Whether it’s a weekend in Vienna tacked onto a Danube cruise or a pitstop in Tokyo before hopping off to Bali, our clients don’t just pass through cities – they use them. A great hotel makes that easy: close to the action, big on character, and with the kind of service that anticipates what you didn’t even know you needed.
We’ve had our eye on the luxury city hotel scene for a while now, and 2025 is shaping up to be a standout year. From fresh launches by brands like Airelles, Six Senses and Fairmont, to low-key gems already open and exceeding expectations, these are the properties we’re booking, watching, and quietly keeping in our back pocket.
Some are open and ready to welcome you now. Others are worth planning ahead for — and in many cases, that’s essential. Here’s our pick of the most exciting city hotels across the world right now and next.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok – Opened January 2025
Poised on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this hotel blends sleek modernity with warm Thai touches. The rooftop pool is an unbeatable perch for watching the city’s pulse shift from day to neon-lit night, but the real draw is its seamless balance of pace and pause – a refuge after busy city explorations or before heading out to nearby islands. The wellness offering includes a traditional Thai spa that delivers authentic treatments in a minimalist, soothing setting. Plus, with a range of dining options from elevated local flavours to refined international cuisine, it’s a versatile base for honeymooners and families alike.
2. Fairmont Tokyo – Opened July 2025
Tucked into Tokyo Bay with clean-lined interiors and quietly elevated service, this is Fairmont’s Japan debut–and it feels perfectly timed. Local chefs are heading up the kitchens, the spa is already being buzzed about, and it’s well-placed for travellers splitting time between city and coast. We’re especially excited by the balance it strikes between international comfort and a deep respect for Japanese aesthetics–think hinoki tubs, precise plating, and clever tech. The tea lounge, with its fusion of Japanese ceremony and Parisian patisserie, is already gaining a following.
3. Raffles Sentosa, Singapore – Opened May 2025
All-villa. Private pools. A lush, near-tropical quietude. And still only 20 minutes from Orchard Road. This Raffles outpost is for families who want space and serenity without giving up Singapore’s dining, culture or shopping. With butlers on hand and menus that skew both kid-friendly and culinary, it’s a solid pick for clients wanting a city break that doesn’t feel rushed or cramped. We love that the experience here feels like a resort, but one with direct access to hawker stalls, cocktail bars, and Sentosa’s attractions.
4. Rosewood Doha – Opened July 2025
You’d expect Rosewood to get it right–and they have. Occupying part of the Lusail Marina Twin Towers, the hotel blends Qatari architectural drama with next-level calm: oversized rooms, knockout restaurants, and a wellness floor that means business. We’re watching its F&B closely–there’s serious talent in the kitchens (all eight of them), and private dining is set to be a standout experience. It’s a smart add-on for Middle East-bound clients who want to explore beyond the Dubai/Abu Dhabi circuit.
5. The Chancery Rosewood, London – Opens September 2025
Housed in the old US Embassy building in Mayfair, this could be one of London’s most significant openings in a decade. We’re expecting handsome suites, polished service, and a spa experience that rivals any city retreat. Ideal for guests who prefer understatement to spectacle. And with Rosewood’s spa credentials and art partnerships, this will be more than a Mayfair pied-à-terre–it’s set to be a new cultural anchor in the neighbourhood. The restaurant team includes alumni from some of the city’s most iconic kitchens, so we expect it to be a local draw as well.
6. Airelles Venezia, Venice – Opens 2026
Sitting proudly on the Grand Canal, Airelles Venezia is the brand’s first venture outside France – a perfect storm of period elegance and contemporary indulgence. Expect frescoes and handcrafted details alongside modern luxury touches. Beyond the sumptuous interiors, the hotel will offer curated cultural experiences and access to Venice’s best-kept secrets. Its bars and lounges promise a moody, candlelit atmosphere that feels utterly Venetian, while the location ensures you’re steps from the city’s iconic charm but far from the crowds.
7. Mandarin Oriental, Vienna – Opens Autumn 2025
Set within a former courthouse, this hotel bridges Vienna’s imperial heritage with Mandarin Oriental’s signature elegance. Design highlights include grand staircases and a spa that focuses on wellness as well as luxury. What excites us most is the dynamic food and beverage programme, which aims to draw on local ingredients and contemporary Viennese trends. Its location offers direct access to classical sights and the city’s vibrant creative quarters, making it ideal for those who want to experience Vienna’s multifaceted personality.
8. Fairmont New Orleans – Opens Summer 2025
Reimagining a classic local landmark, this Fairmont blends New Orleans’ jazz-infused spirit with a fresh, contemporary feel. The rooftop pool offers views over the city’s iconic skyline, perfect for unwinding after exploring the French Quarter. Inside, expect a stylish bar scene and thoughtfully curated public spaces that celebrate the city’s rich culture. The location strikes a balance between lively urban energy and a peaceful retreat, appealing to travellers who want authenticity with a modern edge.
9. Six Senses London – Opening Q4 2025
Just off Westbourne Grove, Six Senses London is shaping up to be a sanctuary for wellness-minded travellers. The hotel brings its hallmark earthy elegance, featuring a vast spa and an ‘Earth Lab’ focusing on sustainability innovations. Design-wise, expect natural materials and thoughtful touches that foster calm. It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants the city’s energy nearby but prefers a stay where rest and renewal take priority over spectacle.
Want First Dibs?
We’re already working with clients to secure stays at these openings–some of which will be incredibly limited in their first few months. Whether you want to be among the first through the doors or simply need a stylish stopover, we’ll help you book the room (and experience) that’s right for you.
Get in touch to start planning your next city escape.
