Christmas in an Hotel?

We have been thinking along the same lines suebaily1 are you looking to go just for xmas day or stay for a few days ? I fancy the 3/4 day packages that I have seen advertised and just enjoy the atmosphere with new people we are also unsure as to where to look for as the weather conditions for the areas we would like to go are not marvelous that time of year and travelling a distance could present a problem.

Oh yes that's just what we think so as we live in the east midlands something up or down the A1 would be good. Yes a few days- something traditional with nice big meals, lots of company and walks is all I'm looking for. At DD this year which DH is not looking forward to the old curmudgeon!

I don't think we would get away with that! - 3 DDs would want us around to share the family Xmas - even if we just sit in a corner and snooze. They have very strong views about family celebrations! - we even have the same Xmas decorations that they made when they were small.

And we do not do big meals so we would not get our money's worth!

Well it would be the first time ever for us- we have provided family Xmas for years and now the children are growing up they want to stay at home so we will give it a try - depending on price that is.

DH and I did go to Tenerife a couple of times for Christmas and New Year - it was great to get some sunshine in the middle of winter, but it didn't actually feel like Christmas! Now I am on my own I have considered going to a UK hotel for Christmas but am worried about looking like "Billy No Mates" sitting on my own!! (All my friends have partners and/or family they go to for Christmas)

Perhaps we should all join up? We went to Tenerife in February this year for some winter sun and there wasn't any!!!

I used to have a guest house in York. York is a fantastic place to be at Christmas, if you want somewhere near the A1.
All the family used to come and stay, but we still had room for a some paying guests. They were usually people who had family in York, but did not want to sleep on a mattress on the floor.

Mishap - nor would we!!

We tried last year (in a half-hearted way) but there were lots of faces. I think it's the fact that the children are all together as well that they enjoy!

Anyway, we've not had the fair yet, so we shouldn't be talking about it!

Mr P and I have only been away once for Christmas, to a lovely little town in Bavaria, about an hour from Munich by train. It was lovely, lots of snow and bright blue skies! But it was all paid for by my then boss, so we weren't thinking of the cost.

Ex and I often did it. We only got away with it because I worked for a chain of hotels, and lied said I had to work over Christmas (how they believed it I shall never know, as I was an accountant!) They were the best ever, no cooking, no washing up, no squabbles, go to your room when you feel like it with no-one telling you off for being unsociable, no board games - just entertainment all hours of all varieties for those who wanted it.

Can't recommend one I'm afraid, as the one I used to stay in was sold off long ago. It used to be owned by Thistle, though.

Not sure if you mean in this country or abroad. Either, maybe.
Last Christmas I went to Malta with part of my family, nine of us altogether. I loved it, but not sure I would want to do it very often.
It certainly does mean an easier Christmas, no chores etc, and was much more relaxing. The downside was that it didn't really feel like Christmas
even though the hotel put on a great Christmas day with a fabulous meal and entertainments, and a big Christmas tree in the foyer, and a local choir singing carols, etc.

It must be lovely, I think, to book into a country hotel in the U.K. somewhere scenic, and just enjoy walks and meals laid on etc, with a loving partner.

It is a lovely idea but do hotels not "jack" up their prices at that time of year? I am in the same position as sunseeker and would not go on my own.

When I was married I think we had one Christmas together- I was either working or we went to in laws and I loathed that as breakfast was at 8am lunch 1pm etc. They went to bed at 9.30pm but complained about the noise if we sat up to watch TV. I prefer to be on my own and can have a boiled egg if I so wish.

Charleygirl, my DH and I always had Christmas Day alone and then would visit family on Boxing Day. Since being widowed my in-laws have invited me to spend Christmas with them but so far I have opted to stay home. I agree you can then do as you wish, watch TV, go for a walk or whatever. I usually have a few tears first thing on Christmas morning but then I remember all the good times we had and soon feel better.

I've spent one Christmas on my own since my husband died, but it was grim. I did well up to lunch time (I cooked something special) but it was downhill after that. (Maybe the alcohol had something to do with it ). Then there was Boxing Day to get through. I would really like to go away, in good company, to somewhere with no Christmas celebrations at all.

Culag so sorry to hear things were so bad for you. I was fortunate to spend my first Christmas alone with my family who live in Australia (my nephew, who is completely bonkers, seemed to sense when I was feeling down and would do or say something to make me laugh). The last 2 Christmas' I have spent Christmas day alone but visited in-laws on Boxing Day.

It is still early days for you, and it is hard, but I found remembering the good times helped a lot. I also went out for a long walk after lunch (worked off all that excess food and wine!) and then settled down by the fire with a good film.

Hike up the prices yes - but if you consider what many hotels lay on, it's not surprising. A typical four days at the one I used to go to most often provided child care free in a room near the main ballroom. On arrival, you would have afternoon tea, and a glass of champagne (all paid for as it was a package). As you had dessert, there would be a group of some kind arriving to sing carols - I remember the Salvation Army being very popular! Afterwards, a disco for those who wanted it.

Xmas day, and after breakfast Father Xmas would arrive by heliocopter and provide a small gift for the children and apologise for anything he had got wrong overnight. Then (it was a country hotel) lunch, after that you could go for a walk or have a go on some kind of racetrack game, gamble (not for money) watch a film, borrow a bike or a kite, and many other things I can't even remember because I didn't bother with them. I used to go for a swim.

Then dinner and a cabaret afterwards, a live band for dancing (how they found them on xmas day I shall always wonder) followed by yet another disco for the younger ones.

Boxing Day, repeat, apart from Father Xmas. All wine came with meals unless you didn't like it, in which case you could order something different. Also buy your own spirits from the bar. But as much tea and coffee all day as you like.

Leave after breakfast the following day.

I could never afford it now, my family would hate for me to do it - but oh how I miss it...

I'm feeling bad now that my post sounded so miserable. My husband died seven years ago, and I've only had that one Christmas on my own. I now have a super grandchild which helps alot. But I do feel guilty that my family always feel they ought to invite me as I'm on my own.

I try to remember the good times, but it usually makes me so sad that he is not still here enjoying life.

Ignore me, I'm just going through a bad patch at the moment, I'll get over it

My family and I spent one Christmas in Austria and it was beautiful (at least we got some snow!) and, under the same circumstances, I would do it again.

Culag I'm sure we would feel the same, a bit wistful that we don't have a loved one there to share the experience, and talk it over with afterwards.

Back to the hotel cost though, at Xmas of course it is expensive, the staff pay rates go up as it's all bank holiday rates, so mostly double at least. Plus, you can't rely on casual staff for something so important.

Culag I feel the same. I've spent several on cruises which are good fun, but owing to an expensive year and no work I can't for the next couple of years. Darling daughter comes with the DGC and her partner for one day, but after that I'm on my own .
Expect I'll just curl up with a good book.

Oh dear I have just read all this and now feel I ought to give my DH the Christmas he loves best - at home!

I am sorry that some people are alone and Xmas must be the worst time- sorry to have sounded so insensitive and spoilt. .

When the children were travelling we spent two Christmases on a Travel Editions five day trip. The first was to Strasbourg and the second to Montpelier. Both were wonderful. Quite small groups with amazing meals at the small hotels and trips out on the other days. There were quite a few solo travellers and as we all sat at tables of eight everyone was included. Strasbourg was snowy and like a storybook Christmas, Montpelier was beautifully warm and we went for a long walk along the river on Christmas Day ready for one of the best meals we've ever had in the evening. Now the grandchildren have arrived I don't think we'd get away with it.

Not at all!
It's just me that's

That was to Sie