The 11 Most Important Hotel Openings of 2016

This is a new hotel with an ancient history. Opening as a luxury Rosewood outpost this year, Castiglion del Bosco is an 800-year-old estate situated in the Tuscan countryside in the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the property covers thousands of acres, it maintains a private, intimate vibe with just 23 suites and 10 villas. Suites are luxe, sure, but the villas here are the highlights; built from restored 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses, some have private pools, tennis courts, and/or in-villa theaters.

Opening in October as one of the largest lodgings in Memphis, the 450-room Guest House at Graceland is not your typical hotel stay. Of course it will offer standard amenities like room service, an outdoor pool, and a free airport shuttle, but -- sitting just outside the entrance of Graceland -- The Guest House has Elvis Presley fans as its priority; picture plenty of Presley paraphernalia and even specialty suites designed in conjunction with Priscilla Presley.

This 323-room waterfront hotel will be the Langham brand's first Middle Eastern property when it opens this year. All of the rooms will have balconies and ocean views; some will have private plunge pools. Additional on-site facilities include a massive spa (with 26 treatment rooms), several dining options, and a large gym.


While You Wait: Consider a stay at Dubai's Burj Al Arab, the most luxurious hotel in the world.

Probably best-suited for business travelers, this London Intercontinental sits along Canary Wharf, and many facilities here take advantage of the view. When it opens this year, guests will enjoy features such as a spa, destination rooftop bar, and spacious, high-tech rooms.

EAST, Miami was originally scheduled to open this year, but it's looking like 2016 will be when it first welcomes guests. The third hotel from the brand, EAST sits atop the Brickell City Centre in Downtown Miami and all rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows to optimize skyline views. When the rooms open, so will the hotel's restaurant and rooftop bar.


While You Wait: 1 Hotel South Beach is absolutely stunning, topping our list of Miami's Hottest New Hotels.

Sitting along Hamburg's Alster Lake, The Fontenay will open this fall. Dreamed up by a family owning several luxury hotels, this 131-room property is architecturally stunning, with a modern glass facade and interesting design features throughout. Luxe features include a large spa, a 24-hour fitness center (although many guests may prefer to run along the lakeside path), two restaurants, a lounge and bar, and four chic event spaces.

This will be the third Shangri-La to open in Manila. One of the tallest skyscrapers in the Philippines, it houses hotel rooms, residences, and luxury "homes" on the top floors of the multi-use structure, and will likely draw a significant number of business travelers. Meeting facilities are extensive, as are luxe amenities; picture everything from butler service, to Wi-Fi-enabled limousine transfers,  to in-room spa services.

Scheduled to open next month, Peppers Docklands is a glass-and-steel structure atop a lively shopping and dining area, just a short ways from the Central Business District. It's a convenient pick for those attending Australian football matches (it's next to Docklands Stadium), and will also please high-tech guests -- all rooms come with CD/DVD players, massive flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks. When not in the rooms, guests will be able to enjoy an outdoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant and bar.

The first Four Seasons on Oahu, this beach resort will open in mid-2016 with all the luxe amenities associated with the brand; multiple pools and tennis courts, a pristine spa, a free shuttle to the Ted Robinson-designed golf course, several fine-dining restaurants, and 358 rooms with ocean views. 


While You Wait: The Four Seasons Maui is one of Hawaii's top luxury options; the brand also has a beautiful resort on the Big Island, and one at Lanai's Manele Bay.

Opening Summer 2016, this Hilton will debut as one of the brand's most luxe properties -- and the only hotel with both a floating pontoon and sun deck. Spacious rooms come with terraces overlooking the Dead Sea, and guests can reach the beach via the gorge. Sleek facilities include an infinity pool, spa, 24-hour fitness center, children's pool and kids' club, and six restaurants and bars.

We saved the best for last. Next year, this private island off the coast of Tanzania will open, allowing guests the unique experience of exploring the Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, and opportunities to view turtle nesting and humpback whale migration. The luxe resort can only be reached by catamaran or helicopter, meaning it offers premium tranquility; in fact, it has just one villa available to book, although groups of up to 26 can stay here by making use of the villa, two on-site bungalows, and two safari tents.


While You Wait: The 124-room Melia Zanzibar is a five-pearl beachfront resort with large and airy rooms, and private villas with huge gardens and plunge pools.


Related Links:

• Hawaii's Top 8 Luxury Hotels, Ranked
• The Best New Boutique Hotels Around the World
• The 19 Most Beautiful Travel Photos of 2015