Image Courtesy of The Hoxton, Edinburgh
From reimagined seaside icons to sleek new city stays, this month’s openings are all about big design energy, standout settings, and thoughtful details. Whether you're planning a coastal escape, a culture-packed city break, or just somewhere new to check in, here’s what’s hot on our hotel radar.
Hotel Arts Barcelona unveils a new look
Image courtesy of Hotel Arts Barcelona
One of the city’s most iconic stays just got a major glow-up. Towering above the Port Olímpic marina, Hotel Arts Barcelona has unveiled the first phase of its much-anticipated multi-year renovation—a full redesign of all 455 rooms and suites by acclaimed design studio Meyer Davis. Among the most spacious in the city (starting at 485 sq ft), the new rooms are filled with natural light and feature soft coastal hues or warm terracotta tones depending on orientation, along with handmade headboards by Lorena Canals and ceramics by Rosa Cortiella.
While the look has changed, the essentials remain: knockout Mediterranean views, a 500-piece contemporary art collection, and some of the city’s best food and drink (Two-Michelin-starred Enoteca by Paco Pérez is worth a reservation alone.) There’s also an impressive urban spa, sprawling gardens, and two swimming pools with front-row views of Frank Gehry’s shimmering fish sculpture. More updates are still to come as the redesign continues into the hotel’s public spaces.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible.
Waldorf Astoria opens in Osaka
Image courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Osaka
The Waldorf Astoria made a striking April début in Japan with a sky-high retreat in Osaka’s new Grand Green district. André Fu’s interiors blend Art Deco glamour with Japanese precision—think lacquered jewelry boxes, kumiko woodwork, and luxuriously soft pajamas. Generously sized rooms (among the largest in the city) come with panoramic views, plush beds, and thoughtful tech.
Four restaurants include a teppanyaki experience featuring pedigree Wagyu and a speakeasy bar with cocktails inspired by Fitzgerald stories. Don’t miss afternoon tea in Peacock Alley, where East-meets-West bites are paired with skyline views and Champagne. The 30th floor is all about wellbeing, with an 82-foot pool, 24-hour library, skyline-view gym, and serene spa. Families will appreciate connecting rooms, mini bathrobes and pajamas, and kids’ menus.
Fora’s Hilton for Luxury partner perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and upgrade whenever possible.
SLS opens in Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Image courtesy of SLS Playa Mujeres
SLS’s first all-inclusive resort landed in Playa Mujeres with its signature glam style—cleverly designed to cater to both adults and families. Expect sleek, artful interiors, from moody bars to swim-out suites with private gardens. Adults can sip cocktails at the rooftop speakeasy or lounge by the poolside sushi bar, while kids and teens have their own clubs, splash park, and movie screenings. SLS Elite perks include butler service, rooftop jacuzzis, and exclusive beach access.
Dining is a highlight, with 18 restaurants including Caracol by James Beard Award winner Hugo Ortega, known for his refined take on regional Mexican cuisine. The 20,000-square-foot Ciel Spa features thermal baths, CBD treatments, and daily fitness classes, while the beach offers non-motorized watersports and free cabanas.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible.
The Hoxton lands in Florence
Image courtesy of The Hoxton, Florence
A Renaissance palazzo meets postmodern cool at The Hoxton, Florence, where 16th-century frescoes and lime-washed walls coexist with playful interiors, bold prints and Branzi architecture. Set around a leafy courtyard with lemon trees and a trickling fountain, the hotel feels both lively and laid-back. Rooms span two distinct styles, with some offering terraces or kitchen-equipped House apartments for families and groups.
Alassio serves Ligurian comfort food (don’t miss the tiramisu tray), while Enoteca Violetta pours natural wines and Negronis to a local crowd. There’s no spa, but you can borrow bikes, browse art from local artists at the Hox Gallery, or join the run club instead. A little removed from the tourist crush, but only a 15-minute stroll to the Duomo.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible.
Villa Dubrovnik reopens after a revamp
Image courtesy of Villa Dubrovnik
One of Croatia’s most exclusive hotels is back, and looking better than ever. Following a multi-million-euro revamp by Brazilian design firm Studio Arthur Casas, Villa Dubrovnik has reopened with 56 reimagined rooms and suites, a new rooftop bar, and a bold design vision that blends Adriatic minimalism with global icons and local craft. Built into a cliffside above the sea and just a short walk from the Old Town, the hotel now features hand-glazed terracotta tiles, polished wood, and custom furniture—plus a curated gallery of Croatian art and staff uniforms by fashion designer Juraj Zigman. Interiors nod to the city’s UNESCO heritage and Mediterranean palette, while new highlights include the Michelin-recommended Pjerin restaurant, the panoramic Galanto rooftop bar, and a wellness space with an indoor pool, sauna, and cliffside sundeck.
Fora Perks include a complimentary three-course lunch for two, complimentary beach amenities, daily breakfast, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Hoxton Edinburgh opens in Haymarket
Image courtesy of The Hoxton, Edinburgh
Set in a row of grand stone townhouses in Haymarket, The Hoxton’s Scottish début balances the brand’s cool, convivial vibe with a distinctly local feel—restored Edwardian details, sage and heather hues, tartan textiles, and art by Edinburgh creatives. Rooms range from snug, stylish doubles with Roberts radios and stacked books by local authors, to spacious suites with sash windows and vintage lighting. The soon-to-open three-bedroom townhouses are ideal for groups.
Downstairs, there’s a cozy cinema, Patatino, the buzzy Amalfi-inspired trattoria, and a lobby bar that hums from early espressos to late-night negronis, serving a mix of locals and in-the-know travelers. Families are well looked after with bunk rooms, connecting spaces, baby gear, and thoughtful extras.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, extended check-in/out and upgrade whenever possible.