How to Plan The Perfect Staycation - Plus FOUR PLACEs THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU
Craving some time away but don’t have vacation days or the energy to plan a full-blown vacation? A staycation is the perfect solution—a short break that’s close to home, or even in your own city, where you can recharge your batteries without all the stress and hassle of flying. Before you book, we’ve got some tried-and-true advice [or proven tips] so you can make the most of your mini-vacay.
Where do you want to be?
The most important thing to consider is location, so think hard about what you want out of your trip. Are you looking for a true escape where you can unplug and relax surrounded by nature? Or an urban hotel where you can take advantage of museums, restaurants, and other attractions? Or perhaps something in-between? Once you’ve determined the holiday experience that’s right for you, you can zero in on the perfect stay.
What should you look for in a staycation property?
No matter whether you choose a city or a country getaway, here are the top things to keep in mind when deciding where to stay.
A great in-house restaurant. This is essential if you’re staying in a more isolated area but it’s also a good idea even if you’re in a hotel surrounded by dining options. Maybe the weather will be terrible and you won’t want to go out, or maybe you’re feeling lazy and just want to order room service. If it’s a particularly buzzy, hard-to-book restaurant, guests may get priority reservations. We also recommend a solid cocktail bar where you can meet up with friends or grab a nightcap.
Activities and amenities. A gym, pool, and spa can be wonderful additions to your stay. For workout enthusiasts, be sure ask ahead about the size of the gym or pool and if reservations are necessary due to COVID precautions. Even if burning calories isn’t on the agenda, soaking in a Jacuzzi or hitting the sauna after a long day of sightseeing are excellent ways to unwind.
The overall vibe. Even if a property looks beautiful in photos, make sure that its vibe matches your own. For example, those seeking a quiet escape or a romantic getaway might do better avoiding bigger, family-friendly resorts or a hotel with a wild bar scene. Conversely, if you’re vacationing with the fam, look for amenities such as a pool, kids’ menu, and activities to keep them busy.
What about the room?
Chances are, you’ll be spending quite a lot of time in your room, so you’ll want it to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Some key things to look for include:
A large bed (especially for couples) with high-quality linens.
A spacious, spa-like bathroom with a generous-sized soaking tub or rainforest shower—or preferably both!
Big windows with nice views; for urban hotels, choose a room on a higher floor or a corner—nothing kills the atmosphere like looking out onto a wall or a parking lot.
Private patio or balcony—if your room has one, make sure you can’t see your neighbors, and vice-versa!
Ready to book your staycation? Here are four properties we love.
The Greenwich Hotel, New York City
This boutique five-star is set in the city’s hip TriBeCa neighborhood, teeming with trendy restaurants, bars, and art galleries, yet worlds away from Midtown’s madness. All 88 rooms feature sophisticated, classic décor but suites are worth the splurge for luxe perks like an extra-deep soaking tub and a wood-burning fireplace. You can’t go wrong with any dish at the hotel’s still-hot Italian spot Locanda Verde, but don’t miss its famous sheep’s milk ricotta dip. We also like the Zen ambiance of its Shibui Spa (it’s a re-constructed Japanese farmhouse brought to NYC specifically for the hotel), complete with a heated indoor pool, and your Virtuoso amenity at The Greenwich is a $100 spa credit, so we strongly advise checking out the incredible facial and massage treatments available.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
With its leafy cobblestone streets lined with Federal-style rowhouses and quaint shops, Georgetown feels like a village, yet you’re close to all the major sites of the nation’s capital. Explore it from this luxury hotel, with a unique setting inside a converted 1930s landmark building and a prime location, just a stone’s throw from the Potomac River. Rooms are elegantly understated, while suites are bigger than some city apartments with separate living/dining rooms and wraparound terraces with incredible river views. The bartenders are some of the best in the city, and the hotel’s living area is a cozy, private space for drinks and a chat. Head up the street to Kate’s favorite cupcake joint, Baked & Wired, for some sweet treats while in residence.
Relax on your private balcony and catch the ocean breezes from this beachfront gem, just a five-minute stroll from all the attractions along Malibu Pier. The 47 rooms are wonderfully stylish, with custom contemporary furnishings in soothing gray and blue tones, and wonderfully comfortable, with plush king-sized pillow-top mattresses. Don’t miss the hotel’s Carbon Beach Club Restaurant, showcasing local seafood and fresh farmers’ market ingredients; we love Malibu Farms, located on the pier next door, for incredible salads and tacos made with local organic produce.
Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Virginia
Everything from horseback riding to zip-lining to falconry classes is available onsite at this family-friendly destination resort, set on 340 rolling acres in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. For the less adventurous, there are yoga and meditation classes as well as a full spa where you can indulge in a wide range of treatments (Salamander’s spa is Kate’s top choice in the DC area, in fact!). Its 168 rooms and suites come in a variety of configurations and all have outdoor space with views of the surrounding countryside or the grand front lawn. Multiple restaurants and room service offer guests lots of dining options.