For a growing number of Americans, Thanksgiving has shifted from a traditional hometown celebration into an opportunity: a chance to combine a cherished holiday with an international getaway. Instead of cooking and cleaning, these travelers value uninterrupted, luxurious time spent with meaningful company, along with the attentive service of world-class hotels that recreate the comfort of the familiar holiday meal while offering the rare joys of travel. From classic English drawing rooms to turquoise-edged lagoons, the right hotel allows guests to enjoy turkey and their favorite pies alongside local flavors, curated experiences, and the kind of quiet privacy that turns a long weekend into a lasting memory. Let’s explore five hotels that have our attention this season.
The Lanesborough, London
Nestled beside Hyde Park and overlooking the Crown Estate, The Lanesborough hosts Thanksgiving with the kind of understated elegance that appeals to families seeking tradition without theatrical flair. The hotel’s Thanksgiving package usually includes a festive lunch or dinner at The Lanesborough Grill along with luxuries such as daily breakfast, a seasonal welcome gift, and flexible check-in and check-out times. Small details that allow guests to focus on being with loved ones rather than managing logistics. For Americans abroad, the appeal is immediate: a familiar menu served with British precision, private dining options for extended families, and a city that offers post-meal entertainment and historic walks in late-autumn light.
Prince de Galles, Paris
Paris is a natural choice for Americans who want their Thanksgiving dinner to feel like a cultural exchange rather than a compromise. Located just steps from the Champs-Élysées, Prince de Galles combines Art Deco heritage with modern gastronomy; the hotel has long served American guests during the holiday season with special touches, ranging from chefs creating seasonal menus to thoughtful in-room surprises that recognize American traditions. Here, a Thanksgiving table becomes a display of elegance: French technique elevates turkey and stuffing, while the city outside offers late-night jazz and illuminated cathedrals. It’s the perfect balance: all the comforts of home, reinterpreted through Parisian savoir-faire.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
For those whose ideal holiday combines family time with warm water and private verandas, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers a Thanksgiving like no other: a tropical feast surrounded by palm-shaded breakfasts and beachfront dinners. The resort features seasonal dining, cultural activities, and family-friendly entertainment, so guests can swap stuffing for ceviche without sacrificing tradition. The benefit for American travelers is both practical and poetic: skilled culinary teams recreate classic dishes (roast turkey, cranberry sauces, pumpkin desserts, and more) with island-sourced ingredients and evening luaus, allowing multigenerational groups to celebrate both tradition and escape in the best way possible.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
On Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba celebrates Thanksgiving as a day of togetherness and local connection. The resort’s curated programming includes community-focused morning events (such as shared breakfasts with local schools), charitable activities, and beachfront dinners that combine regional flavors with classic American elements. For families, the property’s villas and private dining options are invaluable: children can nap peacefully while adults enjoy late courses and mezcal pairings. It’s a choice for travelers who want their holiday to feel both generous and meaningful.
45 Park Lane (Dorchester Collection), London
For travelers seeking a Michelin-level Thanksgiving without leaving the city center, 45 Park Lane and its acclaimed restaurant CUT often offer a carefully curated Thanksgiving menu, one that honors tradition while adding seasonal touches. Located in Mayfair, the hotel’s setting allows guests to turn a festive lunch into an evening at the theater or a private, chauffeur-driven trip to the countryside. For Americans abroad, the combination of a chef-led feast, intimate private dining spaces, and Mayfair’s elegant streets creates a Thanksgiving that feels luxurious yet warmly social.
Plan An Ultimate Thanksgiving Getaway
What links these properties is not just a menu of turkey and pie; it’s the emphasis on thoughtful execution. Luxury travelers value time, privacy, and seamless service, and the top hotels craft Thanksgiving packages that include all three. They recreate the traditions guests cherish (family-style platters, familiar desserts, private dining rooms) while adding local touches: French pastry flavors in Paris, lagoon-fresh fish in Bora Bora, charitable experiences in the Riviera Maya, and elegant British hospitality in London. For those celebrating across borders, the reward lies in renewed energy, uninterrupted connection, and a story that endures beyond the leftovers. Traveling for Thanksgiving really comes down to choosing what truly matters: not just the destination, but how a place helps people come together. These hotels make that choice easy, offering American travelers the comfort of tradition along with the joy of discovery.