9 cool hotels for leaf peeping, from Central Park to the Rocky Mountains

Few things are more magical in fall than a scenic drive down a tree-lined road awash in autumn hues.

From deep reds to sunsetlike oranges to vibrant yellows, the season brings an abundance of color into our lives, along with crisp air, light jackets and maybe even a pumpkin spice-flavored something or two.

If you’re planning a little leaf-peeping getaway, there are tons of great hotels around the U.S. to anchor your autumnal adventure. Here are some of our favorite options.

JW Marriott Essex House New York

buildings towering of park with fall leaves during orange and blue sunset — MARRIOTT

Not every leaf-peeping trip needs to be up in the mountains or out in nature. In fact, one of the best ways to see some changing leaves is with a side of world-class entertainment, shopping and dining. Experience it all with a trip to New York City and a room at the JW Marriott Essex House New York.

This hotel is right on Central Park and offers rooms with stunning views of the changing trees. You can even join a weekly guided running tour of the park amid the foliage. Afterward, hit the shops on Fifth Avenue, catch a Broadway show or visit one of the incredible museums within walking distance of the hotel.

How to book: Rates at the JW Marriott Essex House start around $650 a night for an entry-level room. However, expect to pay about $100 more per night for a Central Park view. That same incredible view goes for 112,000 Marriott Bonvoy points plus $225 in cash or 157,000 points alone.

Miraval Berkshires

sitting area with fire pit in the middle — MIRAVAL BERKSHIRES

In New England, Miraval Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts, is a TPG-favorite resort all year long. Arguably, the best time to stay at this wellness-focused, adults-only sanctuary is in the fall. Then, you can go on a digital detox surrounded by the glorious colors of autumn while being pampered like royalty.

At Miraval Berkshires, nearly everything is covered by the price, including meals (sans alcohol) and lots of activities, from yoga to archery and cardio drumming. The resort also has a full-service spa, though spa treatments are not included in the cost of your stay.

How to book: You can book your all-inclusive stay at Miraval Berkshires through World of Hyatt. Autumn rates for two adults start around $1,250 or 65,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

W Aspen

exterior photo of resort by mountains — MARRIOTT

You might think of Aspen, Colorado, as a winter-first destination, but let’s not sleep on its fantastic fall foliage, OK? To root yourself there to see the changing of the leaves, consider the W Aspen, a great spot with plenty of amenities to enjoy.

At the base of Aspen Mountain, this resort offers funky rooms (including some with bunk beds), a heated rooftop pool, fire pits and bike rentals. Staff members can even organize a paragliding experience to view the leaves from a totally new height.

How to book: Find cash rates for this hip Aspen hotel for as low as $454 a night in October. Marriott Bonvoy members can trade in 83,500 points a night for an award night here in autumn.

Big Cedar Lodge

hotel with fall leaves in the background — BIG CEDAR LODGE

There aren’t many more beautiful — or peaceful — destinations for viewing fall foliage than Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. And the Big Cedar Lodge is a standout option for a relaxing lakeside getaway overlooking the mountains. In September and October, the resort ushers in fall with “Cedar Fest,” a celebration featuring activities like bonfires, pumpkin painting and fall foliage dinner cruises. (Note that some activities require an additional fee.)

Accommodations at this nature-themed resort range from standard rooms in the Woodland Lodge to glamping tents to private log cabins and lakeside cottages. Regardless of your room type, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, outdoor games, miniature golf and access to a lakeside beach are included in the cost of your stay.

How to book: Rates at Big Cedar Lodge start around $270 per night. You can book directly through the resort’s website or using points through most credit card travel portals, including American Express Travel® and Chase Travel℠.

The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection

hotel room with wood wall, bed and photo of mountain over bed — MARRIOTT

Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Cloudveil is a luxury hotel in the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, that’s big on design and style.

The hotel is the perfect place to stay for a fall trip to some of the incredible nearby national parks, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone, which glow amber as the leaves change colors.

Come for the leaf peeping but stay for, well, everything else. From suites with massive soaking tubs to a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, not to mention a delicious restaurant, this hotel hits all the right notes.

How to book: October cash rates at The Cloudveil start at $352 a night. But be warned that most of the month is much costlier, with some nights even reaching over $1,350 a night. Award nights in October range from 71,500 to 116,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Mohonk Mountain House

aerial photo of castle-like resort near lake with leaves changing colors — MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

If you want to admire auburn-hued leaves while staying in a fairy-tale-like castle, head to dreamy Mohonk Mountain House. About 90 miles outside of New York City, this resort is set within 40,000 acres of forest — just think of all those leaves!

The resort offers fun activities all year long, though fall is arguably the most beautiful time to visit. Spend your time here hiking, horseback riding, axe-throwing or canoeing. In the evening, gather the family for a campfire or an outdoor movie night under the stars. It’s all included in the cost of your stay, as are three meals a day (excluding alcohol) and a daily afternoon tea service with cookies.

How to book: You can book your stay at Mohonk Mountain House directly through the hotel’s website. Rates for two adults start around $730 per night.

Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

Under Canvas Columbia Gorge Stargazer Tent 14 Nightstand — EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Fall in the Pacific Northwest packs a one-two punch of fiery fall foliage and snowcapped mountain peaks that offer a glimpse of what’s to come as winter approaches. Washington state’s Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, one of TPG’s most exciting hotel openings of 2025, gets you as close as comfortably possible to these gorgeous views … emphasis on comfortably.

Glamping tents at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge are outfitted with luxe bedding, propane fireplaces, ensuite bathrooms with organic bath products and furnished patios. Book a Stargazer Tent with a viewing window above the bed for foliage views in the morning and night sky scenes in the evening.

How to book: Glamping tents at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge start around $275 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Park Vista — a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel — Gatlinburg

To see fall in its strongest form, the place to go is Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains — and the place to stay is The Park Vista — a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel — Gatlinburg.

Set 1,000 feet above the charming town of Gatlinburg, this hotel is a great home base for a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s popular theme park.

The hotel is also home to two restaurants, including Firefly’s Patio Lounge, where you can sit outside in the fresh Tennessee mountain air and sip an Old-Fashioned while watching the leaves fall.

How to book: Cash rates at The Park Vista during leaf-peeping season start at $140 per night; award nights for Hilton Honors members start at 46,000 points per night.

Postcard Cabins Big Bear

cabin with a view of the woods — MARRIOTT

Fall into the beauty of Southern California’s Big Bear Lake in a cozy, tiny cabin where you can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. Postcard Cabins Big Bear is set among towering cedar, oak and eucalyptus trees, with a 1-mile hiking trail winding throughout the property.

Each private, dog-friendly cabin has a kitchenette with cooking supplies, comfortable bedding, a bathroom with Pharmacopia products and an outdoor fire pit. The beds are situated next to a large window, so you never have to say “goodnight” to the gorgeous views.

How to book: This fall, you can book Postcard Cabins Big Bear starting at $205 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.