The 20 Hottest Hotel Openings of Late 2017
Sanders Apartment. Photo courtesy of Sanders.
With the final days of 2017 quickly approaching, we’re taking a moment to appreciate the season’s best new hotels. Since our last installment of Hottest Hotel Openings in August, twenty hotels have caught our eye and made their way onto our list of places we want to visit in the new year.
Confirming that Africa is not the only place to go on safari, Sri Lanka’s new luxury tented safari camp, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, offers the best of both worlds with views of the jungle and the Indian Ocean. Closer to Fathom HQ, The Inn at GrayBarns on the Silvermine River in Connecticut is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. And we’re quite certain that the handsome and refined Sanders will soon become a crowd favorite in Copenhagen's evolving boutique hotel scene.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Where: Yala, Sri Lanka
Why we’re excited: One of the most interesting new safari camps is built on a stretch of land adjacent to the leopard-roaming Yala National Park.Twenty-eight cocoon-like tents are crafted from natural materials, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape and equipped with all the creature comforts: air conditioning, four-poster beds, handmade copper bathtubs. Along with an always-changing menu of fine Sri Lankan cuisine and an enormous free-form swimming pool, the host of guest activities include guided wilderness tours and spa treatments using native plants.
Check in: Book a room.
Nobis Hotel Copenhagen
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
Why we’re excited: Neoclassic interiors meet contemporary Scandinavian design a the first Nobis hotel outside Sweden. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, next to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek and Tivoli Gardens, the 77-room hotel has four suites, an 80-seat Nordic restaurant, and a sauna with cold pool, gym, and lounge.
Check in: Book a room.
The Lygon Arms
Where: Cotswolds, United Kingdom
Why we’re excited: After a major refurbishment and expansion, the charming 16th-century coaching inn-turned-hotel has debuted 86 newly designed rooms and suites inspired by former guests like King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. There are two new restaurants, Lygon Bar & Grill, a cozy two-story space specializing in simple, seasonal British fare; and Lygon Wine Bar, which serves fine English and international wines complemented by light Italian dishes.
Check in: Book a room.
The Inn at GrayBarns on the Silvermine River
Where: Norwalk, Connecticut
Why we’re excited: Set in a former artist colony that drew the likes of Arthur Miller and Elizabeth Taylor, the classic inn is a tranquil escape from rowdy New York City. Originally known as the Silvermine Tavern and Inn, the historic six-room hotel, restaurant, and event space was restored by a local family, who added modern amenities and a new rustic-chic look. A small mercantile selling homemade provisions and curated items for the home is slated to open in early 2018.
Check in: Book a room.
1898 The Post
Where: Ghent, Belgium
Why we’re excited: Housed on the top two floors of a former post office with a striking neo-Gothic facade, the 38-room hotel is decorated with dark colors, antique furniture, and large windows overlooking the city. Days start with a delicious homemade breakfast and cup of tea in The Kitchen, a relaxed open-format restaurant with cozy upholstered seating in neutral tones.
Check in: Book a room.
The Fleming
Where: Hong Kong
Why we’re excited: Located in the lively Wan Chai district, the 66-room hotel has reopened after a year-long transformation inspired by old Hong Kong and the famous Star Ferry. Dark green details, tan leather accents, and brass finishes lend a Wes Anderson vibe to the rooms and common spaces, while Osteria Marzia, the coastal Italian restaurant, has a distinctly nautical feel. Handy, a portable smartphone docked in each room, enables guests to navigate the city with ease.
Check in: Book a room.
Proper San Francisco
Where: San Francisco, California
Why we’re excited: With Brad Korzen, the former CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group, and his design star wife Kelly Wearstler at the helm of the new boutique hotel company, we're betting big on their first opening. Housed in a historic flatiron building constructed in the early 1900s, the 131-room Mid-Market district hotel has three restaurants, including Charmaine’s, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Also on offer: Aesop bath products, Bellino fine linens, and Shinola bicycles.
Read more on Fathom: Finally! A Proper San Francisco Boutique Hotel
Check in: Book a room.
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort
Where: Big Sur, California
Why we’re excited: After a rocky start to 2017, the otherworldly stretch of land on California’s central coast and one of its most iconic hotels are back in action. A revamp by Alila Hotels and Resorts includes a glamping program with fifteen safari-style canvas tents, Japanese hot baths, and the addition of private balconies or patios to guest rooms.
Check in: Book a room.
Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
Where: Calistoga, California
Why we’re excited: Located in Napa Valley’s historic spa town, the 1940s roadside motel has been reimagined as a 50-room boutique hotel and spa by New York-based design firm AvroKO. Styled after a classic bathhouse, the seven-room spa features a mix-your-own mud bar, four mint green clawfoot tubs for medicinal salt soaks, and a menu of cutting-edge facials. Also on site: three geothermal hot spring-fed pools and a wood-fired kitchen and beer garden, which is scheduled to open in late 2018.
Check in: Book a room.
Ace Hotel Chicago
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Why we’re excited: Inspired by the city’s evolving design history and the idea that hotel common spaces should be built for the public, the 159-room hotel is destined to become a gathering spot for the local creatives class. An all-star cast of characters was tapped to bring a distinct Chicago flair to the hotel, including student artists from School of the Art Institute Chicago and the florist and landscaping team at Bottle & Branch. For views of the stunning downtown skyline, nightly music, and no-nonsense drinks, guests can head upstairs to Waydown, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge.
Check in: Book a room.
Andaz Singapore
Where: Singapore
Why we’re excited: Drawing inspiration from its buzzing surroundings, the 342-room hotel is the first Andaz to open in Southeast Asia. Located within DUO, a pair of ultra-modern skyscrapers connected to Bugis MRT Station (a major subway hub), the hotel is a five-minute drive from the Central Business District and a 20-minute drive from Changi Airport. Worth noting: The art collection includes works from a number of acclaimed artists like Brazilian sculptor André Mendes and local Singaporean Ahmad Abu Bakar.
Check in: Book a room.
Moxy Times Square
Where: New York, New York
Why we’re excited: The 612-room midtown hotel was brought to life by an all-star team of collaborators (Yabu Pushelberg, TAO Group, and Rockwell Group) and is the latest in a string of Manhattan hotels, including Public and Arlo Soho, to merge affordability with a design-forward sensibility. Technology plays a big role in the hotel, with fast and free WiFi for all guests, keyless room entry through the Marriott mobile app, and an abundance of power outlets in the common spaces. Restaurants include a seafood brasserie, an egg-centric breakfast spot, and New York City’s largest all-season hotel rooftop bar and lounge.
Check in: Book a room.
Sanders
Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
Why we’re excited: Inspired by his personal travels, renowned Danish ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin opened a 54-room boutique hotel in two townhouses on a charming street behind the Royal Danish Theatre. Each elegantly appointed room is unique in style, with a subtle '70s vibe. There's a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired fare and an apartment-style guest room with a small kitchenette for extended stays.
Check in: Book a room.
QT Queenstown
Where: Queenstown, New Zealand
Why we’re excited: The sleek, 69-room lakeside hotel is located in the “adventure capital of the world.” Adrenaline junkies and warm-weather seekers can spend their days white-water rafting and bungee jumping before returning to the contemporary alpine-style hotel. Since launching in March 2017, Reds Bar has become the local spot for sunset cocktails over Lake Wakatipu. For groups with different food preferences, Bazaar has a range of options, including seafood, cheese and charcuterie bars, Asian and grill stations, and a wood-fired pizza oven.
Check in: Book a room.
Adare Manor
Where: County Limerick, Ireland
Why we’re excited: Set on a 842-acre estate surrounded by medieval ruins, the 104-room, neo-Gothic castle and golf resort reopened after a 21-month-long restoration and expansion. Improvements include a new 42-bedroom wing, an expansive ballroom, and a spa featuring legendary skin care company La Mer. Come summer, guests can dine at The Carriage House, a new fine dining restaurant.
Check in: Book a room.
Awasi Iguazu
Where: Misiones, Argentina
Why we’re excited: Located fifteen minutes from the world’s largest system of waterfalls, the stylish luxury lodge sits on the banks of the River Iguazu, surrounded by the Atlantic rainforest. Each of the fourteen stand-alone villas comes with a private excursion guide and 4WD vehicle, allowing guests to explore the region at their own pace. Also included in each stay are meals, drinks, and airport transfers.
Check in: Book a room.
The Drifter
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Why we’re excited: The up-and-coming Mid-City neighborhood finally has a cute boutique hotel to call its own. Originally built as a motel in the 1950s, the eclectic, 20-room hotel has a tropical vibe, with a palm tree-lined courtyard and a cantilevered disco ball hanging over the swimming pool. A rotating cast of pop-up restaurants and food trucks, like La Cubana and Diva Dawg make regular appearances and the cafe serves specialty coffee from La Colombe.
Check in: Book a room.
Troutbeck
Where: Amenia, New York
Why we’re excited: Once a beloved retreat and gathering place for distinguished guests like Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, and Ernest Hemingway, the historic 37-room Dutchess County homestead has undergone an extensive restoration by Champalimaud Design. Original design features (stone and wood floors, unique spatial architecture) have been preserved, while contemporary touches (modern fixtures, mindfulness programing) have been added. American farm-to-table fare is on offer at The Dining Room, a 76-seat restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Read More on Fathom: Troutbeck Is (Once Again) New York City's Perfect Retreat
Check in: Book a room.
Verride Palacio Santa Catarina
Where: Lisbon, Portugal
Why we’re excited: Originally home to a Portuguese count, the glamorous 18th-century palacio has been transformed into a stunning 19-room boutique hotel. Rooms are decorated with sumptuous velvet furnishings, rattan chairs, and pale gray marble. There are three restaurants on site, including gastro-style Suba, which has the most incredible views of Lisbon.
Read more on Fathom: Take a Peek Inside Lisbon’s Most Beautiful New Hotel
Check in: Book a room.
One&Only Le Saint Géran
Where: Poste de Flacq, Mauritius
Why we’re excited: Following an extensive, year-long renovation, the island’s grande dame has reopened with a cool, contemporary, beach-inspired aesthetic. The newly transformed rooms feature generous, private outdoor spaces with views of the lagoon, ocean, or beach. Ultra-modern facilities include a cutting-edge fitness center and yoga space, an impressive new family pool, and a menu of off-property experiences that showcase the topography of Mauritius.
Check in: Book a room.
Keep Exploring Cool Hotels
The 16 Hottest Hotel Openings for Summer 2017
The Hottest Hotel Openings for Spring 2017
Coming Soon: The 24 Best Hotel Openings of 2017