As we enter “secret season,” also known as shoulder season, we wanted to share this roundup of 10 luxury hotels that are perfect for a fall getaway. Plus, the best secret is of the season is that this tends to be the time of year with the lowest rates for these properties – making it an even more enticing time to visit!
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) pictured
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is the company’s first international luxury property and is located on the pristine waters of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. Sophisticated-yet-playful, Seafire incorporates local and regional elements from the islands culture and personality, giving guests a distinct sense of place. The property features six private beachfront bungalows, three unique culinary outlets, two pools and an exceptional spa with the island’s only Hammam. Additionally, the hotel recently debuted an exciting new kid’s water park. The resorts prices can start at $1,139/night during peak season, but late August through late October, visitors can enjoy a luxurious stay starting as low as $417/night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (Sarasota, Florida)
A luxury landmark on Florida's central Gulf coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is conveniently located near the city center overlooking Sarasota Bay, just minutes from premier arts venues, nature sanctuaries, distinctive shopping, fishing, watersports, and the award-wining Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. This destination resort offers 266 guest rooms with Ritz-Carlton Club level accommodations, four restaurants featuring local cuisine, fresh seafood and waterfront dining, a Golf Club featuring an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, a Beach Club on Lido Key that offers exclusive oasis of beachfront services, children’s recreation programs, and The Ritz Carlton Spa, Sarasota. During the shoulder seasons – late August through October – the resort sees fewer crowds and offers rates that start as low as $640/night, compared to prices during peak season that can go over $1,600 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (St. Thomas, USVI)
Following a $100-million renovation, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas features an alluring blend of sea-inspired luxury and resort amenities. Embark on an idyllic retreat at this jewel among hotels in the US Virgin Islands, where you will discover endless views over Great Bay, and a variety of new and enhanced water features like, a remodeled infinity pool positioned to look as if it is flowing directly into the ocean, a luxury catamaran for sunset cruises, snorkeling tours and private events, and a Seaside Spa Cabana for those parents seeking outdoor pampering. During peak season, the resort prices a stays at over $1,500/night, but late August through early November, shoulder season allows visitors to enjoy a luxurious stay starting as low as $731/night.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa (Beaver Creek, CO)
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, a luxury ski resort near Vail, CO, offers warm inviting rooms with picturesque views at affordable prices. During the shoulder seasons – late September through November as well as Late April through May – the resort sees fewer crowds and offers lower rates. During these “secret seasons,” guests can get standard prices as low as $355 in mid-November, compared to $1,300 per night in peak seasons. The resort also offers dozens of activities and events available year-round, and fall is an especially great time to visit the mountains for the beautiful foliage on the aspen trees surrounding the property.
Viceroy Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
In the heart of the historic Gold Coast, on the cusp of the city’s best luxury shopping and dining, Viceroy Chicago is situated at the site of the historic 1920s-era Cedar Hotel. Each of Viceroy Chicago’s 180 guestrooms offer views of the cityscape or Lake Michigan. The adjoining Somerset is open daily for seasonal American cuisine with a patio perfect for people-watching. Once a week, visitors can enjoy live jazz music and “Wine-Down Wednesdays” during dinner service at Somerset (5-10 pm), when select bottles of wine and cocktails are available for 50%. Somerset is also host to special outdoor activations throughout the year, such as the Pumpkin Patch on the Patio happening October 21st, featuring pumpkin decorating, face painting, and seasonal treats. Although rates average $650/night during peak season, guests can enjoy a luxurious getaway at Viceroy Chicago for a fraction of the cost when visiting during the winter months, when rates start as low as $248/night.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (New Orleans, LA)
There is no better time to visit New Orleans than in the fall. The weather is in the mid 60’s and the events are in full swing with festivals like Southern Decadence, Beignet Fest and Black Restaurant Week New Orleans. Located in NOLA’s famed French Quarter, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel provides the perfect elevated experience for a fall escape. The property offers sophisticated guest rooms and suites with natural light, plush bedding, spacious work areas, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the French Quarter and Mississippi River. Nothing says luxury more than a rooftop pool overlooking the gorgeous city views. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of culinary offerings from six dining options between the Sheraton and sister property New Orleans Marriott, ranging from casual American fare to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. The property’s starting fare this fall is Starting at $113 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (Truckee, CA)
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, a ski-in and ski-out resort located in historic Truckee, California, offers travelers breathtaking scenery, a luxurious experience and excellent accommodations year-round. Between the months of mid-September through November, guests can experience little-to-no crowds and lower rates, picturesque fall foliage and fun seasonal activities, making the “secret season” the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Standard rates range from an average of $593 in mid-September to a low of $495 in October and November, compared to $1,000+ per night rates during peak seasons. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is also offering limited-time packages that are available until December 31, 2023; the Elevated Wellness and Discover With You, each offering special rates and activities.
Martinique New York on Broadway (New York City, New York)
Take your vacation to the next level by staying at the Martinique New York on Broadway. Inspired by the grand chateaus of France’s Loire Valley, the property was constructed in 1898, a pivotal year for NYC’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Following extensive renovations, the hotel was restored to its classic Art Deco style. Elevated design features include 1920’s inspired art, contemporary velvet geometric furnishings, an awe-inspiring mosaic-tile floor from the original construction, and the iconic marble spiral staircase built in 1907. With 504 newly renovated rooms and suites, a well-equipped fitness center with peloton bikes and elevated dining options - you will definitely hit it out of the park with this stay! Centrally located in Herald Square, the property is offering a Play Ball Package that includes two roundtrip MetroCards, a $25 gift card to use at the iconic Yankee Stadium, and complimentary breakfast for two guests. You can also choose to shop till you drop at Macy’s or jam out to the concerts of your choice at Madison Square Garden just a few blocks away. The property’s starting rate this fall is $274 per night with the Play Ball Package.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (Tampa, Florida)
After opening its doors in February 2021, the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street has combined modern luxury with the sophisticated energy of Tampa's vibrant downtown district; the perfect location that offers easy access to Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena and other major attractions. The property has 519 guestrooms and suites with contemporary décor and elegant touches that boast expansive windows for guests to bask in the Florida sunlight. Each guestroom offers modern amenities that cater to both the business and leisure traveler. With the ability to connect rooms and suites, the associates of JW Marriott Tampa Water Street are able to provide spacious accommodations for any size. For added luxury, the property’s Presidential Suite provides guests with a full dining area, living parlor, the hotel’s only private 1,000-square-foot balcony, and more. Find wellness in the Spa by JW®, with its luxurious experiences, custom massages and a retail boutique. The property’s resort-style pool with a sun terrace and private cabanas offers a stylish urban oasis with stunning views of Tampa Bay. The hotel currently offers two tastefully designed restaurants. SiX is Water Street's airy and elevated bistro located on the sixth floor of the property. With modern decor and floor-to-ceiling windows, Driftlight Steakhouse is the hotel’s signature restaurant. The property’s starting rate this fall is $284/per night.
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel (Miami Beach, FL)
Located in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District on historic Collins Avenue, the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is the area’s chicest hotel. The property’s recent re-design was inspired by the South of France – playful, simple, clean, earthy. Surfcomber’s resort-style pool is the perfect backdrop for your selfies, with colorful tiles and a unique fountain, it promises a unique luxury experience a few steps away from the beach. Surfcomber’s beloved The Vines Cabanas provide an elevated and private pool lounging experience. When walking into the pool-adjacent, gorgeous and super ‘Instagrammable,’ vine-adorned corridor of cabanas, you’ll truly feel like you're entering a romantic private destination within the hotel. The property’s starting rate this fall is $140/per night.
