Any thoughts or experiences you can share as to what establishment, be it hotel, resort, lodge, etc. that truly captures the magic of the holidays by creating a sensational holiday ambiance through decor and spirit?
Plans have changed last minute and in search of such a festive place to spend the holidays, preferably east of the Mississippi, since we reside in Maryland. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

This isn't a hotel but Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA definitely qualifies as a place which captures the Holiday spirit with its magnificent decorations.

http://www.longwoodgardens.org/Seaso...3Christmas.htm

I can think of no place that captures the magic of the holidays better than Colonial Williamsburg. It's romantic, charming, old fashioned and cozy.
But at this point it may be difficult to get a booking for one of the hotels in the old colonial area.

Several hotels and inns in NH come to mind. The Mt. Washington, The Balasms, and the Christmas Farm Inn.
Gauranteed to be a white Christmas since the area just got hit with up to 3 feet of snow with more on the way.

For a city Xmas - NYC-almost anywhere, but especially the Plaza.