Five hotels for leaf peeping

Get out there and enjoy the colours of autumn from these cosy retreats. By William Schomburg

Hinanoza, Japan

Set in Lake Azan, Hokkaido's oldest national park, Hinanoza (hina means countryside in ancient Japanese) is ideally situated for bucolic walks through the forest. Akan's vivid autumn leaves are reflected in the crystal-clear lakes, and hot springs provide rejuvenation after lengthy hikes. Hinanoza is a luxurious take on the traditional ryokan, with each of its 25 rooms boasting an outdoor hot spring bath.

Hinanoza, 281, Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Hokkaido, Japan (00 81 154 67 3050; www.tsuruga-g.com/english/02hinanoza). Doubles start at ¥63,000 (£310), room only.

Mayflower Inn, Connecticut

Nowhere sums up autumn colour quite like New England. This inn, situated in 58 acres of gardens with cedar trees and shrubs, exudes New England charm. The bedrooms, which have fireplaces and four-poster beds, have views of the beautifully landscaped gardens. Besides the extensive grounds, the nearby Steep Rock Reserve also provides further opportunities for forest walks.

The Mayflower Inn, 118 Woodbury Road, Washington, Connecticut, US (001 860 868 9466; www.mayflowerinn.com). Doubles start at $520 (£297), room only.

Chewton Glen, England

Set on the edge of the New Forest National Park, Chewton Glen is the epitome of country-house chic. The kitchen will prepare picnics for days out in the New Forest, where the autumn leaves of the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and Blackwater Arboretum are especially scenic.

Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, Hampshire (01425 275341; www.chewtonglen.com). Doubles start at £299, room only.

Ahwahnee Hotel, California

The design of Yosemite National Park's landmark hotel, The Ahwahnee, has Art Deco, Arts and Crafts and Native American themes. Public spaces such as the Great Lounge are perfect for appreciating the colours of the giant sequoias, aspens and dogwood trees.

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, California, US (001 801 559 4884; www.yosemitepark.com). Doubles start at $498 (£285), room only.

The Ardeonaig Hotel, Scotland

Recently refurbished, this lochside hotel features sleek bedrooms with exposed bricks and beams, tactile furnishings and deep baths. With views of Loch Tay, it might be hard to prise yourself from the hotel, but Perthshire's "Big Tree Country" is right on the doorstep.

The Ardeonaig Hotel, South Road Loch Tay, Ardeonaig, Perthshire, Scotland (01567 820400; www.ardeonaighotel.co.uk). Doubles start at £180, half board.