Woodsy cabins, solar-powered hotels and a lux winery: 11 fall getaways for every type of traveler

Limelight hotel in Boulder, Colorado

from $561

$561 at Booking.com$561 at Expedia

I visited Boulder, Colorado, for the first time earlier this year. Sure, I came for the hiking, cycling, and ample national parks, but I stayed for the amazing food scene and the excellent hospitality I received at the newly opened Limelight.

While it’s the largest all-electric hotel in the US, the eco-friendly design is not the only reason to book your stay. The rooms are spacious and I had a stunning view of the Flatirons from my window. The on-site restaurant is also lovely, offering an eclectic menu of local favorites and beautiful cocktails. Amenities include a heated rooftop pool, a fully equipped gym open 24/7, a game room, a complimentary two-hour Audi test drive experience and loads of outdoor space to soak up Boulder’s laid-back atmosphere. – Tobey Grumet Segal

Eastwind Hotel: Windham, New York

from $467

$467 at Eastwind-Windham$551 at Booking.com

I hate hotels that are full of pomp and posh appointments. I don’t need anyone to snap to attention when I walk into the lobby and am perfectly happy to carry my own bags, thanks. I do, though, appreciate good design, quality materials, and solitude. Eastwind’s hotels definitely fit the bill for me.

The Windham location offers rooms and cabins, from a simple writer’s studio up to a full-on suite big enough to give you a little separation from your family. There’s a great, casual restaurant on the property and, while the Catskills location is perfect for an easy New York City weekend getaway, there’s another location near Lake Placid if you’d rather go further afield. Either makes for a great pick in foliage season. Oh, and they’re pet-friendly, too. – Tim Stevens

Frisco Inn on Galena

Frisco Inn on Galena in Frisco, Colorado

from $431

$431 at Frisco Inn on Galena$483 at Expedia

The Frisco Inn is a quaint bed and breakfast off the town’s historic Main Street, equipped with relaxing hot tubs, spa services, outdoor dining and a game room. Its mountainous location is stunning in the fall, serving up views of glowing yellow aspens.

There’s a ton to do in Frisco, including shopping, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. The hotel also offers guests complimentary bicycles in summer and snowshoes and a Frisco Nordic Center pass in the winter. – Paige Triola 

Viceroy hotel in Snowmass, Colorado

from $426

$426 at Expedia$426 at Hotels.com

This is one of the nicest hotels I have stayed at, with beautiful decor, friendly staff, great amenities and an excellent Latin restaurant. I visited last fall for the Snowmass Balloon Festival and had an unforgettable time. The room and bed were super comfortable and the hotel is in a walkable location, in the heart of Snowmass. Although we were a couple of weeks early for peak leaf-peeping, the area is renowned for its fall colors. – Paige Triola 

Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge in Gold Beach, Oregon

$563

$563 at Cloudbeds

I spent a lovely and very quiet November weekend at the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge in Gold Beach, Oregon, ensconced in a glass cabin tucked away on a hillside that overlooked the lawn, the Rogue River and the sauna. The weather was a little cool, so the majority of the outdoor activities I would have done, such as swimming or kayaking, were not on the table. This was not a problem! The lodge had a roaring fireplace and I also took advantage of the heated pool, where I sat and read for an hour or so. Each night, I had a fantastic dinner at the restaurant inside the lodge and excellent service from the staff throughout.–Megan Reynolds

Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington, Vermont

from $595

$595 at Hilton$614 at Booking.com

I spent the Fourth of July weekend in Burlington, Vermont, at DoubleTree by Hilton, and I’m already planning my next jaunt this fall. The royal treatment began with a signature fresh chocolate chip-walnut cookie at check-in and continued well into our stay. 

There were the elements you could see: indoor waterfalls, my favorite luxe and eco-friendly Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries and an indoor gym. Then, there were the behind-the-scenes sustainable elements such as a 4,250-sq-ft rooftop solar system to power its new wing and Italian-designed energy-efficient heat pumps in each room.

The hotel’s prime position puts you near the city’s iconic waterfront, nature-lined trails ideal for bird watching and leaf peeping and an award-winning outdoor marketplace with no shortage of vintage shops and local artisans. – Marissa Miller

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Atlantic City, NJ

from $499

$499 at Expedia$526 at Booking.com

As a New Yorker, the Hard Rock hotel is my go-to escape from the city when I’m craving some music by the beach, like the Wu-Tang Forever Tour that my husband and I recently attended. Not only do we get to relax by the ocean, but there’s also a well-appointed pool and a choice of over 10 restaurants and bars. And if we’re feeling lucky, we may even stop at the casino for a few hands of blackjack before bed. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities nearby; ours always makes a beeline for the in-house Sugar Factory after a day riding the waves. Go figure. – Tobey Grumet Segal

Meadowood in Napa Valley, California

from $1,901

$1,901 at Meadowood (three night minimum)$1,906 at Michelin Guide (three night minimum)

It’s a major splurge, but this 250-acre estate in St Helena is perhaps one of the most gorgeous escapes I have ever experienced in Napa Valley. It feels like a high-end camping compound, with multiple accommodation options among native trees and plants. I love the cottage rooms, which are essentially upscale cabins, each equipped with a king bed, mini bar, soaking tub and private patio, perfect for enjoying a quiet cup of coffee among the redwoods. They also have an incredible spa and an on-site wine education center.

After a devastating fire in 2020, the hotel has focused on sustainability, from planting drought-resistant vegetation to prioritizing local farms and suppliers, making the property surprisingly eco-friendly despite its overall luxurious vibe.–Bernadette Machard Gramont

Slackline Moab in Moab, Utah

from $364

$364 at Hilton$379 at Expedia

The Slackline hotel is geared toward the outdoorsy travelers that Moab, Utah, attracts. It feels like a comfortable basecamp for people who came to hike, ride, climb and explore, with its practical amenities such as in-room gear storage and an onsite gear shop. There are even “Van Life Posts” that provide access to the hotel’s pool, free wifi and vehicle chargers. 

Fall is the ideal time to visit, with cooler temperatures that make hiking in nearby Arches national park, mountain biking across the sandstone mesas surrounding town, seeking out ancient rock carvings or exploring the desert much more enjoyable

The views of the La Sal Mountains are especially picturesque this time of year, when the aspen groves turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold. Spend the morning among sandstone arches and rock art, only to be surrounded by alpine scenery and fall color later that day. – Josh Patterson

Boulder Brook hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

from $319

$319 at Boulder Brook (two night minimum)$351 at Expedia (two night minimum)

When I was a kid, my parents and I drove up to Rocky Mountain national park each Thanksgiving to enjoy some time in nature. To this day, one of my favorite stays is Boulder Brook, which has all the things you would want from a mountain retreat: comfortable rooms and beautiful views. Being so close to the river means you’re treated to the gentle soundtrack of running water and droves of wildlife. Other reasons to stay? A kitchenette that’s actually roomy enough to cook in, cushy, comfortable beds and easy access to all the town’s amenities. – Julia Skinner