Staying current and at the top of the travel market is no small feat for hotels around the globe. The ability to remain on traveler’s radars to attract new clientele and tempt returning guests can be a challenge. A hotel restaurant needs to constantly share something new, be it a seasonal pop-up, a third Michelin star, or another accolade for an already James Beard award-winning chef. The property itself also needs to align with new partners to constantly deliver fresh, unique experiences.
One clear way to bring a hotel from a traveler’s periphery to their primary focus is a renovation. That, of course, involves giving the property a makeover in some respect—but the refresh can be anything from remodeling and rebranding the restaurant to adding a second building of brand-new suites.
These honorees have expanded their suites, wellness facilities, or other amenities in big ways, some even closing for years to do so.
This 1887 institution just went through a significant refresh that brought new bars, restaurants, and courtyards with the intent of making it more of a high-end meeting spot. However, throughout the renovation, Raffles Singapore, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts partner, the building’s breathtaking facades and quintessential Singaporean hospitality remained well preserved.
Courtesy San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch, California
In June 2019, following the Thomas fires and subsequent mudslides, San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California reopened with a fresh face. The 41 cottages are newly outfitted with antiques and a cozy-but-luxe countryside feel. Their 1450-square-foot Churchill Cottage now sports a beautifully restored art-deco chandelier, and the spa has hand-painted walls and welcoming fireplaces.
Simon Brown/Courtesy The University Arms
University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection, Cambridge
Eclectic but luxurious, University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection reopened in October 2018 after a four-year renovation. The property dates back to the 1200s, but has been functioning as a hotel since 1834. The subtle design touches are everywhere post-renovation—from the vintage maps to the color-coordinated book selection in the library.
Kiattipong Panchee/Courtesy Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
This year, Six Senses Yao Noi renovated The View, their best villa, which comes to 2,442-square-feet and offers a clear view of Phang Nga Bay. Thanks to the refresh, the villa now has an infinity pool, a pool shack, a workout studio, and a private movie theater.
Courtesy The Leading Hotels of The World
Hotel Okura Tokyo
Hotel Okura Tokyo reopened in September after a three-year, $1 billion renovation, which was executed by the son of the property’s original architect. The Japanese-mod design was effectively preserved as the property welcomed the Okura Prestige tower (home to the high-end Imperial Suite) and the Okura Heritage Wing, designed to mirror the feeling of a Japanese guest house.
Courtesy Belmond
Belmond Cadogan Hotel, London
Belmond Cadogan Hotel wrapped up a $48 million, three-year renovation, which refreshed the bar, lobby, restaurant, and guests rooms of the property that dates back to 1887. The new floral motif in Adam Handling Chelsea’s dining room is actually an homage to the hotel’s original residential entrance.
Ken Seet/Courtesy Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, Greece
Astir Palace, first built in 1960, is an estate on the Athens Riviera, about an hour’s drive from the city center. In March, it reopened under Four Seasons’ management, breathing new life into what was once considered the most glamorous spot on mainland Greece. Four Seasons has refreshed and taken over management of the Arion and Nafsika hotels as well as operating 61 chic bungalows, all of which comprise the new Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.
Sim Canetty-Clarke/Courtesy The Fife Arms
The Fife Arms, Scotland
The 19th-century Victorian inn reopened in December after a renovation and reimagining that brought Scottish heritage to the forefront of the property. Now with a luxurious and antique feel, the tweed, tartan, and treasures from all over Scotland define the open spaces while The Fife Arms’ suites are each inspired by a person, place, custom, or event related to Braemar’s history.
Courtesy andBeyond
andBeyond Phinda Homestead, South Africa
andBeyond Phinda Homestead, a standalone lodge that allows travelers a completely private safari experience, reopened in September 2018 following a large-scale renovation. The new interiors are a nod to the reserve’s past as a cattle and pineapple farm (before being reclaimed for conservation and transformed into a Big Five game reserve).
Courtesy Mandarin Oriental Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts partner, has been a landmark for 117 years and just went through its most notable renovation, reopening to the public in April 2019. The update included opening entirely new rooms and suites, such as the two très chic, amenity-laden penthouse suites.
