By Rich Beattie

updated 9:21 a.m. ET Sept. 30, 2008

Everyone knows where to find America’s boldest fall colors: the crimson of a maple leaf in Vermont, an oak’s burnished orange in the Smoky Mountains, the brilliant gold of an aspen in, well, you know.

But what’s the fun of a great leaf-viewing locale when you’re holed up in a hotel overlooking a parking lot?

This annual metamorphosis happens so fast that when the leaves hit their stride, you want to maximize your time with a winning view.

That means staying in a place where you can wake to a sweeping swath of color right outside your window, take morning coffee with the light glinting off the reds and yellows, stroll the grounds kicking leaves, and enjoy a late-afternoon cocktail as shadows begin to blanket nature’s palette.

Unearthing such autumnal accommodations, however, is no easy task: Hoteliers bought up the best vantage points years ago, so your selection of full-color properties is limited. (The upside? In some cases, staying in an historic hotel.)

But we did the legwork for you, finding great spots across the country where you can fully embrace the classic fall experience while relaxing in luxury.

Plus, we’ll tell you when to go and which rooms offer the best views.

Happy peeping.

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