The Trapper’s Den at Lone Mountain Ranch. (Photo: @clarapafundi).

What’s New and Next in the Hotel Scene

The Trapper’s Den at Lone Mountain Ranch. (Photo: @clarapafundi).
 
 

From Southern California to the Hamptons, these properties are adding flavor to the hotel scene by offering a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity and catering to travelers seeking unique and memorable stays across North America.

Hyatt Regency Irvine Reimagined

With multigenerational travel on the rise, Hyatt Regency Irvine is stepping up as the ultimate Southern California home base for families seeking a stylish, activity-packed getaway. Following a $55 million transformation, the centrally located hotel offers guests elevated amenities and easy access to Orange County’s top attractions.

Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The hotel’s Bunk Bed Suites feature a separate kids’ room with queen and full-size bunk beds, a king bedroom for adults, two bathrooms, a spacious living area with a sleeper sofa, and an oversized balcony ideal for outdoor dining. Larger families can spread out in the Extended Stay Suites, which include two private balconies, a full kitchen and roomy living space.

The new pool area now offers two waterslides, a splash zone and an LED screen for movie nights and big games. Guests can unwind in private cabanas with firepits, and adults can sip cocktails from the Poolside Bar or head to the Regency Club for indoor-outdoor lounge vibes.

With scenic parks, hiking and biking trails, and a growing arts and dining scene, Irvine is the ideal “detour destination” for families craving something fresh. Bonus: the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops right in town, offering a sustainable and traffic-free coastal travel option.

For more information, visit hyatt.com.

Lone Mountain Ranch’s Trapper’s Den

Opening this month, The Trapper’s Den at Lone Mountain Ranch offers a unique haven for cigar aficionados and whiskey connoisseurs. A 1915 cabin originally used by trappers in the remote mountains of Montana, The Trapper’s Den was first discovered by Paul Makarechian, Co-Founder and CEO of Lone Mountain Ranch. Found in pristine condition during a family road trip, Makarechian purchased and moved the cabin to the ranch, steps from Auric Room 1915, the ranch’s exclusive members’ club space.

The Trapper’s Den.

The space offers a cozy atmosphere with rich wood interiors, comfortable seating and a vinyl records music library. Guests can indulge in premium cigars paired with fine whiskeys and spirits. The Trapper’s Den also offers personalized humidors for Auric Room members, adding a special touch to their visit.

Accommodating up to eight guests indoors and 20 on the wraparound deck, The Trapper’s Den features two outdoor fireplaces and vintage artifacts that highlight the ranch’s rich history. Classic games like chess and poker provide entertainment, while the Horn & Cantle saloon’s fine selection of wines, spirits and whiskeys further elevates the experience.

For more information, visit lonemountainranch.com.

Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax

Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection continues its expansion in Canada with the debut of Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax—a new addition located in Nova Scotia’s capital. Situated on the scenic Halifax waterfront within the Queen’s Marque cultural district, Muir offers 109 guestrooms and suites.

On the culinary front, Drift—the hotel’s signature restaurant—delivers a modern take on regional cuisine, pairing Atlantic flavors with inventive techniques. Guests can also enjoy BKS, a hidden speakeasy exclusive to hotel patrons. With harbor views from its private terrace, BKS offers intimate access to small plates, craft cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.

Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax.

The hotel also features a full wellness center, a private yacht and motorboat program and curated cultural experiences for guests. The hotel is unveiling a series of signature experiences that include a private air and sea expedition to the Cape Breton Highlands and guided art conversations in True Colours, the hotel’s private gallery. Additionally, the hotel offers the brand’s signature Epicurean Moments, including a daily toast timed with Halifax’s historic Noon Gun tradition and a hands-on mixology class held in the hotel’s secret speakeasy.

For more information, visit marriott.com.

Three Ducks in Westhampton Beach

Set to debut in summer 2025, Three Ducks, a new luxury hotel in Westhampton Beach, promises to redefine Hamptons hospitality with its thoughtful design and curated guest experiences. A collaboration between designer-developers Randall Stone and Elizabeth Bakhash, the property blends upscale amenities with a deep connection to nature, offering visitors a serene, design-forward retreat.

Housed in the 70-year-old Westhampton Seabreeze Motel, the 12-room property sits on 1.6 acres and is divided into three distinct areas: The Barn, The Gardens and The Guest House. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by The Barn, the heart of the hotel, featuring a market with local goods, a Dahlia farmstand and a breakfast area.

Three Ducks guestroom rendering.

The Guest House is home to 12 rooms, each designed to evoke the surrounding landscape with expansive windows, vaulted ceilings and earthy materials like handmade clay tiles and light blue cabinetry. The land surrounding the hotel has been transformed into lush gardens and wildflower meadows, complete with private guest gardens and a central fire pit for communal gatherings.

Three Ducks will offer immersive, seasonally curated experiences, from birdwatching in spring to flower arranging in fall. Local partnerships enrich the stay, with guests encouraged to explore Westhampton Beach’s dining, arts and cultural scene.

For more information, visit threeduckswesthampton.com.

W Austin Unveils Luxe Accommodations

Travelers looking for room to relax—stylishly—now have a compelling reason to check into W Austin.

At the top of the list is Penthouse I, Austin’s largest hotel suite at 1,798 square feet. With panoramic views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline, this standout space includes a marble-clad bathroom with soaking tub, a separate living room and a dining table made for entertaining—catered in style, thanks to a private service entrance and Miele espresso machine. Its neighboring Penthouse II also impresses with two bedrooms and bathrooms, a full dining room and bar.

Penthouse I Living Room W Austin.

In total, W Austin now offers 32 premium suites, including four two-bedroom layouts—the most of any hotel in the city. Guests staying on the 16th floor (home to the two Penthouses) also enjoy perks like personalized concierge service, record players, Dyson air blades and floor-to-ceiling views.

Located in the heart of the 2nd Street District, W Austin places guests steps from Lady Bird Lake’s trails and right next door to the iconic Austin City Limits Live venue.

For more information, visit marriott.com.

Whitestone Ranch in Ontario

Whitestone Ranch, a 33-acre retreat set on the shores of Whitestone Lake, blends rugged charm with elevated comforts in the heart of Ontario’s wilderness, just 2.5 hours north of Toronto.

Whitestone Ranch (Photo credit: Eric Black).

The 15,000-square-foot ranch features 14 log-cabin-inspired suites, designed with rich hardwood, king-sized beds and rustic decor. A private chef prepares meals with locally sourced ingredients, while personalized stays and open-concept gathering spaces make this an ideal destination for families and groups.

Whitestone Ranch invites guests to reconnect with nature—on horseback, in a rowboat or hiking throughout the property. A full roster of wellness and outdoor activities includes massage treatments, freshwater swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and a jungle gym. A tennis court is slated to open in summer 2025.

For more information, visit whitestoneranch.ca.