LOCATION INFO

LOCATION

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MISTLETOE MANOR

Filming for Holidate takes place at Mistletoe Manor, a massive three-story mountain ski resort cabin isolated in the middle of nowhere. The grounds are spacious and currently blanketed with a generous snowfall. While winter sport equipment can't be found at the lodge--no snowmobiling or skiing unless it's on a date!-- there are outside patio areas and places to sit in oversized rustic chairs to overlook the scenic winter view.

Those who fancy some warmth and relaxation with their snowfall can also make use of the stone-edged, in-ground hot tub shortly beyond the back door. It'll seat around 12 folks at its most crowded and comes with all of the bells and whistles, including speakers for playing music over the house's built-in sound system.

Because a show can't happen without any footage, Mistletoe Manor is decked out with dozens of mounted cameras and recording devices so the participants' journey can be picked up from any and all angle. There's also a live film crew, of course, who come out to do more active camera work every day and stay in their own cabin shortly off-site. There are no mounted recording devices in the bathrooms or shower areas. The film crew are friendly, if skittish, and nice enough to chat with! The lanky blue-haired main who usually boom mics for the Overseer will even have a cigarette with you if you can catch him on break.

At night, the Manor is wreathed with soft, glowing light, as all of the decorations turn on. Wreaths, icicle string lights, and various candles illuminate the space - but not enough to preclude any romantic stargazing.

THE LODGE

The Manor is a sprawling, wood-trimmed cabin with plenty of natural light and many open floor plans. When you first enter, several stuffed animals wearing party hats and garland strings greet you. Though they look like real taxidermy trophies, closer inspections reveals that they are simply very realistic, life-sized stuffies. Several living/relaxation/rec areas are spread out over the first and second floors, featuring plenty of comfy seating. Features include a conversation pit (a seating area that is entirely filled with dense foam pillows that can be rested on in any configuration and a 70s-style recessed living room. When it comes to keeping warm, there's no shortage of fireplaces and cozy blankets - to say nothing of the general thermostat. Each and every room is decorated with no expense spared: There are trees; there are lights; there are garlands; there are crystal snowflakes hanging from the ceiling; there are weird kitschy little figures; there are wooden signs welcoming winter. For all that it is opulent, Mistletoe Manor is ultimately...cozy.

Food and all modern cooking implements are available in the large and overdecorated kitchen (yes, the puppets are there, too), and there's plenty of table and breakfast bar sitting for all participants to be able to pull up for a meal. Food is plentiful and most non-delicacies can be easily obtained. In addition to the often-replenished closet of easy-prep food, party snacks, and energy drinks, there's also a full coffee bar and actual bar. Hangover cures and basic first aid are available.

While the cabin does feature the built in stereo sound system that can be activated in every room (or the hot tub), many other modern conveniences are missing. Participants will be unable to find any cable TV, internet, books, paper, writing implements, video game systems, or phones (save for an emergency phone by the front door). Basically, anything that can be used to connect with people off the mountain is inaccessible. It's impossible to get to know one another if you're distracted, right? Despite the lack of modern technology, there are plenty of low-tech options for entertainment, including board games, a table hockey set-up, and a small fitness area.

Since participants will be sharing everything with their fellow guests, the same goes for sleeping and hygiene arrangements. There are a few enormous bedrooms spread throughout the top two levels of the house, but they are communal, comprising either several stacked bunk beds or simply 6-7 mattresses shoved together on the floor. Bathroom counter space is equally shared; if you need to perfect your makeup before an event, get used to elbowing other! The facilities themselves are very fancy (including rainfall showers with stone tiling!), but they are dorm-like.

Recent additions to the lodge include: a craft room, a walk-in closet, a basement movie theater, and a basement lounge.

REINDEER GAMES ROOM

Located on the second floor of the manor, the Reindeer Games Room is the sole private bedroom in the entire house. The catch, of course, is that it is a space for intimate encounters only. Folks who abuse the room without using it for its intended purpose are exiled for the night, so use the space wisely! The door does lock, but people have been known to leave it unlatched for the curious - or for extra participants to join in. It is absolutely not soundproofed.

Inside, the room is incredibly luxurious, with a comfortable California King bed, adjustable mood lighting, and access to the house-wide stereo system. Any necessities visitors might need, from prophylactics to toys to spare towels, can be found stored here. Whatever it takes to have a good time! There's even an attached private bathroom if needed!

That said...the door to the room is directly above the second floor landing overlooking the main living space. Enjoy your possible walk of shame!

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