These Hotels Are on Our Travel Bucket List
With a post-pandemic demand for travel expected to continue in 2023, the hotel business is booming with openings at record numbers thanks to new properties popping up across the West Coast—and a little beyond in either direction in both Utah and Hawaii. And deciding where to stay is often a top priority for most travelers who like to look ahead when planning weekenders and road trips. Whether a historic hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, an island-inspired resort near Palm Springs or a former stagecoach tavern in Los Olivos is your jam—these are the hotels we’re most excited about checking into next year.
Pendry Newport Beach
Making its Orange County debut next summer will be the former Fashion Island Hotel-turned-Pendry Newport Beach. Known for creating artful see-and-be-seen spaces, Pendry is turning the 20-story property into a sophisticated destination stay, which is just steps from some of the best shopping in Southern California. Highlights include three posh dining and nightlife concepts, a wellness sanctuary (Spa Pendry), an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck and a private members-only social club. Its 295 tastefully-appointed guest rooms, including 82 signature suites, will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open to private patios or step-out balconies that feature coveted ocean, harbor and bay views.
Location: Newport Beach
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa
Tommy Bahama is bringing its island aesthetic to Coachella Valley. Opening in late 2023, the clothing company is turning Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells (which will remain open during the transition) into the world’s first Tommy Bahama-branded hotel. Look forward to reimagined public spaces, a retail boutique and a new restaurant concept. Wedding parties and business travelers will appreciate the 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space—although there’s plenty to keep staycationers happy too, including three pools and a palatial spa. Expect plenty of colorful prints and palm tree motifs across the 192 guest rooms and 23 suites.
Location: Indian Wells
Appellation Healdsburg
For an approachable (read: affordable) five-star experience in Wine Country, room rates will be at least half the price of comparable stays at this hotel in Healdsburg. With its charming orchard and garden setting, the 108-room property is designed to showcase the region’s unique culinary landscape (the co-founders have multiple Michelin stars and James Beard Awards between them) with just-picked-from-the-farm produce featured across its restaurant and rooftop bar menus. Guests can work with winemakers, butchers and coffee roasters during classes and demonstrations too. Additional drawing cards include the spa, fitness center, walking trails and a pair of swimming pools.
Location: Healdsburg
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Under Canvas ULUM Moab
A secluded desert setting in southern Utah with views of Canyonlands National Park forms the backdrop for new safari-inspired resort ULUM Moab, which debuts in March 2023. It’s by Under Canvas, so expect a refined nature retreat experience in stylish and sustainable comfort—there are Rivian chargers and International Dark Sky Standards are followed. Suite tents feature king-sized beds with Parachute linens, and en-suite bathrooms are stocked with Aesop products. An Adventure Concierge can arrange activities from guided hikes and National park tours to rafting, and there’s also stargazing, yoga, two dipping pools, plus seasonal Southwest-inspired dishes and craft cocktails to enjoy here too.
Location: Moab, UT
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
Fans of California’s Central Coast have a new reason to visit when The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern opens this February. Blending modern farmhouse design with classic California ranch style, the property offers 67 luxury rooms and cottages. Some are brand new, while original structures have been thoughtfully preserved. Set on historic land, The Inn originally served as a stagecoach stop, with the Tavern Building dating back to 1886. Guests can enjoy ranch- and ocean-sourced cuisine at Mattei’s Tavern, unwind by the tucked-away swimming pool, and explore The Shed. Don’t miss historically inspired cocktails at The Bar—you may never want to leave.
Location: Los Olivos
Kona Village: A Rosewood Resort
Known for creating exceptional hotels and resorts worldwide, Rosewood Hotels emphasizes location as a core part of its “sense of place” philosophy. The Kohala Coast on Hawaii’s Big Island is the perfect debut for their first Aloha State property. Drawing from history and local culture, the design honors its iconic Kona Village setting. Guests can expect a distinctively Hawaiian experience, from 150 traditional thatched beach bungalow hales to an onsite cultural center. Highlights also include an outdoor recreation program with ocean sports, an Asaya Spa, and five dining concepts—including the Talk Story Bar.
Location: Kailua Kona, HI
The Hearst Hotel
People love staying in buildings with a story, and the Hearst Building has plenty to tell. Once home to the San Francisco Examiner until the 1960s, this 13-story Spanish Revival landmark is getting a fresh start. It’s being transformed into a 130-room luxury hotel that honors its rich history while offering modern amenities. Set to redefine luxury in the City by the Bay, it’s the ideal base for exploring museums, galleries, and restaurants. The hotel is expected to open later in 2023, while Local Edition—a beloved bar honoring the newspaper trade—will remain.
Location: San Francisco
Palihotel San Diego
Famous for its iconic two-story neon sign, The St. James Hotel is getting a second act as Palihotel San Diego. Built in 1885, this historic Gaslamp District gem will showcase a preppy-meets-nautical-inspired design across 122 guest rooms. The property will also feature the St. James French Diner and a stunning rooftop space. This marks Palisociety’s first venture this far south, bringing their signature “nice to haves” like Nespresso machines and Diptyque products. Located within walking distance of the waterfront and Convention Center, it’s set to attract both visitors and locals. Doors are expected to open this spring.
Location: San Diego
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
