Autumn is a big season for hotels, especially those that represent the winds of change. In New York City, Standard International debuts its latest hotel concept, The Manner—which feels less like the hedonistic Standards of yore, and more like any of the city’s growing number of fabulous private-members clubs. Across the country in California, a beloved Laguna Beach icon enters an exciting new chapter. Salt Lake City is finally getting a new lifestyle hotel—just in time for another ski season. And the country’s first ultra-sustainable, “carbon positive” hotel opens its doors in Denver to set an example for hotels everywhere. There’s a lot happening, and a lot to explore—where will you go first? These are the most exciting new hotel openings of fall 2024.
Where it’s located: Most of Laguna Beach’s other hotels are located away from downtown, but Casa Loma stands just a five minute walk from the heart of the action. It’s right on Main Beach’s dramatic coastline, in the former premises of the Inn at Laguna Beach.
Why we’re excited: This beautifully reimagined property is both an homage to the area’s bohemian history, and a beautiful representation of its modern moment. If it weren’t for the rooms’ fantastic views of the nearby cliffs and Pacific Ocean, you might just miss the finer details, like custom bathrobes from Guatemala-based Luna Zorro, D.S. & Durga toiletries, and Tivoli Model One Radios with the hotel’s own custom curated radio station. There isn’t a bad room in the house—but if you can, opt for the ones that offer private balconies, that way you can luxuriate in the salt air and watch a quintessential SoCal sunset from the comfort of your room.
Where it’s located: Standard International has been a lodestar of the lifestyle hotel movement since opening its first property in West Hollywood in 1999. Now, with the debut of this new boutique concept in the former Sixty Soho building on Thompson Street, it’s set to make waves once again.
Why we’re excited: The overall ethos is one of sophistication and privacy, and feels more like a members club, or maybe your most fabulous friend’s Soho home. There are four F&B concepts throughout the premises, all overseen by chef Alex Stupak of Empellón. The first two—The Otter, a seafood-driven restaurant, as well as Sloane’s, an intimate cocktail bar—will be open to the public, and the other two are reserved just for guests: The Apartment, where breakfast and aperitivi will be served, and The Rooftop, coming in 2025. Rooms come draped in a warm, energetic palette of golds and reds, and there are many luxe details to love, like Costa Brazil bath amenities and custom furniture integrated with DAMPF audio systems. The one thing these rooms don’t have? Televisions. But how could you miss them when you have the best of New York City on your doorstep?
Where it’s located: Right on the Mystic River waterfront, a short walk or drive to numerous attractions in this charming, seaside New England town.