Everyone loves a new beginning—and that’s the theme we’re seeing with this season’s splashiest hotel openings. In Aspen, a town most known for over-the-top luxury, a design-forward, approachable four-star hotel (with five-star food) sets up shop. A historic, Southern Gothic mansion enters its glow-up era as a contemporary, sceney hotspot in Savannah. And the latest offering from Auberge Resorts gives a compelling reason to extend your next Texas work trip by a night or two. Here, some of the most exciting openings this winter to have on your radar.
Voyage Creative/Courtesy Hotel Savannah Bardo
Where it’s located: Hotel Bardo, opening in February, is the newest incarnation of 700 Drayton Street, overlooking Forsyth Park smack dab in the heart of the Savannah Historic District. It was built in 1888 for Lewis Kayton, a prominent businessman of the time. Over the years, it’s lived several lives, most recently as the Mansion on Forsyth Park before changing hands earlier this year.
Why we’re excited: Whereas the Mansion on Forsyth Park leaned into a dark, Southern Gothic take on Savannah (wood paneling, a little bit spooky), Hotel Bardo chooses to embrace the city’s contemporary, quirkier side, with a design aesthetic the developers Left Lane describe as “riot clash.” Walk past the Victorian-Romanesque exterior and you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous courtyard buzzing with comings and goings—it’s sure to be a great place to enjoy your coffee with a newspaper each morning, or grab a nightcap in the evenings. The premises’ next chapter also includes a spacious twenty-five meter pool and pool bar, a gym and spa, and a coastal Italian restaurant and cooking school. The hotel will also be home to a new membership-based social club, and has plans to open locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Providence, Rhode Island over the next five years. From $450 per night.
Courtesy of MOLLIE Aspen
Where it’s located: Mollie overlooks tranquil Paepcke Park, just steps from all the action yet removed from the mayhem. For a stay that’s a short walk to the lifts, shops and restaurants, the hotel is remarkably tranquil.
Why we’re excited: Word on the street is that locals are thrilled with the opening of a non-chain boutique hotel that’s at the four-star level (there are plenty of places to drop $1500+ a night in this town). The hotel draws inspiration from the many individuals who have shaped Aspen’s history, including its namesake, the outdoors enthusiast and bonne vivant Mollie Gibson. F&B group Gin & Luck (known for the critically acclaimed Death & Co. brand) leads the hotel’s food and beverage program, with a lobby bar and restaurant with year-round outdoor seating and an all-day café. The real story here, however, is the rooms: The hotel used native materials from the American West (and Aspen where possible) for a palette of natural woods, earthen ceramics and handmade textiles. They’re just gorgeous. From $500 per night.
Sergio Pucci
Where it’s located: The hotel occupies a prime stretch of Playa Guiones, one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world, with over 330 days per year of glassy gnar for the shredding.
