Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Cards and flowers are classics, but if you—or your mom—are anything like us, travel tops the wishlist. Quality time together, paired with a trip tailored to her interests? That’s a next-level present—one that guarantees lasting memories and plenty of frame-worthy photos. Whether she’d prefer a Parisian shopping spree or a sun-soaked weekend of doing absolutely nothing, we’ve got suggestions to match every mom’s travel style. Consider this your Mother’s Day gift guide—done the Hotels Above Par way.
For the History Buff Mom: Rome
Moms who love history will appreciate how the past is ever-present in Rome. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon to the Roman Forum, the Eternal City feels like a living museum. Spend the day seeing the sights on a guided historic walking tour, before an apertivo and settling in for dinner at a classic trattoria like the 500-year-old Ristorante la Campana.
Where to Stay: Bvlgari Hotel Roma
Bvlgari Hotel Roma sits inside a lovingly restored landmark building dating back to the 1930s, overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Ara Pacis, a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps. The interiors, swathed in marble and ochre travertine, epitomize timeless Italian sophistication, while vintage Bvlgari advertisements add layers of history and glamour.
For the Fashionista Mom: Paris
The most stylish city in the world, Paris is the place to shop till you drop by with your mom. From iconic department stores— grands magasins—like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Le Bon Marché to designer flagships along the prestigious Avenue Montaigne to French boutiques and vintage shops in Le Marais, it’s a fashion lover's dream. After all that retail therapy, throw on a chic new outfit for the late seating at Le Petit Lutetia.
Where to Stay: SO/Paris
For the ultimate fashion-girl getaway with mom—waking up in a room that exudes contemporary Parisian charisma and looks plucked from the pages of a glossy magazine, then strolling downstairs to be greeted by a friendly staff in uniforms designed by Guillaume Henry, a lobby filled with well-dressed guests, chic Parisians, and the occasional off-duty stylist—SO/ Paris, tucked between the fashionable districts of Le Marais and Bastille, is a favorite of the sartorial set.
For the Adventurous Mom: Moab, Utah
Journey to Moab with your mama for thrilling adventure, jaw-dropping scenery, and a deeper connection to nature. The gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks immerses visitors in breathtaking red rock landscapes and provides ample opportunities for hiking through rust-hued spires, biking, 4x4 tours, rock climbing, and river rafting excursions, followed by moon-lit evenings swapping stories around a fire and staring up at the vast, starry night sky.
Where to Stay: ULUM Moab
For camping-curious moms who can’t get past the whole pitching a tent thing, ULUM Moab offers the perfect elevated outdoor escape—a glamping resort that trades sleeping on the ground for snoozing in safari tents equipped with West Elm furnishings and en-suite bathrooms. With plunge pools, seasonal dining, fireside s’mores, and red-rock views, it’s the ultimate mix of outdoorsy and luxe.
For the Spa-Goer Mom: Desert Hot Springs, California
When your mom has been spamming the family group chat with current-state-of-the-world memes and not-so-subtly hinting at needing an escape, give her some well-deserved R&R. Situated within the Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs is prime for rest and relaxation. It’s a rejuvenating getaway packed with naturally healing waters, spa treatments, and sipping bubbly (or pressed juice) in fluffy robes while the sun streams in a fresh supply of vitamin D.
Where to Stay: The Good House
The Good House is a small, adults-only hideaway (read: no noisy kids—yours of anyone else’s) in Miracle Hill District, a protected Hot Water Zone, with a serene atmosphere, just seven rooms, and heaps of wellness cred. Duos can take advantage of stress-melting massages, soak in mineral-rich hot springs, and cool off in the pool. Speaking of poolside priorities, refuel with a salad, guac and chips, and a glass of Good House wine—because it’s all about balance.
For the Wine Connoisseur Mom: Healdsburg, California
It doesn’t get better than winery hopping with your mom, who appreciates a world-class pour. The Sonoma destination du jour, Healdsburg, has a vibrant, walkable downtown with tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants like Little Saint and SingleThread, indie shops, and art galleries. Drive a few minutes outside of town, and you’ll find dozens of superb vineyards nearby in Dry Creek Valley.
Where to Stay: Harmon Guest House
Situated steps from Healdsburg Plaza, Harmon Guest House provides a stylish and sustainably minded base for kicking back in fluffy robes in between vino-centric activities. Inside the redwood-clad geometric exterior are local details galore, including a rotating collection of contemporary NorCal art. Suites feature oak floors, large balconies, and soaking tubs. You can swirl a glass of crisp white or a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
For the “I Love NY” Mom: New York City
If your mom is constantly regaling you with tales from when she used to live in New York City in her twenties, take her for a walk down memory lane. In between seeing her old apartment building and neighborhood watering hole that’s now crawling with Gen Z-ers, take in a Broadway show, browse the Union Square Greenmarket, stroll The High Line, go shopping on Madison Avenue, and splurge on a ritzy dinner at Ambassadors Clubhouse.
Where to Stay: The Ned Nomad
The Ned Nomad is situated in—yep, you guessed it—Nomad. It’s centrally located, with easy access to all the uptown and downtown activities on the docket. Though with cozy interiors, rooms featuring soaking tubs (plus cult-favorite Cowshed toiletries), a skyline-view rooftop, and a reliably delicious restaurant, Cecconi's, it’s a nice place to escape the constant buzz of the city.
