Culture Trip's Favourite New Hotels to Book Now

This hotel, between two railway stations – the Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est – in the heart of Paris, offers a surprisingly English interior, courtesy of designer Luke Edward Hall. The combination of English interiors and French soul is one that works surprisingly well, and the hotel is a welcome option for savvy travellers looking to make the most of a short stay in the City of Love. The café provides a quintessential French menu.

The thermal waters of Buxton are famous across the UK. Affluent Georgians would regularly travel to the region to bathe in the purpose-built spas and today you can buy bottled water from here pretty much everywhere in the UK. The Romans were the first to catch onto the life-giving properties of this natural resource and, in more recent times, a number of hotels have sprung up too. The Crescent is a modern boutique hotel in Buxton offering hydrotherapy, luxury treatments and healthy cuisine. This hotel is set in the lush Peak District, which means you have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country right on your doorstep, waiting to be explored.

This hybrid accommodation gives you the convenience of a hotel with the comfort of a home from home. The property is in the centre of town, but in Byron Bay that also means you are only 50m (164ft) from the beach! Rooms are spacious and facilities include a laundry and kitchen. There’s also a rooftop bar where you can enjoy the fabulous sunsets this coastal resort is known for. If you were still in any doubt over the local credentials of the Surf House, then perhaps the use of complimentary surf and boogie boards will swing your opinion?

Set in the Adelaide Oval Stadium, this hotel has the distinction of being a city centre property with 138 rooms and overlooking a vast expanse of parkland. The contemporary design makes great use of space. Australia has already started putting on large-scale public events with live audiences, so with the Oval Stadium hosting sports and music events – and local lockdowns permitting – this could be your best chance of experiencing a dose of normality this year.

Austin’s popular South Congress neighbourhood is where most nights out in the party capital of Texas end up. This hotel is spread over four buildings, connected by exposed walkways. It’s all part of the casual attitude that Austin has cultivated in recent years, one that comes to the fore during events such as SXSW. Hotel Magdalena also pays homage to the past, especially the musical roots of the properties that stood here before this hotel was built. Make sure you check out the sunken pool on your visit here, it’s something only guests can experience but there’s no better way to relax on a sweltering afternoon.

California is full of all types of places to stay. You have the upmarket hotels of West Hollywood and the more functional properties prevalent in Downtown LA. Hotel June opts for something a little different by capturing the spirit of lazy afternoons, sunbathing by a pool without a care in the world. The bright, colourful interiors are in keeping with the mid-century modern aesthetic West Los Angeles is known for, and the hotel is located a short walk from Playa Vista, the trendiest part of California according to those in the know. The onsite restaurant deliberately taps into local dishes and tastes, meaning you can take a foodie road trip along the West Coast without ever getting behind the wheel.

A modern branch of the ever-popular Ace brand, this hotel feels like a one-off thanks to the carefully curated look of its interior. It’s all done to maintain the magic you find outside in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. The rooms are full of details that give them a retro feel, from the mustard colours of the furnishings to the patterns used on the flooring. The restaurants have an international leaning, serving pizzas and tacos – comfort food if you’re done with all the local cuisine available elsewhere in the city. If you want to start a Japanese adventure in Kyoto but want to ease yourself in with somewhere familiar, then we highly recommend a few nights here.

Tucked away in one of the most culturally-rich places in Mexico – Oaxaca City – this hotel is built in the local style with traditional materials. The result is a place that might not have the polished feel of glass and metal buildings you might get elsewhere, but instead a warm and rustic tone more in keeping with its gorgeous setting. The overall effect is very deliberate, with the aged feel of the rooms and lobby space making you feel like you’re stepping back in time, but with all the modern safety you could possibly hope for. Choose a balcony room for a view of the courtyard, or a patio room if you want a piece of the shared outdoor space to explore.

Founded in the 16th century, Arequipa in Peru is a remarkable destination that is becoming increasingly popular with foreign visitors to the country. CIRQA is built around the Parador Estate, which itself has been standing for centuries. The luxury retreat only has 11 rooms but, as you can imagine, they offer the last word in high-end comfort. Complimentary snacks and beverages greet you on your arrival into your room, which itself overlooks one of two patio areas. Many visitors are here to explore the ancient ruins and treasures of the Yanahuara district, and staying here makes it all so easy to do.

Habitas aims to bring the safari experience right into your room. The elevated property looks straight into one of the great savannahs of Namibia, and the immersive experience doesn’t end there. This project is part of a 50,000ha (123,552 acre) environmental initiative to protect local nature, wildlife and culture. There are daily excursions you can take by foot or by car, training sessions with tribesmen to learn real survival techniques, and mountain biking trips to get even closer to the animals.