These new and newly reimagined hotels are giving travelers plenty of reasons to look beyond the usual check-in. From a century-old Japanese prison transformed into a luxury retreat to an art-filled adults-only escape on Paros, Greece, these properties are putting history, culture, design, wellness and a serious sense of place at the center of the stay.
Hotel Orielle, Savannah
Formerly the Bohemian Savannah Riverfront, Hotel Orielle, an Autograph Collection Hotel, has debuted a new identity inspired by Savannah’s architecture, history and creative spirit. The 75-room hotel sits along the city’s iconic riverfront and uses art, design and small experiential touches to encourage guests to see Savannah from a different perspective.
The hotel’s new look includes artwork from Savannah-connected artists, including a three-panel mixed-media installation by SCAD alumna Lillian Blades inspired by the Lowcountry marsh landscape and a floral work by SCAD alumna Katherine Sandoz. A 33-foot rooftop mural also incorporates elements of Savannah’s maritime history.
The centerpiece of the experience remains Rocks on the Roof, the tallest rooftop along River Street, where guests can take in sweeping views while sipping the new signature Orielle cocktail. At dusk, brass spyglass binoculars invite guests to linger over the changing riverfront scenery.
The culinary program is also getting a refresh under Executive Chef Johnny Salaverria. At Coastal 15 Fish House, his new menu puts Southern seafood at the center, with offerings ranging from raw seafood and terrines to shareable seafood boards.
For more information, visit hotelorielle.com.
TRUNK(HOTEL) SAPPORO, Japan
Recently opened TRUNK(HOTEL) SAPPORO will mark the Tokyo-based boutique brand’s first property outside the capital. The 107-room hotel in Sapporo’s Odori district will blend contemporary design with the history, culture, nature and cuisine of Hokkaido.
Its standout feature is TRUNK(BATH HOUSE), the brand’s first spa and bath facility. Designed around the concept of a “utopia of water,” the dedicated floor will feature a 130-foot waterway leading to 10 bathing areas, along with communal baths, saunas, cold plunges and open-air relaxation spaces. The hotel’s wellness experience is designed as much around sensory immersion as traditional relaxation.
Food is another draw. Sushi Saito, the MICHELIN-recognized Tokyo restaurant, will open its first Sapporo location at the hotel, pairing traditional sushi techniques with Hokkaido ingredients. An all-day restaurant will also spotlight seasonal products from the region.
The 18-story property will feature 18 suites alongside 89 guestrooms, with interiors inspired by Hokkaido’s landscapes and artisan traditions. A lounge and bar with live entertainment and a seasonal outdoor terrace round out the guest experience.
For more information, visit sapporo.trunk-hotel.com.
Hotel Beauden, Orlando
Formerly Grand Bohemian Orlando, Hotel Beauden, an Autograph Collection Hotel, has debuted a new identity while retaining its longstanding connection to Downtown Orlando. Inspired by the city’s “City Beautiful” nickname, the hotel’s refreshed look highlights Orlando’s arts, culture and evolving culinary scene.
The 248-room property completed an $18 million renovation in 2024, and its latest updates add new gathering spaces and locally inspired programming. A centerpiece is a new lobby mural by artist Amy Rader, which draws on Orlando’s lakes, Lake Eola’s iconic swans and the hotel’s gold geometric design. The Rotunda has also been refreshed with new seating, softer lighting and improved acoustics, creating a more inviting space for lingering.
The hotel’s signature restaurant and bar have been reimagined as Libra, a name reflecting the concept of balance. Executive Chef Francisco Sillero’s menu draws on Hispanic, Floridian and Asian influences, with dishes built around seasonal ingredients. The hotel’s popular Sunday Jazz Brunch continues, pairing live music with unlimited mimosas and an expansive brunch spread.
Steps from Lake Eola Park, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Church Street, Hotel Beauden remains well positioned for travelers looking to explore Downtown Orlando beyond the theme parks.
For more information, visit marriott.com.
LÈGACY Hanoi, Vietnam
LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original has opened in Vietnam’s capital, bringing a wellness-focused stay to the city’s historic Ngoc Ha ward. The hotel combines Vietnamese heritage with contemporary design, with accommodations offering panoramic views of Hanoi and West Lake.
The property features 85 guestrooms and 133 apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Guestrooms incorporate warm wood tones, indigo blue and terracotta accents, along with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and vintage record players stocked with vinyl classics.
Wellness is central to the stay at YÊN Spa, named for the Vietnamese word for peace. The spa offers Vietnamese-inspired therapies, massages and beauty treatments, along with an onsen featuring hot and cold pools, a sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge.
Dining takes a high-rise turn at MỘC LOFT, the 24th-floor restaurant serving modern interpretations of Northern Vietnamese cuisine. Nearby, 24 Social and Terrace is an open-air rooftop bar designed for cocktails, music and sunset views over the city.
For more information, visit fusionoriginals.com.
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, Japan
A century-old former prison is taking on a new life as one of Japan’s most distinctive luxury stays. HOSHINOYA Nara Prison opened this summer, transforming the former Nara Prison in Nara City into a 48-room heritage resort while preserving its original architecture. The property occupies a 25-acre site and includes the Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts.
Built in 1908 during Japan’s Meiji era, the former prison is the only one of the government’s “Five Great Prisons of Meiji” to remain almost entirely intact. Its red-brick walls, central guardhouse and cell blocks have been incorporated into the hotel’s design following approximately seven years of restoration and renovation.
The former cells have been transformed into all-suite accommodations, with connected cell blocks creating spacious rooms that retain original brickwork and ceiling details. The largest, The 11-Cell Deluxe, features a dressing lounge and expansive living area.
The hotel’s culinary program also draws on the Meiji era. Its “Gastronomy Chronicle” tasting menu traces the development of French cuisine in Japan, while breakfast offers dishes inspired by the Western-style food culture introduced during the period.
Guests can also access the Nara Prison Museum directly from the hotel, with complimentary admission and special early-morning and evening access. Cultural programming ranges from tea and fragrance experiences to vintage gramophone evenings, creating a stay that connects contemporary luxury with Nara’s architectural heritage.
For more information, visit hoshinoresorts.com.
Luura, Paros, Greece
A new luxury hospitality brand has arrived in the Greek islands. Luura opened its inaugural property on Paros, introducing a 39-suite, adults-only (12+) retreat that combines Cycladic architecture, contemporary art, wellness and destination-driven dining.
Set along the seafront, the hotel is designed as a village-like collection of whitewashed buildings, with spacious suites featuring generous outdoor areas and 19 offering private pools.
Art is central to the Luura experience, with works by international artists displayed alongside pieces by Greek and regional artists. Site-specific commissions and artisan collaborations further connect the property to Paros’ creative community.
The culinary lineup includes Michelin Guide-recognized Mimi Kakushi, bringing its contemporary Japanese cuisine to the island, while Lenea focuses on seasonal Mediterranean dishes designed for sharing. Wellness takes a similarly holistic approach, with a class-based studio, sauna, cold plunge, personalized treatments and Greek herb-inspired essential oil blends.
Guests can also explore Paros through private boat and fishing excursions, diving, windsurfing, trail running and ceramics workshops with local artisans.
Luura is part of Morgans Originals, Ennismore’s collection of independent hotels. A second Paros property at New Golden Beach is slated for 2028, followed by Luura Athens.
For more information, visit luurahotels.com.
