By Anne Taylor Hartzell, on December 26, 2014

Best hotels for holiday ice skating

As a little girl, I was enamored with the glamorous women in old holiday movies such as White Christmas. Dressed to the nines and all bundled up in their furs and felted hats, these dames looked so posh ice skating in wintry scenes set in Vermont and New York City at The Rink at Rockefeller Center.

Today, as the mother and wife in a family of four, I’m still obsessed with ice-skating. One of our favorite annual winter traditions involves spending a night at a cozy, urban hotel and spending an afternoon at a nearby, outdoor skating rink. We do it every year.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next winter ice skating trip, or a romantic winter weekend getaway to propose marriage, here are just a few fabulous hotels in New York and around the country that have access to outdoor ice skating.

The London NYC

No urban skating experience would be complete without one of New York City’s most celebrated traditions, a twirl around The Rink at Rockefeller Center. This is a winter vacation that is on our bucket list as a family. Two of the best hotels for this trip: The London NYC or The Plaza Hotel.

Skating by the sea at the Hotel del Coronado

Both of these properties are luxurious and great for families. They also serve as great home bases for vacations that revolve the rink, and are great jumping-off points for taking in the sights and sounds of this incredible, vibrant city. If you are looking for more ideas for your trip, my fellow Expedia Viewfinder pal, Carol Cain, has the full scoop on more fun things to do in New York during the winter.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego

For a unique ice skating experience, consider skating by the sea at the Hotel del Coronado. Just a short drive from downtown San Diego, this iconic hotel hosts a special “Skating by the Sea” ice skating rink situated just steps from the beach, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The outdoor rink is open from Thanksgiving day through January 7.

Viewfinder Tip: Many outdoor ice skating rinks are only here for the holidays, so be sure to check the schedule before booking.

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin

For a Texas-sized holiday ice skating experience, check in to the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa outside of Austin, Texas. During the holidays, this luxury resort hosts its annual Holiday Lights & Ice event at The Pavilion on the hotel’s property, benefiting Make-A-Wish® Central and South Texas. Participating families can skate under more than 20,000 holiday lights, roast s’mores, and enjoy holiday inspired food. The Holiday Lights & Ice skating event runs from late December through the first week of January.

No matter where your travels take you this winter, a outdoor ice skating adventure is never far away, and makes for a fun family, or romantic weekend getaway.

What are your favorite cities in which to spend a day ice skating?