7 game-changing hotel projects completing in 2024

Here are seven hotels that will, in more ways than one, challenge conventional hospitality standards. Whoever said that the global hotel design scene has reached its peak clearly does not have these hotel design jewels, shimmering, waiting in the wings, on their radar. Hamish Kilburn writes…

It never ceases to amaze me how, year on year, hotel designers and architects manage to level up to make masterpieces of art out of bricks and water, unveiling new hotels that answer to the existing hotel scene with a confident interpretation of what the next era of hospitality and luxury looks and feels like.

Largely fuelling this movement, allowing visionaries to break traditional boundaries, is the focus on sustainability. We have finally reached a point where the value of a conscious design approach is not measured solely on its environmental impact. Instead, we are celebrating the fact that this considered approach to materials is allowing designs to sink deeper into their foundations and environment. As a result, designers are creating meaningful environments that effortlessly capture the hearts of modern travellers while enhancing brand identity in ways that feel authentic, real and honest.

While design is flourishing to the forefront of luxury traveller demands, the new definition of design captures the mise en scène – in perfectly harmony, the wardrobe and wallpaper, cutlery and ceramics all have to share the same design language.

With 2024 shaping up to be yet another pivotal year for the hotel design community, here are what I believe will be the hottest hotels to arrive this year.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair | opening in April 2024

As one era ends, another begins. Hanover Square, the iconic Mayfair address that had, until recently, been home to the London Conde Nast team, is about to welcome a new neighbour. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair was described by its developer, Clivedale London, as ‘a true one-off’ – and we believe it will open to honour that statement.

Designed by the globally renowned Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), the property is formed of north and south towers, connected by an iconic glass core, flooding the building with natural light.

Inside, every nook is being carefully considered to allow for the Mandarin Oriental brand to be reflected in a way that feels deeply personal. Bespoke wardrobes for the staff, for example, are being designed by NO Uniform, under the watchful, creative eye of British fashion designer NICHOLAS OAKWELL – think couture meets hotel design.

As for the interior design scheme, created by Studio Indigo, expect all the comforts of a private residence combined with the warm Mandarin Oriental hospitality style that luxury travellers expect.

Villa Dahlia, Stockholm, Sweden | opening autumn 2024

Could this be Stockholm's hottest hotel arrival this year? Villa Dahlia will open as the sister property of the city's well-known and much-loved Villa Dagmar and Hotel Diplomat.

With a focus on conscious design and hospitality combined, the 103-key luxury hotel will shelter a restaurant, two bars and a wellness centre, complete with saunas, plunge pools and a gym.

Warren Street Hotel, New York City, USA | opening in spring 2024

After getting the local’s seal of approval inside New York’s Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby Hotel, Tim and Kit Kemp are about to unveil their third stateside hotel – a milestone that deserves to be celebrated. Cue the arrival of Warren Street Hotel.

Somewhat unconventionally, the hotel will take shelter in a former car park. Inside, the hotel will be adorned by a Kit Kemp level of quirky, colourful and textured accents that, throughout the interior design scheme, will spill into different motifs – those flamboyant headboards are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Gundari, Greece | opening in May 2024

For some years now, many would argue that Santorini has become awash with tourists. Attracting cruise ships of all sizes, the hotel scene on the island is, quite literally, bursting at the seams.

Lesser-known neighbour Folegandros, just 40 miles West, is a Greek island that looks and feels the way Greek islands should - think whitewashed chapels, fragrant orange and lemon groves and a naturally rugged coastline.

Gundari, an all-suite boutique property that will be situated in a nature reserve, has been built for true travellers who want to explore an island’s raw beauty. Just The hotel will comprise of just 25 villas, which will shelter a distinctly local design scheme, complete with handcrafted timber details and marble floors, plus infinity pools heated by solar power.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok | Opening in 2024

Aman, a hotel brand that has in recent years become the example of contemporary luxury, is unveiling a new city outpost in the city’s historic Nai Lert Park.

Designed by long-term Aman architect Jean Michel Gathy, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will be a ‘haven of calm’ away from the frenetic pace of the Thai capital, with 52 opulent suites and 33 Aman Residences. It will also be the second destination to feature an Aman members’ club, following Aman New York.

1 hotels Melbourne | Opening in December 2024

Last year, 1 Hotels opened the floodgates, unveiling its first hotel outside of the US. Thanks to its considered design scheme that effortlessly injected a unique sense of place through the use of natural materials and layered textures, led by Jessica Morrison from G.A Group , it didn’t take long for 1 Hotels Mayfair to feel at home in its London setting.

Fast forward a few months since the ribbon was cut, 1 Hotels is gearing up to launch its next hotel in Melbourne. And the industry is eagerly awaiting how the brand will root its design scheme to feel organic and at one with the city’s already bustling hotel scene.

The hotel brand, known for breaking boundaries while being at one with nature in urban settings, of course, is celebrated for its ability to create a organic look that feels luxurious. Its debut Australian property will form part of the 450 million USD Seafarers project, comprising of luxury residences and a waterfront public park on the Yarra River.

Dunas de Formentera | Opening in May 2024

Dunas de Formentera will open this spring, bringing a tranquil retreat to the island of Formentera – sounds fabulous and very apt against the island's known laidback nature.

The property will join Pablo Carrington’s Marugal portfolio of hotels across Spain, France, Portugal and Switzerland.

Set amongst the sand dunes of Mijorn beach, the hotel will shelter 44 rooms and suites, some in secluded bungalows, all connected by pathways and boardwalks through the dunes.

Interiors have been designed by Palma-based studio Antonio Obrador, who is said to be inspired by the island's geography. A sandy and off-white colour palette will reflect the natural surroundings, accompanied by accents of terracotta, stucco, wood and ceramic latticing.