From historic palaces in Spain to Tuscan olive groves, trendy New York brownstones and Southern former brothels, these boutique hotels prove small can be stylish. Each blends unique design, intriguing backstories and personalized experiences, offering travelers more than a place to sleep—they provide a story to live and share.
Steps from Bryant Park, Miles from Ordinary
The William has opened in Midtown Manhattan, marking an expansion of Namron Hospitality Group’s U.S. portfolio and introducing a refreshed boutique hotel concept centered on art and design.
Located near Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal, the 33-suite property occupies two interconnected Beaux Arts brownstones that date back to the early 20th century, when the buildings were used as a private social club for Williams College liberal arts graduates.
A defining feature of the boutique property is its art-forward design. Each of the 33 suites is individually styled, incorporating bold color palettes and curated art pieces. The hotel positions itself as a “living gallery,” with accommodations ranging from studio suites with kitchenettes to a penthouse with a private terrace.
The William includes intimate social and lifestyle elements that align with boutique travel trends. On-site venues include The Raines Law Room, a cocktail bar concept that serves as a gathering space for guests and locals. The William also offers curated local experiences through its “Culture Curators,” connecting guests with New York’s arts, dining and entertainment scenes.
For more information, visit thewilliamnyc.com.
An Intimate Stay with a Colorful Backstory
The Painted Lady Hotel is bringing a new boutique hotel concept to downtown Birmingham. Located in the city’s historic Automotive District, the 22-room property occupies the restored Eyer-Raden Building, originally constructed around 1895.
The hotel emphasizes a design-driven identity rooted in the building’s layered history. Interiors feature bold wallpaper, eclectic furnishings and a feminine aesthetic that references the property’s past, including its rumored ties to a former boarding house—and possibly even a brothel—run by Louise “Lou” Wooster, a famous Birmingham madam who later became a local hero for her work as a nurse during the city’s 1873 cholera outbreak.
Elements uncovered during the renovation—such as original wall markings and artifacts—help inform the hotel’s narrative and overall design concept. With its limited room count and highly stylized interiors, The Painted Lady is an intimate, experience-led stay. The property’s boutique appeal is further enhanced by its walkable location, placing guests within proximity to Birmingham’s dining, nightlife and cultural venues.
For more information, visit thepaintedladyhotel.com.
From Landmark to Lifestyle Stay
Originally opened in 1929 by Walter Faust Sr. as the Traveler’s Hotel, The Faust quickly became a central gathering place in New Braunfels, Texas.
Despite challenges during the Great Depression, the property remained open; it was renamed The Faust Hotel in 1936 and was eventually designated a Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is set to reopen this spring with updated guestrooms and new dining concepts, including a speakeasy, restaurant and patio bar.
The hotel’s guestrooms have been reconfigured to offer more space, including six corner suites that can be upgraded to three-bedroom suites with a separate living room, as well as nine spacious junior suites.
The renovation preserves many original ground-floor elements, including stairway tiles, doors, a phone booth and other architectural details. Design updates blend the building’s Spanish Colonial Revival style with contemporary interiors, incorporating exposed brick, preserved structural elements and bold furnishings.
New dining venues—including a signature restaurant, patio bar and basement speakeasy—add lifestyle appeal and create social spaces for guests and locals.
For more information, visit thefausthotel.com.
Rustic Roots, Refined Retreat
La Chiusa has reopened for the season, offering a boutique experience rooted in history, cuisine and Tuscan living. Set within a restored olive oil mill dating back centuries, the 17-room property overlooks the countryside near Montepulciano. It is owned and operated by American couple George and Linda Meyers, who relocated to Tuscany to pursue a passion for hospitality and Italian cuisine.
Their vision extends beyond traditional lodging, with the couple also operating vineyards, olive groves and the “Cook in Tuscany” culinary school on-site. Accommodations range from standard rooms to spacious suites, all individually designed with traditional Tuscan elements such as stone walls and wood-beamed ceilings, alongside modern amenities. Many rooms offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Guest experiences are centered on cultural immersion. The property features a garden-to-table restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide, along with hands-on culinary programming, including cooking classes with local chefs and multi-day food experiences.
Additional offerings include wine and olive oil tastings, truffle hunting with trained dogs, private ATV tours through the Tuscan countryside, horseback riding through vineyards and hiking trails through the 165-acre property.
Note to travel advisors: For the first time, La Chiusa is now offering 10 percent travel advisor commission.
For more information, visit lachiusatuscany.com.
A Palace Reimagined
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts has unveiled NH Collection Palacio de Cordoba, a fully restored 18th-century palace now operating as a five-star hotel in the heart of Cordoba’s UNESCO-listed Jewish Quarter.
The palatial residence sits on a preserved section of Cordoba’s ancient city wall, which is integrated into the hotel’s contemporary design. The hotel’s 89 guestrooms include twelve Junior Suites and five Suites, all with separate living rooms, two bathrooms and views of Cordoba’s skyline.
The public spaces have likewise transformed. Both the lobby and the public areas are elevated with natural light, integrated greenery and historic architecture. The hotel also features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym.
The hotel’s restaurant, Tablafina, is located within one of the 18th-century noble houses that form the palace complex. Tablafina’s menu blends classics such as Iberian cold cuts, preserves and artisanal cheeses with local delicacies. Chef’s recommendations showcase seasonal products and creative reinterpretations of Andalusian cuisine.
For more information, visit nh-collection.com.
Casablanca’s Boutique Gem on the Corniche
Villa Sahrai, the latest property in the Sahrai Collection, brings a boutique approach to Casablanca with design-forward rooms, ocean views and a focus on local culture. The property features 45 guestrooms, many with private terraces, original artwork and locally curated ceramics and photography.
The hotel’s lobby welcomes guests with a salon-like atmosphere of natural stone and aged wood, while a sunlit interior courtyard provides a tranquil retreat. Culinary offerings include Rubillini’s trattoria and rooftop L’Aragosta, both serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with a third concept, Bardo, slated to open in summer 2026.
Wellness and leisure are integral to the experience, with a Cinq Mondes spa, hammam, sauna, heated indoor pool and fitness center offering group classes and personal training. Guests can also explore Casablanca via the Corniche, which is a well-known seaside district along the Atlantic Ocean in the upscale Ain Diab neighborhood. It’s lined with beaches, cafes, restaurants, hotels and nightlife spots, making it a popular area for both locals and tourists.
For more information, visit designhotels.com.
