It’s that time of year again — and one of the TPG Travel Team’s very favorite seasons: We get to share with you the hotels that wowed us the most in 2025. Every single year, our team of travel experts and global contributors sets off across the world to check in to some of the most highly anticipated hotels, from all-inclusive resorts on paradisiacal Caribbean islands to points hotels in bustling metropolises and boutique properties that get us off the beaten path.
And 2025 was a big year for the hospitality world, especially when it came to major points openings and long-awaited renovations. Two of the most legendary and luxurious points properties reopened in a couple of our favorite cities. After waiting eight years, New Yorkers and Hilton loyalists rejoiced as the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York welcomed guests back into its hallowed, chandelier-adorned halls. And on the other side of the world, the Park Hyatt Tokyo, famously the backdrop for “Lost in Translation,” celebrated its opening earlier this month — and TPG was one of the first guests to set foot in both.
While we love city slicking, we also made plenty of time for getting outside. And to our delight, one of the main travel trends we noticed this year was how accessible major points companies have made experiencing the outdoors. This past fall, Marriott debuted Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, an all-new collection of over 450 outdoor-centric hotels (including brands like Trailborn Hotels and Postcard Cabins) that offer Bonvoy members easy access to outdoor adventures like skiing and snowboarding, hiking, glamping, water sports, and more. Similarly, just this month we saw Hilton launch Hilton Honors Adventures, allowing members to unlock nonhotel, outdoor-focused experiences using points (including the company’s partnership with AutoCamp, which you’ll see featured on this list). And true to form, Hyatt continued to wow us with enticing new Under Canvas locations near treasured national parks.
Of course, this annual list certainly wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the most showstopping all-inclusive properties that opened this year — and they’re both located along the dreamy shores of the Dominican Republic. While the W brand’s first-ever all-inclusive resort swept us off our feet in Punta Cana, Zemi Miches (part of Hilton’s Curio Collection) drew us to a quieter corner of the island.
We also continued to explore how to use our premium travel credit cards and their associated booking platforms, like Chase’s The Edit and American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts, to maximize cardholder perks when checking in to fabulous new properties from independent operators and luxury brands like Rosewood Hotels, 1 Hotels and Auberge Resorts.
So dust off those suitcases, grab your favorite credit card for earning points on travel and get ready to take a journey around the world as you peruse our favorite hotel openings in 2025.
— Ellie Nan Storck
The best new hotels in the US
1 Hotel Seattle
KELSEY BUMSTED/1 HOTEL SEATTLE
The sustainability-minded 1 Hotels brand is a natural fit for Seattle, and this outpost on the border of downtown and the South Lake Union neighborhood offers 153 luxurious new rooms — many with views of the Space Needle — ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The former Pan Pacific Hotel building’s transformation is immediately noticeable upon entering through a tree-trunk-like foyer that extends from the outside into the plant-filled lobby, anchored by a two-story living wall of moss, rocks and wood, designed to resemble Mount Rainier. A see-through glass fireplace wall separates the lobby from the hotel’s bar, Drift, which serves inventive cocktails like the Puget Fog, a local take on a spicy margarita made with Cincoro Blanco tequila, poblano chile, blue spirulina and salt air.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Although there is no spa, 1 Hotel Seattle partnered with nearby brands to enhance its wellness program, including free Saturday yoga classes at Dryp, located across the parking lot.
Additionally, the recently revamped 1 Hotels Mission Membership program offers guests perks such as room upgrades and late checkout, subject to availability. Additionally, 1% of the nightly room rates each Mission member spends is donated to one of three partner organizations.
Rates at the 1 Hotel Seattle start at $308 per night.
— Lyndsey Matthews
Andaz Miami Beach
1 of 2
GISELLE GOMEZ/THE POINTS GUY
Fresh off a $60 million transformation, Andaz Miami Beach reimagines a Collins Avenue icon with a soft, art deco design scheme, ocean-washed tones throughout the hotel and a distinctly elevated vibe that sets it apart from South Beach’s usual. The 287-room property feels modern yet distinctly Miami, from ocean-view suites with floor-to-ceiling windows to a lobby that blends indoors and outdoors — think ample lush greenery and sandy textures. The renovation also marks Hyatt’s first Andaz property in Florida.
The hotel’s standout amenities include two heated pools with several lounging areas and a whimsical popsicle pager, a private beach with complimentary chairs, a rejuvenating spa and daily fitness classes for guests. For foodies, the culinary program led by José Andrés stretches across three restaurants, with a fourth opening soon, and comes complete with theatrical cocktails and Mediterranean-Latin flavors.
Rates at Andaz Miami Beach start at $407 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
— Giselle Gomez
AutoCamp Sequoia
1 of 3
MATT KISIDAY/AUTOCAMP
One of the latest and most exciting additions to AutoCamp’s growing portfolio, AutoCamp Sequoia offers nature-seekers an immersive experience among the ancient trees and rushing rivers of one of California’s most prized environments: Sequoia National Park.
With a prime location less than 8 miles from the park entrance (and only 51 miles to Kings Canyon National Park, for those who want to double up), guests can spend days hiking below the canopy of towering giant sequoias, exploring caves and taking river dips. There’s plenty to do on the property, too, from swimming in the inviting outdoor pool to unwinding with s’mores around a crackling fire. Accommodations, which range from Airstream suites to premium cabins, are compact and comfy, offering a variety of spaces for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Regardless of where you sleep, guests can rest easy after a long day of exploring, knowing that all accommodations feature flat-screen TVs, heating and air conditioning, modern bathrooms, kitchenettes, and luxury bath products — so not a single convenience is spared.
Rates at AutoCamp Sequoia start at $231 or 102,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
— Ellie Nan Storck
InterContinental Indianapolis
1 of 2
LYNDSEY MATTHEWS/THE POINTS GUY
The first luxury hotel to open in downtown Indianapolis in nearly two decades, the InterContinental Indianapolis preserved the bones of a landmark 1920s office building just off Monument Circle with a $120 million restoration. However, it has a modern pop-art feel, thanks to an impressive collection of works commissioned from contemporary Indiana artists. (Keep an eye out in the lobby for the portrait of Indiana native David Letterman, created entirely from floppy disks.)
Decorated in a clean cream-and-blue color palette and bookable with IHG One Rewards points, the hotel’s 170 rooms feature gold accents, extra-large white marble bathrooms and Byredo bath products.
Though as a brand InterContinental caters to business travelers, the buzzy Astrea rooftop bar draws in both locals and visitors looking to unwind and take in the view of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument over small bites and cocktails.
Rates at the InterContinental Indianapolis start at $162 or 32,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
— Lyndsey Matthews
Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
1 of 2
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
A timeless fan-favorite at Walt Disney World gained an elevated new chapter with the debut of the 268-room Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort just about a year ago.
The new tower, bookable with cash or Disney Vacation Club points, preserves everything guests already love about the original 1971 opening-day resort — the nostalgic island vibes, lush tropical landscaping and coveted monorail access close to the Magic Kingdom — along with shared access to the Lava Pool and its 142-foot waterslide.
But Island Tower adds a fresh layer of modern comfort as the all-new rooms feel bright and contemporary while still evoking the Polynesian motif. In the new tower, you walk into an expansive “Moana”-inspired lobby that brings a sense of the ocean, exploration and storytelling to the arrival experience.
Families will also appreciate the dedicated splash pad for younger voyagers, while the new Wailulu Bar & Grill offers island-inspired cocktails, teriyaki bowls and even a Dole Whip sundae to enjoy as the sun sets over Seven Seas Lagoon.
Rates at Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort start at $500 per night, or 12 Disney Vacation Club points per night for the smallest room designed just for two.
— Summer Hull
Trailborn Highlands
1 of 3
EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY
At the end of a winding road roughly three hours from Charlotte, tucked beyond lush maple and oak trees, the unassuming Trailborn Highlands — with just 63 rooms — fits right in with the laid-back charm of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The interior is thoughtfully designed with earth tones and natural materials that echo the region’s beauty without trying to outdo it. Even the hotel’s upscale restaurant, Highlands Supper Club, feels down-to-earth, offering elevated Southern comfort dishes in a rustic, dimly lit log cabin.
Here, the stay is less about the hotel itself than the experience it offers. Instead of the usual amenities like a pool and fitness center, you’ll find cornhole, communal fire pits, board games and a chic four-person outdoor Nordic spa — ideal for unwinding after exploring the great outdoors. Walk or bike down the street to check out the charming mountain town of Highlands, head out for a hike in the surrounding mountains or take a short drive to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Even better, this boutique hotel is now bookable with points, since Trailborn Hotels & Resorts joined the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem earlier this year.
Rates at Trailborn Highlands start at $120 or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Rachel Craft
Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
1 of 2
EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY
Nestled in a valley beneath Mount Hood’s soaring peak, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers an elevated and points-friendly way to experience all that this stunning Pacific Northwest region has to offer. Whether you’re an avid camper or newer to the great outdoors, you’ll appreciate how easy the glamping-style property makes it to enjoy quintessential outdoors experiences. Guests can enjoy making complimentary nightly s’mores around a communal campfire, stargazing using the property’s telescope — or through your tent’s above-bed skylight — or enjoying regionally focused food and drinks around a picnic table under the sun.
Under Canvas does a beautiful job of bringing guests into nature without sacrificing style or comfort. Its spacious, upscale tents feature everything you’ll need for a seamless glamping experience, from plush bedding to in-room showers to a push-button propane fireplace.
Rates at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge start at $274 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
— Carly Helfand
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal Helios Grand Hotel. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is more than just Universal Orlando Resort’s newest luxury hotel; it’s the only hotel at Universal with direct theme park access. Helios Grand is located along the back edge of Universal Epic Universe, giving guests exclusive access to Universal’s newest park.
This 500-room property seamlessly blends Mediterranean design with mythological and astronomical elements, such as constellations on the ceiling of the rooftop bar and a projection-mapped mural of the sky that changes according to the time of day. The hotel’s resort-style pool, variety of dining options and rooms with views of Epic Universe offer fun and relaxation outside the park.
Rates at Universal Helios Grand Hotel start at $600 per night, but it is also bookable through credit card travel portals such as Capital One Travel and Chase Travel.
— Tarah Chieffi
Waldorf Astoria New York
WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK
After an eight-year, head-to-toe renovation, the Waldorf Astoria New York has returned, triumphantly bringing Gilded Age glamour back to New York City’s luxury hotel scene. Though it has been whittled down from 1,400 rooms to just 375, much of the renovation focused on reviving and restoring the storied hotel, with famed architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill reworking the exterior of the palatial building. Inside, Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed rooms are Upper East Side-chic (think: light, refined and residential), while the historic Peacock Alley lounge — and its landmark clock — feel fresh yet still timeless as ever. At the hotel’s bars and restaurants, chef Michael Anthony and celebrated mixologist Jeff Bell honor the hotel’s history (and the iconic dishes it first created) with modern takes on old classics. It’s safe to say “the greatest of them all,” as Conrad Hilton called the hotel, is back.
Rates at the Waldorf Astoria New York start at $900 or 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
— Tanner Saunders
The best new hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America
Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
CARLY HELFAND/THE POINTS GUY
The second you set foot on Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, you know you’re in for a special experience. Every detail is carefully considered to deepen guests’ connection to the nature and culture that characterize Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo region. Whether you’re doing an outdoor workout with panoramic ocean views, sipping a craft cocktail at the resort’s open-air treetop bar or getting a spa treatment that incorporates Indigenous wellness practices, you’ll never forget exactly where it is you’re visiting.
As a member of Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand, Nekajui also raises the bar in terms of both service and luxury. Staff members here always seem to be two steps ahead of guests, anticipating everything you’ll need to make your stay at this bucket-list property as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Rates at Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start at $1,308 or 158,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Carly Helfand
Rosewood Mandarina
1 of 2
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Swap the party-hearty beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for this idyllic enclave just a 45-minute drive north past lush fields and jungle-covered foothills. Rosewood Mandarina is a different kind of beach resort — one where Indigenous artwork preponderates and you have a choice of accommodations that include some of the region’s only beachfront villas (we’re talking two steps till your toes are in the sand), sprawling garden suites (great for families) and romantic clifftop mountain casitas for endless ocean views.
Spend your days drifting between your private pool (each room has one, not to mention expansive private outdoor areas) and the main family and adults-only pools at the heart of the resort. Or, book a personalized massage performed with your choice of house-distilled essential oil at the spa, which centers around a centuries-old parota tree. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of street-style fish or seafood tacos at the beachside La Cocina Mandarina (just be on the lookout for coatis!) or tapas at Buena Onda, the Spanish cantina at the end of the hotel’s little bay. Come night, though, you’ll want to grab cocktails at the hotel’s speakeasy, Barra Penasco, before Japanese-Peruvian delicacies at Toppu.
Rates at Rosewood Mandarina start at $978 per night.
— Eric Rosen
The St. Regis Aruba Resort
LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY
The St. Regis Aruba brings quiet luxury to one of the Caribbean’s most iconic beaches, giving travelers an exciting new reason to visit the island’s Palm Beach strip. Designed with a breezy, modern aesthetic that’s anchored in signature St. Regis service, the resort features 252 rooms and 52 suites — and nearly every one has a sea view. Once inside, guests can easily unwind with deep soaking tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies ideal for watching the sun set.
Relaxation is key here, so it’s no surprise standout amenities include the renowned St. Regis Spa, complete with a botanical-infused treatment menu; palm tree-lined infinity pools; and, of course, the signature St. Regis nightly Champagne sabering ritual. The resort also has plenty of “firsts” for guests to experience, from trying their luck at the brand’s first-ever casino to dining at Aruba’s first rooftop restaurant, Akira Back, on Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine.
We’re especially excited that this level of luxury in Aruba can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points, making it an opportunity to take advantage of a high-end redemption that puts you on island time.
Rates at The St. Regis Aruba start at $701 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Lauren Wassum
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort
TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY
The Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana area might be the land of all-inclusive resorts, but the all-new St. Regis Cap Cana offers an upscale alternative, especially for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists. There, guests can relax by a number of beautiful pools or spend the day idling away on a covelike stretch of ultraprivate beach. Rooms are bold and beautiful, as is the design scheme throughout the hotel. In fact, our review called the resort “a feast for the eyes.” As for cuisine, nine bars and restaurants serve everything from fine-dining Peruvian to a local take on the St. Regis’ iconic bloody mary at the St. Regis Bar. Whatever you do, just don’t forget to experience the nightly rooftop Champagne sabering overlooking the ocean.
Rates at The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort start at $587 or 104,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Tanner Saunders
W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive
1 of 3
TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY
The world’s first W-branded all-inclusive resort was a big bet for the brand — and having experienced it firsthand, I can say that the bet paid off. A game changer in the world of all-inclusive offerings, this resort elevates the know-what-you-pay-upfront experience to another level with experiential dining concepts, top-shelf liquor in craft cocktails, ultramodern design throughout and a well-curated menu of activities that focus on wellness and spirituality. But the real star of the show is the extremely friendly staff working to make sure every stay is a “wow” stay (though the rooftop sushi restaurant and the oceanfront infinity pool are pretty fabulous, too).
Rates at the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive start at $700, based on double occupancy, or 137,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Tanner Saunders
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
1 of 2
CARLY HELFAND/THE POINTS GUY
While Peninsula Papagayo has long been a great destination for using points, those who wander just around Culebra Bay to Punta Cacique will discover that the new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is ready to impress. Perched atop a 300-foot cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and featuring a series of cascading, multilevel pools, the resort is visually striking. Natural materials seamlessly connect its indoor and outdoor spaces, and neutral tones put the spotlight on the pristine ocean views.
While a stay here grounds you distinctly in the Guanacaste Province through the resort’s integration of local materials, ingredients and customs, the property is also unmistakably a Waldorf. Fans of the brand will enjoy familiar elements, such as its clock tower and signature Peacock Alley bar, both reinterpreted to fit the locale.
Rates at Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique start at $968 or 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
— Carly Helfand
Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
MADISON BLANCAFLOR/THE POINTS GUY
With its secluded natural shoreline and an impressive lineup of amenities, Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a fresh, refined take on the all-inclusive experience. Think: plunge pool suites, a multilevel fitness center, elevated dining and a luxury spa — all surrounded by the lush landscaping and serene beaches that make up the Playa Esmeralda area.
Located a 1 1/2-hour drive northwest of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, the island’s first all-inclusive Curio Collection property pays homage to the local Dominican and Taino heritage through its design choices and the guest experience. Guests can savor elevated takes on classic Dominican dishes at Toa, one of the resort’s a la carte restaurants. And for wellness-minded travelers, there’s plenty of relaxation in store at the Acana spa, with services inspired by Taino healing rituals such as the Opia Quartz Sand Massage. Multiple pools offer stunning views of the natural shoreline, and nearby serene ocean waters also offer plenty to do, like stand-up paddleboarding.
Rates at Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort start at $553 or 130,000 Hilton Honors points per night for two guests.
— Madison Blancaflor
The best new hotels in Europe
1 Hotel Copenhagen
1 of 4
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
This might just be the most eco-conscious hotel in one of the world’s most eco-conscious cities — and it’s the latest outpost from the rapidly expanding, sustainability-minded 1 Hotels minichain. The hotel takes up residence in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter in a distinctive Danish modern edifice originally constructed in 1928 to house an elegant department store. Those fabulous bones are still evident, but these days, the enormous atrium is filled with mature trees and potted plants, creating a hygge greenhouselike ambience in the Scandinavian winter and transforming into a lush indoor garden during the sun-filled summer months.
Frequent 1 Hotels guests will recognize hallmarks in their accommodations, like all-white furnishings upholstered in organic natural fabrics, filtered water taps with recycled glass carafes and tumblers, and little hourglasses in the showers to help you limit your water usage, should you choose. Unique to this location, though, is chef Chantelle Nicholson’s restaurant, Fjora, where specialties include sustainably caught North Sea cod with local girolles mushrooms and smoked butter.
Rates at the 1 Hotel Copenhagen start at $251 per night.
— Eric Rosen
Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan
1 of 4
ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Casa Brera joined Marriott’s Luxury Collection in early 2025, offering Bonvoy loyalists an elevated new points option in one of Italy’s best art cities. And Milan’s artistic spirit is abundant throughout this 116-key property, which beautifully epitomizes the city’s design legacy. Pietro Lingeri designed the building in the mid-20th century, with interiors brought gracefully into a modern iteration by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, who maintained the hotel’s original rationalist design while incorporating elegant nods to Milan, like Fior di Pesco marble, domed lamps and terra-cotta vases throughout the rooms.
The hotel sits in a quiet, pedestrian-only corner of the Brera neighborhood, but don’t be fooled by its secluded location — it’s just a few minutes’ walk (past the city’s characteristic mix of Gothic, neoclassical and Renaissance facades) to Teatro alla Scala, Pinacoteca di Brera, Piazza del Duomo and dozens of Brera’s design shops and galleries.
Not to be missed is the sleek lobby bar and all-day lounge, Living, as well as the heated rooftop pool with skyline views. But the real showstopper is dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Etereo, which serves Milan classics like mondeghili meatballs and Milanese risotto, best enjoyed with a glass of Chianti while taking in panoramic views of the Duomo.
Rates at Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan start at $854 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Ellie Nan Storck
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
1 of 4
ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
Just a quick 15-minute drive from the center of Florence, Italy, Collegio alla Querce draws luxury-seekers into a pastoral paradise so serene that you might forget how close the city’s perennially touristed streets are. With an expansive art collection fit for royalty, the historic estate, set between old-growth olive trees and rolling Tuscan hills, is simply sprawling. Don’t let the palatial size fool you, though; there are only 83 intimate accommodations here, giving guests plenty of space to roam.
If you don’t get your fill of art and design while exploring the Uffizi in Florence, you’ll be delighted by this hotel’s collection, including baroque rose gardens, art-clad hallways, plentiful sculptures and even original hand-painted frescoes. Too, there are playful nods to the property’s academic past — it was once a boarding school for the Italian elite — in the form of alumni portraits lining the hallways and, best of all, the library-inspired Bar Bertelli (formerly the headmaster’s office).
In the guest rooms and suites, massive shuttered windows open to reveal a tranquil scene of olive groves, farmland and glimpses of Florence in the distance. The spaces feel at once fresh, elevated and unfussy, with modern Italian furnishings and locally sourced materials complementing the buildings’ historic bones.
Don’t miss the original on-site chapel and theater, left over from the boarding school days, and of course pay a visit to La Gamella for a taste of seafood-forward Tuscan cuisine.
Rates at Collegio alla Querce start at $752 per night.
— Ellie Nan Storck
Fairmont Golden Prague
1 of 3
Fairmont Golden Prague. LYNDSEY MATTHEWS/THE POINTS GUY
The opening of the Fairmont Golden Prague brought this brutalist, reinforced-concrete structure, located in Old Town, gracefully into the 21st century following a five-year, multimillion-dollar renovation. The transformation preserved original 1970s Czech art, including stained glass windows and futuristic light fixtures, while replacing beige, communist-era decor with sumptuous leather headboards and knotted glass pendant lamps in the hotel’s 320 rooms and suites.
Guests can take time to decompress at the indoor-outdoor pool — the first one at a hotel in Prague — that’s attached to the sunken garden-level spa. Or visitors can head upstairs to the rooftop fine-dining restaurant, Zlata Praha, which offers spectacular views of the city’s famed turrets.
Rates at the Fairmont Golden Prague start at $346 per night. Redemptions through the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program can be made in increments of 1,000 points to save 20 euros (about $23) on hotel bills.
— Lyndsey Matthews
JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
The Greek island of Crete got its first JW Marriott property in 2025, and it didn’t disappoint. At JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, nestled on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, you can soak in three shimmering infinity pools while sipping Cretan wines and gazing off at the mountains with soft music playing in the background. Or, opt for a little more privacy by booking a villa with a private pool and patio.
The 160-room resort boasts a half dozen on-property eateries and bars, with many serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes — all outdoors, where the sun rarely disappears behind the clouds.
From the hotel entrance, you’re a 25- or 30-minute ride from Chania’s historic Old Venetian Harbor, and a 15- to 20-minute hop from the airport.
Rates at JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa start at $350 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Sean Cudahy
Kimpton Main Frankfurt
1 of 3
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY
The brand-new Kimpton Main Frankfurt is so neatly sandwiched between its neighbors, you could easily walk right past the main entrance without noticing. But once you step inside, the hotel’s splashy colors, mod prints and friendly service will make sure you don’t forget it anytime soon — we certainly won’t.
Just when you think the funky, Bauhaus-inspired decor might start to feel stuffy, the rest of your stay ensures it is anything but. The service is warm, the food is delectable and the hotel offers a variety of freebies to encourage connection. For example, guests can explore the city on the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes or sip a free glass of wine or mixed drink at the lobby bar’s nightly social hour.
Despite Frankfurt’s reputation as primarily a financial hub, there is plenty of history and culture here — and the hotel is in an ideal position for exploring. Guests will find themselves within a short walk of attractions like St. Paul’s Church, the Goethe House museum and the centuries-old Romerberg Christmas market. Or you can hop on a train at one of the nearby hauptbahnhofs to explore farther afield.
Rates at the Kimpton Main Frankfurt start at $218 or 35,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
— Rachel Craft
Moxy Istanbul Taksim
1 of 3
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
When it opened in June, Moxy Istanbul Taksim became the first of its brand in Turkey. The property offers guests an excellent location just off Istiklal Avenue near Taksim Square, so it’s in the heart of the tourist action and well situated for using public transportation to see the city.
The property itself feels elevated compared to most in the Moxy brand. It occupies the historic Afrika Han building, has a friendly service-oriented staff and features rooms that are larger and more comfortable than what you’ll usually find in the Moxy brand. Additionally, like most Moxy properties, the lobby features an active bar and numerous areas to work, play or simply relax.
Rates at the Moxy Istanbul Taksim start at $122 or 13,500 Marriott points per night.
— Katie Genter
Rosewood Amsterdam
1 of 3
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
You know a hotel takes its art collection seriously (and why shouldn’t this one, with masterpieces by Frank Stella and Frederik Molenschot numbering among its pieces?) when it has a vending machine purveying tongue-in-cheek miniature sculptures by Casper Braat, not to mention rotating exhibits from the Nxt Museum.
Housed in a former orphanage that later became the city’s Palace of Justice (complete with courtrooms and jail cells) along the picturesque Prinsengracht, Rosewood Amsterdam will also be the last monumental hotel to open in the city’s historic core for the foreseeable future, thanks to a ban on new construction. So soak in every detail as you luxuriate in your lavish room, where the decor nods to the sumptuous stylings of the city’s historic house museums, or linger over a cocktail at Advocatuur, its swanky lounge inspired by the city’s 1960s counterculture Provo movement. After a day spent biking the canals or visiting Amsterdam’s many museums, a treatment incorporating The Tides or Subtle Energies products at its subterranean spa (you simply must have a dip in the sultry pool) would not go amiss either.
Rates at the Rosewood Amsterdam start at $840 per night.
— Eric Rosen
Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
If you are sitting on a stash of Hilton Honors points, you might want to put them to use at the newest luxury hotel in the City of Light, Sax Paris, which is part of Hilton’s upscale LXR Hotels & Resorts label. The new hotel makes its home in a building that dates to the turn of the 20th century, and though it’s in a quiet corner of the French capital’s sleepy 7th Arrondissement, it’s also just a quick walk to the Eiffel Tower and the Hotel des Invalides, among other attractions.
With just 118 compact but beautifully decorated rooms and suites, the hotel has a decidedly boutique feel, but you can still find an outpost of the international Japanese fusion fine-dining restaurant Kinugawa on its top floor. That’s also where guests are treated to a sumptuous breakfast buffet with postcard-worthy Eiffel Tower views. For something more down to earth, enjoy aperitifs by the small plunge pool in the hotel’s ground-floor garden, or start your night out at the red Baccarat crystal chandelier-lit Galerie lounge near the front entrance.
Rates at Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts start at $577 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
— Eric Rosen
W Florence
1 of 3
ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY
At the W Florence, the brand’s second Italian outpost, the vibes are lively — a true reflection of the city center, just steps away — and each element throughout the hotel feels fresh. Think colorful, well-lit common spaces, elevated touches throughout the 119 rooms (like marble details and pops of color) and a seasonal rooftop offering alfresco dining with panoramic views of Florence. True to form for the brand, the W Florence is already a vibrant gathering place for both guests exploring the city and locals in search of aperitivo in an excellent location, right in Piazza dell’Unita Italiana.
From the retro-chic bar at W Lounge (serving cheeky cocktails like “Chianti ‘n the City” and “Love to be Colada”) to bold design elements like the lobby’s hand-painted mural of a Florentine garden (a nod to the Medici family), this hotel offers Marriott Bonvoy loyalists the best of both worlds with inviting interiors and a prime location; it’s under a 10-minute walk to the Santa Maria Novella train station and a stone’s throw from the Duomo and surrounding attractions.
Rates at the W Florence start at $447 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Ellie Nan Storck
The best new hotels in Asia
Capella Taipei
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
With just 86 rooms and suites, star hotel designer André Fu conceived of the new Capella Taipei as a “modern mansion” in one of the Taiwanese capital’s most upscale neighborhoods. Guests can start their day with an inviting buffet at Plume, where massive wall murals pay homage to Taiwan’s national bird, the blue magpie (which also happens to be the name of one of the bar’s palate-pleasing cocktails). They can also graze on snacks and drinks throughout the day at the casual Living Room lounge up on the 14th floor, just adjacent to the outdoor pool with prime views of Taipei’s bristling skyline.
Rooms have all the up-to-the-minute amenities, including artificial intelligence-powered assistant boxes that you can use to control things like the lights and temperature, though the real piece de resistance is the deep marble soaking tub, just beckoning you to relax.
There is a good deal of cultural programming to get you out into the city, though, including guided walks to visit galleries, shops and cafes in the city’s various neighborhoods. But ensure you make it back for dinner, as you’ll want to snag a table at the hotel’s popular chophouse, Ember 28, where specialties include prime cuts of beef, seasonal fish and seafood, and plenty of produce sourced from around the island.
Rates at Capella Taipei start at $690 per night.
— Eric Rosen
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo
1 of 2
TANNER SAUNDERS/THE PONITS GUY
In a destination as bustling as Tokyo, the city’s first JW Marriott offers an oasis of serenity tucked into a massive tower within the new Takanawa Gateway City complex. Though the hotel’s location is slightly off the beaten path, the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo makes up for it with features like floor-to-ceiling windows offering views that stretch as far as Mount Fuji, an out-of-this-world infinity pool (which feels like swimming in the clouds), and plush rooms replete with calming, Japanese-inspired decor (fair warning: the rooms are so comfortable that you might just want to spend a day relaxing inside). Be sure to stop by Saki for a Japanese-French fusion omakase, and wind down with views of Tokyo Bay, live music and an expertly crafted cocktail at the JW Bar.
Rates at the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo start at $580 or 90,800 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
— Tanner Saunders
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh
AMIT MEHRA/OBEROI
Bandhavgarh National Park may not be on your bucket list, but if you’re dreaming of doing a tiger safari, this protected reserve in central India should be on your radar. Now there’s one more reason to go: The new Oberoi Vindhyavilas offers a world-class stay spread over 21 acres a quick drive from the park. We’ve long loved Oberoi for the brand’s exceptional service — the staff members at its hotels and resorts truly anticipate your every need — and this safari camp is no exception.
Nineteen tented suites and two villas are spread around the property, with all the creature comforts you’d expect (big comfy beds, smart TVs, USB ports, espresso machines and spacious bathrooms stocked with the brand’s own bath products). Dining options range from Indian staples like Delhi butter chicken to Neapolitan pizza, while the bar serves tasty cocktails made with mango and other fresh ingredients. There are plenty of opportunities to relax by the outdoor pool or at the spa, which offers yoga lessons and Ayurvedic treatments, but the highlight is the tiger safari experience led by the property’s naturalist guides, who have an encyclopedic knowledge of the park’s flora and fauna.
Rates at The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh start at $850 per night.
— Laura Itzkowitz
Park Hyatt Tokyo
1 of 4
TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY
Tucked away atop the striking Kenzo Tange-designed Shinjuku Park Tower, the Park Hyatt Tokyo (and its never-ending views) has long been a jewel in the World of Hyatt program. Now, the hotel — made famous as a central character in the 2004 film “Lost in Translation” — has entered new heights following a 19-month closure and head-to-toe renovation. The extensive refurbishment brings the property into modern times (adding 65-inch TVs, USB-C plugs and Dyson hair dryers, for example) while remaining distinctly Japanese in style, with touches like beautiful teal carpets and thoughtful art curation throughout. On the top levels, the New York Bar is the spot to be seen sipping an old-fashioned, while the New York Grill serves mouthwatering steaks and mind-blowing views. New to the property, an Alain Ducasse-led French restaurant gives guests even more (quite literally) elevated dining.
Rates at the Park Hyatt Tokyo start at around $700 per night. As a Category 8 World of Hyatt property, standard award rates start at 35,000 points per night.
— Tanner Saunders
Patina Osaka
1 of 3
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Although it’s an entirely new-build hotel, Patina Osaka lies in the city’s historic heart, just across the street from Osaka Castle Park, with some of the best views of the green-roofed castle itself from nearly every vantage point. Equally stunning are the hotel’s interiors, which incorporate numerous contemporary art pieces as well as traditional Japanese crafts and materials. We dare you not to give in to the temptation of staging an impromptu photo shoot on the indigo-blue washi paper-lined staircase connecting the 19th and 20th floors — itself an allusion to Osaka’s nickname, the City of Water.
After a day out in this fast-paced metropolis, you might want to unwind with a cryotherapy treatment at the tech-forward spa or with a dip in the coffer-ceilinged pool before a light meal of carefully sourced seasonal dishes at P72 (its name is a reference to the region’s 72 microseasons), a Basque-inspired set menu at Inaki or a full-on teppanyaki feast at Barin, where the star of the show is luscious cuts of wagyu beef.
Rates at Patina Osaka start at $473 per night.
— Eric Rosen
Regent Bali Canggu
REGENT
Even if you’ve never touched a surfboard, you’re sure to check out of the blissful beachfront Regent Bali Canggu with memories of emerald waves dancing in your head. The all-day wave of surfers out front is unmissable, especially from the large terraced pools and three prized villas just above the sand. And even though the sustainably minded, 15-acre all-suite resort feels extra elegant, it also boasts a laid-back vibe, especially at Beach House, where poisson cru comes in a ceramic seashell and bikinis are perfectly acceptable dinner attire. Not so at Cure, chef Andrew Walsh’s opening-in-December fine-dining resto just steps from the saltwater — though if his creative and tantalizing spins on Spanish tapas at Sazon are any indication, it’ll be well worth getting a bit dressed up.
In Bali’s hottest neighborhood, these are the best 150 accommodations you’ll find, thanks to many features, including the hands-down coolest bathtubs: They’re solid teakwood and hand-carved by local artisans into the mythological lion-ish Balinese Barong character, which represents goodness.
The Regent-signature Refreshment Gallery is wonderfully generous, with the initial stock of Bali gin and other boozy sips gratis. When you run out, head to the Regent Club for the free-flowing Billecart-Salmon Champagne that accompanies each sundown, served with — delightfully — a Balinese cultural experience.
Rates at Regent Bali Canggu start at $532 or 98,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
— Kathryn Romeyn
Waldorf Astoria Osaka
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Japan’s first Waldorf Astoria opened this year, and it towers over the lively area of Umekita in the 29th-38th floors of a new skyscraper.
The hotel was designed by André Fu, and its focal point is its spectacular all-day bar and restaurant, Peacock Alley, which has soaring ceilings and dramatic chandeliers, all overlooking the surrounding skyline through enormous windows. The reception area, meanwhile, was inspired by traditional wooden Japanese lanterns and has a stunning black stone reflecting pool strewn with Setouchi boulders. The green, blue and gold palette of the guest rooms reflects Japan’s indelible land and seascapes, along with plenty of age-old Japanese crafts like kumiko screens and washi wallpaper. While here, be sure to sit down to a dinner of sizzling seasonal specialties at the teppanyaki restaurant Tsukimi, and book a La Prairie treatment at the spa.
Rates at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka start at $536 or 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
— Eric Rosen
The best new hotels in Africa and the Middle East
Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Cape Town has plenty of points hotels — especially for a city of its size — but this vibrant new entrant still stands out from the pack thanks not only to its affordability, but also its trendy location. Situated in Longkloof, the hotel is at a distance from Cape Town’s tourist-focused waterfront, so you’re more likely to find locals perusing the nearby clothing boutiques from local designers or meeting up with colleagues in its cafes (not to mention carousing into the wee hours in the area’s numerous bars).
The hotel’s 154 rooms and suites are both colorful and playful, with plenty of visual references to South Africa’s protea flowers; some even feature private terraces with prime Table Mountain views. The hotel’s restaurant, Ongetem, is the latest outpost from South African celebrity chef Bertus Basson, and his menu blends South African ingredients with Cape Malay and Asian flavors.
Rates at the Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof start at $155 or 45,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
— Eric Rosen
Park Hyatt Johannesburg
1 of 2
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
This might be the world’s smallest Park Hyatt, with just 31 rooms and suites, but it still offers all the luxury appointments you’d expect of Hyatt’s most upscale label, just on a level that feels quite boutique and personalized.
Centered around a bucolic garden, where you’ll also find the diminutive swimming pool, the accommodations are elegantly appointed with parquet floors and sleek furnishings, natural motifs that pay homage to South Africa’s diverse flora and fauna, and dramatic glassed-in bathrooms with circular soaking tubs. The breakfast spread at Room 32 has to be one of the most lavish we’ve seen lately, with produce and proteins from local cultivators, as well as flaky pastries and hearty cooked dishes. Dinner also offers standout dishes like succulent Karoo lamb chops with lentil-asparagus ragout. Try to stay over a weekend so you can visit the nearby Rosebank Sunday Market for handmade souvenirs by South African artists.
Rates at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg start at $530 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
— Eric Rosen
The best new hotels in Australia
The Sundays
1 of 3
TANNER SAUNDERS/THE POINTS GUY
Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and its newest hotel, The Sundays on Hamilton Island, gives visitors a family-friendly boutique place to stay. At The Sundays, rooms with balconies are chic, modern and playful, all looking out at the water and the mountains. And while the hotel itself is fabulous, its real claim to fame is scoring the acclaimed Australian chef duo of Josh and Julie Niland (of Sydney’s Saint Peter) to helm Catseye Pool Club, a seafood-heavy seasonal restaurant focused on sustainability. For something extra special, Hamilton Island offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of helicoptering into the iconic Heart Reef for some Great Barrier Reef snorkeling.
Rates at The Sundays start at $572 per night.
— Tanner Saunders
