12 Hotels to Celebrate National S'mores Day!

Carmel Valley Ranch is a 500-acre property offering modern luxury in a rustic, bucolic setting, with tall oak trees, organic gardens, and rolling vineyards. The ranch's many features include two outdoor pools -- the River Ranch Pool, featuring a splash zone for kids, and the Lodge Pool -- as well as an 18-hole golf course designed by Pete Dye. Rooms have small private decks and travertine fireplaces, but we recommend heading out to one of the seven fire pits. Every night a (free) s’mores bar is set out at the Lodge Restaurant for guests to enjoy. That's an amenity we wish every hotel had.

The iconic, family-friendly Hotel del Coronado is one of the largest and best-known resorts in Southern California, with 679 rooms right on the beach and an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant and wine bar. It's located in charming Coronado Village, a short drive away from San Diego’s main attractions. The hotel is particularly excited about National S'mores Day and will have Ghiradelli chocolate, candy toppings, flavored marshmallows and bacon to let guests create their own yummy concoctions. They also provide a fire pit concierge, whose job it is to make sure the flames are at perfect roasting temps.

Spread over 60 acres, Hidden Pond features 36 suite-like bungalows and two-bedroom cottages. While each have their own personality, they are all bright, homey, and sophisticated, characterized by pops of color and lodge-like touches, such as stone fireplaces adorned with antlers. The spa is set up to resemble a tree house, and free yoga classes are held at the organic farm (where guests may also pick fresh flowers and veggies). Another outstanding feature is the outdoor bar and grill that sits on a "sand bar," with chairs circled around fire pits. There guests can partake in the nightly bonfires and the resort supplies all the s'mores fixings.

This 96-room lodge has become a destination unto itself, not just for its excellent amenities and impressive views, but for its rich history. The charming property is still run by the famous Trapp family, whose story was told in the The Sound of Music, and original memorabilia from past generations is displayed throughout. The hotel has three restaurants, a brewery and bakery, a fitness center, and three pools (including an adults-only option). Scavenger hunts, nature hikes, sing-alongs and more are available for kids and on August 15 they’ll have a campfire with a s’mores-making class. If you don't need any lessons, you can also always head out to the fire pit and roast marshmallows yourself.

One of just a few true mega-resorts in Southern California, the 100-acre, 582-room Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes offers a range of features that's unrivaled among Los-Angeles-area properties, including a top-tier spa, nine holes of golf, six restaurants, three pools, and gorgeous, manicured grounds. Free bocce ball, croquet, daily guided nature walks and activities for kids are just a few perks. Every Friday evening they offer s’mores, and their Sea Beans coffee bar sells s’mores kits to make your own by one of the many fire pits; the kit includes marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers and a stick.

The four-pearl La Posada de Santa Fe is over a hundred years old, making it one of the the city’s longest-standing inns. It has an excellent location near Santa Fe Plaza, and features attractive Southwestern decor throughout. Its 157 rooms have beamed ceilings, coral throws, regional art, and modern tech features; some have patios or kiva-style fireplaces. The upscale Fuego Restaurant earns high marks, and a curator on staff oversees the hotel's $1 million in local art. The property features are impressive: There's a day spa, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, afternoon tea and cookies, and an outdoor fire pit where evening s'mores are served every Tuesday.

With a beautiful creek-side setting and a private ski lift, the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is a great overnight choice for those looking to get away and relax with all the amenities of an upscale hotel. Highlights include a beautiful infinity pool with adjacent fire pits and a 78,000-square-foot fitness center and spa. While there is plenty to do at the resort, the most tasty extra might be that Kids get free s'mores on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the summer. As a bonus, s'more-making kits are always available in the Cascade Village Market and Cafe.

A middling motel in downtown Scottsdale turned boutique-style standout by the Kimpton Group, the FireSky "resort" offers something for everyone -- a sandy play space by the pool; free wine during happy hour; a cozy cocktail lounge; a small but sufficient spa; the list goes on. They also have kid-friendly marshmallow roasts and s'mores kits are available for the evening bonfires; the kits are free, but only because they're included in the daily resort fee.

Nestled near the heart of Chatham on 25 scenic acres overlooking Pleasant Bay, Chatham Bars Inn has been a local staple since 1914. The true Cape-Cod style architecture is complemented by lovely interiors to match -- upholstered wingback chairs, antique-style turned-leg furnishings, and seafaring decor. But don't let the term "inn" fool you; this property is big and amenities-packed, with a beautiful spa, modern fitness center, scenic beach, fine dining, private chartered boats, and classic clay tennis courts. Thanks to the large pools (including a kiddie pool) and an extensive kids' club, the Inn is a popular choice for families; it's a perfect spot for kiddos and adults to roast marshmallow on the sand.

With no TVs, spotty cell service in the area, and a location surrounded by nature (but within walking distance of restaurants and shops), The Graham & Co lets guests get away from it all. It's relaxing, clean, and simple, with rooms of varying sizes (some have kitchens) featuring Tivoli radios with iPod hookups, reclaimed wood furniture, and large comfy bean bags -- but little else. A small pool with mountains views; a large lawn with a fire pit, a volleyball net, hammocks and a projector for movie nights; and a covered lounge with games and music are all wonderful features. Great freebies such as Wi-Fi, loaner bikes, breakfast on weekends, and beer upon check-in don’t hurt either. We suggest taking graham crackers, Hershey's chocolate bars, and marshmallows so you can make use of the fire pit.

The 123-room Disney Hilton Head Resort is a quiet, relaxed resort on a tiny island within the central region of larger Hilton Head Island. The resort has a long list of kid-friendly amenities: two pools (one with a water slide), a basketball court, a game room, and a playground. The hotel also overlooks Broad Creek, and there's a fishing pier for those looking to cast a line. Kids (and adults!) will love the nightly campfire where songs and s'mores-making abound.

The 403-room Westin Savannah is an upper-middle-range resort located on an island across the river from Savannah’s Historic District. The main draws here are the PGA golf course and the high-end spa, but there are other features that make this a great pick: a large pool, two solid restaurants, spacious rooms with high-end amenities (and most with great views of the city), and dozens of activities available daily for the whole family. In the summer they have "Stars & S'more" on Thursdays where guests can stargaze while making their yummy treats.


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