While Caribbean getaways and ski trips can be enticing during the colder months, they’re not the only ways to spend your weekends and remaining vacation days. The city break — defined by trying new restaurants, browsing museums, and getting in your fair share of steps — is an often underrated type of travel, especially in the winter. 

Outside of the holiday rush, many cities are less crowded this time of year, and we found a way to ensure you can save even more money on a trip this season. Expedia’s free rewards program, One Key, is offering its members up to 35 percent off a selection of hotels in cities around the world, along with other benefits like OneKeyCash that can be used toward hotels, flights, and more. Whether you’re interested in seeing London’s top sights or popping in and out of cool cafes in Lisbon, now’s the time to save on a variety of highly rated hotels in December. 

Citiez Hotel Amsterdam, Amsterdam

December marks the beginning of one of Amsterdam’s shoulder seasons, so it’s the ideal time to explore the city’s historic canals, architecture, and cultural highlights. You may spend most of your time soaking up the sights, but you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head at night. Citiez Hotel Amsterdam, which one traveler described as a “good place to relax,” has a selection of rooms for 20 percent off for One Key members. Just be sure to pack quality layers, as Amsterdam can be cold and cloudy during December. 

Ashburn Hotel, London 

London is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but this hotel deal will make it a bit more wallet-friendly. The Ashburn Hotel, located in the South Kensington neighborhood, has select rooms marked down by 34 percent for members. The savings will give you flexibility to take advantage of London experiences like afternoon tea at the Ritz, going up in the London Eye, or shopping in Notting Hill. Plus, the hotel’s central location is convenient for most tourist attractions. A past guest confirmed it’s “near the tube and a hop on/off bus stop,” and “it’s walkable with many great restaurants and pubs nearby.”

The Lancaster Hotel, Houston

If you prefer to stay stateside in December, the Lancaster Hotel in Houston, Texas has rooms for 35 percent off. The 1920s-era boutique hotel marries luxury with convenience, and guests can enjoy a range of perks including complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and Bulgari bath amenities. Given the hotel’s location in Houston’s Theater District, you’ll want to add a show at the Houston Grand Opera or the Houston Ballet to your weekend itinerary. One traveler confirmed The Lancaster Hotel is “absolutely the place to stay if attending the opera or other events at the performing arts venues,” and another noted their visit was “magnificent” and the “amenities were delightful.”

Hotel AKA Back Bay, Boston

Boston may be cold, but that just makes this time of the year even more magical. Bundle up in your finest winter gear, and head out on the town to take in the Christmas lights, holiday markets, and variety of museums the historic city has to offer. One Key members can save 20 percent on select rooms at Hotel AKA Back Bay, which a past guest described as a “wonderful base hotel, with most of the trimmings of a five-star hotel.” There’s even a fireplace in the lobby, where you can warm up after a day walking the red brick Freedom Trail through Beantown’s historic sites. 

Sercotel Caspe, Barcelona

Barcelona is calling your name — and it’s hard to ignore, particularly when you find a deal like this one. The Sercotel Caspe in the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona has a selection of rooms marked down by 33 percent. The price itself is impressive, but so is the hotel’s location. In less than 20 minutes, you can walk to La Rambla, the Sagrada Familia, or the Arc de Triomf. It also gives travelers the true “city living” experience, according to one guest who shared that they “can walk to all the places,” and there’s a “market and good bakery [on] every corner.”

Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon

Want to see Lisbon while simultaneously avoiding the heat? Come in December, when the Altis Grand Hotel has 25 percent off rooms for One Key members. Several travelers noted how incredible the staff is, as well as its convenient location. During the day, put on your walking shoes and head to the Botanical Garden which is just three minutes away, or visit the National Museum of Natural History — a seven minutes away. You can relax at the hotel’s spa at the end of your day and sleep well in one of the “comfortable” rooms, as highlighted by one visitor.

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