11 hotels with great fall foliage views
The best part about fall (aside from the fact that it’s not quite winter) is the foliage. Trees burst with colors, and many would argue that the outdoors is never more beautiful than in the autumn. The changing leaves can be spotted in cities, towns and regions across the U.S., but some areas showcase them better than others. And a handful of hotels in these destinations are perfectly positioned for enjoying the fall foliage, whether that means hiking on tree-lined trails, driving through forested mountains, or just curling up with cider by a window looking out at the countryside.
Amee Farm, Pittsfield, Vt.
Set on 40 acres in Pittsfield, surrounded by mountains and forest, Amee Farm has great views of the changing leaves from all around. With its warm, urban-chic vibe, it isn't a typical B&B. Rooms look straight out of an interior design magazine, with a near-perfect combination of rustic, warm, quaint and stylish touches. Wide-planked hardwood floors, comfortable beds with white, soft linens, and interesting antiques are found in all the rooms. One perk at Amee Farm is an inviting wrap-around porch with Adirondack chairs for admiring the fall scenery.
Washington Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, D.C.
Tucked away in a leafy residential neighborhood near the National Zoo, D.C.'s biggest hotel is a blur of conventioneers — huge meetings are its bread and butter. The Washington Marriott Wardman has lovely grounds for viewing the leaves, as well as a decent fitness center and pleasant common areas. Many of the rooms have great views, as does the glass-enclosed elevator.
Wauwinet, Nantucket, Mass.
Nantucket may be a beach destination, but it’s lovely in the fall for two main reasons: gorgeous scenery and fewer crowds. With a remote location away from downtown, The Wauwinet is about as away from it all as you can get. The charming New England property is surrounded by both the bay and ocean, and some guest rooms offer amazing sunsets. One of the island's most loved restaurants is here as well.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
With hundreds of apartments spread across five communities in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Smugglers' Notch Resort is a mid-range, village-style resort popular with families throughout all the seasons. In fall, groups congregate here to enjoy the changing leaves and participate in outdoor activities like zip-lining, hiking and rock-climbing. Every unit at Smugglers’ Notch includes a full kitchen and some have fireplaces.
Lodge at Buckberry Creek, Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Designed like a luxury retreat from a bygone era, this hotel is the real deal in Gatlinburg, offering an authentic mountain lodge experience without sacrificing any comforts. It's an ideal location for travelers who want rustic seclusion with amazing nature views, while remaining close to downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The rooms are large, with each individually decorated with a whirlpool tub, private balcony and fireplace. A gorgeous pavilion on the creek also features a large fireplace and fire pits, and lawn games and scenic trails are the hotel's main autumnal activities.
Taj Boston
An elegant pick bordering the Public Garden, the Taj Boston offers some superb perks, like chenille bathrobes and free rides in the house Jaguar. Given its business center, well-equipped gym and ideal location (it also borders the swank boutiques along Newbury), the Taj is one of the city’s premier hotels. Room categories with views of the Public Garden include Premier Rooms, Deluxe Rooms - Park View, and Commonwealth Suites.
James Place Inn, Freeport, Maine
The intimate James Place Inn offers seven rooms on a quiet street near central Freeport and local shopping. You know this place is going to have a great outdoorsy vibe and nice views of the fall foliage when the L.L. Bean flagship store (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) is just a few minutes’ walk away. One of the most outstanding features here is the free, extensive breakfast made up of homemade items. This family-run inn also includes a peaceful outdoor deck with a hammock.
JW Marriott Hotel, Washington, D.C.
A no-nonsense luxury hotel for the masses just steps away from the White House, the JW Marriott has a shopping mall-like multistory lobby and 772 cozy rooms. But guests staying here this fall will likely want to venture out to the nearby parks to take in the autumnal scenery. Additional perks include a large indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center.
Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie Valley, Wash.
The Salish Lodge & Spa offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and waterfalls, which is why thousands of visitors descend upon the resort, located 40 minutes from Seattle, every autumn. Most of the property's 84 rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and peek-a-boo bathrooms with two-person tubs. Stone fireplaces, stacked firewood and cashmere throws make this hotel particularly well-suited for a fall weekend.
The Sassy Moose Inn, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
The Sassy Moose Inn may be heavy on the kitschy decor, but the views of the changing leaves in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are truly stunning. The five rooms at the bed-and-breakfast vary in style: The Cowboy Room is large with sparse log cabin decor, a small tube TV and a soaking tub, while the Wildflower Room is tight with low ceilings, a flat-screen TV and simple, minimal furniture. There are occasional moose sightings, and most guests come here to spend the majority of their time outdoors.
Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Lodge is nestled at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, making it a top spot for viewing New England's infamous changing leaves. Guests here often head to town to enjoy fall activities like pumpkin picking, hiking and shopping at the farmers' market. The Lodge offers rustic elegance throughout the property — from the impressive lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows to the bright, contemporary rooms.