2026’s Hottest Hotel Openings Reimagine Historic Buildings

Hotels.com, part of Expedia Group, unveiled its Hotels of the Year 2026 list, spotlighting properties that reimagine historic buildings into modern luxury stays.

Why It Matters
- The trend, called “Salvaged Stays”, celebrates restored landmarks and architectural relics given a second life.
- These hotels blend original character and heritage details with contemporary design and elevated amenities, offering travelers a sense of place and history.
- Melanie Fish, Head of PR for Expedia Group brands, noted that travelers increasingly seek memorable, story-rich stays rather than generic hotel rooms.

Hotels of the Year (Opened in 2025)
- Rosemead House (Vancouver Island) – 1906 residence turned boutique hotel.
- Hotel Gotham Newcastle (UK) – Former fire station, police station, and magistrates’ court reimagined with Art Deco flair.
- HYLL Hotel (Cotswolds) – Restored 14th-century manor for slow living.
- Vista Ostuni (Italy) – Historic palazzo in the “White City.”
- The Hoxton Edinburgh (Scotland) – Restored townhouses on Grosvenor Street.
- Rosewood Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Former Palace of Justice along the canals.
- Waldorf Astoria New York (USA) – Iconic Art Deco landmark reopened after meticulous restoration.
- Hotel Willa (New Mexico, USA) – 1940s motel celebrating Southwestern heritage.
- Patina Osaka (Japan) – Former office building transformed into sleek retreat.
- Populus Seattle (USA) – Railway warehouse reborn as Seattle’s first carbon-positive hotel.

2026 Openings to Watch
- Andaz Lisbon – Former residences and financial institutions.
- The Imperial Kyoto – Historic performing arts theater integrated into hotel design.
- The Lake Como EDITION – 19th-century palazzo meets contemporary luxury.
- Recess Hotel & Club (Savannah, USA) – Restoring the Manger Building.
- Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch – Iconic landmark reimagined.
- Airelles Venice (Giudecca, Italy) – Venetian palazzo retreat.
- Zannier Hotels Île de Bendor (France) – Storied private island revival.
- Fairmont New Orleans (USA) – Historic hotel site reborn.
- The Standard Lisbon (Portugal) – Former Navy hospital transformed.
- Cambridge House, Auberge Collection (London) – 18th-century Georgian mansion turned luxury hotel & club.

This list shows how heritage preservation and modern hospitality are merging into one of the most exciting travel trends of 2026.