The mention alone of a winter holiday is enough to evoke warm feelings even when there’s frigid temperatures outside. For us the holidays have always included family gatherings and hopping from house to house for get-togethers with friends.

In addition to our usual celebrations, my husband and I are always looking to establish new family traditions. Our ideas get better each year. This year we discussed the idea of spending the Christmas holiday away from home followed by a few ideas to stay put since we are expecting a little one this December.

My thoughts immediately went to the movie, The Holiday. You know the one where Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet play two ladies on the opposite coasts longing for a holiday escape. They exchange residences and enjoy a glimpse into each other’s lifestyle and find love in the process.  Every year I watch the film and wish I had thought of doing it when I was a single gal. When I mentioned it to my husband, the excitement of creating the same type of adventure became infectious. Then, I introduced him to OneFineStay.com.

I’d received an email about their Christmas in London Promotion and learned they also have similar options here in The States via New York City. By booking a vacation with OneFineStay.com we’d experience the life of a London local, get recommendations on what to see and do, all the while living in their home while they’re off on their own adventure.

The accommodations feel more like a stylish boutique establishment more than a hotel chain. Prices range from approximately $240 a night for a comfortable one-bedroom New York City apartment to $1,600 a night for a grand townhouse in London neighborhoods. I could easily make myself at home in almost any of their 500+ quintessential residences.

These images Old Brompton Road, one of London’s most exclusives addresses, may be enough to woo us.

or experience New York City via Mulberry Street…

OneFineStay.com suits everyone from regular business travelers to London or New York, to couples and families with children looking for exciting vacation alternative.

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Thinking of going to London for Christmas? They’ll give you New Year’s for free! Get the details here.

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In the meantime, we’ll be here awaiting our own little holiday blessing! So excited!