Opening Soon: the 2026 Hotel Hot List

Lake Como EDITION - Courtesy of EDITION Hotels

The countdown is on. 2026 promises a global wave of spectacular new luxury hotel openings. We’re talking new architectural icons in the making, soothing wellness retreats and restored historic landmarks. From Cape Town to Lake Como, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting hotel openings of 2026. Get ready to update your wishlist, because these debuts are worth planning a trip around.

SLS the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Accor’s glamorous and playful SLS brand has landed in Saudi, just off the coast on Shura Island. This island is being developed as a key tourist destination, with brands like Intercontinental and the EDITION having swung open their doors last year. SLS is the latest addition and brings 150 guest rooms (including 15 private pool villa’s), three restaurants and a vibrant pool scene to the Red Sea. Dis-loyalty members receive 50% off for stays until end of February.
SLS The Red Sea

Capella Kyoto, japan

Housed in a former elementary school in Kyoto’s historic Miyagawa-cho district, Capella Kyoto promises a haven of heritage and harmony. Located in the heart of the historical Gion district, just steps from Kenninji (Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple) Capella Kyoto will bring 89 guest rooms (of which six suites with a private Onsen), three world-class restaurants and wellness space to the cultural capital of Japan. Capella Kyoto will open spring 2026.
Capella Kyoto

The Lake Como EDITION, italy

Lake Como is set to become even more glamorous with the arrival of The Lake Como EDITION, bringing the brands signature modern minimalism to the iconic piece of Italian shoreline. Following a discreet soft opening late 2025 the hotel will officially open its doors in March 2026. The property will feature 148 rooms, wrapped in EDITION’s refined aesthetic of creamy hues, walnut and polished marble. Aside several dining outlets the hotel will boast a floating pool set directly over the lake, as well as a private dock for the most stylish of arrivals - by boat, of course.
The Lake Como EDITION

Rosewood Rome, ITALY

Ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is opening its first hotel in Rome in 2026. In an ensemble of three monumental buildings (one of them the former headquarters of Italy’s Banca Nazionale del Lavora) Rosewood will bring opulence and elegance to Rome’s Via Veneto. At opening the hotel will offer 155 guest rooms (including 50 suites), three dining outlets and a roofterrace with city views. In the subterrain of the property, the bank’s original vault will transform into a Roman Bathhouse and Asaya Spa. Pinch us. Opening April 2026.
Rosewood Rome

Mama Shelter Cape Town

Fun-lovin Mama Shelter is coming to the mother city of Cape Town. Opening in Bree Street (right in the heart of the action) the hotel will feature 127 guest rooms, 68 branded residences, a gym, co-working area and a rooftop area with pool and sweeping city views. The Cape Town opening will also introduce a new concept: Mama Play, nearly 800 square meters of arcade space with a bowling ally, karaoke and several restaurants. Opening Q3, 2026.
Mama Shelter Cape Town

The Standard, Lisbon

High above the alleyways of Lisbon’s buzzing Alfama neighborhood and housed in a former Royal Navy Hospital, the Standard Lisbon will be a perfect marriage between Portuguese heritage and the Standard’s siganture design and boldness. Expect 170 goodlooking guest rooms, a lounge, restaurant and a rooftop bar. Opening Q3, 2026.
The Standard Lisbon

Explora TORRES DEL PAINE conservation reserve, chile

Chilean-based Explora Hotels continues its quiet expansion into South America’s most extraordinary landscapes, announcing a new lodge in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Opening this December, Explora Torres del Paine marks the brands fifth outpost in Chile, following its stunning lodges Easter Island and the Atacama Desert - to name a few. Set on a private land just outside Torres del Paine National Park, the intimate 10 room retreat will focus on immersive outdoor exploration. Together with Explora’s upcoming opening in El Calafate (Argentinean Patagonia) travelers will soon have five stylish bases from which to experience Patagonia’s vast and untamed beauty.
Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve