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Bailey Made/Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
Who wants fussy summer plans? Not us. Luckily, this season’s most exciting hotel openings are all about low-lift escapes with maximum payoff. We’re talking easily accessed spots where you can commune with the great outdoors and beat the heat back home—no passport required—all in a weekend's time (if you must). For example, there’s a freshly reborn Ojai classic just ninety minutes from Los Angeles. In Connecticut, a beloved Mystic hideaway adds a luxe new building that’s ideal for getting your New England coastal fix. And there’s even an intriguing new addition to one of the South’s most iconic (and perhaps infamous?) beach towns. Whether you have your sights set on the mountains, the coasts, or the city, these new stays make for the perfect low-key summer escape. Happy travels.
Moses Berkson/Hotel El RoblarHotel El Roblar — Ojai, California
Where it’s located: Right on Ojai Avenue, with views of the Topatopa Mountains, and just steps from all the best health food cafés and crystal shops.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R28e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R48e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeWhy we’re excited: Established in 1919, Ojai’s longest-standing hotel is getting a new lease on life. Previously, it was an all-inclusive, adults-only spa hotel since the 1970’s that closed after the Thomas fire in 2017 and never reopened—until now. A new team of hoteliers including Eric Goode, Ramon Shamshiri, Jeremy McBride and Warner Ebbink have turned a new page in the property’s history. The design preserves much of the original building’s Spanish Revival roots, with a Mission-style arched entryway, stone fireplaces, and Monterey furniture. The 50-room hotel features three new dining outlets, all helmed by chef Brandon Boudet of Little Doms in LA: Condor Bar, a modern Mexican restaurant; an intimate Snug Bar in the lobby; and a guests-only cafe for breakfast and lunch. There is a lovely walled garden at the hotel’s heart, complete with a serene pool area for guests. For maximum Ojai vibes, book one of the rooms with a terrace—there’s nothing more Ojai than taking in those famed “pink moment” sunsets from the privacy of your own slice of paradise.
5.16.25 Whaler's Inn Preview
Simply K Studios/The Stanton HouseThe Stanton House — Mystic, Connecticut
Where it’s located: The setting couldn’t be more charming if it tried. This is an authentic New England coastal town at its best, with shops, restaurants, and numerous museums just outside your door. For a weekend trip (especially with kids) you’ll have plenty to do.
Why we’re excited: The Whaler’s Inn has been Mystic’s epicenter of hospitality for over 125 years, and its restaurant, The Shipwright’s Daughter, led by James Beard Award-winning chef David Standridge is a mainstay for both locals and tourists alike. The addition of the Stanton House further fleshes out the Whaler’s Inn’s accommodation offerings, adding some higher-end new accommodations that honor the area’s architectural traditions but feel fit for modern travelers. This freestanding, four-story building contains a blend of both guest rooms and suites, and the one to book is the Riverview Penthouse: it comes with a living space equipped with kitchenette, a gas fireplace, and a private 300 square-foot balcony overlooking the Bascule Bridge and Fishers Island Sound. You can even order room service from The Shipwright’s Daughter, as well as selections from the restaurant’s private wine cellar. The best part? It’s an eight-minute stroll from the Amtrak station, so if you’re coming from New York City or Boston, you can leave the car at home.
Josh Cho Photography - Marina Riviera
Josh Cho/Hotel Marina RiveraHotel Marina Rivera — Big Bear, California
Where it’s located: On the Big Bear Lake waterfront, a five-minute drive away from Big Bear Mountain Resort (there will be a shuttle to the ski slopes in the winter).
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeWhy we’re excited: This reimagined 1968 lakeside lodge honors its mid-century past without slipping into kitsch or cookie-cutter clichés. The rooms have that retro alpine appeal interpreted through Casetta Hotels’ signature design-forward sensibility—they capture the warmth, texture and nostalgia of mountain design without relying on dusty antiques. There’s a beautiful year-round heated pool, hot tub and barrel sauna, as well as lakeside fire pits for reminiscing about the day’s adventures. Each room in the main building has views of the lake, and many have gas fireplaces. Traveling with kids or in a group? There is a “Third Wheel” room with Queen bed underneath a bunked twin bed, and there are also six freestanding “Plus Two Cabins” (sleeping six each) across the street. Make sure to make time for the hotel’s restaurant. It’s an offshoot of popular LA-based Italian restaurant, whose signature pizzas feel right at home in this indoor-outdoor setting, which just so happens to be Big Bear’s only true lakeside dining experience.
Faena New York —New York City
Where it’s located: Far West Chelsea, adjacent to the High Line and a few steps from Chelsea Piers and the Hudson River Greenway. The hotel occupies One High Line, a twisted and tilted travertine masterpiece from renowned architect Bjarke Ingel.
Why we’re excited: When legendary Argentine hotelier Alan Faena opened his first hotel in Buenos Aires in a historic grain warehouse amongst that city’s rundown ports, it sparked a revolution of that neighborhood. While West Chelsea isn’t exactly rundown these days, this splashy new opening is sure to bring even more gravity to this corner of Manhattan. The hotel brings with it a new spa, Tierra Santa Healing House, inspired by South American wellness rituals, as well as La Boca, the first New York restaurant from acclaimed Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. Each of the 120 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with either city or river views, and select high-level suites will have private terraces. Nightlife and entertainment are central to the Faena brand; as such, the hotel’s Living Room cocktail lounge, El Secreto speakeasy, and wine cellar La Cava are sure to be among this fall’s most exciting after-dark spots.
Courtesy The Sylvan LodgeThe Sylvan Lodge — Jackson, Wyoming
Where it’s located: In the members-only Snake River Sporting Club, about twenty-five minutes south of downtown Jackson and forty minutes from Grand Teton National Park.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2pe4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4pe4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeWhy we’re excited: Calling all active families and couples. There are plenty of one-bed rooms, suites and “junior penthouses” at this newcomer, but where it shines is its sprawling, residential-feeling multi-bedroom options. It’s located within the bounds of Snake River Sporting Club, a members-only club with tony perks like a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course (considered the top course in the state), fly fishing, whitewater rafting, outdoor yoga classes, a brand new spa, and members-only restaurants and bars. This one feels different for Jackson—it’s unlike the resort-y hotels and condos up on the mountain, and it’s a step above the renovated motor lodge-type places you’ll find in town. Think of it as offering hotel-style amenities but the seclusion of a rental home—making it the ultimate turnkey mountain escape to beat the heat this summer.
Courtesy voco The Shelbyvoco The Shelby — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Where it’s located: Right on the soft sands of Myrtle Beach. But before you clutch your pearls, trust us: this destination has grown up from its spring breaker past. There are still shenanigans to be found, of course, but Myrtle Beach is one of the most visited beaches in America for a reason—namely, its fantastic and wide beachfront that’s easily reached by car or by plane.
Why we’re excited: It’s giving Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar in the best way. This cheeky newcomer from IHG is named for Shelby Ann Byrne, a renowned hostess and grande dame from Myrtle Beach—and it feels like this hotel is jockeying for some grande dame status of its own. Retro-inspired, sweetly pastel rooms with ocean views, a forthcoming pickleball club, live music on the beachfront on weekends—what’s not to love? This hotel is truly leading the charge in giving Myrtle Beach a contemporary makeover, from its overall design story, down to the smaller details like Apotheke bath amenities and La Colombe coffee. What really sets it apart, however, is its Southern hospitality: upon check-in, all guests are greeted with a warm smile and treated to some local saltwater taffy.
Bailey Made/Under Canvas Columbia River GorgeUnder Canvas Columbia River Gorge — White Salmon, Washington
Where it’s located: A short drive outside White Salmon, 45 minutes from Mount Hood and in the middle of wine country, with 10 vineyards within 10 miles. This is the Cascades at their most majestic (and accessible, at just 90 minutes from Portland International Airport).
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R32e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R52e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeWhy we’re excited: Think of this as a wilderness experience without having to actually trek into the wilderness. Each large, safari-style tent is built on elevated private decks and comes with all the comforts of home, like king-sized beds, USB charging ports, flushing toilets and ensuite bathrooms with hot pull-chain showers. Not exactly an adventurer yourself? There’s a dedicated Adventure Concierge on hand who can organize the best local experiences like hiking, rafting, fishing, and visiting any of the area’s numerous wineries. Traveling in a group? Book the Mount Hood Suite Tent, which is actually two tents connected by a private deck with its very own outdoor lounge space.
Courtesy The Wildbirch HotelThe Wildbirch Hotel — Anchorage, Alaska
Where it’s located: On Fourth Avenue, Anchorage’s most bustling and walkable part of downtown. It’s actually an area referred to as the “Mushing District”—which is fitting, as the hotel overlooks the starting line of the Iditarod.
Why we’re excited: With temperatures soaring pretty much everywhere these days, Alaska is sounding pretty good right now—and this is the boutique hotel that Anchorage needs. Local touches are integrated throughout the common spaces, whether that’s locally-roasted coffee at the lobby café, Canteen, or seasonal Alaskan ingredients at the restaurant Crimson. Upstairs, rooms are optimized for post-adventure unwinding, with cozy touches like Illy coffee makers and retro mini fridges, to Jonathan Adler bath amenities and plush bathrobes. Most notably, the premises are co-owned by locals Mark Begich and Sheldon Fisher—the former mayor of Anchorage and former Alaska State Revenue Commissioner, respectively. Wildbirch’s magnetism will only increase once its in-house brewery Undertap opens this fall.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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