Room With A View: The Best USA Hotels For Autumn Leaf Peeping

Fall foliage is just out the backdoor of these fantastic overnight stays

Cozy up in a blanket, grab a cup of hot cocoa and simply glance out your window when staying at these hotels from Colorado to Georgia, which offer some of the most jaw-dropping views of brightly colored fall leaves. 

Photo courtesy of Jim Smith for Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House

Hudson Valley, New York

At Mohonk Mountain House in New York's Hudson Valley, not only can you catch fall vistas out your hotel room window, but via horse-drawn carriage, on one of 85 miles of area hiking trails, while sitting in a rocking chair overlooking the lake or on a mountain bike. The hotel, which is located on 40,000 natural acres and is a designated National Historic Landmark, has wood-burning fireplaces in almost half of the rooms and provides autumn visitors with a map to fall activities, like apple orchards, pumpkin patches and wineries.

Photo courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge

Ridgedale, Missouri 

Set on 800 acres in Missouri's Ozark Mountains near Branson, Big Cedar Lodge overlooks the sparkling 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake and offers a range of lodges, cottages and cabins. Take in the gorgeous leaves while fishing, going on a trail ride or taking a campfire wagon tour. Head to this area in late October or early November to catch the leaves in their peak. 

Photo courtesy of Steve Goff, The Little Nell

The Little Nell

Aspen, Colorado

Hurry soon to the aptly-named city of Aspen to catch the aspens in the full golden form. Nestled right at the base of Aspen Mountain, which is blanketed in aspen trees, the Little Nell is the area's only five-star, five-diamond property and boasts outstanding foliage. Don't miss a dip in the mountain-facing hot tub or a hike to the nearby Maroon Bells, a gorgeous set of twin peaks with lakes and waterfalls at the base. 

Photo courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn

Omni Grove Park Inn

Asheville, North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Mountains are no doubt one of the best places in the U.S. to see the show of autumn colors, and the 100-year-old Omni Grove Park Inn gives you a front row seat to the action. Located at the 400-mile marker of the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway with amazing mountain vistas, the Inn offers fall guests a special guide that uncovers hidden gems, hiking hot spots and historical attractions. From rooms to the golf course to on-site restaurants, fall views are available at every turn.

Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Park City

Waldorf Astoria

Park City, Utah

Situated slope side of the new Park City Mountain Resort, Waldorf Astoria Park City offers beautiful views of leaves from every angle.  Go for a swim in the heated pool with panoramic mountain views, make s'mores by the outdoor firepit with fall leaves in the background or hop a ride on the Waldorf Gondola for 360 degrees of leaves. 

Photo courtesy of Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront

Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Leaves plus water make an even more perfect autumn landscape, and Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront offers guests both. The Victorian bed and breakfast offers views of Boothbay Harbor set amidst the fall trees. Guests of the inn each receive a map for a self-driving tour of area fall foliage and local lighthouses, or you can choose to set sail on a schooner for views from the water.

Photo courtesy of The Dillard House

The Dillard House

Dillard, Georgia 

If you want to leaf peep, but avoid the crowds, book a room in the Blue Ridge Mountains located in north Georgia around mid-November. The Dillard House, set in the picturesque Little Tennessee Valley area, is center stage for the show. Relax in the rocking chairs of the hotel's front porch, fish in 1,300 miles of nearby mountain streams or horseback ride on property while soaking in the fall setting.

Photo courtesy of The Omni Homestead Resort

Omni Homestead Resort

Hot Springs, Virginia

Celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2016 and known as America's first resort, the Omni Homestead Resort is located in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains and surrounded by natural scenery as far as the eye can see. Join the Cascades Gorge Hike, which goes through a series of beautiful waterfalls alongside the fall tones of local trees. Guests can also horseback ride, take a carriage ride, practice falconry or watch a fall fireworks show.

Photo courtesy of Vail Cascade Resort

Vail Cascade Resort

Vail, Colorado

The sounds of a bubbling creek definitely bring fall to mind, and the creekside Vail Cascade Resort provides that relaxing sound in spades. Located west of Lionshead Village on 118 acres, the mountains and spectacular golden aspen views are literally right out the back door. Don't miss the infinity-edge heated pool surrounded by aspens and evergreens, and be sure to ride the on-site lift up the mountain to see fall colors all around you.

Photo courtesy of Whiteface Lodge

Whiteface Lodge

Lake Placid, New York

Set in the Adirondacks, the all-suite Whiteface Lodge on Lake Placid is a true rustic fall getaway with cozy fireplaces, warm cookies at turndown and access to many ideal fall activities like boating, hiking, fishing and rock climbing. The nearby six-million-acre Adirondack Park is home to abundant leaves turning vibrant hues. Take in the scenery in year-round heated pools, in outdoor hot tubs and at the nightly family campfire with s'mores.