Fall hotel debuts are an annual event and one that the travel industry and globetrotters at large look forward to each season.
What properties will live up to the hype they’ve generated, and which names are they clamoring to book first? Both are hot discussion topics starting in September, when the first hotels open and look to book guests through the busy end-of-year holiday season.
Andrew Steinberg, a travel advisor with the luxury company Ovation Vacations, says that global hotel debuts in autumn number in the dozens and tend to cluster around cities rather than resorts..
“Fall is a time for big events globally, from fashion weeks to restaurant and theater debuts, and hotel openings are part of this excitement,” he says. “But these openings tend to be in cities versus remote locations or seaside locales. In 2023, especially, cities are back in a major way after several years of travelers staying away.”
From two in London courtesy of recognizable brands to a Dubai contender from another storied collection, below are Steinberg’s top picks for seven highly anticipated properties taking reservations this fall:
Rosewood Munich
Expected to open in October.
Located in the center of town in Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße, Rosewood Munich is the brand’s first hotel in Germany. Situated in two landmarked, historic buildings that previously housed the State Bank of Bavaria and the aristocratic residence Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, the hotel is near many top attractions and luxury boutiques. The notable London design studio
Tara Bernerd
& Partners and the Munich-based architecture firm Hilmer Sattler are behind the aesthetic, which keeps the original façade intact but incorporates a clean, contemporary style. Features include 132 rooms, a brasserie, bar, spa, and indoor swimming pool.
The Lana, Dubai
Expected to open in November.
From the brand behind iconic properties such as Paris’ Plaza Athenee and the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Lana is the Dorchester Collection’s first Middle East property. Located in Dubai’s up-and-coming Business Bay District, it’s set in a set of towers with striking glass facades that resemble two jigsaw pieces. Interiors play up natural light and juxtapose contemporary with classic. A spacious spa, numerous restaurants, and rooftop pool with city views are among the standout amenities.
Angama Amboseli, Kimana Sanctuary, Kenya
Expected to open in November.
As the filming site for the hit 1985 movie Out of Africa, Angama Mara is one of Africa’s most sought-after safari camps. Now, the same owners are opening the smaller and more intimate Angama Amboseli. Located in the 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary, a wildlife-packed destination that few travelers know, it offers views of Mount Kilimanjaro from nearly everywhere. There are just 10 suites, each tented and with an outdoor shower and shaded outdoor deck. Guests can enjoy unrestricted game viewing and amenities such as an infinity pool, an artists’ studio, photography classes, a fire pit, and an indoor/outdoor dining area.
Raffles London at the OWO
Expected to open on Friday.
Raffles London at the OWO may be the splashiest hotel opening that the city has seen in years and may rank in the top recently debuts globally, according to Steinberg and other travel industry insiders. Set in Britain’s Old War Office, it has 120 rooms, a destination Guerlain Spa and three dining venues created by the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco. Artisans have restored original features such as the hand-laid mosaic floors and marble staircase, while the late designer Thierry Despont is behind the eye-catching design that combines modernity with historical elements. The property also includes 85 residences.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York
Expected to open in October.
Featuring a style created with the glamour of the Gilded Age in mind, the Fifth Avenue Hotel shows off the talent of the celebrated architect Martin Brudnizki along with Flaneur Hospitality, the brand behind the property. It includes the Mansion, a historic landmark designed by the firm McKim, Mead & White, and the Tower, a new building with a glass exterior.
Located in Flatiron, the property has 153 rooms, some with terraces, and a double-height lobby with elements such as antique mirrors and arched windows. Art is a highlight, and the photography collection includes pieces from stars in space such as William Klein and Gordon Parks. Staying here is meant to be an immersive throwback in time.
Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, Japan
Opened in September
Set on the western edge of Nara Park on the grounds of an ancient temple, Shisui is a showpiece of traditional Japanese architecture and design with its authentic gardens and furniture and accessories from around the country. It has 43 rooms, a Japanese-inspired spa, and a list of guest experiences. Exploring the many surrounding UNESCO World Heritage sites is at the top with possibilities that include Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
The Peninsula London
Opened in September.
Situated in Belgravia, the Peninsula features a modern style, an abundance of natural light and interiors from design darling Peter Marino. The property is built around a picturesque courtyard landscaped to resemble a traditional English garden. It has 190 rooms, and all are meant to resemble residences with their custom furniture and textiles. Amenities include the rooftop restaurant Brooklands, serving modern British cuisine by the Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi, the Chinese eatery Canton Blue, a spa, and an 82-foot swimming pool.
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