For the sixth year in a row, The Westin Edina Galleria is bringing the joy of the season indoors with its Winter Village. From December 3rd through Valentine's Day weekend, hotel guests and locals can once again experience the best of winter in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.
“In Minnesota, we're all about celebrating the seasons,” says Elizabeth Watters, the hotel’s regional director of marketing. “Yes, it can be cold, and it can be snowy, but there's something about sharing a meal or a glass of champagne inside a chalet by a cozy fire with friends and family. Or, having a great cocktail at the Prelude bar while enjoying live music on the weekends.”
While the lobby and bar are fully transformed into a winter wonderland, the Clicquot Chalet evokes the charm of a mountaintop retreat and is where most of the magic happens. Last year, the hotel, along with its partner, Moët Hennessy, doubled the size of the chalet and added even more incredible details and offerings.
This year, guests will find an extended alpine-inspired menu featuring some great starters such as a classic French onion soup, winter harvest salads with roasted squash, and a goat cheese salad with honey and pear. Entrees include a delicious chicken and veal schnitzel.
“We're keeping the cheese fondue and raclette, but adding in an option to order a beef filet, steak tartar, or short ribs,” she says. The dessert menu includes the popular chocolate fondue, tableside s'mores, and new this year, a decadent crème brûlée.
Another attraction added last December is The Shoppe at Winter Village, featuring Swiss and holiday-inspired gifts such as luxe winter apparel and handcrafted items all within its artisanal décor. “It’s great for this time of year when people are traveling and they want either a keepsake or a gift for someone for the holiday,” says Elizabeth. It’s a big hit with both guests and residents.
The afternoon tea, a signature of the hotel, always draws a crowd, and this year, an indulgent champagne-forward Après Brunch in the Clicquot Chalet is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Another new and fun concept for this year's Winter Village is the Alpine Suite, which brings the whole seasonal experience further into the hotel. Guests of this suite will feel as if they are staying at a European mountain lodge.
“We’ve decorated and transformed one of our hotel suites to be an immersive stay that channels the soul of Après ski living,” she says. “Think soft wool textures, vintage ski accents, and of course, Veuve Clicquot, is included in that.”
Locals can book this suite for a staycation, and out-of-towners can use it as a travel destination. “It's kind of your own hideaway, and we joke that no lift ticket is needed,” says Elizabeth.
The Clicquot Chalet shines not only during the winter season, but all year round. “It’s become the hub of all of our seasonal programming at the Westin,” she says. “This past spring, we launched Garden House. We've previously been part of the Galleria Flower show and wanted to extend it into this space. So, we did a Bridgerton-inspired installation where guests could come for either afternoon tea or brunch. It was a great success. Not everyone wants to go out at night, so this was a great alternative to do something during the day.”
There's something for everyone, including horse-drawn carriage rides for families looking for a fun activity in the cold winter months.
“We want our hotel to be the heart of the community that people can come back to and create traditions with their families,” says Elizabeth. “We view ourselves as a part of the community and want to be seen as the ‘living room’ of Edina.”
The team at the hotel hopes that by creating these seasonal traditions and activities, they can connect with locals and their lifestyles while at the same time providing exceptional service to out-of-town guests staying at Westin Edina Galleria.
“We want to keep thinking out of the box and have a unique point of view, and also continue to partner with those that make it feel high caliber in regard to service, design, and the overall experience,” she says.
Come in and immerse yourself in this enchanting seasonal escape, and let it take you away to a snowy and luxurious mountaintop retreat.
For more, visit EdinaWeekendWonders.com/WinterVillage.