Explore Europe’s authentic Christmas markets

Luxuries such as hot mulled wine and rich fruitcake to greet you on arrival, a special Christmas gift in your room, or a tour in a horse-drawn carriage – these are just some of the complementary seasonal treats set to warm the spirits of Preferred Hotel Group guests this Christmas.

For those wanting a truly memorable holiday shopping experience, Preferred Hotel Group offers an array of traditional Yuletide packages. What’s more, they are available at some of its finest hotels, in five wintry and festive locations: Austria, Estonia, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, each offering fabulous Christmas markets.

The magic of the holidays is guaranteed when you smell the aroma of hot roasted chestnuts, candied fruits and Christmas punch whilst weaving between the small wooden market stalls in search of the perfect gift.

Here are just a few Preferred Hotel Group member properties and the festive season packages they offer:

Castellani Parkhotel, Salzburg, Austria – Summit Hotels & Resorts

Dating back to the 17th Century, the Castellani Parkhotel exudes character and charm. Conveniently located in the centre of Salzburg, the property consists of 151 rooms and suites. At Christmas time guests can enjoy a tour in a horse-drawn carriage of the historic old town, charming with its snow-covered rooftops and domes. The ‘Advent in Salzburg’ package includes two nights in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast, mulled wine and fruitcake upon arrival, a four course set menu in Restaurant Salieri, shuttle to the Christmas market and use of the hotel’s steam bath and solarium. Priced from £145 per room per night, based on sharing a double deluxe room.

Hotel St. Petersbourg, Tallinn, Estonia – Summit Hotels & Resorts

If it’s a truly white Christmas you’re after, head to Hotel St. Petersbourg in Tallinn. Tucked away behind cobbled streets lined with medieval turrets, this opulent yet intimate hotel is the perfect retreat. The Christmas package comprises a three-night stay in a deluxe double room, airport transfers, daily breakfast, a special holiday gift and daily use of the traditional Estonian sauna.

During your stay you can also take advantage of three hours in a chauffeur-driven car, a private guided walking tour in the medieval Old Town followed by a glass of hot mulled wine and gingerbread either at the hotel’s Estonian Kuldse Notsu Kõrts Restaurant or its booth at the Old Town square Christmas market. Entrance to the city and art museums is included in the package. At the hotel’s Russian restaurant, Nevskij, a four course dinner for two including a bottle of wine will await you. Prices from £400 for two people, based on sharing a deluxe double room. Booking period 24th November 2008 – 11th January 2009.

Angelo Designhotel, Munich, Germany – Sterling Hotels & Resorts

Munich is the perfect place to enjoy an array of traditional Bavarian holiday delights with the Christmas market at the Marienplatz, which dates back to the 14th Century. This trendy boutique hotel boasts contemporary interiors dominated by red, black and yellow tones. A two-night stay includes breakfast, a tour of the Christmas markets, a three-day CityTourCard, Christmas gift and three course Christmas dinner for two on the evening of your choice. Prices from £165 per person, based on sharing a double room. Booking period 1st May – 23rd December 2008.

Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland – Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Stay at Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern during the festive season and visit any one of Lucerne’s many Christmas markets. Offering a myriad of delights from handicrafts to delectable treats, you can be sure to shop till you drop. This luxury hotel is offering guests an array of packages, such as the ‘Romantic Christmas Eve’ package which includes one night in a double room with lake view, dinner and an indulgent American-style breakfast. Prices from £290 for two people based on sharing a double room.

Alternatively, as a post-Christmas treat, choose the elegant New Year’s Party package which includes an overnight stay in a superior double room, a delicious buffet dinner, entrance fee to the party and rich brunch buffet. Prices from £230 per person, based on sharing a superior double room.

Andel’s Hotel & Suites, Prague, Czech Republic – Summit Hotels & Resorts

Prague’s Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square offer a true winter wonderland setting and are a great opportunity to stock up on unique gifts. Lesser known markets can be found at Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky. Stay at the stylish andel’s Hotel & Suites Prague and experience the ‘Christmas Moments in Prague’ package which includes two nights in a superior room with buffet breakfast.

You will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, a shopping voucher which entitles you to a 15% discount off selected purchases at certain stores, Christmas gift and a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate the festive season. Prices from £200 for two people for two nights, based on sharing a superior room.

For more information and bookings, log on to Preferredhotelgroup.com.