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Guides
9 cool hotels for leaf peeping, from Central Park to the Rocky Mountains
Tanner Saunders is a Webby Award-winning senior hotels reporter for TPG based in Brooklyn. He covers everything from breaking hotel news to in-depth features on the world’s best hotels.
As a senior writer for TPG, Tarah Chieffi helps readers travel better, more often and within their budget.
also contributed to this story
September 22, 2026 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article highlights top hotels across the U.S. ideal for fall foliage getaways, ranging from urban escapes to nature retreats.
Featured properties include options in New York City, the Berkshires, Aspen, the Ozarks, Jackson, the Pacific Northwest, the Smoky Mountains and Big Bear Lake.
Amenities at these hotels vary, with some offering all-inclusive packages, outdoor activities, spa services and unique experiences like guided tours or glamping.
Booking options include both cash rates and the ability to redeem hotel loyalty points for stays.
What to consider
Some resorts offer all-inclusive pricing, but certain activities or spa treatments may require additional payment.
Rates and points required for redemption can fluctuate based on season and demand, especially during peak foliage periods.
Availability may be limited at popular destinations, so advance booking is recommended for best selection.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of each hotel's standout features, seasonal activities and tips for maximizing your autumn travel experience.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Few things are more magical in the fall than a scenic drive down a tree-lined road awash in autumn hues.
From deep reds to sunset oranges to vibrant yellows, the season brings an abundance of color into our lives, along with crisp air, light jackets and maybe even a pumpkin spice-flavored something (or two).
If you're planning a little leaf-peeping getaway, there are tons of great hotels around the U.S. to anchor your autumnal adventure. Here are some of our favorite options.
Not every leaf-peeping trip needs to be up in the mountains or out in nature. In fact, one of the best ways to see some changing leaves is with a side of world-class entertainment, shopping and dining. Experience it all with a trip to New York City and a room at the JW Marriott Essex House New York.
This hotel is right on Central Park and offers rooms with stunning views of the changing trees. You can even join a weekly guided running tour of the park amid the foliage. Afterward, hit the shops on Fifth Avenue, catch a Broadway show or visit one of the incredible museums within walking distance of the hotel.
How to book: Fall rates from $697 per night or 97,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Miraval Berkshires
MIRAVAL BERKSHIRES
In New England, Miraval Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts, is a TPG-favorite resort all year long. Arguably, the best time to stay at this wellness-focused, adults-only sanctuary is in the fall. Then, you can go on a digital detox surrounded by the glorious colors of autumn while being pampered like royalty.
At Miraval Berkshires, nearly everything is covered by the price, including meals (sans alcohol) and lots of activities, from yoga to archery and cardio drumming. The resort also has a full-service spa, though spa treatments are not included in the cost of your stay.
How to book: You can book your all-inclusive stay at Miraval Berkshires through World of Hyatt. Autumn rates for two adults start around $1,250 per night or starting at 60,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
You might think of Aspen, Colorado, as a winter-first destination, but let's not sleep on its fantastic fall foliage, OK? To root yourself there to see the changing of the leaves, consider the W Aspen, a great spot with plenty of amenities to enjoy.
At the base of Aspen Mountain, this resort offers funky rooms (including some with bunk beds), a heated rooftop pool, fire pits and bike rentals. Staff members can even organize a paragliding experience to view the leaves from a totally new height.
How to book: Fall rates from $363 per night or 91,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
There aren't many more beautiful — or peaceful — destinations for viewing fall foliage than Missouri's Ozark Mountains. And the Big Cedar Lodge is a standout option for a relaxing lakeside getaway overlooking the mountains. In September and October, the resort ushers in fall with "Cedar Fest," a celebration featuring activities like bonfires, pumpkin painting and fall foliage dinner cruises. (Note that some activities require an additional fee.)
Accommodations at this nature-themed resort range from standard rooms in the Woodland Lodge to glamping tents to private log cabins and lakeside cottages. Regardless of your room type, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, outdoor games, miniature golf and access to a lakeside beach are included in the cost of your stay.
How to book: Rates at Big Cedar Lodge start around $232 per night.
The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection
MARRIOTT
Part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, The Cloudveil is a luxury hotel in the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, that's big on design and style.
The hotel is the perfect place to stay for a fall trip to some of the incredible nearby national parks, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone, which glow amber as the leaves change colors.
Come for the leaf peeping but stay for, well, everything else. From suites with massive soaking tubs to a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, not to mention a delicious restaurant, this hotel hits all the right notes.
How to book: Fall rates from $325 per night or 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
If you want to admire auburn-hued leaves while staying in a fairy-tale-like castle, head to dreamy Mohonk Mountain House. About 90 miles outside of New York City, this resort is set within 40,000 acres of forest — just think of all those leaves!
The resort offers fun activities all year long, though fall is arguably the most beautiful time to visit. Spend your time here hiking, horseback riding, axe-throwing or canoeing. In the evening, gather the family for a campfire or an outdoor movie night under the stars. It's all included in the cost of your stay, as are three meals a day (excluding alcohol) and a daily afternoon tea service with cookies.
How to book: You can book your stay at Mohonk Mountain House directly through the hotel's website. Rates for two adults start around $730 per night.
Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY
Fall in the Pacific Northwest packs a one-two punch of fiery fall foliage and snowcapped mountain peaks that offer a glimpse of what's to come as winter approaches. Washington state's Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, one of TPG's most exciting hotel openings of 2025, gets you as close as comfortably possible to these gorgeous views ... emphasis on comfortably.
Glamping tents at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge are outfitted with luxe bedding, propane fireplaces, ensuite bathrooms with organic bath products and furnished patios. Book a Stargazer Tent with a viewing window above the bed for foliage views in the morning and night sky scenes in the evening.
How to book: Glamping tents at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge start around $275 or 16,250 World of Hyatt points per night.
Set 1,000 feet above the charming town of Gatlinburg, this hotel is a great home base for a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby Dollywood, Dolly Parton's popular theme park.
The hotel is also home to two restaurants, including Firefly's Patio Lounge, where you can sit outside in the fresh Tennessee mountain air and sip an Old-Fashioned while watching the leaves fall.
Fall into the beauty of Southern California's Big Bear Lake in a cozy, tiny cabin where you can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. Postcard Cabins Big Bear is set among towering cedar, oak and eucalyptus trees, with a 1-mile hiking trail winding throughout the property.
Each private, dog-friendly cabin has a kitchenette with cooking supplies, comfortable bedding, a bathroom with Pharmacopia products and an outdoor fire pit. The beds are situated next to a large window, so you never have to say "goodnight" to the gorgeous views.
How to book: Fall rates from $189 per night or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
