The Hottest Hotel Destinations of 2024

Join Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news in aviation, food, drink, accommodation, and other travel updates. As we start planning for our travels in 2024, it's the perfect time to consider revisiting our favorite destinations, exploring new places, or venturing to unexpected locations just to experience a new hotel that catches our eye.

Highlighting the hotels set to open (or reopen) in 2024 that are worth visiting for the hotel experience alone, this list features properties with a unique allure - the standout hotels of 2024, if you will. Keep in mind that many of these hotels are still in the construction phase, so we are sharing renderings rather than photos for now. Here are 24 of our top picks for the year.

Matca, Transylvania (Romania)

Matca looks set to become the 'queen bee' of rural Romanian hotels.

Courtesy MATCA

"Matca" is the Romanian word for "queen bee," paying homage to the onsite colony and the beekeeping tradition in Transylvania. It also serves as a charming nickname for the hotel, which offers luxurious accommodations in the Carpathian mountains near Brașov. The region's picturesque landscapes, a favorite of the UK's King Charles, are embodied in the 16 rooms at Matca. Each room features hand-carved rustic wooden beds and wardrobes, traditional rugs, and rough, almost putty-ish walls. The main hotel, consisting of a spa and a restaurant that sources local ingredients, is located in two fortified farmhouses. Additionally, there are 10 private villas nestled throughout the grounds. Matca opened on January 1 with rates starting at $417 per night.

Hotel Maria, Helsinki (Finland)

Hotel Maria is here to brighten up Helsinki's dark winter days.

The Hotel Maria

A new luxurious hotel is here to brighten up the perpetual darkness of the Finnish winter: The Maria. This new hotel opened its doors on December 15 and offers a wellness concierge and exclusive "spa suites" with in-room soaking tubs, as well as private saunas or steam rooms, for those looking for an extra special experience.

Housed in four protected buildings from 1885, the hotel boasts a modern classic design featuring chrome, copper, and dove gray accents, along with minimalist modern chandeliers and large windows that flood the spacious rooms with as much light as possible. The hotel's restaurant, Lilja, showcases an array of Finnish produce on its menu, including seaweed from its own dedicated buoy.

From $497

Hotel Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Hotel Casa Lucia's 52ft pool is a work of art.

Introducing Casa Lucia: Prepare to embark on a journey to Buenos Aires' golden era as Argentina braces for a period of political and financial uncertainty in 2024. Set to open later this month in the historic Edificio Mihanovich, a stunning art deco skyscraper in the Retiro district, this new incarnation of the former Sofitel promises a luxurious experience on par with the renowned Faena. The 142 rooms feature a relatively minimalist design with wood and chrome accents, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the panoramic views of the city and the River Plate. On the lower levels, guests can indulge in contemporary Argentine art, exquisite marble accents, and a lavish 52-foot pool. Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by Le Club Bacan, where they can savor 400 labels of Argentina's finest wines in a setting that officially serves as a cocktail bar.

From $670

The Leinster, Dublin (Ireland)

The Leinster will bring competition to the famous Merrion Square.

The Leinster, the only famous hotel on Dublin's Merrion Square for too long, is making a New Year's resolution for 2024: to change that. Opening in February, it brings a boutique chic style similar to Kit Kemp's with lively patterned headboards brightening the modern rooms, contemporary Irish artwork in the public areas, and a rooftop restaurant overlooking Georgian Dublin, serving Irish-French-southeast Asian fusion food - a unique combination. The Collins Club cocktail bar is expected to be a hit. The other hotel on the square, The Merrion, better watch out.

From $275

Kibale Lodge (Uganda)

Kibale Lodge will have a prime position in Kibale National Park.

Volcanoes Safaris

The best hotels to book in 2023

Volcanoes Safaris has established a reputation for its high-quality eco-tourism accommodations in Uganda and Rwanda for more than twenty years. This new lodge in Kibale National Park is ideal for chimpanzee enthusiasts, as the park is home to a community of over 1,000 chimps, along with 12 other primate species. The lodge will be situated on a 150-acre site with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth plains, and the Kazinga Channel, a popular spot for hippos. It offers a 90% chance of spotting a chimp, and permits for chimp spotting are more affordable than those for gorilla trekking. The lodge will open in stages, with three traditional cabins available by May, and an additional five cabins by the end of the year. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as a spa, sauna, and pool.

From $1,200pp, including full board plus alcohol, laundry, activities and spa treatments

Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá, Milan (Italy)

Palazzo Cordusio is a landmark building in Italy's fashion capital.

The stunning Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá in Milan, Italy is often overlooked by tourists, leaving plenty of space for you to explore. Originally built as an insurance company headquarters in the late 19th century, the building exudes the eclectic architectural style of the time. Located on bustling Piazza Cordusio, just a short stroll from the famous Duomo, this new five-star hotel offers elegant rooms with a touch of old-world charm, a cocktail bar nestled in a beautiful inner courtyard, and a rooftop restaurant serving delectable cuisine from the Italian islands. Additionally, guests can enjoy the Japanese restaurant Sachi, which boasts a terrace with panoramic views of the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This luxurious hotel opened its doors in December, so be sure to pay a visit and bask in its grandeur.

From $890

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort (UAE)

Anantara Mina Al Arab will sit over a lagoon off Ras Al Khaimah.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts

Situated on the border with Oman, Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate, offering a nature and adventure tourism experience that feels worlds away from Dubai, despite being less than an hour's drive. Opening in January, this eco resort is located on Mina Al Arab, an island just offshore from the town of Al Riffa. Surrounded by protected wetlands and a mangrove lagoon, the resort offers a serene escape from civilization and serves as a home to turtles, dolphins and flamingos. The 174 rooms feature recycled fabrics and sustainable wood, while the emirate's first overwater villas provide a unique accommodation experience.

From $525

The Residence Douz (Tunisia)

The Residence Douz is bringing Saharan tradition to its five-star digs.

The Residence Douz offers a perfect retreat with temperatures around a pleasant 60F (16C) in Douz, Tunisia, the gateway to the Sahara. This newly opened hotel boasts fifty whitewashed villas with flat roofs adorned with minimalist local-inspired décor, including wood-framed four-poster beds, brass lantern-style lamps, leather sofas, and wooden chairs. Guests can dine at two restaurants or request a private desert dining experience. The hotel also features a hammam and spa for relaxation after desert excursions. Guests are encouraged to explore nearby attractions such as salt lakes, desert hot springs, semi-underground cave homes in Matmata, and Toujane, renowned for its handwoven rugs. Whether by Jeep, quadbike, or camel, there are plenty of options for outdoor adventures.

From $313

Mollies, Manchester (UK)

Soho House's budget brand Mollie's will move into a legendary Manchester TV studio.

In 1962, the Beatles made their TV debut at Granada Studios in Manchester, UK. Now, six decades later, you can make your entrance at the newly named Old Granada Studios, where a stylish and affordable hotel called Mollies is set to open. This iconic Manchester landmark, known for the filming of the soap opera "Coronation Street" and the TV debut of the Sex Pistols, is being reinvented this year with the addition of the 130-room Mollies hotel. This will be the third hotel for the budget-friendly brand created by Soho House, which will also feature a private members club in the building. Mollies hotels are known for their Soho House-lite decor with a retro US vibe, offering boutique-style rooms with wooden headboards, vibrant colors, and terrazzo flooring. The hotel will also feature a classic diner with chrome and leather booths for a nostalgic touch.

Rates TBC, but other Mollies properties start at $88

KAI Akiu (Japan)

This gorgeous new ryokan will sit just 90 minutes away from Tokyo.

Discover the magic of Japanese hot springs at Hoshino Resorts. Located in Akiu, this new ryokan traditional inn offers 1,500 years of thermal waters. Easily accessible with a 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo or just 30 minutes from Sendai, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the forested valley and river from the window seats in each of the 49 rooms. Outside, onsen baths including hot baths, a body temperature pool, and a terrace-set foot bath provide the perfect way to relax and recover after a day of exploring the nearby gorges and Akiu Otaki waterfalls.

From $435

One&Only Zaabeel, Dubai (UAE)

One&Only's third Dubai resort looks set to be a knockout.

Rupert Peace/Courtesy One&Only Resorts

In a city known for its unparalleled offerings, One&Only's third resort in Dubai, opening on January 5, is sure to make a lasting impression. The resort boasts an impressive lineup of six Michelin-starred chefs overseeing 11 restaurants, and is home to the longest infinity pool in the UAE. Situated in One Zaabeel, a twin-tower development, the resort features a unique "vertical urban resort" concept, with the two skyscrapers connected by a glass corridor suspended 320 feet above the ground. This corridor, referred to as the "boulevard of the future" by One&Only, houses a bar, restaurants by six Michelin-rated chefs, and an impressive infinity pool adorned with olive trees for shade. The rooms are designed to be airy and vibrant, with sunlight streaming in through glass walls, and vibrant pops of color adorning the beds and rugs throughout.

From $470

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, Dresden (Germany)

The renewed Kempinski is in a grande dame German palace with 300 years of history.

The Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden has a rich history, spanning nearly 300 years. Originally a castle and former royal residence, it was destroyed during World War II and underwent a reconstruction in the early 1990s. After a 14-month closure for renovations, the hotel is set to reopen on February 16th.

This hotel has more character than many super luxury hotels, with beautiful patterned wallpaper and warm, contrasting colors on furniture and furnishings. However, there is also the option to choose a more standard luxury room. The new 4,000 square foot Royal Suite, featuring hand-painted walls by French studio Atelier Hector, will appeal to high rollers.

Starting at $290.

Banyan Tree Veya, Baja California (Mexico)

Baja California is about to get another shot of wellness.

Banyan Tree Group

Experience a new year reset in the serene Valle de Guadalupe, opening February 15. Veya, Banyan Trees wellness-focused brand, offers a sleek resort with 30 villas perched on hilltops, each with a private pool and stunning views of the valley. Designed by Mexican architect Michel Rojkind, this retreat will also feature traditional temazcal rituals and hydrotherapy in a desert spring at the spa. Not interested in wellness? No problem - Valle de Guadalupe is known for its excellent wine, and there will be a vineyard and winery onsite. Prices start at $599.

Moxy Banff (Canada)

The Moxy Banff will park up at a 1960s motor lodge.

Canalta Hotels, Workshop/APD, and METAFOR

Introducing the newest addition to Banff's mountain scene: a historic 1960s motor hotel transformed into a trendy and affordable Moxy hotel by Marriott. With retro decor and a lively atmosphere, including a racetrack-style bar and unique room designs, this hotel offers a fun and nostalgic experience. Perfect for groups, the rooms feature bunk beds and twin beds. Guests can enjoy apres-ski activities in the courtyard with hot tubs and fire pits, and even receive a complimentary cocktail upon check-in. Opening January 15.

From $225

The Star Grand Hotel, Brisbane (Australia)

The Star Grand is part of a huge regeneration of Brisbane.

Discover the grandeur of Brisbane at the April opening of the riverfront Queens Wharf development. As the city prepares to host the 2032 summer Olympics, this stunning new hotel offers a modern grande dame experience. The two arc-shaped buildings boast luxurious rooms with river or city views, elegant décor featuring marble and chrome accents, and three pools overlooking the river. Immerse yourself in the changing landscape of Brisbane and experience true grandeur.

Alongside three other hotels, the area will have 50 bars and restaurants to host your jet lag, as well as a restaurant-filled "Sky Deck" 320 feet above the Brisbane River.

From $204

Casa Andina Madre de Dios (Peru)

Casa Andina Madre de Dios will be a remote Peruvian riverside retreat.

Casa Andina

This Peruvian chain has established a unique presence with its reasonably priced boutique properties across Peru, offering reliably lovely accommodations that are more affordable than the larger global brands. Their 44th property, set to open in March, will be located in the remote Madre de Dios region, bordering Brazil and Bolivia in the southeast of the country. Based on the renderings, the decor will have a comforting rustic feel, reflecting its location on the Tambopata River, ideal for bird watching (including macaws), observing butterflies, and experiencing the Peruvian jungle up close.

Rates to be confirmed.

Gundari, Folegandros (Greece)

Never heard of Folegandros? You'll be booking your ferry ticket once Gundari opens.

Gundari

Explore 80 acres of wilderness at Gundari on Folegandros, an island in the Cyclades. The hotel, boasting 25 suites, is located within a bird-filled nature reserve. With a more international feel, the hotel features putty-colored walls, local wood and stone, and private infinity pools overlooking the Aegean Sea. Amenities include a swim-up cocktail bar in the cliff-edge pool, a wine bar, and a subterranean spa utilizing ancient Greek traditions and island herbs.

Starting at $554

The Hoxton Vienna (Austria)

The Hoxton will bring its affordable style to Vienna in March.

The Hoxton, Ennismore

Originating from a single hotel in London's trendy Hoxton district, the Hoxton brand has expanded into an empire of properties in 11 major cities worldwide. The upcoming 12th location in Vienna, set to open in March, will be housed in a 1950s building in Landstrasse, the third district. The hotel will exude a midcentury vibe, featuring rich-grained woods and luxurious velvet in its 196 rooms. Guests can choose from a variety of room sizes, from Shoebox to Biggy. Additionally, the hotel will include a rooftop bar, a basement speakeasy, and a well-equipped events auditorium. Prices start at $132.

Voaara, Sainte-Marie (Madagascar)

Voaara will be a barefoot luxury resort off the coast of Madagascar.

Courtesy Voaara

Discover the ultimate retreat in the charming island of Sainte-Marie, located off the northeast coast of Madagascar. This exclusive resort boasts eight bungalows and a villa, with plans to expand to a maximum of 45 accommodations in the future. The owner, Philippe Kjellgren, is passionate about creating a haven inspired by his favorite destinations worldwide, while also incorporating sustainable practices. The resort will prioritize employing 80% local staff and donating a portion of profits to local initiatives. Constructed with reclaimed wood and local stone, this resort epitomizes barefoot luxury, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Additionally, guests can witness the annual migration of humpback whales along the coast from June to October. The resort will feature two restaurants at its opening, with plans to expand to five as new bungalows are added. A spa is also in the works for a later date in 2024. Rates start at $495.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (Thailand)

Aman fans will love its new urban opening in Bangkok.

Courtesy Aman

If you have experienced a stay at an Aman hotel, you likely already know whether you are a fan of the brand, perhaps even considering yourself an "Amanjunkie," or if their highly personalized service is overwhelming for you. If you fall into the former category, you will be eagerly anticipating the opening of Aman's first urban hotel, located in Nai Lert Park in the embassy district of Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled to open in the latter half of 2024. This property notably departs from the traditional Aman style, featuring a unique key-shaped skyscraper with a stunning infinity pool at its peak, offering 52 suites and 50 residences across 36 floors.

Rates to be confirmed.

Romeo Roma, Rome (Italy)

Romeo Roma will bring the same pizzazz to the Italian capital that its sister hotel brought to Naples.

Romeo Hotels

Where is Romeo, Romeo? He's still in Italy. The original hotel was in Naples, revolutionizing the city's dusty hotel scene with its full-throttle, flashy luxury. It has been so successful that it has spawned a sibling. Opening in the spring, Romeo Roma is one of the last projects from starchitect Zaha Hadid before her 2016 passing. Situated right by Rome's Piazza del Popolo, in a palazzo dating back to the 17th century, it will blend signature Hadid touches like the flowing, liquid-like staircase and furnishings as floaty as mercury, with original frescoes and lashings of Italian marble.

Rates to be confirmed.

Graduate Princeton (New Jersey)

Princeton will get a studiously themed Graduate in May.

Graduate Hotels

We prefer adaptive reuse over new construction any day, so the new opening for Graduate Hotels - which establishes itself in university towns across the US and UK - is worth keeping an eye on. A former student dormitory constructed in 1918 will be reopening in May as the 34th location for the brand, featuring a lounge designed as an Ivy League library (complete with a 30-foot communal table where guests can speak freely), and charming rooms adorned with deep blue walls, pink curtains, and intricately carved headboards.

Rates to be confirmed.

Habitas Santa Teresa (Costa Rica)

Guests will stay in cabins or glamping tents at this luxury beachfront property.

Our Habitas

Mercure Darwin Airport Resort, Darwin (Australia)

Habitas (or HABITAS as it calls itself) is a boutique American chain that focuses on creating luxurious properties in exotic locations such as Morocco and Mexico. For spring 2024, they have set their sights on Costa Rica, specifically the beachfront of surfer hotspot Santa Teresa on the Pacific Coast. The accommodation consists of lavish cabins and glamping tents, strategically positioned from the beachfront to what they refer to as the "jungle" behind.

This airport resort will focus on the indigenous connections in the local area.

Introducing the Darwin Airport Resort - a departure from the ordinary. While airport hotels may not typically exude glamour, the same can't be said for the Mercure. This resort boasts pool villas, a pool larger than Olympic-sized, and sustainability programs, making it a potential destination in its own right.

The resort is a fusion of two fully renovated hotels, situated on the land of the Larrakia Nation. The decor prominently features aboriginal art, including outdoor murals, and the villas are named after Territorians. Various areas of the property are dedicated to different regions of the Northern Territory, and Larrakia guides offer walking tours to a nearby creek. Additionally, an onsite Indigenous Training Academy will staff up the hotel.

As for the accommodations, existing rooms have been refurbished and new pool villas, suites, and bungalows have been added. The pool villas are charming cabins with patio doors opening to open-to-the-elements plunge pools, while the bungalows are designed as wood-clad, tropical spaces. Even regular rooms have been updated with vibrant, contrasting colors. Initial TripAdvisor reviews are mixed, but the renovations are still ongoing, so we will reserve judgment for now.

From $129