Winter travel plans often take two different directions: You can choose to embrace the cold, don a stylish overcoat, and dive into the festive atmosphere of a ski resort, a historic European city, or even enjoy a staycation. Alternatively, if you prefer to escape the chill, you might head for a warmer destination to soak up the sun. Regardless of your choice, as long as the accommodation is chic and memorable, we’re on board. In this latest roundup, we’ve selected a variety of design-forward hotels that promise to elevate your stay, including a Soho getaway adorned with murals, a Parisian hotel infused with Portugal’s vibrant energy, and a historical property overlooking the stunning Laguna Beach in Southern California. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year in NYC, planning a Valentine’s Day in Paris, or looking for a winter escape on the Pacific coast, these are the latest hotels to consider.
The Manner: A Stylish Soho Escape
One of the hottest new hotels in New York, The Manner is a fresh concept by Standard International, which opened just a few months ago. Located in the heart of Soho, this 97-room hotel offers a striking combination of rich materials, high-gloss finishes, and creative design details. The result is a sophisticated and playful space that balances luxury and fun.
The design of the hotel was a collaboration between Verena Haller, Standard International’s chief design officer, and Hannes Peer, a Milanese architect. A striking feature of the hotel is the monumental concrete fireplace in the lobby, which is complemented by a faceted bronze flue suspended above. Columns wrapped in relief tiles and walls textured with small teal and cream semi-spheres add to the unique visual appeal. The hotel’s restaurant, The Otter, serves a seafood-heavy menu in a skylit dining space surrounded by a vibrant mural by architect Elvira Solana. The cocktail bar, Sloane’s, located on the second floor, is open to the public, while private spaces for guests include the Apartment and a rooftop offering spectacular views of the Financial District skyscrapers—both of which will open in Spring 2025. The guest rooms themselves feature bold design choices, such as egg-yolk yellow walls, midnight-blue vestibules, and red-lacquered furniture, all combining to create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and playful.
Casa Loma: A California Coastal Dream
For fans of The OC or its reality counterpart, Casa Loma is the perfect getaway! Recently reimagined and renovated, Casa Loma is a 70-room hotel that now occupies the spot of the former Inn at Laguna Beach, perched above the town’s Main Beach. The hotel’s renovation, led by the California-based firm Electric Bowery, cost a stunning $15 million and blends a laidback Mallorcan spirit with California’s lively coastal vibe.
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The newly designed hotel features handcrafted wooden furniture, fired clay tiles, and textured plaster throughout its public areas, reflecting the bohemian energy of Laguna Beach. The hotel’s lobby bar is anchored by a relief mural depicting a sun-worshipping goddess, making it an eye-catching focal point. Guests can enjoy Mexican-Mediterranean tapas and cocktails at the beach club, which spills out onto a terrace with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The guest rooms feature custom-designed furniture inspired by the curvaceous shapes of ocean waves, and the décor is dominated by neutral tones with splashes of seaside blues and greens. An on-site radio station and new branding by LAND contribute to the overall atmosphere of this coastal retreat.
Hotel Elysée Montmartre: A Parisian Haven of Calm
Set to open in early 2025, Hotel Elysée Montmartre will offer a serene escape in the heart of Paris, nestled between the historic Sacré-Cœur and the city’s legendary music venues, including Le Trianon avant-garde theater and the Elysée Montmartre concert hall. This 16-room boutique property is designed by producer Abel Nahmias and architect Julien Labrousse, and promises to be a calm oasis in a bustling city.
The hotel’s interior is a mix of eucalyptus wood furniture and a pale neutral color palette, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. The Wabi-Sabi effect, achieved through visible layers of distressed plaster on the original brick walls, adds a charming touch to the public areas. The lobby is furnished with lounge seating and multi-purpose tables, and large windows offer a glimpse into the vibrant Parisian street life outside. The rooms feature the same soothing tones, with darker tan accents and luxurious Portuguese pink marble bathrooms. Guests at the hotel will enjoy priority access to events and concerts at the nearby Le Trianon and Elysée Montmartre, making it a perfect spot for music lovers.
