The holiday countdown is on, and all you really want for Christmas is an escape. I have a few suggestions that don’t require hitting the road. An overnighter or an elegant dinner can put the ho, ho, ho back into the holidays.
Topping the list of options for this year is the Santa Suite Experience at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, a getaway that overlooks the Gateway Arch with a Riverfront Studio Suite decked out by Santa’s elves and transformed into a holiday retreat.
Each suite has been redecorated into a magical holly jolly wonderland with seasonal bedding and a glitzy Christmas tree. The suite offers a king bed and a sofa bed, as well as room for a rollaway or crib, so families can celebrate the season together while enjoying all the holiday activities St. Louis offers. Take a close look through the floor-to-ceiling windows to catch a glimpse of The Polar Express train as it rolls down the track in the distance below. Look closer: You may even see Santa as he passes by.
Santa Suite Experience guests are welcomed with hot cocoa delivered to their door, along with a gingerbread house decorating kit. Snuggle in plush bedding, while taking in a complimentary in-room movie. After a good night’s sleep, wake up and order breakfast in bed. Santa Suite quests are given a $50 breakfast credit toward in-room dining.
For an elegant destination dinner, consider the Four Seasons’ ultimate pop-up dining experience, the Holiday Lodge. A private dining experience located on the eighth floor, the River North Private Dining Room of Cinder House has morphed into an Alpine lodge, complete with a rustic fireplace and decorated just the way Santa likes, with lots of greenery and lights. Of course, the centerpiece of the Alpine Holiday Lodge is the yuletide themed tablescape – a long table that can host up to 12 guests.
Cinder House chefs have designed three menu options for the lodge – each priced according to the number of guests – and offer an appetizer, entrée and dessert. For groups of six or less, which also includes anyone planning a romantic holiday dinner for two, guests can order from the Cinder House dinner menu.
Celebrations are tailored to include wine pairings, special seasonal cocktails or even a tasting experience. The Holiday Lodge private dining room is also available for lunch or brunch with reservations and arrangements booked in advance.
Speaking of dinner, Cinder House has planned a Christmas Eve dinner, in addition to a Christmas Day brunch. Beyond its signature wood-fired a la carte dinner menu, chefs have planned a smoked prime rib. The lavish Christmas Day brunch table includes carving and omelet stations, a waffle bar, charcuterie and cheese boards, a selection of fresh house-made bread, pastries and holiday desserts. Children have on option feasting from their own kid-friendly buffet, while adults can toast St. Nick with a libation from the Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar.
The Christmas Day buffet cost is $ 105 for adults and $40 for children 8 and younger (free for children under 2). For those who opt for the Mimosa and Bloody Mary package, there is an additional $35 charge.
Finally, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without holiday sweets. Assistant executive pastry chef Tiffany Gilmore and her team have a slate of show-stopping holiday desserts, including standouts such as the Illanka Chocolate Ornament, created with Peruvian-sourced chocolate, covered in a ruby red mirror glaze and handmade white chocolate snowflakes ($16). It’s the perfect sweet to share with your Santa after dinner, while taking in the holiday skyline views from the Sky Terrace.
