2025 hotel openings
20 anticipated stays in North America.
I know we still have a month and a bit left of 2024, but let’s move on to 2025. It’s an exciting year ahead for hotel openings across the US. Canada and Mexico? Not so much, but I suppose there are still one or two worth noting.
With a glut of new openings each year, the challenge isn’t so much about finding places to stay but deciding which ones are worth your time. My goal is to spare you the search with a selection that isn’t so cookie-cutter. Because when every hotel group or company is vying to open the ‘next big thing’, only a few properties truly stand out—ones that feel like they’re designed with greater intention and soul.
Boutique and independently owned dominate the list, as they so often do in my world. With their intimacy and individuality, they make larger hotel chains feel, well, a bit like fast fashion. That said, I’ve made a couple of exceptions for sprawling resorts because every so often a big name comes along that’s impossible to ignore, whether for its scale or its ability to rewrite the hospitality playbook in some way. By and large, though, consider this a love letter to the smaller players.
So, without further ado, here are the hotel openings of 2025 that I believe deserve your attention.
CANADA
Nobu Hotel - Toronto, Ontario
Putting personal opinions about Nobu aside, this is noteworthy as it’s Canada’s first Nobu experience.
USA
Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge - White Salmon, Washington
For the glampers—a seasonally operated, 95-tent luxury camping retreat and Under Canvas’s first foray into the Pacific Northwest.
The Hearst Hotel - San Francisco, California
An Auberge property, and one I’m already partial to. How could I not be? It’s housed in the iconic Hearst Building in Union Square and brought to life by the brilliant Roman and Williams.
Hotel Marina Riviera - Big Bear Lake, California
One of three new openings from the Cassetta Group, this mountain retreat is described as a ‘renovated mid-century, Viking-inspired lodge.’ Naturally, I’m intrigued.
Hotel Lucile - Los Angeles, California
Silver Lake is having a moment. Arguably, it’s been having a moment for a while now. Either way, the neighbourhood seems to have tightened its grip on the artsy crowd. Enter Hotel Lucile, the next opening from the Cassetta Group. With just 25 rooms, it looks ever so charming and intimate.
One&Only Moonlight Basin - Big Sky, Montana
I’ve mentioned this one before, and my excitement hasn’t waned. As the first One&Only property to open in the US, it’s a milestone, and one well worth keeping on your radar.
Field & Stream Lodge - Bozeman, Montana
Welcome to Starwood Capital’s new brand, Field & Stream, debuting its first hotel in Montana. With suites and bunk beds, it’s got that Scout Movement aesthetic. Endearing … niche—what you’d expect from Starwood.
Hotel Willa - Taos, New Mexico
The third and final Cassetta Group hotel to debut next year. I do have a soft spot for this brand. New Mexico has long been in need of more compelling hotel options, so this arrival feels especially welcome.
Albert Hotel - Fredericksburg Texas
Opening soon in January 2025, it offers 105 guest rooms and four restaurants—a near-perfect room-to-restaurant ratio.
Fidelity Hotel - Cleveland, Ohio
As someone who’s not from the US, I’ve noticed Ohio gets a bad rap. Americans have painted a rather unremarkable picture of the state, but this hotel seems to show otherwise.
The Trail Hotel - Bardstown, Kentucky
I appreciate a hotel that leans into what its location is widely celebrated for. In Kentucky, that’s bourbon. I find this one to be similar in spirit to Casa Silencio in Oaxaca, which is rooted in mezcal. It’s an experiential stay, so think amenities such as a bourbon butler to curate tours and tastings in a bourbon library lounge.
Shenandoah Mansions - Richmond, Virginia
Brought to life by Ash Hotels, this 73-room mansion in Virginia’s Fan District is described as a ‘southern darling with a dark side.’ I’m not entirely sure what that entails, but the rooms look fantastic.
Faena - New York City, New York
There are currently two Faena hotels—one in Miami Beach and another in Buenos Aires. I wouldn’t recommend the former, and I can’t vouch for the latter. But I am curious about their New York outpost, originally slated to open last year. Could it turn into a ‘scene’? Possibly. But with One High Line’s East Tower as its home, it has the makings of an interesting debut.
Life House Bushwick - Brooklyn, New York
Life House hotels rarely miss the mark, and their Bushwick opening is one I’m particularly looking forward to. They’re bringing back old-school hotel keys, a detail we’re partial to around here.
shadow lakehouse - Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
Technically, this one opens its doors in late December, but as hinter’s first US property (others are in Canada), it feels like a perfect way to close out the year and set the tone for the one ahead.
The Vineta Hotel - Palm Beach, Florida
The family-owned Oetker Collection is making its US debut with a new hotel in Palm Beach, set within the former Chesterfield Hotel. Renovations are helmed by interior designer Tino Zervudachi, whose eclectic style I greatly admire—so it’s safe to say this hotel will be nothing short of spectacular.
Shell Bay Club - Hallandale Beach, Florida
The all too exclusive Shell Bay is set to open an intimate hotel under Auberge’s management, combining a residential and hotel experience centred heavily on golf—with its Greg Norman-designed course.
MEXICO
Amanvari - Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
This one has been a long time coming. After multiple delays, it’s finally ready to welcome guests next year. Almost all Aman properties are worth the wait.
Chablé Sea of Cortez - La Paz, Baja California Sur
This Mexican-owned hotel group is known for its ‘ultra-luxury’ boutique concepts, and their latest beachfront location is no exception. Designed by the acclaimed Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, it boasts 50 suites and is bound to be a popular choice.