How about one of those great inns out in the Hamptons?

Look in Greenwich Ct. http://greenwich.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-greenwich/index.jsp?null

Mystic, CT
Newport, RI
Great Barrington or (quieter) Lenox, MA
Brattleboro or Bennington, VT
Delaware Water Gap, NJ-PA
Philadelphia (esp Rittenhouse Square) PA

Settling in Mystic might be a nice option since it's only 100 miles from NYC ... even better if you can take weekdays rather than weekends since you'll likely get better prices on hotels and find fewer crowds.

There's a lot to do right in town, and if you have a car you can easily get to two outlet malls that are within easy driving distance of Mystic, or you can shop right in town. Plus, there are two casinos nearby if you like to gamble. I don't know what Mystic itself does for Christmas, but I bet it's pretty.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Between work and leisure I'm sure I've been to each of these places at least once, but I hadn't necessarily thought of them this time. I'm stuck on the specific hotel choice too.

JoJoSiestaKey: "How about one of those great inns out in the Hamptons?"--any names for me to look into?

Last time I was in Mystic, I stayed at a Hilton that was bland even for a Hilton! I think the Marriott in Groton is supposed to be nicer, so I'll look at that. Mystic is less appealing to me for this kind of trip in summer because of the many kids underfoot, but it's not much of a winter atttaction, so that could work.

If you have leads for any specific hotels or inns (with facilities or access to them) in these locations or others, I'd be interested in hearing more!

(I did tag this question as Rhode Island too, but I see that it didn't take)

A few miles from Mystic is Stonington Borough. This is a beautiful little village with 18th and 19th century houses, a few shops, a few restaurants. All the attractions of Mystic are of course nearby. The Inn at Stonington comes well recommended. http://www.theinnatstonington.com/

In Newport, the Hotel Viking has a good reputation. http://www.hotelviking.com/

Canyon Ranch in Lenox MA? Get in shape before rather than after the holidays

Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA? Funky Norman Rockwell inn in small town center. Holiday spirit guaranteed?

A college town? Most of the students will be gone in Amherst, Northampton and Williamstown, MA.

If you do decide on Mystic, you could get tickets for the candle light walk at Mystic Seaport one evening. bring warm clothes for this.

The Inn at Stonington or the Ocean House Hotel in Watch Hill RI are just a few minutes away and have more "charm" than the local hotel)-motels in the area. Other than going to the casinos or one of the local bars, there isn't a lot of night life. Most of the local hotel-motels do have shuttles to the casinos if driving there is a concern in the evening.