PHOTO: Fairmont Le Château Montebello's iconic fireplace (Courtesy Fairmont Le Château Montebello)
There's nothing like a good ol' fashioned fireplace during the holidays.
They're warm, they're great centerpieces for conversation and-above all-they keep your cantankerous grandma happy.
Families have gathered around fire since the beginning of humanity, sharing stories, eating food and staying comfy. Many old-age staples have come and gone with the advent of technology, but fireplaces still remain, even the ones not powered by gas or electricity.
The winter holidays and family vacations seem to go hand-in-hand with fireplaces. And hotels have taken note.
From the Himalayas to Chicago, here are some hotels and properties with grand fireplaces that will offer plenty of warmth to guests this holiday season and beyond.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas
Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas-built in the 1860s-is a historic property. It was the former abode of Lord Kitchener of the British Raj and continues to amaze guests today.
In addition to an elegant design and sweeping views of the Himalayas, Wildflower Hall also boasts magnificent rustic fireplaces that honor the past.
Fireplaces can be found in almost every room within the property, including the private bedrooms, the main lobby and several of the property's dining areas. Wildflower Hall's marble fireplace is a sight to behold, surrounded by ancient war memorabilia.
Belmond El Encanto
Staying in warm and beautiful Santa Barbara for the holidays?
Hey, it could be worse.
Not only is Belmond El Encanto a gorgeous property with sweeping views of the surrounding area, but it also has open-hearth fireplaces in its rooms and suites that take you back in time to the 1920s.
It won't be difficult for the family to get comfy at the Forbes Five-Star property. Nothing like sitting by the fire and looking out of the window of your suite as the sun sets on picturesque Santa Barbara.
Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
Set in the Quebec countryside, Fairmont Le Château Montebello is rustic, yet luxurious.
The world's largest log cabin features a lobby that has to be seen to be believed. In the middle of the grand lobby, sits its iconic stone fireplace, surrounded by wood tables and burgundy leather chairs.
After a snowy day on the resort's scenic ski trails, it won't be hard for guests to relax inside. The fireplace is a regular gathering place for guests to talk about the day's events and warm up.
Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland may be close to Washington D.C., but it may as well be worlds away.
The historic manor house resort and spa is surrounded by timeless gardens that feature magnolia trees, roses and a variety of other plants. It also sits on Maryland's scenic Eastern Shore.
Oh yeah, and there's a large outdoor fire pit that overlooks all of it, as well as gas or electric fireplaces in most of the guest rooms.
And, don't worry, there are also wood-burning fireplaces at the on-site Purser's Pub and Stars Restaurant.
No matter where you turn at the Inn at Perry Cabin, you feel warm and comfy.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe in California has been a popular winter vacation spot for decades.
And the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe has earned quite the reputation itself.
The AAA Five Diamond resort is one of the premier properties in Lake Tahoe, a mainstay for winter sports enthusiasts, families and those who simply want to spend their holidays in luxurious fashion.
And guess what the resort was originally built around?
That's right, a fireplace. To be more specific, a 55-foot-tall granite fireplace that resembles a tree trunk (the backbone of the architect's "water and the woods" theme throughout the property).
Luxurious sofas and comfy chairs surround the fireplace, accommodating guests who want to nestle next to the giant column after a day out on the snow.
Old Faithful Inn
How noteworthy is Old Faithful Inn?
It's a national landmark.
Old Faithful Inn, set in Yellowstone National Park, was built in 1903-1904 with local logs and stone. The inn's massive stone fireplace, which includes eight fireboxes, was made out of 500 tons of rhyolite and features a 14-foot-tall handcrafted clock made out of copper, wood and wrought iron.
Unfortunately, Old Faithful Inn is only open from May to about mid-October, but-for those who haven't stayed here-it's worth the wait. The historic structure is not only a great place to sit by the fire with your loved ones, but it's also set in one of the most famous national parks in the world.
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Speaking of grand fireplaces, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Georgia features a 72-foot-tall stone fireplace.
Yeah, it shouldn't be too difficult to warm up next to that one.
On top of that, you'll find other fireplaces scattered throughout the property to keep guests cozy. More than 25 of the 102 guest rooms have fireplaces, as do some of the cottages.
Did I mention you can sit by the fire with your hot chocolate and gaze at the nearby golf course and captivating Blue Ridge Mountains?
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa certainly makes sure guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, established in 1922, draws inspiration from the local Native Americans and local artists, and that's evident at the property right away.
A great effort has been made to preserve original artworks and artifacts from Santa Fe's people, past and present, and that extends to the historic inn's fireplaces.
Symbols from local Hopi and Zuni tribes are included in the terracotta artwork above La Fonda's main fireplace, making for a comfy and authentic experience for guests.
There are also other fireplaces in the suites to ensure guests stay cozy in the desert this holiday season.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn in North Carolina is another timeless property that features its fireplaces prominently.
Not only does the inn have two 14-foot fireplaces in its lobby (dubbed "The Great Hall"), but there are actually elevators hidden inside these fireplaces.
And, yes, guests ride the elevators up to their rooms.
Built in 1913 with granite stones mined from nearby Sunset Mountain, the Omni Grove Park Inn is a world-famous property that has welcomed historic figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Ford, Herbert Hoover and Thomas Edison, as well as recent presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
The North Carolina hospitality staple screams authenticity, and it's also become a great place to stay during the holidays given its accommodating fireplaces.
Hotel Burnham, A Kimpton Hotel
When you're located in snowy Chicago, it's almost a requirement to have fireplaces to keep guests warm.
Hotel Burnham, A Kimpton Hotel, traces back to Chicago's early beginnings when stone fireplaces were the norm. Set inside a National Historic Landmark building, the boutique hotel features a welcoming fireplace in its gorgeous cosmopolitan-style lobby.
Take a seat on the nearby sofa or comfy chairs and relax by the fire. Just looking at the spread-from the color scheme to the wood paneling to the marble stairs-makes you want to doze off in utter contentment, feeling like a king all the while.
The luxurious style, warmth and top-notch service highlighted at Hotel Burnham is enough to even make Scrooge smile during the holidays…or any guests who just arrived from the notoriously busy O'Hare and Midway airports amidst a snowstorm.
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