For those in the northern hemisphere, the season to gather by a crackling fire with a hot drink to warm the soul is well and truly here. With over half (55%) of global travelers wanting to make the most of their budget with a longer vacation,* Booking.com now has more than one million properties that can be booked for stays longer than 28 days up to 90 nights. With the shorter days and cooler temperatures arriving, Booking.com has selected six long stays perfect for a seasonal escape to a destination that knows how to do winter right. From a relaxing getaway in scenic Italy to a stretched city break in Spain and an adventure-fueled ski stay in the Austrian Alps, an extended stay makes it easier for travelers to discover more of the world at their own pace.
WUNDERGARTEN Dimora dei Frati, Gratteri, Italy
This family-run B&B is situated in the picturesque, hilltop village of Gratteri in Sicily and is a charming hideaway ideal for an extended stay. The property emulates traditional Sicilian style throughout from the stone bath sinks and original tiles to the high ceilings and rustic antique furniture. Guests will enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast of freshly baked homemade cakes, a rejuvenating spa with an ancient cave that houses a heated pool and the option to cozy up in the living space with games and movies following a day of exploring the beautiful countryside. Nestled in the Madonie Regional Park, travelers can get active in the natural surroundings with various hiking and cycling trails and take in the never-ending beauty of the varied terrain, with the coast just a 30-minute drive away. Skiers and snowboarders can spend their days getting to know the slopes at Piano Battaglia ski resort just a stone’s throw away. Or, guests can head to Sicily’s capital of Palermo just an hour drive away to explore the ancient sites of western Sicily on an Erice, Trapani, and Segesta Tour visiting Venus Castle, the salt pans and the renowned Doric Temple built in 420 BC.
Maple Hill Farm Inn, Augusta, United States
For a rural homestay surrounded by nature, this B&B is set amid 130 acres of woodland in the small town of Hallowell, just south of Maine’s state capital Augusta. The farmhouse features eight spacious rooms, a sauna, an outdoor hot tub and a terrace to soak up views of the brightly colored late fall foliage or early snow falls. Guests can begin their day with a hearty warm breakfast served in a snug kitchen, before heading out for a stroll or hike to see what the mountainous area has to offer, with potential to spot a wandering Llama or two. Apt for an extended stay, the property offers a range of options for business travelers, from office desks to meeting rooms, services including printing and photocopying and an onsite cafe for drinks. For some seasonal downtime, travelers can head into the town center for a spot of ice skating, and nature lovers and adventure junkies alike will appreciate the Kennebec River Rail Trail which offers activities from country skiing and snowshoeing to wildlife watching. With parts of this property powered by solar and wind energy, it has a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its efforts to help the environment, including providing guests with information on local ecosystems, heritage and culture.
The Legh Arms Prestbury, Prestbury, United Kingdom
Nestled in the Cheshire village of Prestbury, a short drive south from the city of Manchester, is this 16th century, pet-friendly B&B located above a traditional British pub. The Booking.com Travel Sustainable property has comfy bedrooms full of character, each with wooden beams and a traditional roll top freestanding bath for a sumptuous soak. For those travelers wanting to enjoy British culture during an extended stay, there’s plenty to experience after a full English breakfast every day. The B&B is right on the doorstep of some of the best walks around Macclesfield, where guests can enjoy a ramble before heading back for a delicious British roast at the onsite restaurant. Or, they can stroll through the village high street with quaint gift stores and a farm-shop, ideal for purchasing last minute Christmas gifts. For a spot of sightseeing, book a Lake District Day Tour and discover the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rocky hilltops, peaceful lakes and mountain tarns. A boat cruise will stop off at the breathtaking Langdale Valley where travelers can witness the splendor of fall foliage amongst the sprawling countryside hills.
Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla, Seville, Spain
This stunning hotel is a converted mansion located in the historic center of Seville, the largest city in southern Spain famous for its flamenco dancing and architectural designs. Built in 1864, the three-story house is unique and elegant with marble bathrooms, handmade furniture and crisp Egyptian cotton sheets for a blissful night’s sleep. Flooded with light from the central courtyard, its architecture has been beautifully restored with original balconies, shutters and coffered ceilings, and some rooms even boast a private outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi and views of the colossal Gothic cathedral and its bell tower, La Giralda. For travelers looking to truly get under the skin of Seville with an extended stay, there’s plenty to explore and do. Roam the winding medieval lanes and rich past of its old town quarter on a Barrio de Santa Cruz Tour, or book a Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria for a live performance at this 15th century palace, said to be one of the best shows in Seville. There are plenty of Christmas markets available to explore, and the Closing Convent Sweets Exhibition is well worth a visit for its moreish marzipan treats.
St Martin Chalets, Sankt Michael im Lungau, Austria
For travelers seeking an extended ski stay, the delightful St Martin Chalets perched in the Lungau mountains in the heart of the Austrian Alps should be on the go-to list. The Booking.com Travel Sustainable certified chalets have been constructed by local craftsmen using natural and recycled materials, whilst interiors are traditionally decorated and include a fireplace, underfloor heating and real sheep’s wool insulation to ensure snug warmth in the winter. One of the most snow-sure areas in Europe, activities such as skiing, snowboarding and snow biking are all on offer, with easy ski-to-door access to the perfect pistes. Travelers can venture back to the chalet and release any tension from a day’s activity at the fitness center or sauna before enjoying a cozy fireside evening with a mug of Glühwein (spiced mulled wine). Off the slopes, explore the nearby Christmas village and pick up gifts at the St Michael Advent market, or take a snowy steam train ride from Murau to Tamsweg where visitors will be amazed at the unspoiled beauty of the UNESCO Biosphere reserve. A little further afield, a Winery Tour with Wine Tasting Experience is worth a day trip to Vienna to taste some of the region’s finest wines alongside cheese and local specialties.
Maple Terrace Motel, Williamstown, United States
Nestled amongst three acres of greenery in the Berkshire mountains in Williamstown, in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, is this homey motel featuring comfortable rooms, an outdoor heated pool and serving up fresh bakeries for breakfast. There’s an extensive garden overlooking the mountains and a horse farm for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without having to venture far, and a great way to keep kids or pets entertained during longer stays. The quaint property is in the heart of the town, making it ideal for business travelers, with easy access to cities such as Springfield and Albany. It also holds a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge due to its efforts in improving sustainability with large green spaces, a rooftop garden and bicycle parking. For adventure seekers, the popular Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort – New England’s largest ski and snowboard resort – is just a stone’s throw away. There are ski options for all levels from beginners to advanced, as well as an area where visitors can gather by the firepit, toast s’mores and play games with other travelers. Every Friday and Saturday there’s an outdoor DJ and ski challenges including the vertical slope series for family-friendly fun.
*Travel Predictions 2023 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,179 respondents across 32 countries and territories were polled (including 1014 from Argentina, 1006 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 504 from Belgium, 1009 from Brazil, 503 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1010 from Colombia, 505 from Croatia, 505 from Denmark, 1010 from France, 1001 from Germany, 500 from Hong Kong, 1005 from India, 504 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1008 from Italy, 1003 from Japan, 504 from Mexico, 502 from The Netherlands, 1007 from New Zealand, 1009 from Portugal, 507 from Singapore, 1008 from South Korea, 1001 from Spain, 505 from Sweden, 508 from Switzerland, 500 from Taiwan, 504 from Thailand, 1006 from the UK, 1009 from the US and 504 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2022.
