thing’s for sure: you’re not going to get any
closer to Munich Oktoberfest than by staying here.
Located directly across from the Theresienwiese
fairgrounds, you’ll even be able to get in on the
action just by looking out your balcony or window
(don’t worry—the windows are soundproof). Both
inexpensive and convenient, you’ll get all of the
modern comforts, plus a nearby place to rest your
head once you’ve filled your belly with beer.
Book here: Hotel Seibel
Address: Theresienhöhe 9, Munich, Germany
3 Stars ♦ 50 Rooms ♦ City
Walper Hotel, Kitchener, Canada
Opened in 1893, this hotel in Canada sits in the
heart of the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich.
A full schedule, including a gala, Miss Oktoberfest,
and, yes, beer, makes this celebration one not to
be missed. The hotel will provide everything you
need: convenience, a place to rest your head, and
lots of history so that you’ll learn more than just
how many pints you can down! It has also hosted
Oktoberfest events, so you won’t have to travel far
to partake!
Book here: Walper Hotel
Address: 20 Queen Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
3 Stars ♦ 79 Rooms ♦ Small Town
Emporium Hotel, Brisbane, Australia
We know, this is a fall travel guide, but we’re
making an exception to tell you about another
great Oktoberfest—this one in Brisbane. Traveling
Down Under in October will mean pairing ales with
springtime. The Brisbane Oktoberfest is a huge,
family-friendly event, and this boutique hotel is one
of the closest to the event grounds. Get some
stellar treatment in a chic environment, along with
a rooftop pool that has great views of the city and
is definitely a place to see and be seen.
Book here: Emporium Hotel
Address: 1000 Ann Street, Brisbane, Australia
5 Stars ♦ 102 Rooms ♦ City
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(Photo by creepyhalloweenimages via Flickr)
Goblins, Ghouls, and All-Around Spooks
Your year would not be complete without having even some semblance of a celebration for
Halloween during October. Some hotels have huge Halloween costume parties that might pique your
interest. After all, it’s not everyday that you get to dress up as your favorite scary character!
Kids from everywhere walk around town with candy bags in hand, going from door to door and getting
their sweet tooth fix. The sight of these characters walking up and down the road, coupled with the fall
foliage around you make for a pretty interesting atmosphere. You can also carve your own pumpkin,
or join hotels that offer pumpkin-carving contests. It’s time to show off your carving prowess!
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Halloween Hotels
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Florida, USA
There may be no more magical place to celebrate
Halloween than at Walt Disney World. Join villains
and characters in costume for trick-or-treating at
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and then
head back to your room at this Disney resort for
even more festivities, including pumpkin carving, a
golf cart parade, a decoration contest, a campfire
sing- along, and a haunted hayride. Be sure to plan
ahead with the Disney floral and gift department for
a spooky in-room surprise!
Book here: Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort
Address: 4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail, Orlando, USA
3 Stars ♦ 408 Rooms ♦ Family-Friendly
SIXTY SoHo, New York City
New York City’s West Village becomes even more
alive every Halloween for the annual parade that
attracts thousands of onlookers. If you want to be
one of the more than 50,000 participants, pack your
costume and check in to this hotel, which is right
near the parade staging area. You won’t have to
travel far from this boutique property to get in on the
fun, and the service you’ll receive during your stay
is above par. Grab a drink at the rooftop bar for the
perfect way to end your Halloween!
Book here: SIXTY SoHo
Address: 60 Thompson Street, New York, NY, USA
4.5 Stars ♦ 97 Rooms ♦ City
Tower Hotel, Derry, Ireland
The only hotel inside of the 17th Century city walls,
this is the perfect place from which to experience
the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival, a
weekend celebration of scary, with tours, a parade,
fireworks, and amazing costumes. In fact, those not
dressed up are often refused service at local pubs.
This hotel lends a unique vantage point to all of the
festivities within the city, and quite a convenient
place to pass out—either from fright or exhaustion!
Book here: Tower Hotel
Address: 17-19 Butcher St, Londonderry, Ireland
3 Stars ♦ 90 Rooms ♦ City
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(photo credit Anthony Quintano via Flickr)
Giving Thanks: For Family, Friends, Food, and Travel
Perhaps the most popular holiday that everybody looks forward to is Thanksgiving. It’s one of the
most heart-felt and family-oriented Western traditions, stemming all the way back to when the
Pilgrims came in contact with Native Americans, who taught them how to grow corn to last through
the winter.
Nowadays, Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with different kinds of food, with stuffed turkey being the
main dish. Families sit down and eat together, celebrating time together and the bountiful meal before
them. But don’t be fooled—the United States isn’t the only country that gives thanks on this holiday.
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Thanks and Giving
New York Hilton Midtown, New York City
If you’re looking to experience the cornerstone
event of Thanksgiving (aside from a huge turkey
dinner, of course), then you’re looking to see the
Macy’s parade in New York. As giant balloons
weave through the streets of Manhattan, watch
comfortably from your perch at this hotel, where
the enormous characters literally float right by
your window. Located in the heart of midtown,
this property is close to transportation, attractions,
and plenty of restaurants for a great holiday meal.
Book here: New York Hilton Midtown
Address: 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, US
4 Stars ♦ 1980 Rooms ♦ City
Hotel Gault, Montreal, Canada
Though Thanksgiving is mainly associated with
the US, Canada also partakes. The celebrations
may not be as grand and the menu not as fixed,
but on the second Monday in October, Canadians
spend the long weekend breaking bread. One
custom these neighbors do share is football, and
on T-Day Canada hosts a double-header. This
year, Saskatchewan plays in Montreal, and this
hotel has plenty to be thankful for, including a
location in between Old Town and the game.
Book here: Hotel Gault
Address: 449 Rue Sainte-Hélène, Montréal, Canada 4 Stars ♦ 30 Rooms ♦ City
Mielparque Nagano, Japan
It may come as a surprise for some, but when US
troops left Japan in 1948, one tradition stuck with
locals: Thanksgiving. Every November 23,
harvest and labor celebrations happen across the
country, the most important one being in Nagano.
This beautiful hotel is located right near the high-
speed train station, and though the rooms are
basic, they help set the tone for a holiday that will
help put you back in touch with nature and give
thanks for the even the simplest things in life.
Book here: Mielparque Nagano
Address: 752-8 Tsuruga, Nagano, Japan
3.5 Stars ♦ 90 Rooms ♦ City
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(photo by maria del carmen gomes via Flickr)
Getting Your Shopping On
Another event in the United States that is very popular during fall, albeit one that has garnered very
polarized views, is Black Friday. On the day after Thanksgiving, massive amounts of goods in almost
every single store, whether online or not, drop prices as low as 80% in order to get their accounting
books out of the “red” and into the “black.” It’s also the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season.
Some people actually line up for as long as 24 hours in front of a store just so they can be the first
ones in, and once the doors open, shoppers flood in to snag some of the coveted items. It’s not for
the faint at heart, to be sure, but it can be a day full of shopping fun and fantastic savings!
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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Black Friday Shopping
Radisson Blu Mall of America, Minnesota, USA
Those who want to shop til they drop should look
no further than the biggest mall in the United
States, where Black Friday deals reign supreme.
This hotel is literally on the doorstep of the Mall of
America, so taking naps, grabbing meals, and
unloading your bags full of goodies will be a
breeze. Schedule a wake-up call so that you
won’t miss out on any of the deep discounts. At
the end of the day, spend some time getting
pampered at the spa—you’ve earned it!
Book here: Radisson Blu Mall of America
Address: 2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, MN, USA
4 Stars ♦ 500 Rooms ♦ City
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, California, USA
Just across the street from Westfield Century
City, this Los Angeles hotel is perfect for those
who want to do some high-end shopping on
Black Friday. With 150 shops within walking
distance, this property is quite convenient for
those looking to score some deals. In the
evening, enjoy two “farm to fork” restaurants right
on site, as well as a spa and a pool. Also within
close proximity to the Beverly Center, you’ll be
able to tackle nearly every retailer imaginable
within just a few minutes!
Book here: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
Address: 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA
4 Stars ♦ 726 Rooms ♦ City
InterContinental Miami, Florida, USA
Why not squeeze in a beach vacation alongside
your shopping extravaganza? This hotel is
located amid downtown Miami’s shopping district,
so while you’re not lounging at the pool, dining at
the four on-site restaurants, relaxing in the spa,
or basking in the fantastic views of the channel,
you can take a quick walk over to Flagler Street,
the heart of Miami shopping. After, zip on over to
always-happening Miami Beach to put your toes
in the sea or stroll through nearby Bayfront Park.
Book here: InterContinental Miami
Address: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, Florida, USA
4 Stars ♦ 641 Rooms ♦ City
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Get in on Fall Fun Before the Brilliant Colors Have Faded Away!
All in all, autumn is one of the best times to go on a vacation—even a just a weekend getaway. Low
prices, a lot of fun activities that you don’t get to do any other time of year, and the amazing and
breathtaking views of nature are just some of the things you can get to experience during this
awesome season.
No matter what you decide to do, a vacation in autumn will never let you down!