The United States is experiencing a travel renaissance, with domestic tourism surging and new luxury accommodations opening their doors across iconic and emerging destinations. From coastal havens and alpine retreats to wellness sanctuaries and reimagined urban escapes, travelers now have more reasons than ever to hit the road. Ten standout hotels, opened within the past year, are not only setting new standards in hospitality but also redefining what a quintessential American getaway looks like.
From the salt caves of New Jersey to the lazy rivers of Florida and the scenic sophistication of Southern California, this new class of hospitality venues is fueling the ongoing US travel boom. Whether you’re looking for wellness, art, adventure, or culinary indulgence, these hotels offer something truly extraordinary.
1. The Brant, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Located on the storied island of Nantucket, The Brant is a charming yet modern retreat seamlessly integrated into the town’s classic New England architecture. This 26-room boutique hotel occupies four buildings and embraces the island’s laid-back elegance, from its cedar-shingled façade to a shell-lined driveway.
A lush lawn with lounge chairs, yard games, and complimentary bicycles sets a leisurely tone, while the lobby bar doubles as the check-in desk, breakfast counter, and evening cocktail lounge. Guests can choose between cozy studios and multi-bedroom suites, with distinctive features such as outdoor showers and swing seats on private decks. Nestled just minutes from Main Street and Steps Beach, the property offers both central access and a tranquil escape.
2. Casa Loma Beach Hotel, Laguna Beach, California
Reborn through a $15-million transformation, Casa Loma Beach Hotel celebrates the bohemian roots of Laguna Beach while delivering modern sophistication. Its artistic ambiance is set immediately by a graphic mural in the lobby and a custom in-house radio station.
Ocean-view rooms, vinyl record players, and minibars stocked with agave spirits give each stay a distinct SoCal vibe. While there’s no full-service restaurant, the hotel compensates with curated grazing boards, organic juices, and sustainable wines served on the rooftop, by the pool, or in beach cabanas. Its enviable downtown location means galleries, shops, and surf breaks are just a stroll away.
3. The Dunes on the Waterfront, Ogunquit, Maine
An 89-year-old coastal classic has been lovingly reimagined with a $10-million renovation, transforming The Dunes into a nostalgic yet modern retreat. Spanning 12 acres beside the Ogunquit River, the resort features 21 cottages adorned with vintage-style decor, floral prints, and custom leather trunks.
This coastal retreat embraces a nostalgic yet refined atmosphere, offering guests thoughtful touches like breakfast delivered right to their doorstep, fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon, and evening gatherings around a glowing firepit with s’mores. Visitors can unwind on breezy screened porches, paddle along the tranquil river in a kayak, or hop aboard the resort’s distinctive striped pontoon for a scenic ride to Ogunquit Beach. With easy access to local attractions like the scenic Marginal Way trail, the historic Ogunquit Playhouse, and the nearby art museum, the resort places travelers in the heart of both relaxation and cultural discovery.
4. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, Johns Island, South Carolina
Nestled in the lush landscape of Johns Island near Charleston, The Dunlin evokes Southern elegance with its 72 guest rooms and suites styled to mirror upscale Lowcountry homes. Interiors burst with charm through pastel color palettes, gingham prints, and wicker textures.
The Dunlin’s comprehensive offerings include the Aster Spa, three locally-inspired dining venues, and a vintage-style pool area complete with retro umbrellas and loungers. Unique to the area are boat excursions into the salt marshes, often featuring sightings of native birds and dolphins. Only 20 miles from Charleston, the resort feels worlds away in its peaceful natural setting.
5. Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Utah
A premier destination for skiers and nature lovers alike, the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley serves as the crown jewel of the newly launched East Village ski area. Boasting 436 well-appointed rooms and sweeping vistas of the majestic Wasatch Mountains and sparkling Jordanelle Reservoir, this upscale resort effortlessly blends rugged alpine adventure with refined luxury.
The two-story lobby serves as a lively communal space, hosting families and couples who gather around firepits and enjoy hot chocolate or freshly baked cupcakes. Outside, a heated pool provides après-ski relaxation while black SUVs shuttle guests and gear in a seamless flow. As a launchpad for Utah’s newest ski terrain, the resort offers early access to 4,100 acres and 130 new trails.
6. Hotel Saint Augustine, Houston, Texas
In Houston’s culturally rich Montrose district, Hotel Saint Augustine stands as a tribute to the city’s unique identity. Situated next to the famed Menil Collection, this 71-room boutique hotel draws inspiration from space exploration and local heritage.
Its restaurant is creatively named after a meteor shower with a menu that nods to local fauna and historic icons. The hotel’s name itself pays homage to one of the city’s founders, grounding the property in narrative and community. With design, dining, and hospitality all reflecting Houston’s storied past and dynamic present, this hotel is a new cultural landmark in the making.
7. Palm House, Palm Beach, Florida
Set in a restored 1960s Mediterranean-Revival building, Palm House is the first US outpost from a UK luxury brand—and it’s a bold one. The hotel mixes whimsy and nostalgia with Murano glass chandeliers, pink marble, and coral-inspired murals, all set against lush Palm Beach backdrops.
Japanese and Peruvian fusion dining add culinary intrigue, while the beach concierge at Midtown Beach delivers towels, chairs, and cold drinks with ease. Around the pool, turquoise tiles and striped loungers invite lingering under the sun. Whether you’re a family or solo traveler, the hotel’s extravagant style and thoughtful amenities make it a standout in one of America’s most iconic resort towns.
8. Pendry Natirar, Peapack, New Jersey
Pendry Natirar offers a serene escape where upscale living meets pastoral elegance on a sprawling 90-acre estate in Somerset County. Located just an hour from Manhattan, this refined retreat weaves together a rich past—the manor house formerly owned by Moroccan royalty—with contemporary wellness amenities and a deep commitment to sustainable hospitality.
Its nearly 20,000-square-foot spa includes a Himalayan salt cave, cedar saunas, and comprehensive wellness programming. Guests can dine on farm-to-table cuisine sourced from the estate’s own gardens, explore scenic trails, or enjoy upscale comforts like tennis courts, pools, and curated wine pairings. Perfect for city dwellers seeking countryside luxury, the resort captures the essence of modern rural retreats.
9. Regent Santa Monica Beach, California
Santa Monica’s coastline welcomes a refreshed icon with the reopening of the Regent, a hotel originally constructed in 1989. A dramatic renovation has reduced the number of rooms from 347 to 167, allowing for expansive layouts and panoramic Pacific views.
Bathed in natural light, the expansive atrium invites guests into a stylish blend of vintage charm and contemporary comfort. Thoughtfully designed spaces include banquette dining nooks, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and versatile modular furnishings that enhance both form and function. The Guerlain Spa, serving as the brand’s premier West Coast location, provides an array of signature treatments, while Orla restaurant delights with a Mediterranean menu infused with Egyptian culinary influences. This coastal sanctuary captures the essence of Los Angeles’ glamorous past, reimagined for today’s discerning traveler.
10. Terra Palm Springs, California
With just 13 rooms, Terra Palm Springs is an intimate wellness-focused hideaway that reinvents the desert escape. Designed with organic materials and a focus on self-care, the hotel offers a Himalayan salt sauna, rainforest-style shower rooms, cold plunges, and Jacuzzis.
Each room is curated for wellness: yoga-focused rooms come with mats and aromatherapy gear, while sleep-optimized suites feature blackout curtains, mushroom supplements, and sound machines. Private gardens on the ground floor come with soaking tubs and firepits. A weekly yoga class and sound bath add to the serene vibe. Terra is where digital detox meets luxurious introspection.
Ten newly opened hotels across Florida, California, Utah, Texas, and more are fueling the US travel boom by offering distinctive amenities such as salt caves, lazy rivers, and lavish retreats—appealing to travelers craving relaxation, wellness, and one-of-a-kind stays.
The Rise of New American Hospitality
From coastal New England to the serene deserts of California, these ten new hotels are redefining the American hospitality experience. More than just places to sleep, they are curated spaces for rejuvenation, connection, and discovery. They offer immersive environments—some deeply rooted in local culture and history, others boldly reinventing what modern travel can be.
The US travel boom is not just a rebound; it’s a reinvention. Properties like Pendry Natirar with its salt cave spa, The Dunlin with its marshland boating adventures, and the Palm House with its European flair illustrate a new appetite for experiential travel. These hotels cater to travelers who seek both comfort and curiosity, luxury and locality.
As road trips regain their glory and domestic flights soar, travelers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer more than a checklist—they want spaces that invite pause, play, and purpose. And these hotels, across Florida, California, Utah, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and beyond, are ready to deliver.
Tags: hotel openings, alpine ski lodges domestic travel road trips, US travel boom
