If you’re already in the path of totality, poised for April 8th’s total solar eclipse, you’re lucky. You can grab a blanket, snacks and some friends, and watch this phenomenal event unfold. Within the path of totality, so long as it isn’t cloudy, you should see the sun become completely obscured, and the sky will get as dark as if it was dawn or dusk. If, like the rest of us, you have to travel to see the eclipse, you’re probably wondering which hotels are the best to book. After all, you want a great view of the sky—and you probably want a few extra perks to help remember this extraordinary experience. Here’s our list of five great hotels to choose for the eclipse—all in the path of totality—not in order. We’ve selected from a geographical range, so hopefully, there is one near-ish to you.
The Lake House on Canandaigua | Canandaigua, NY
This lakefront luxury resort in the Finger Lakes region of New York, pictured above, is pulling out the stops to make the occasion memorable. The hotel’s Solar Eclipse Viewing Package includes deluxe accommodation for two people for two nights with check-in on Sunday, a keepsake blanket that keeps both of you warm, eclipse viewing glasses and admission to the eclipse viewing party. That party takes place April 8 from noon to 5pm and showcases “heavy hors d'oeuvres,” a cash bar, and entertainment.
La Cantera Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX
This resort is bringing out telescopes for a fantastic eclipse viewing, partnering with the University of Texas’s physics and astronomy department. Culinary offerings will be space-themed, and there will be a kids’ program that will introduce them to the wonders of the night sky. As if that isn’t enough, there will also be “out of this world” spa services featuring an OTO CBD-infused massage called “Of Earth and Sky.” The Moon Shadow package includes a two-night stay with a welcome reception on Saturday, a complimentary bottle of bubbly, breakfast each morning for two, and, of course, the viewing party with bubbly, bites and live music.
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn | Hot Springs, AR
This Arkansas inn is preparing to make a huge deal out of this “once, maybe twice-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.” Guests will receive a swag bag worth hundreds of dollars and a 2024 Eclipse Lookout Point North Face zipper fleece jacket, a fantastic wearable souvenir. During the inn’s festivities, sip on Veuve Clicquot in a branded flute (yours to keep) while enjoying gourmet canapes. You’ll also receive Wayfarer-style viewing glasses, much better than the blocky ones most places hand out! You can further upscale by adding on the “eclipse on the water” activity on a boat in the middle of the lake; the offerings include Krug, ossetra sturgeon caviar, chocolate-covered strawberries, and cherries.
French Lick Resort | French Lick, IN
This resort consists of three different hotels—the West Baden Springs Hotel, the French Lick Springs Hotel, and the Valley Tower Hotel—but regardless of which one you choose, you’ll have access to French Lick’s duration of totality: three glorious minutes and five fantastic seconds, between 3:04 and 3:07 p.m. (of course, the partial eclipse is visible for far longer). There will be designated viewing locations, free eclipse viewing glasses, and even some fun memorabilia and souvenirs. You can purchase a limited edition etched bottle of French Lick Woodford Reserve Personal Select for an extra cost. The resort’s restaurants will have eclipse-themed specials and photo ops and family-friendly space-themed activities throughout the campus.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland | Cleveland, OH
Since the solar eclipse only comes around so often, why not splurge on a fantastical, luxurious stay at the Ritz? The hotel’s Cleveland Solar Eclipse package includes specialty celestial cocktails, keepsake solar glasses, a tracking map and bespoke amenities. Cleveland itself offers a host of eclipse-themed events, including a Total Eclipse Fest, a SolarFest at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a concert by the Cleveland Orchestra, an exhibition by Barbara Bosworth at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and special brews by local brewers Great Lakes Brewing Company and Market Garden Brewery. Book fast; April 7th is sold out, but the most important day, the 8th, is still available.