The Newly Opened Hotels We’re Excited To Finally Book
Written by luxury travel advisor Cara Sharratt, The Suitest’s very first industry insider contributor.
Even though travel has largely been at a STANDSTILL for the past year and a half, hotel groups all over the world continued to PUSH FORWARD with their projects. But until recently, it’s been impossible to EXPLORE and EXPERIENCE these hotels.
So as we start to travel again, checking out all the hot new hotel openings, and re-openings, is at the top of my list. I’m the kind of person who could live in a hotel if they let me — but, I’m also particular about where I’ll stay. It has to have that perfect mix of great design and superb hospitality, this list representing hotel groups I already love and trust.
Nomad London
What's new: First NoMad hotel in Europe.
Top tip: Check out the Sir John Soane's Museum. Only an eight-minute walk from the hotel.
Favorite feature: I couldn't choose just one, but my top two are the NoMad Restaurant and Bar and the Royal Opera Suite. Even if you're not staying here, visit the restaurant to check out the beautiful glass ceiling atrium, reminiscent of an Edwardian greenhouse. The Royal Opera Suite has views of the Royal Opera house and a gorgeous clawfoot bathtub.
A little bit London and a little bit New York. This hotel is for architecture, interior design, and art lovers. For their first hotel in Europe, NoMad partnered with New York-based design firm, Roman and Williams. Nomad London is centrally located in the lively neighborhood of Covent Garden in a 19th century building once housing The Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station. The rooms and suites are airy and texturally warm and plush. Each room is a space you'll want to sit back in and never leave. The hotel has more than 1,600 pieces of both collected and commissioned artwork so make sure to take notice when you visit.
NoMad London opened May 2021.
One&Only Mandarina
What's new: Only&Only's second resort in Mexico, Mandarina is located on the underdeveloped coastline of Riviera Nayarit, about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. This exciting location gives guests access to swimmable beaches, the rainforest and mountains.
Top tip: Eat. For their cliff-side restaurant, Carao, Only&Only has partnered with award-winning Mexican chef, Enrique Olvera.
Favorite feature: Sustainable architecture and Mexican craftsmanship and the fact that it's located in one of Mexico's last coastal rainforests.
I love One&Only as a brand. I've had the opportunity to stay at One&Only Palmilla in Cabo and, to this day, it has been one of my favorite resort experiences — mostly due to their attention to detail and the best service I've ever experienced. So, my expectations are high for One&Only Mandarina. This new hotel is particularly special because of its unique and intimate location in Mexico's coastal rainforest. Want to stay in a luxury treehouse with top service and luscious coastal views? There are also plenty of villas with private pools surrounded by vegetation. Here the environment is diverse, with swimmable beaches as well as mountains and wilderness. Think laidback luxury with sustainable architecture and modern minimalist design with dark native dark woods and natural tones.
One&Only Mandarina opened November 2020.
Riggs DC
What's new: The recently launched garden terrace. Grab a drink from their Rosé menu and enjoy views of the National Portrait Gallery.
Top tip: Head to the lounge area of Café Riggs and snag a seat near the beautiful glass display of huge, colorful, handmade flowers.
Favorite feature: The architectural details and that it was originally built as a bank.
What I love about Lore Group’s hotels is their ability to be both design and service-oriented, two main things I look for when I’m staying in a hotel. A sister hotel to Pulitzer Amsterdam, Sea Containers London, and Lyle DC, Riggs DC is a design-lovers dream — and if you haven’t read The Suitest’s interview with their Creative Director Jacu Strauss yet, hopefully this inspires you. The center of the hotel is Café Riggs, resembling a European brasserie. The rooms are modern, colorful, and elegant, with an ode to the past. The space that caught my eye is the two-bedroom Riggs Suite is located in the old boardroom of Riggs National Bank, which shows in the preserved intricate architectural details.
Riggs opened February 2020.
Gleneagle Townhouse
What's new: Gleneagles' first city hotel and an exciting addition to Edinburgh's luxury hotel scene.
Top tip: I always visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Gleneagles Townhouse happens to be just down the street from it. The interior and exterior of the neo-gothic building is just as beautiful as the art on display inside.
Favorite feature: The members' club and the idea of international travelers and the local community coming together on the rooftop bar.
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities and there aren't a ton of ultra luxury hotels in the city so I am so happy to have another luxury hotel option there. Gleneagles Townhouse is a hotel and private club in the heart of Edinburgh on St. Andrew's Square in beautiful New Town, every Georgian architecture lover's dream (that's me!). Think intimate vibes, cozy spaces, and superior service. Plus, if you want to do a little mix of city and countryside (who doesn't while in Scotland?), pair Gleneagles Townhouse with its sister hotel, Gleneagles, about one hour via train from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Gleneagles Townhouse will open Autumn 2021.