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Boutique hotels have a special magic that often makes for unforgettable getaways. Though they may not offer the expansive grounds, amenities and pampering service that some of our favorite resorts and grande dame hotels do, the best boutique hotels are filled with stories—those of their creators, their locales and the travelers who’ve passed through—as well as soulful intimacy, perhaps some whimsy and, likely, a youthful, ever-so-chic vibe. They often feel like “the place to be,” without attracting too much of a scene. Below are the brand-new, coming soon or recently renovated boutique hotels to have on your radar in the U.S. that promise gorgeous interiors, hidden gems and unique experiences—bright with possibility for a summer, fall or future escape close to home.Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer to start a trip to the top new boutique hotels in the U.S.—this year and beyond. Our team can match you with the accommodations, itineraries and activities that are right for you!NEW BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON THE EAST COAST
One of the most intriguing of the many upstate New York openings slated for this year and next is Little Cat Lodge, a 14-room Alpine-inspired hotel and restaurant situated on seven acres at the base of Catamount Mountain, within a century-old lodge and local landmark formerly known as Swiss Hutte. The redesign of the property is the brainchild of James Beard award-nominated restaurateur Noah Bernamoff and New York nightlife mainstay Matt Kliegman, who most recently launched Rockefeller Center's new hotspot Pebble Bar (in partnership with celebrity investors Justin Theroux, Pete Davidson and Nicholas Braun); they also operate the historic grocery store Otto’s Market in Germantown. The pair has brought on top talent in the form of interior design firm LOVEISENOUGH (behind New York's Le Crocodile, Rule of Thirds, MáLà Project and others) and the James Beard Award-nominated executive chef Jason Bond, to helm the Tavern bar and Dining Room restaurant. Evoking a quaint chalet hidden high in the mountains of Switzerland or Italy—or a rustic cabin deep in the Berkshires—Little Cat Lodge combines romance and nostalgia with the woodsy, artsy aesthetic of the Hudson Valley. Twelve guest rooms equipped with private terraces or patios are located in the Guest House, with a pair of two-bedroom suites located in the Main House (accommodating parties of up to six in each). Lodge amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and pool bar, barrel saunas and hiking paths to the adjacent Catamount Mountain Resort —plus, it's pet-friendly! Open year-round, Little Cat Lodge promises to be a unique upstate getaway for hikers, skiers, shoppers and those simply looking for a little peace and quiet.
Just a 90-minute drive from New York City, tucked away amid 140 secluded acres, where the Hudson River Valley meets the foothills of the Catskills, the latest property from Auberge Resorts (of The Lodge at Blue Sky, Mayflower Inn and Spa and many others), Wildflower Farms will open on September 30, 2022, with 65 freestanding cottage-style accommodations, brought to life by architects Electric Bowery and designer Ward and Gray. A plethora of wellness and outdoor activities will be on offer—and guests should be sure to make time for visits to the nearby Mohonk Preserve for hiking and rock climbing, as well as the many distilleries and wineries and art and design galleries of the area. Farm-to-table activities like foraging, exploring the vegetable gardens and orchards, cooking classes and picnics will encourage visitors to engage with the land—and find peace and reflection among the sprawling fields of wildflowers.
Opened July 2021, Inness is set on 225 acres between the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain ranges, offering a chic country escape (reminiscent of England's Heckfield Place) that combines classic charm (vintage furniture, woven rugs, wood-burning fireplaces) and contemporary appeal (natural wine lists, Aesop bath products, Scandi-minimalist palettes). Guests can choose to stay in one of the 28 freestanding cabins or in the 12-room farmhouse, and shared amenities include a Mediterranean restaurant and outdoor grill (which incorporate local, seasonal produce and ingredients from Inness’ own garden), a nine-hole golf course designed by King Collins Golf, two hardcourt tennis courts, two salt water pools (and a seasonal pool bar), 60 acres of hiking trails and an in-the-works spa and gym facility (slated for spring 2023).
On the site of a former bluestone quarry in the Catskill Mountains, bounded by Kaaterskill Creek and stands of oak and maple trees, Piaule is a 50-acre modernist retreat—from the homewares brand and studio of the same name—focused on low-impact design and sustainability. Here, the guest experience is focused on achieving serenity and immersion in nature—with minimal interruptions from technology and the outside world. The main house—which is strikingly defined by floor-to-ceiling windows and a zinc fireplace, and contains an all-day restaurant serving local fare—and the 24 standalone cabins were created by Garrison Architects to emphasize natural light, organic structure and privacy, with materials like white oak and local bluestone alongside décor from Piaule and other international makers. Also of note is the spa and wellness center, which is hidden within the hillside and offers a relaxation area and tea room; treatment rooms for facials and massages; a bluestone steam room, cedar sauna, cold plunge pool and outdoor swimming pool; and a movement studio for reiki, sound bathing, yoga, meditation and more. Inspired by the works of James Fenimore Cooper, whose great novel The Last of the Mohicans was set in these lands, Piaule's architects have shared what they hope guests will take away from the project: "While we detached ourselves [during the 20th century] from our natural surroundings and became entitled to fossil-fueled lifestyles, we overlooked more subtle warnings that now glare in sunsets over the Catskills that are hazed by wildfire smoke from the west coast. If we can escape our bubbles, find our transcendentalist roots, and refocus on our landscape, we might gain the ability to reprioritize, which would do more than any innovation to ameliorate our current crisis."
Related: Best Wellness Retreats in the World
New York never sleeps—and neither does its hospitality. After the challenges of the pandemic, the hotel and restaurant scene is back in full force, and the sheer volume of openings means an imminent staycation or vacation is in order, no matter where you're based. High on our radar is a debut from Flâneur Hospitality, scheduled to open this fall. Conceived by real estate entrepreneur Alex Ohebshalom and designed by Martin Brudnizki, The Fifth Avenue Hotel will be located within a historic building in NoMad that was once the Second National Bank (as well as a former home of Gilded Age socialite Charlotte Goodridge)—with an expansion into a 24-story glass tower. The signature Portrait Room restaurant and Study and Terrace bars are sure to become neighborhood fixtures and date night go-tos. Lovers of bold patterns, bright wallpapers, funky fixtures and objets d’art will be quite at home in any of the 153 rooms; standout accents include a mother-of-pearl-inlaid bar cart with reptilian handles, a fruit-filled blown-glass chandelier and lamps in every form, from Chinese pagodas to Russian Fabergé eggs.
Downtown's latest darling is the Nine Orchard hotel—and it is drawing eyes back to one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Housed in the former Jarmulowsky bank building, which was built in 1912 and has been painstakingly restored, the hotel is bringing the landmark back to life, preserving original details like the facade and metalwork, in a true celebration of Lower East Side heritage and history. The 116 guestrooms are cozy (in proper LES fashion) but airy, peaceful and elegant—with charming, handcrafted details and bright views that would be the envy of most apartment dwellers. (There are also three larger suites offering private brick terraces.) The pied-à-terre vibe makes Nine Orchard just as appealing to a local for a staycation as to a visitor seeking the "next cool spot." And Nine Orchard is the next cool spot, indeed, in large part thanks to the food & beverage program from Chef Ignacio Mattos' Mattos Hospitality (behind Estela, Lodi and Altro Paradiso). The Corner Bar restaurant—offering breakfast, brunch and dinner—is inspired by the great bistros and taverns of the world (which is the city's hottest dining trend, according to Eater). The menu highlights upscale comfort food (oysters and mussels, Spaghetti Pomodoro, roasted chicken, Caesar salad, steak au poivre—and, of course, a signature burger); it's already difficult to secure a reservation. But the true gem is the Lobby Lounge, which quickly shot to the top of my shortlist of answers to that impossible question "Where should we get a drink?" The 52-seat cocktail bar is located in what is perhaps the Jarmulowsky building's most special space—the former teller room, which features soaring windows and vaulted ceilings decorated with ornate Greek Revival molding—made warm by earthy, botanical prints, clusters of Deco lights and rich textures. A fine-dining restaurant, Amado Grill, is also scheduled to open this fall.
In celebration of its 150-year anniversary, Shelter Island mainstay The Chequit is unveiling the results of a full restoration under new ownership by the Soloviev Group (who hold extensive property across the North Fork, including Peconic Bay Vineyards), in a staged opening that began over Memorial Day. Founded in 1872, The Chequit has lived many lives, including as a sleepy bed-and-breakfast and as a glamorous scene spot that used to welcome the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller and the Kennedys. We eagerly anticipate this latest reincarnation, and recommend earmarking it for a long weekend; autumn days out east can be some of the sweetest.
Also generating major buzz is a country-club-chic reincarnation by Main Street Hospitality of Canoe Place—which is alleged to be “America’s oldest inn,” established in 1697—in Hampton Bays. With a curation of historic art, new dining and bar concepts, manicured gardens and an outdoor pool, this property has the potential to become Southhampton’s new spot. Rooms—which include guest accommodations in the Inn, freestanding cottages and residence-style boathouses—became available to book starting in August.
With its prime location at the intersection of main Charleston thoroughfares King and George Street, the delightful Pinch hotel features 22 rooms and suites, with three residences for longer stays—along with two restaurant concepts, an oyster and cocktail bar and an indoor-outdoor courtyard restaurant, scheduled to open this fall. The hotel spans three original Victorian buildings (with the the oldest dating back to 1843 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and the aesthetic pays homage to this legacy in combination with a mix of vintage accents and fresh, contemporary elements—resulting in the very best of Charleston Charm. And although you'll likely want to spend your time here eating out, it's worth noting (especially for young families and extended stays) that all of the rooms, from entry-level to suites, are equipped with a full kitchen.
Less than a 15-minute walk towards the waterfront from The Pinch, in the heart of the historic French Quarter, The Loutrel is a new property from design firm Michael Graves, offering 50 rooms and suites. Inspired by Charleston's famous gardens—and porch culture—the hotel pops in shades of green, with gold and blue accents that attempt to capture the light of the Lowcountry, as seen from a wicker swing at sunset. This concept continues in the Veranda Lounge restaurant and bar and sprawling rooftop terrace—which encourage guests to take things slow and savor their surroundings. Other amenities include access to a fitness studio with Peloton bikes and luxuries like Matouk linens and Dyson hairdryers in the rooms.
NEW BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON THE WEST COAST
Some restaurants are worth traveling for—and it's even better when they come equipped with a fabulous hotel. Poised to join the ranks of Meadowood in Napa Valley, Blackberry Farm in Tennessee and Hotel Zero George in Charleston, The Tributary opened in July within a restored 100-year-old building in the heart of downtown McMinnville, in Oregon's most acclaimed wine region. This exciting new venture combines high design and high cuisine, with just eight rustic suites (each named for a different river within the Valley) and the restaurant ōkta, a hyper-local, sustainably-sourced (often from the restaurant's own farm), seasonally specific tasting menu experience from Matthew Lightner, of New York's two-Michelin-starred Atera, and Shaun Kajiwara and Katie Jackson of Sonoma County's Jackson Family Wines. (Plus: The hotel and restaurant are helmed by general manager Christine Langelier, whose résumé includes stints at New York's Eleven Madison Park and Blue Hill at Stone Barns). The Tributary offers an intimate, holistic food-and-wine-tourism experience in the Willamette Valley, which is celebrated for its Pinot noir production. In addition to preferred reservations at ōkta (made at the time of booking), on-property amenities include daily in-room breakfast (also from the restaurant—and the spread is impressive), bath and beauty products from regional artisans and access to an alleged secret wine cellar lounge (ōkta offers a robust list of 100-200 producers, with a focus on Willamette wineries as well as international producers).
Also receiving a new lease on life in L.A. is the iconic Culver Hotel—which first opened its doors in 1924, but just reopened this summer, after closing due to the pandemic, under the management of Proper Hospitality. The flatiron-shaped Beaux Arts building, with its 46 rooms, was last renovated in 2007 by hotelier Maya Mallick, with a lush, vintage-focused look and romantic atmosphere; there is also an in-house gallery showcasing local artists. As part of the reopening, the property added a new bistro, Lillie’s, which was inspired by French café culture—and also offers an outdoor garden space, with live music. Later this fall, the Culver will also reopen its speakeasy bar and private lounge—and we expect to see further additions as we approach 2024, when the property will celebrate its Centennial!
Related: Where To Go in Fall 2022
Developed by the Hollywood A-list as a weekend getaway destination during the golden age of film, Palm Springs is a veritable adult playground beloved for its whimsical architecture, pastel hues and dramatic desert views (with an abundance of cacti). This June, the dreamy vacation spot received an upgrade in the form of a 14-room, adults-only (21+) boutique hotel: Azure Sky, a Mid-century Modern property originally built in 1959 that was carefully renovated by firm Lightning Bar Palm Springs, in partnership with local designers. Just off East Palm Canyon Drive, the hotel is within walking distance of prime shopping and restaurants—but most guests will want to stay put, thanks to the combined 6,000-square-foot courtyard and deck, complete with fire pits, chaise lounges, a Jacuzzi, a pool bar and a pool with two shallow ends (ideal for relaxing). With unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountains and garden greenery (including palms, olive trees, banana trees, agaves, birds of paradise, jasmine, trailing rosemary and more), it's the perfect place for sundowners. The hotel's 14 rooms range from studios to suites, and most have private patios with hammocks, as well as equipped kitchenettes. In the lobby, a continental breakfast is served daily, while the cocktail lounge—accented with a fireplace, vintage lighting and custom woodwork (opening soon)—will be available for a nightcap (there is no on-property restaurant).
Scheduled to open at the end of 2022, Ambiente will offer an unprecedented chance to immerse yourself in the spiritual red rock landscapes of Sedona. Designed to blend in with its surroundings, on three acres with incredible 360-views over Coconino National Forest (including views of the Steamboat, Chimney, Coffee Pot and Snoopy Rock formations), this adults-only (21+) hotel offers 40 cube-shaped "Atriums," whose focal points are their reflective exteriors and private rooftop decks, built for stargazing, sunbathing and meditation (and thanks to firepits and daybeds, sleeping in comfort under the sky is also possible here). Within, a minimalist aesthetic highlights a charcoal and bronze palette, live-edge wood furnishings and bespoke wallpaper—with oversized soaking tubs and walk-in showers in the bathrooms. Designed to be as low-impact and sustainable as possible, the Atriums are elevated above the ground on piers. The communal heart of the property also offers floor-to-ceiling windows and an observation deck, along with a pool, spa, open-air bar lounge and signature restaurant, Forty1. When you're not taking in the scenery and sky, activities include access to more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, yoga, outdoor film screenings and on-property wellness/mindfulness trails.
Related: Indagare Index 2021: Best Hotels in U.S. & Canada
The first hotel to open in Denver’s industrial-turned-artistic River North Art District (RiNo), The Ramble is a spunky 50-room property inspired by the French Salons of the 17th century—combining a bit of Western grit, Art Deco design and decadent glamour for truly playful ambience. The property also features the only additional location of World's 50 Best Bar Death & Co (in New York's East Village)—as well as an intimate theater and event bar, and a new Latin American restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Dana Rodriguez and the popular farm-to-table eatery Work & Class (which is also just across the street). Guestrooms range from standard and accessible options to suites, a large pied-à-terre and even a "Bunkhouse" with a set of bunkbeds. Plus: This fall, don't miss a pop-up collaboration between Death & Co and Theater of the Mind (an immersive performance art experience from Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar). At The Ramble, Theater of the Mind neuroscientists have teamed up with the Death & Co bartenders to create a multi-sensory cocktail program, which can be experienced through The Neuro Nightcap—a private, in-room DIY cocktail tasting—or a five-course tasting experience in the Death & Co Suite —known as the Neuro Bar Lab.
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
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