Anyone ever spent actual Christmas on their own in a hotel?

[AloneRapunzel]

Just that really - this may be more a question for the 'alone in life' with no relatives than just the pure 'childfree'.

Suffered some bereavements so didn't want to do this for the first few years as worried I would be too emotionally vulnerable. Time has moved on so was thinking of doing this. I like the idea of being catered for, having a bit of luxury, probably would be looking at a luxury country house hotel type place with roaring log fires and opportunity for a walk in some woods.

What bothers me though is actually how many people do this? If you have ever spend Christmas (meaning including the actual day/night 25 Dec) in a hotel, how many people did you see who were alone or was it all big families having a day out?

I don't mean from a point of view of other solo dinners/travellers to interact with btw - just the prescence of other solo people at lunch/ in the dinning room so I don't feel like a freak or worse stand out so much that I have big groups feeling sorry for me and asking me to join them...

if you've done it, did you have a good time? would you do it again? any advice?

Id prefer an air b&b or holiday rental personally- you’ll have much more space to yourself to relax, cook, watch movies, have a nice bath, do some yoga etc.

I’m doing this as I lost my love at the end of August and DD will be spending Xmas week with her dad as it’s his turn. This week I booked a winter sun holiday. First time holidaying abroad alone. Can’t bear to be in the house alone at Xmas this year. Will take books to read and try and pamper myself. Anything for a distraction.

Excellent point.

I'm sorry for your loss. Have you booked with a solo travel company?

Thank you and no I haven’t. Just Jet2 but it’s a place I’m familiar with

I have spent Christmas in hotels / BnBs (edit: I mean „traditional Bed and Breakfasts, not an Airbnb rental apartment or similar).
I was with my (then) boyfriend. But there were people who were alone and I don’t remember seeing any families.

It was lovely for us. But it probably depends on the hotel and on your expectations… I hope you get the Christmas experience you want!

I would imagine meal times can be tricky, I would feel self conscious on my own, whereas something with the guarantee of other solo travellers might be easier? But we’re all different!

And I meant to say I like the idea of the Ragdale Hall Spa Christmas where they have a table for solo guests - but is this part of the package or does it only happen if there are enough people on their own?

Travel to a country that is not predominantly Christian then it won’t be a problem but it also won’t be particularly Christmassy.

In the uk if you stop at a hotel and have Christmas lunch there, you will probably find lots of bigger groups and at least one will insist you join them.

You will definitely struggle to eat out anywhere on Christmas Day and get-away with sitting by yourself to eat. That’s kind of the point of Christmas. I’m not sure there is a way around it, people alone in public on Christmas Day will have to bat-off sociable approaches.

Maybe consider a spa break over Christmas. Depending on where you live - but i think Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire would be perfect for this. I haven't been at Ragdale for Christmas but there are always people there on their own. There's an option to join a 'social table' at mealtimes if you'd like to dine with others. Also lots of lovely spa treatments, leisure activities etc and beautiful gardens and grounds to enjoy.
Hope you find something perfect for you !

I think that too - somewhere like warners in chipping Norton area might be worth a look - they are naturally sociable places with nice rooms and get lots of solo guests - suprisingly decent food too

I went to Mexico and stayed in a lovely apartment complex with a pool and spend Xmas day in bed with Deliveroo and ice cream. Fond memories.

Are you thinking of next year? Seems a bit late for 2025. We used to go away for New year and started looking end of summer.

If the 'social table' was guaranteed, that would be an absolute winner!

This sounds so cool. I'm planning this for my old age. On land tho.

As an extreme introvert the thought of a sociable table makes me want to scream. Id certainly go for the full works on room service to avoid the xmas horror. Normally I have no issue at all dining alone.

How does a cruise on land work?!

There are river cruises - quite a few companies across Europe- but not entirely sure that's what that poster meant - possible an enclosed resort style holiday?

Solo Christmas in a hot country is amazing, isn’t it. Some of my very fondest memories.

I am in a relationship now so no chance of a fabulous solo Christmas in Mexico, but I have convinced DP to go away for New Year’s and escape the madness in our city (which tourists famously flock to for New Year’s).

I’m going to be honest rather than you go girl, as I wouldn’t want this to be a bad experience for you.

i think it’s important to find somewhere thay specialises more in singles , and people have posted links. This doesn’t mean you need to join in, just I think sitting eating Xmas dinner alone surrounded by families and couples maybe difficult for you, and as much as you won’t stand out as such, you may feel you do, even though you are used to dining alone in hotels.

xmas is a very different time of year as you know, many hotels have solo female travellers,often due to work, so it’s not a big deal, or uncommon, but Xmas is something else and I think through how would you feel really.

thats why I think find somewhere which caters more to singles, or advertises for them, as you will find it’s less likely to be onky you alone, and that may make you feel more comfortable

thats why I think find somewhere which caters more to singles, or advertises for them, as you will find it’s less likely to be onky you alone, and that may make you feel more comfortable

This is good advice

Hey, I’m in a relationship and still do solo Christmases in hot countries!

Yes in 2023 and will be doing the same this year too (kids at their dads) my theory is I'd much rather wake up someone else really lovely than wake up at home and the kids not be there. I had my favourite food, drink, treats etc And I'm actually looking forward to it this time. My Christmas day will be boxing day is how I see it!

What are your plans? Hotel, cruise, cottage, singles event etc?

I'm going to a little shepherds hut with my dog, then joining a walk for people who are in their own