5 best and easiest winter getaways for Vancouverites

Dec 20 2017, 3:08 am

If you’re one of the many Vancouverites planning a getaway this winter, there are several factors you’ll want to consider when choosing your destination. One thing’s for sure: when you’re trying to escape Vancouver for a few days or a week in the midst of hectic Christmas shopping, you’ll want to hit up a destination that’s easy to plan on a whim.

Your ideal destination can get you there-and-back without you being missed at too many holiday events back home.

1. The Sheraton Seattle Hotel – Seattle, Washington

Image: Seattle Space Needle / Shutterstock

Image: Seattle Space Needle / Shutterstock

Seattle is the perfect destination for a Vancouverite to get away for a few days. This happening city is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit because Seattle does the holidays big. Downtown Seattle is an epicenter of legendary Christmas lights, festive window displays, massive Christmas trees and even a holiday carousel for everyone to enjoy.

Located just steps from the famous Pike Place Market, the Sheraton Seattle Hotel is a beautiful winter retreat in the heart of downtown Seattle, only a three hour drive from Vancouver.

The Seattle Sheraton lobby is beautifully decorated during the holidays, and each year they boast an amazing Gingerbread Village making it one of the most festive hotels in Seattle. The hotel is also known for having some of the most comfortable hotel beds you’ll ever sink into, so you’re guaranteed to get a very restful retreat.

2. The Modern Honolulu – Oahu, Hawaii

Image credit: The Modern Honolulu

Image: The Modern Honolulu

If you’re up for it, don’t think twice about trading that three hour drive for a five hour direct flight to Honolulu. On Expedia, you can find round-trip flights from Vancouver to Honolulu for less than $430 round trip this winter, and prices like that can temp anyone to get away from Vancouver’s chilly temperatures for a week. If you’re looking for a modern hotel in Honolulu that’s stunning, trendy and incredibly unique, look no further than The Modern Honolulu.

The Modern is a cosmopolitan lifestyle resort which boasts two trendy pools and a contemporary design. The Modern’s sunrise pool mimics a lakeside dock with its unique design, and at night the pool lights up gorgeous colors of indigo, purple and royal blue making it a romantic setting perfect for an evening cocktail. Their poolside menu incorporates very different and fun ideas, such as “buzz bars” which are spiked popsicles and ice cream bars for guests aged 21 and over. The pool bar boasts hanging string lights and lit-up surrounding trees that use unique concepts such as candles in empty beer bottles which hang from the trees. The sunset pool is the Modern’s rooftop adult-only pool, which has imported sand, white communal floaties to lay on, and beautiful soft lighting at night.

To get the most out of your stay on Oahu, use the services of a tour company such as Funlocity Tours. From scenic horseback riding tours and gorgeous waterfall tours to movie set tours and zip lining adventures, Funlocity offers a wide range of memorable activities, attractions and tours to offer. Funlocity will make sure you have an amazing time in Hawaii, no matter how long or short your stay is.

3. Penticton Lakeside Resort – The Okanagan, B.C.

Image credit: Penticton Lakeside Resort

Image: Penticton Lakeside Resort

Vancouverites often flock to the Okanagan in the summer, but this popular summer destination is also a fun and beautiful getaway in the winter! A convenient and easy getaway, Penticton is only a four hour drive from Vancouver and offers visitors awesome snowshoeing adventures in the winter as well as cross-country skiing, wine tasting, ice fishing, and the Penticton Winter Farmer’s Market.

The Penticton Lakeside Resort is a beautiful and peaceful resort right on the lake, and each winter the hotel converts their private beach into an outdoor ice-rink! This hotel also really gets into the holiday spirit with a fully decorated lobby complete with a story-telling Santa. The hotel’s Hooded Merganser restaurant is located directly on the lake with stunning views and delicious food. The only casino in Penticton happens to be at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, and from live music to comedy shows, the hotel’s Barking Parrot bar always has something fun going on for hotel guests to enjoy.

The Okanagan is famous for its wine, so while you’re there for the weekend make sure to get recommendations from restaurant staff and taste some local wines.

4. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – Los Angeles, California

This trendy, upscale and classic hotel is one of California’s famous historical landmarks. Located on the Hollywood strip along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the ideal, central location makes for an effortless getaway has almost everything you’ll want to see and do in L.A. when it comes to dining and entertainment is within walking distance. The chic, modern suites at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel are named after famous former residents of the hotel like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.

The Hollywood Roosevelt boasts a million dollar outdoor swimming pool. The Tropicana pool is also a historical landmark, and it’s always a laid-back and fun bar scene at this pool. The artistic sanctuary that is the Tropicana pool has been captivating guests for almost a century, and countless historical icons have been guests.

5. Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre – Whistler, B.C.

Image credit: Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

Image: Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

This is the ideal destination for anyone dreaming of a whimsical winter wonderland. Nestled in the heart of Whistler Village, this beautiful hotel is sure to exceed your expectations and have you deep into the holiday spirit.

Only a two hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler has that charming, romantic, and whimsical vibe – and anyone who has visited it knows that it’s especially remarkable during the holidays. In the winter, the village’s streets are lit up with spectacular Christmas lights and the snow-capped trees are sure to set a romantic mood.

The Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre boasts a gorgeous outdoor hot tub and pool area and spacious, residence-style suites with full kitchens, cozy fireplaces and balconies that offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains that make you feel like you’re in a winter dream. Its prime location is ideal for dining and shopping, as well as easy access to several awesome winter activities such as snow-shoeing under the stars or cross country skiing among snow-covered pines.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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