While we’re checking into these stunning new hotels that opened in 2024, we’re checking out how modern design and top-tier hospitality are making themselves right at home. From sky-high luxury in Belgrade to intimate opulence in Rome, these fresh stays prove that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how an interior space makes you feel. Whether it’s a lobby that doubles as an art gallery or a suite so chic you’ll consider “accidentally” missing your flight home, these hotels are raising the [mini] bar. More than just places to sleep, they are showcases of how interior design shapes experience—blurring the line between function and fantasy, comfort and creativity.

SERB IT UP

Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and with interiors by HOK, headquartered in St. Louis, the St. Regis Belgrade offers guests an immersive experience where architecture and design converge to evoke a sense of modern luxury intertwined with local heritage. The building’s dynamic, twisting form captures attention and symbolizes the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, grounding the structure in its geographical context. HOK’s thoughtful use of grand staircases, curated artworks, and rich materials creates a sophisticated and welcoming ambiance, ensuring guests feel both the grandeur of the space and the warmth of Serbian hospitality.

JAIPUR IT ON

Designed by Bangkok-based architect Clive Gray of Randolph Gray Design, with interiors by Raffles’ in-house team, Raffles Jaipur reimagines a Rajasthani palace with a balance of grandeur and intimacy. Mughal and Rajputana influences—soaring domes, hand-carved marble, and intricate jali screens—filter light dynamically, creating an atmosphere that shifts with the day. Rich textiles, jewel-toned silks, and curated artifacts heighten the sense of opulence, while frescoes and archways add layers of storytelling. Every space feels like a private royal sanctuary, where history and luxury merge to craft a transportive experience.  And isn’t that why we travel?

REEL TO REAL LUXURY

Designed by Copenhagen-based architect Camilla van den Tempel of &TEMPEL, Park Lane Copenhagen masterfully blends historic charm with contemporary elegance. The renovation preserves original features of the 1920s club-turned-cinema, like high ceilings, intricate stucco, and restored chandeliers from the former ballroom, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. Interiors are adorned with custom-made furniture, handcrafted wallpaper, and wooden chevron floors, complemented by a palette of creamy tones, deep browns, and subtle green accents inspired by a nearby park. This thoughtful design fosters a serene ambiance, inviting guests to unwind in a space where classic and modern elements harmoniously coexist.

THE FIFTH SENSE

Designed by New York-based architectural firms Perkins Eastman and PBDW Architects, with interiors by London-based designer Martin Brudnizki, The Fifth Avenue Hotel masterfully blends historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. The project revitalized a five-story McKim, Mead & White building, initially constructed in 1907, and seamlessly integrated a new 24-story glass tower, creating a harmonious juxtaposition of classic and modern architecture. Brudnizki’s interior design infuses the spaces with Gilded Age glamour, featuring gem-toned chandeliers, silk-clad elevator lobbies, and richly patterned wallpapers that evoke a sense of opulence and warmth. This thoughtful design fosters an atmosphere where guests feel the historic significance of the landmark building and the inviting comfort of modern hospitality.

BAVARIAN RHAPSODY

Designed by Madrid-based Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, with Munich-based Landau + Kindelbacher interiors, Koenigshof redefines Bavarian luxury through striking contrasts—sleek modernism set against the city’s deep-rooted elegance. Its sculpted façade, a geometric interplay of light and shadow, asserts a bold presence in Karlsplatz, echoing Munich’s evolving architectural identity. Inside, the design balances intimacy and grandeur with rich wood paneling, custom-crafted furniture, and warm textures that soften the clean, contemporary lines. Every detail—from the precise lighting that shifts with the time of day to the subtle nods to Bavarian craftsmanship—creates a space that feels cosmopolitan and unmistakably Munich.

WONDER LESS. WANDER MORE. 

Great design is the foundation of great hospitality, and no one curates that intersection better than Upon Return. Whether you’re seeking a safari in sub-Saharan Africa, a design-forward escape in Japan, or a modernist haven in Mexico City, Upon Return—curated by seasoned traveler Jason Claire—offers a time-saving guide to hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries, bars, museums, neighborhoods, and more. It is where architecture, interiors, and hospitality align to create unforgettable stays. With over 4,000 personally vetted recommendations across 60 countries, this members-only resource is the shortcut to discovering destinations prioritizing style and soul. Want to explore our curated list, including the stunning Romeo Roma? You’ll need to join Upon Return—because the best design-led hotels aren’t just found; they’re uncovered.

ON THE BOARDS

This month, we are excited to share more design details of the very special Powder Room from our custom, new build project that now under construction in Arlington, VA. 

The highlights of this special bathroom include a modern tile wainscot detail, textured wallcovering, a floating vanity in a matte taupe finish, artisan faucet by Samuel Heath, and a gorgeous handmade glass pendant. We selected bronze finishes and warm tones to keep this modern space and warm and classic. 

We’re excited to see this special project continue to come to life – stay tuned for more design updates!