May is a blessing and a curse. Summer is right around the corner — a win! But have you actually planned something for a summer vacation? The stress! But fear not, because it’s not too late to pick one of our best destinations to visit in June or even further out in July.
May is also a busy month, and you might have missed some important hotel news over the last few weeks. With a nice stash of Hilton Honors points in my account, I was bummed to learn that the company was devaluing many high-end stays, with some skyrocketing up to 200,000 points a night.
I wasn’t shocked to hear, however, that Marriott launched another new brand — its 37th, in fact. Called Series by Marriott, the brand will focus on bringing already existing regional chains into the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem, starting with a partnership in India.
: An overview of the 37 Marriott hotel brands
And there was pretty big news from Airbnb, which launched new on-demand, hotel-like amenities. Want a chef to come cook for you? Order one up on Airbnb.
Here’s what else you need to know from May.
IHG is having a ‘glow up’ Down Under (and more Aussie hotel news)
Recently in Australia, I had the chance to stay at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters (of “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” fame) and the very popular InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. These hotels showed the range of IHG’s presence in the country, and I really enjoyed my stays.
Now, IHG is doubling down Down Under with a number of reflaggings, upgrades and a few new hotels: Three Crowne Plaza properties in Coogee Beach, Melbourne and Canberra will transform into InterContinental properties; a new Hotel Indigo will open in Canberra; Voco Gold Coast will undergo a renovation; and, by 2030, the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto will transform into the Regent Melbourne.
For folks heading to Queensland, you’ll be excited to hear that the Mondrian Gold Coast is now open. The sleek hotel is about as trendy as they come, and right on Burleigh Beach, the heart of the area’s surf scene. With Ennismore’s paid membership program, Dis-loyalty, you can actually save 50% on rooms at the Mondrian Gold Coast for the next three months as part of the program’s discounts on just-opened hotels.
There’s a new Rosewood on the Riviera Nayarit
We love a Rosewood hotel. In fact, Rosewood London is one of my favorite hotels in the world. Now, Mexico’s Pacific coast has a brand-new property from the legendary brand that should be added to your list: Rosewood Mandarina.
With 134 rooms, suites and villas, the property offers beautiful views, outdoor showers, infinity plunge pools and other comforts. Food ranges from Spanish food on the beach to Japanese fine dining. And, of course, you can expect a spa and fun activities like horseback riding, golfing and surfing, or just kicking back by the pool.
: The most exciting hotel openings of 2025
Raffles is taking over a famed Shanghai hotel
Come 2027, the iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai will rebrand as Raffles Peace Hotel Shanghai. Accor, it seems, is racking up legendary buildings and transforming them into top-tier hotels, like Raffles London at The OWO. The hotel, set in an art deco building on the Bund, will stay open during the transformation, but you can expect it to get all polished up ahead of the unfurling of the Raffles flag.
Grand Hyatt DFW is getting a makeover
As a native West Texan, I can’t fly home without passing through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Now, ahead of its 20th anniversary in July, the Grand Hyatt DFW has announced a $34 million remodel that will touch everything from guest rooms and suites to public spaces, meeting areas and reimagined restaurants, bars and lounges.
This sky-high Four Seasons has a new Sky Garden floor
I’ve always got my head in the clouds, which is why I’m obsessed with the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, taking up residence in the top floors of Philly’s tallest building. Now, the hotel has reimagined the 45th floor as the Sky Garden, with a mix of rooms, suites and penthouses designed by 1508 London. The floor — which pays homage to the skyscraper’s original architect, Norman Foster, and his design — offers guests one-of-a-kind and exclusive perks, an on-floor spa room and more.
In other news
- The St. Regis Singapore is embarking on a “landmark renovation,” as shared with TPG. By the end of the year, expect all-new rooms, updated dining options and meeting spaces.
- NoMad London launched a New York-themed bistro called Twenty8 Nomad, serving up martinis, seafood towers and more in a space created by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
- Kimpton has planted roots in Germany with the opening of its first property: Kimpton Main Frankfurt.
- In New York and Pasadena, Caifornia, guests of The Langham can now request rides in pink electric Lucid Air house cars.
- Aman has announced a forthcoming property in Exuma, Bahamas.
Reviews to inspire you
- First look: Hotel La Compania del Valle’s massive spa, curated artwork and nature access will draw Hyatt loyalists to Panama
- I earned back my Amex Business Platinum annual fee with a single 2-night stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong
- A haute hideaway in the heart of London: A review of the Hotel Cafe Royal
- Sydney Opera House views from 30,000 Marriott points: A review of Pier One Sydney Harbour
- First look: InterContinental Indianapolis, a modern grande dame for the Midwest
- First look: The St. Regis Aruba is home to the island’s only rooftop restaurant, luxe oceanfront suites and the first-ever St. Regis casino