Jack Ezon, founder of the acclaimed Virtuoso luxury travel agency EmbarkBeyond, reveals his expert picks for the best new luxury hotels opening in 2026 in the United States. These highly anticipated luxury hotel openings in 2026 feature standout properties. From alpine escapes like White Elephant Aspen to waterfront gems like The Cooper in Charleston and beachfront icons such as Naples Beach Club by Four Seasons poised to redefine elite travel across prime US destinations. Here are eight of the top new luxury hotels set to debut next year.
1. White Elephant Aspen
White Elephant Aspen – From Nantucket to Palm Beach to Aspen, this new iteration of the brand will be right in downtown Aspen with 54 keys. With a major focus on art (there will be 125+ original artworks), a Boot Lounge with heated lockers, a pool and hot tubs, BMW house-cars, and pet-friendly touches, this will surely be the newest hot spot known in town. The suite to book will be the 1560-sq-ft Ajax Penthouse (above), with an expansive terrace. And you’ll want to go home with a set of silk pajamas from the hotel’s collab with Petite Plume.
2. The Hearst Hotel, San Francisco
The Hearst Hotel, San Francisco, Auberge Collection – As part of the revitalization of San Francisco, Auberge brings its storytelling to the city at a heritage address (the corner of Market Street and Third Street), with around 150 rooms and suites. Auberge remains a brand we love, with signature openings such as Collegio alla Querce in Florence this year.
3. The Cooper, Charleston, SC
The Cooper, Charleston, South Carolina – Adjacent to the Joe Riley Waterfront Park on the Charleston peninsula, The Cooper will be downtown Charleston’s only luxury waterfront hotel, complete with a private marina and four waterfront dining experiences. Overlooking the Cooper River, the 209-room hotel draws its design inspiration from the French Quarter.
4. Naples Beach Club, Naples, FL
Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort – Four Seasons promises to be the most luxurious beachfront resort in Naples when it opens its 216-room Beach Club with beachside gardens, elegant dining options, stellar waterfront services, and a 58-unit private residence village.
5. Three Hills, Warm Springs, VA
Three Hills Estate, Virginia – Set in Warm Springs, Three Hills will have 64 rooms and 21 cottages set on 44 acres of rolling hills in Virginia’s countryside. It will also include a sprawling spa wing with indoor and outdoor spaces, saunas, multi-temperature baths, and bespoke aromatherapy.
6. The Farmhouse at the Inns, Aurora, NY
The Farmhouse at the Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa – Aurora, NY – The Farmhouse will be the property’s first 5-star accommodation. Originally built in 1835 as part of a 140-acre estate, it will feature 10 elegantly appointed guest rooms, spacious parlors, and a stunning dining room that seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary sophistication.
7. Birdwood Mansion, Charlottesville, VA
Birdwood Mansion, Boar’s Head Resort: This intimate luxury resort will have just seven rooms nestled on the 600-acre Boar’s Head Resort. It will include an upscale dining room and elegant private outdoor spaces just outside Charlottesville.
8. Hotel MOHI, Morgan Hill, CA
Hotel MOHI by Appellation – Morgan Hill, California (March 2026). A collaboration between Appellation–the culinary-first hospitality brand founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger–and celebrated local vintner Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality, the 76-room hotel will feature a 215-seat signature Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar, a tranquil terrace pool, a modern spa and fitness club, and a flexible collection of event spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jack Ezon’s eight picks are White Elephant Aspen, The Hearst Hotel in San Francisco, The Cooper in Charleston, Naples Beach Club by Four Seasons, Three Hills Estate in Virginia, The Farmhouse at the Inns of Aurora, Birdwood Mansion in Charlottesville and Hotel MOHI in Morgan Hill, California.
It has 54 keys in downtown Aspen, over 125 original artworks and a Boot Lounge with heated lockers. The suite to book is the 1560-sq-ft Ajax Penthouse with an expansive terrace.
It will be downtown Charleston’s only luxury waterfront hotel, next to Joe Riley Waterfront Park, with 209 rooms, a private marina and four waterfront dining experiences.
The Four Seasons resort will have 216 rooms, beachside gardens, elegant dining, waterfront services and a 58-unit private residence village.
Birdwood Mansion at Boar’s Head Resort near Charlottesville, Virginia has just seven rooms on the 600-acre resort. The Farmhouse at the Inns of Aurora has 10 guest rooms.
More from DG Amazing Experiences: The Top 2024 U.S. Luxury Hotel Openings and Best Hotels & Top Suites of Santa Fe.
