The chilly season offers the opportunity to find a cozy weekend getaway close to Philly. And to help with that, we’ve rounded up some enticing offers if you’re looking for a winter escape to end 2023 off on a high note, or to start 2024 on the right foot.
Ghost Light Inn
New Hope is a fan favorite in terms of close and scenic getaways near Philadelphia. Located just over an hour’s drive away from the city, the Ghost Light Inn is one of the town’s most popular stays. The 12-room boutique hotel also has in-house restaurant, Stella of New Hope, which features both an indoor and outdoor fireplace and a menu chock full of modern American favorites.
As a release describes, guests can enjoy a braised tomahawk short rib with a glass of red at a two-top table located directly adjacent to the indoor hearth, or choose to sit al fresco on Stella’s outdoor patio in the warmth of its second fireplace with 180-degree views of the Delaware River. As a bonus, Stella also provides blankets for its diners.
The town also holds Ghost Light Inn’s sister property, the Carriage House of New Hope. The three-suite B&B and home rental hybrid is extra cozy with a fireplace from the 1800s in its lobby, and fireplaces in each guest room as well. Some other in-room amenities here include a full chef’s kitchen, a living area complete with a gas fireplace and chandelier, two balconies offering panoramic river views, and a second-floor master bedroom with a spa-like bathroom.
50 S Main St., New Hope, ghostlightinn.com
Penn’s View Hotel
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway within city limits this winter, the Penn’s View Hotel in Old City offers a cozy and scenic option. The 51-room boutique hotel founded by the Sena family in 1990 offers several rooms with fireplaces, including its Queen Patio with views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge from its outdoor patio; Premium King which features a spa bathtub and views of the Delaware River; and King Patio which also features the views from a private patio, and a spa bathtub.
While at this Old City escape, Philadelphians can also head to Panorama (located inside the hotel) known for its vast selection of over 120 wines on tap paired with authentic Italian cuisine paying homage to owner Luca Sena’s hometown of Naples, Italy. For the season, guests can enjoy a candlelit dinner complete with a Winter Warmers wine flight and pappardelle or braciola, then head upstairs with a good book or to hang out by the fireplace.
14 North Front St., pennsviewhotel.com
Seaview Hotel and Golf Club
Located just 20 minutes from Atlantic City, this Galloway, New Jersey venue offers a “a cozy and comfortable respite all year round.” Seaview’s Lobby Bar leads right out to its outdoor patio (which is open weather permitting) overlooking Seaview’s championship Bay Course, Reed’s Bay and the Atlantic City skyline. The outdoor area also features an outdoor fire pit, while inside, the 296-room hotel boasts a beautiful indoor pool (the original — built in 1914), plus a 24/7 fitness center, and a Pro Golf Shop.
While staying there, guests are also a short drive away from Historic Smithville with quaint shops, restaurants, family-friendly activities and more.
401 S New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey, seaviewdolcehotel.com
The Logan Hotel
There’s a unique way to enjoy The Logan Hotel during the winter season with their Holiday Lodge Suite experience. Each year, The Logan decks the halls of its signature 1,400-sq.-ft. James Logan Suite, with festive lights, seasonal bedding, and a fully decorated tree. There’s also a list of offerings available that are customizable to the experience.
One pick is the Hot Chocolate Trolley experience where the cart is rolled right up to your room with fixings like peppermint sticks, marshmallows, nutmeg, white chocolate chips, plus spiced rum and bourbon to take the drinks up a notch. Other offerings span a Private Bartender Experience, an over-the-top dessert experience that lets you “Live Like Kevin McAllister”, a custom cart filled with movie-time treats and more.
As a release states, the package is available for booking now through Dec. 31, with starting rates beginning at $500. Additionally, for groups looking to book the space for an evening get together or a festive dinner party, the Holiday Lodge Suite is also available for 5-hour rentals from Sunday-Thursday with rates starting at $250. That price also includes a bottle of champagne for the group and access to the suite’s exclusive food and beverage menu as an add on.
While there, Philadelphians can also head to Assembly Rooftop Lounge (located in the hotel) to check out their Alpine Heights activation open until Feb. 29 of next year. While at Alpine Heights, Philadelphians can indulge in boozy hot chocolate, fondue, short rib rosti, a Bavarian smash burger, gruyere & onion dip, and a variety of other cocktails while sitting by one of the venue’s fire pits or at the indoor heated bar.
One Logan Square, hilton.com