7 city hotels where you can apres-ski without ever hitting the slopes
With winter in full swing, you might be gearing up for a trip to some of the best ski resorts in the country. Or, if you're like me and have yet to learn the art of winter sports, you're probably just jealous of all of your friends partaking in that apres-ski life. (You know, the part where the only muscles you use are the ones in your arm that help lift a hot toddy to your lips.)
But fear not! You don't have to be anywhere near the slopes or the snow to enjoy a little apres-ski fun. In fact, you just need to be near one of these fabulous hotels that are offering winter pop-ups, which include private chalets for you and your crew to enjoy, winter-themed cocktails, ooey-gooey fondue and everything else you need to feel like a Real Housewife of Salt Lake City.
If you go to one of these hotels to apres all day, don't forget to post the "receipts! proof! timeline! screenshots!," as Heather Gay would say, because the best kind of apres ski is apres-no-ski.
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
Sure, you could go on an all-inclusive ski trip in the States, or you could cash in miles, fly to Paris in Air France's all-new business class and check into the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, one of TPG's favorite points hotels.
There, from now through Feb. 29, you can be transported to the scene of a beautiful mountain resort at Chalet du Park by Jean-François Rouquette, a pop-up dining experience set in an immaculate wooden chalet in a very Parisian courtyard. Guests who book can either experience a three-course lunch menu with dishes like beef chuck in Medoc wine sauce followed by apple pie (120 euros or $131) or a raclette dinner (210 euros or $230) with mountain charcuterie, Montbeliard sausages, baby potatoes, herb salad, apple pie and even the option to add on black truffle for an additional fee.
Rates at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome start at 1,360 euros ($1,440) or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
When people say they work on The Hill in the nation's capital, it doesn't mean they're snowboarding instructors. But you might find them pretending they are at The Macallan Chalets, a winter pop-up experience at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons, one of the best hotels in Washington.
In conjunction with Irish whisky brand Macallan, the restaurant has put up a series of chalets that can accommodate different-sized groups, each for $25 per person (plus food and drink, some with minimum spends), all inspired by Macallan's estate in Speyside, Scotland. Chalet visitors can enjoy a series of dishes like smoked salmon latkes, lobster pot pies or fontina-stuffed gnudi alongside specialty Macallan highballs.
Just don't forget to finish the experience with The Macallan Hot Chocolate, made with an 18-year-old Macallan Sherry Oak, Valrhona chocolate, Macallan milk foam, marshmallows, cinnamon dust, a chocolate tree, marshmallow twigs and edible gold leaf.
Rates at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC start at $677 per night.
The Mark — New York City
At the Celebrity-adored hotel The Mark, Jean-Georges has brought the tastes and design of the Swiss Alps to the upper-crust Upper East Side. Called The Mark Chalet, the reservation-only pop-up is homey, cozy and not quite what you'd expect from a hotel that's basically home base for everyone attending the Met Gala.
At the Mark Chalet, apres-no-skiers can enjoy classic drinks like mulled wine, hot toddies or even Schumli Pflumli (which I hope sounds exactly how it looks) which is basically hot coffee and plum brandy. For food, warm up with a warm Schaffhauser onion tart followed by The Chalet Fondue ($55 per person), which includes gruyere and vacherin cheeses along with Bundnerfleisch smoked meat, broccoli, potato, apple, pear and pickled cauliflower for dipping.
Rates at The Mark start at $795 per night.
InterContinental Magnificent Mile — Chicago
In Chicago, the traditional ski chalet gets a modern, geometric twist at The Winter Chalet in the InterContinental Chicago on the iconic Magnificent Mile. InterContinental Hotels actually have a series of chalets at various hotels, including the Magnificant Mile, that feature a handful of exciting offerings that'll transport you to St. Moritz, like the interior design by Corey Damen Jenkins, a custom playlist to set the mood by Grammy winner Maren Morris (which you can also listen to at home), chalet-inspired cocktails like a Hot Gstaad Toddy and the chilled Alpine Negroni, and, of course, all the fondue the heart desires.
In Chicago, The Winter Chalet is available now through February and on offer Thursday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Rates at the InterContinental Chicago start around $140 per night or 22,000 IHG One Rewards points.
Fairmont Century Plaza — Los Angeles
Los Angeles might not be the first place you think of to get your apres-ski on, but at the storied Fairmont Century Plaza, you'll learn it totally is the place to do it. On offer through Jan. 31, the Swiss Chalet is a truly decadent experience with firepits, "snow"-covered (fake) alpine trees, faux-fur blankets and even private wooden dining areas to enjoy the not-so-chilly winter experience with your pals.
Available to winter wannabes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 5 p.m., the Swiss Chalet dining experience costs $105 per person and comes with a welcome glass of mulled wine, a starter soup or salad, a main dish like braised short rib or Faroe Islands salmon, a chocolate fondue set for the table, and the option for add-ons like a cheese fondue ($40) that can round out the experience. Seasonal drinks like the Espres-ski Martini (made with Casamigos Reposado, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and agave, $20) round out the menu.
Rates at the Fairmont Century Plaza start at around $605 per night.
Cheval Blanc Paris
Back in the City of Lights, Cheval Blanc's winter chalet gets a contemporary Parisian touch in the form of transparent rooftop "bubbles" that offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and its surrounding beauty at the hotel bar, Celeste. On offer daily from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. through March 31, the winter experience at Céleste, which requires a reservation, includes a revolving menu of rare spirits curated by the hotel's sommeliers, plus finger foods like temakis and gunkans (types of sushi) by chef Takuya Watanabe.
And if you feel so inspired by Paris to head out for a real ski-mountain experience in Europe, let it be your first stop before jetting off to some of the best places in the world for apres-ski.
Rates at Cheval Blanc Paris start at 1,748 euros ($1,846) per night.
Bonus: Gleneagles — Perthshire, Scotland
This last entry isn't in a city, but it's also not a ski resort, so it's worth considering.
With the Winter Escape & Adventure Pass package at Gleneagles, a luxury resort offering everything from a spa to golf, in Scotland, you can have as much winter fun as you can imagine. With the package, adults can head to the Winter Lodge (available only to Adventure Pass holders) between noon and 6:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday for baked goods, tea and coffee. The Winter Lodge also becomes your home away from home, with a fireplace marking the setting of a leisurely afternoon of games, sipping an included Macallan whisky cocktail and munching on a charcuterie board.
Related: Edinburgh’s Gleneagles Townhouse: A city hotel that's costly but close to perfection
Guests also get the option of choosing between a fire-lit falconry display or learning how to perfectly throw an axe, along with a nature walk around the estate's 850 scenic acres, an upgrade to a Manor Room (inclusive of a Scottish breakfast), access to the resort's wellness facilities, plus the option to add on (typically for a fee) other activities like fishing, off-road driving and more.
The Winter Lodge & Adventure Pass package is available for select dates Sunday through Thursday and starts at 350 pounds or $450, based on double occupancy.
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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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Terms Apply.
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| 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. |
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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
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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
- 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.