What hotels designers can’t wait to see in 2025

GLOBAL REPORT – An aspect of the hotel experiential movement must be incorporated into property design, and as hoteliers prepare for a New Year the design community has their eyes on projects that will make a difference and lead the way forward.

Hotel Investment Today asked leaders in the design world to talk about the trends and the projects they can’t wait to see in 2025.

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Jessica Werner, chief creative officer, Sage Hospitality, Denver

Oatro Oaxaca. I’m eager to experience Oatro Oaxaca’s beautifully edited and architectural design that celebrates local craft and handmade artistry, aligning deeply with my passion for honoring tradition while pushing creative boundaries.

Faena New York. Seeing the Faena brand—so iconic in Miami—come to life in New York will be a fascinating reimagination of the brand. Replicating a concept that is so synonymous with the first location is not an easy task but also has the potential to be a rebirth of the original vision that drives the brand forward.

Drift Hotels. New brands in our industry are always interesting to explore and experience. A brand like Drift, which is bringing fresh innovation to the industry, echoes the same drive and curiosity that fuels how I think and create every day.

Andrea Sheehan, principal, Dawson Design Associates, Seattle

The Albert Hotel. For quirky, off-the-beaten-path fun, I like the laid-back simplicity and Texas attitude they are pitching for The Albert in the Hill Country of Texas (part of Hilton’s Curator Hotel & Resort Collection). Having started DDA in Dallas, I am looking forward to seeing how well they pull it off.  I want it to feel local and ideally unpredictable. I really like ‘grass roots’ style of hotels.

Rendering of cabanas by the pool at The Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas

Nobu, Lisbon. For sophisticated cool. I am planning on staying later this year. I am very curious to see how they incorporate the Nobu esthetic into that historical Lisbon neighborhood.

In general, I continue to really like many of the smaller bespoke chains from Europe like Firmdale and the Pulitzer Hotels. Their viewpoint is so personalized and specific. Their integration of culture, detail and intimacy are very consistent and charming. I think these small intimate hotels are going to be in high demand for their authenticity.

MonicaCuervo, managing director, Americas, Richard Luis, managing principal, Architecture, WATG, Los Angeles and Dallas, respectively

Nobu Hotel Toronto. It’s always interesting to track first hotels in notable cities, and this property will offer an urban experience within the city’s entertainment district. Nobu’s foundation in the Omotenashi philosophy, which emphasizes the Japanese spirit of hospitality, has always stood out to me. They understand and value how thoughtful architecture and design align to activate spaces that elevate the guest journey. This is, of course, complemented by the brand’s celebrated culinary offerings.

Britannic Explorer. Launching in July 2025, this will be the latest addition to Belmond’s luxury train collection, known for its curated experiences that began with the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Belmond is synonymous with nostalgia, opulence, and refinement, and they create a truly unforgettable travel experience. Featuring cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan will certainly add to its exceptional offering. My sincere hope is that there will soon be a Belmond train in the Americas. – Monica Cuervo

The Albert Hotel. In Fredericksburg, Texas, this hotel scheduled to open in January 2025 as a boutique property that integrates the restoration of four 19th-century buildings with contemporary design. Influenced by Albert Keidel, an architect and historic preservationist whose work shaped Fredericksburg’s architectural identity, the hotel captures the city’s character and heritage. I appreciate that guests will have a genuinely authentic experience staying here.

Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, the hotel is set in one of the country’s most sought-after vacation destinations. With 120 keys and 24 branded residences, the hotel’s mix of luxury and local culture in the colonial city, known for its architecture, makes it one to watch in 2025. – Richard Luis

Rendering of 3D-printed rooms at El Cosmico 2.0

Galen Vassar (she/her), senior interior designer, associate principal, Lawrence Group, St. Louis, Missouri

Delano South Beach Miami. Such an historic and notable property that defines lifestyle segment. I cannot wait to see how the combined openings on Miami’s ‘Billionaires’ Beach’ impact the industry.

1 Hotel Copenhagen. Wonderful marriage of brand and location.

Amanvari Mexico. Aman Properties are always showstoppers. Excited for this long-awaited opening.

El Cosmico 2.0. Liz Lambert + BIG + Icon + Marfa! From the construction innovation to the inherent magic of Marfa, seeing Liz’s dream come to life is a thrill. This property will have an everlasting impact on the industry and guest expectations.

Lisa Haude, senior vice president, director of Interiors, LK Architecture (Interiors Division), Wichita, Kansas

Twin Farms’ Treehouse. I am excited to explore the recent opening in Barnard, Vermont. The story behind the treehouses is fascinating—the modern space is suspended 20 feet off the ground and provides amazing views year-round from both inside and out. This creates the ultimate nature getaway with a nod toward luxury. The rugged beauty of it all is inspiring, calming, whimsical and beautiful.

Populus. Similarly, I look forward to exploring Populus in Denver, Colorado, as well. Inspired by nature itself, the unique, bold, and serene exterior and interior boast distinctive design and showcase intentional storytelling.

Graduate by Hilton Princeton. This opening has also been on my radar. I love the unique look and feel of Graduate Hotels and their whimsical, boutique approach to blending a lifestyle hotel with a collegiate flair. The design is fun, quirky, and bold, and captures the essence of the university perfectly.

Sonya Haffey, CEO, Enrique Vela, principal and director of strategy, V Starr, West Palm Beach, Florida

Palm House. I can’t wait to see the Palm House Luxury Hotel in Palm Beach finally open in 2025. It’s been completely shuttered for 17 years, and I’ve seen it like that for so long. The historic Shelbourne in South Beach is another one set to reopen next year and Hotel Amanvari in Baja Peninsula, Mexico. Very excited to see these in person. - Sonya Haffey

Hotel Biba. This West Palm Beach hotel is currently being renovated and we look forward to seeing how it all comes together. - Enrique Vela

Rendering of the famed clock in the lobby at the Waldorf Astoria New York City

Chantell Walsh, Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Chicago

Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, Arizona. The addition of this property draws a new level of ultra luxury to the Arizona market. Long-awaited by brand loyalist in a premier location.

Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara. A cherished landmark, rich in history, breathtaking views and with a long-anticipated reopening. Buzz on the street suggests premier enhancements for repositioning.

Waldorf Astoria New York City. Albeit our property, poised to reestablish as one of the world’s premier luxury destinations, maintaining its rich legacy but with modern design innovation. Reopening reinforces the brands global presence and sets a new standard for luxury hotel design in New York.

Meghann Day, president, HBA Americas, San Francisco

I am interested in the growth and development of hotels in Mexico with major brands like Aman, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and Waldorf Astoria expected to open new properties in 2025. We have been working in Mexico for the past 10 years, and there has been a large increase in new hotels, not only within resort destinations and beach cities but also in urban settings.

Joe Pettipas, principal, Arcadis, Toronto

We’re always excited to visit new property openings, especially given the pressures of appealing directly to a discerning public. Rather than focusing on a specific brand or banner, we’re intrigued by new solutions and approaches that address environmental, lifestyle, and locational impacts—elements that drive fresh strategies within the marketplace.