If you love the holidays, but wouldn’t mind swapping cold weather and barren trees for milder temperatures and palm trees, we’ll let you in on a little secret: There’s nothing like Christmas in Cali, whether you prefer the cooler northern region or sun-soaked SoCal vibes. With these travel offers from some of our favorite gay-friendly hotels in California, you get the best of both worlds: a lush, scenic place to unwind in and all the fanfare, celebration, and joy of the holidays. Read on to see the special offers!
The Westin St. Francis on Union Square, San Francisco
The holiday season is spellbinding no matter where you end up, but no one does it quite like the Westin St. Francis, located right on Union Square, an anchor for some of the best shopping and dining in the city. For one thing, the hotel features its annual castle display, where two enchanting masterpieces will be on view: a 12-foot-tall Medieval Sugar Castle and the St. Francis Enchanted Castle.
Then there’s the Sweet Boutique, offering freshly-baked decorative cookies, orange-scented shortbread, gingerbread men, and Parisian macarons for purchase. Plus, there’s the Holiday Hideaway floor, decked out festive décor and featuring two life-size toy soldiers that delight both children and adults.
SPECIAL OFFER: Treat yourself to a luxe stay and a retail therapy session with the Macy’s Holiday Shopping Package, which includes a $100 gift certificate to the West Coast’s largest Macy’s, located just steps from the hotel, plus a keepsake Ghirardelli cable car ornament. Rates start at $294 per night. For reservations, call (866) 716-8108.
The Langham, Pasadena
What better place to spend the holidays than at an iconic Gilded Age landmark in charming Pasadena? At the 5-star Langham, you’re transported to the glamour and elegance of yesteryear, yet you have some of today’s hottest SoCal attractions at your fingertips, including The Staples Center, the Norton Simon Museum, and The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens.
The Langham turns up the holiday charm with several promotions and events that allow you to savor every magical moment. Order legendary Langham pies, or indulge in pure bliss with a holiday treatment at Chuan Spa. Special brunches and prix fixe dinners are offered for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book “The Fairest Suite of All” package, inspired by the enchanting Snow White fairytale. You’ll get a suite or cottage, in-room sweets and goodies, four tickets to Lythgoe Family Panto's "A Snow White Christmas" production at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium (with roundtrip car service!), and breakfast for four at The Terrace restaurant or in-suite via Private Kitchen.
Hotel Republic San Diego
There’s never a bad time to visit America’s Finest City, one of the sunniest destinations in the United States. And when you choose the gay-friendly Hotel Republic San Diego as your holiday base, you’ll be near some of the city's most coveted attractions, not to mention two action-packed neighborhoods, The Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy.
Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch a holiday-themed event, such as Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo, December Nights at Balboa Park, or the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
SPECIAL OFFER: Thinking of bringing your pup along? That’s a great idea — San Diego is one of the nation’s most dog-friendly cities. With the Hotel Republic’s “Pups & Paws” package, you get tons of goodies for your doggo, plus the hotel will waive the non-refundable pet deposit. Just think — you won’t even have to buy your pup a Christmas present.
Paradise Point, San Diego
Paradise Point is San Diego’s premier island resort, and upon arriving you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to an exotic tropical locale that's thousands of miles away from any winter wonderland. The grounds are brimming with lush gardens, and tranquil bayfront lagoons provide plenty of space to decompress. There’s even a mile-long sandy beach. Sure beats ice, snow, and subzero temperatures, right?
SPECIAL OFFER: When it comes to the holidays, Paradise Point knows how to turn the celebration up a notch. Book a stay in December to experience “Jingle on the Bay” activities (everything from trivia and Santa photo opps to holiday craft cocktails and Christmas movies) and get rates as low as $99 per night for stays through January 5.
Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
Looking for an under-the-radar SoCal spot to enjoy the last few days of 2019? Gay-friendly Monarch Beach Resort, located in breathtaking Dana Point, is a AAA Five-Diamond sanctuary with all the luxe amenities you need to make it your best Christmas ever, including an 18-hole championship golf course, an upscale spa, celebrated restaurants, and three heated swimming pools.
The property’s holiday calendar includes events like a Hanukkah candle lighting, a buffet on Christmas Day, and tons of choices for beach club activities, fitness classes, and golf.
SPECIAL OFFER: Check out Monarch Beach Resort's selection of travel deals, offering everything from room discounts to free golf. The "3rd Night Free" package gives you an extra day to enjoy all the resort's amenities.
