The 14 Best Luxury Hotels That Opened In 2017

2017 marked a transformative year for the global luxury hospitality scene, with a wave of high-profile five-star hotel launches from New York to Cape Town. Discerning travelers have been treated to a fresh array of refined accommodations and exceptional amenities across the world’s most iconic destinations.

According to the annual Luxury Travel Intelligence report—an industry benchmark for affluent travelers—14 newly opened properties rose above the competition, setting new standards in service, design, and guest experience. 

Which properties truly delivered on their promise of next-level luxury? Below, discover our expert selection of the 14 best new luxury hotels that debuted in 2017.

Firmdale Hotels brought their signature British flair to Manhattan with the opening of The Whitby Hotel, a vibrant celebration of modern art and innovative design. Notable highlights include a 30-seat, state-of-the-art private cinema and the luminous Orangery, perfect for afternoon tea or private gatherings. The Whitby continues to attract both design aficionados and luxury travelers seeking an eclectic retreat in Midtown.

• Find the most competitive rates for The Whitby by comparing top hotel providers here.

Occupying a prime position above Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel has quickly become a favorite among global luxury travelers. With just 28 individually designed rooms and suites, an awe-inspiring rooftop pool, and the chic Willaston Bar, The Silo offers a truly bespoke South African experience. The property’s striking architecture and curated art collection continue to set it apart.

• Secure the best offers for The Silo by comparing leading hotel suppliers here.

Nestled within São Paulo’s verdant Burle Marx Park, Palácio Tangará brings urban resort luxury to Brazil’s largest city. The hotel boasts 141 expansive guestrooms and suites, a world-class spa, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The glass-enclosed wine cellar, overseen by expert sommelier Gabriele Frizon, remains a standout for oenophiles visiting the city.

• Compare rates from top hotel platforms and find the best value for Palácio Tangará here.

Jackalope Hotel introduced an avant-garde approach to luxury accommodation with its debut on the Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by picturesque vineyards, the property features generously sized rooms and two acclaimed restaurants, all set within a boutique estate. The Jackalope brand has since expanded its horizons, with new projects announced for Melbourne and Shanghai, reflecting its ongoing influence in luxury hospitality.

• Discover the best rates for Jackalope by comparing major hotel suppliers here.

Reviving the glamour of Miami’s legendary Surf Club, the Four Seasons presents a refined beachfront sanctuary with just 77 elegantly appointed rooms and 28 private residences. Guests enjoy elevated Italian cuisine at Le Sirenuse Miami and a sense of privacy that echoes the club’s storied past, once frequented by icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill.

• Find the best prices for Four Seasons Surf Club by comparing all leading hotel sites here.

Kokomo Private Island redefines barefoot luxury in the South Pacific. Conceived by Australian developer Lang Walker, this exclusive escape features 21 lavish beachfront villas, each with a private pool and traditional Fijian thatched architecture. The resort’s commitment to sustainability and personalized service ensures a truly immersive island experience.

• Compare top hotel providers for the best rates on Kokomo Island here.

Following a meticulous restoration by the Dorchester Collection, Hotel Eden in Rome seamlessly blends 19th-century grandeur with contemporary luxury. The 98 rooms and suites now feature Italian marble bathrooms and state-of-the-art technology, while the elevated dining and panoramic city views reinforce its reputation as one of the Eternal City’s premier addresses.

• Find competitive rates for Hotel Eden by comparing top luxury hotel suppliers here.

Set along the sands of Carbon Beach, Nobu Ryokan Malibu offers a rare blend of Japanese minimalism and California coastal elegance. Founded by a powerhouse team including Larry Ellison, chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, this intimate retreat is renowned for its tranquility, bespoke service, and exclusive beachfront access.

Soaring 2,800 feet above Lake Lucerne, the Bürgenstock Hotel emerged as a Swiss icon after nearly a decade of meticulous planning and development. The property features 102 contemporary rooms and suites, a celebrated Alpine spa, gourmet dining venues, a sophisticated lobby bar, and a wine and cigar lounge—all with breathtaking lake and mountain views.

• Compare all major suppliers for the best rates on Bürgenstock Resort here.

Set within the lush Mayan forests of the Yucatán Peninsula, Chablé Resort & Spa is celebrated for its striking contemporary architecture, holistic spa, and elevated regional cuisine. The property boasts one of the world’s most extensive tequila libraries, offering guests a truly immersive taste of Mexican heritage.

• Find the best value for Chablé Resort by comparing top hotel platforms here.

After an extensive four-year transformation, Hôtel de Crillon reopened its doors to reclaim its place among Paris’s grandest hotels. Guests are treated to impeccable service, exquisitely designed accommodations, a coveted location on Place de la Concorde, and a subterranean spa with a stunning indoor pool—making it a perennial favorite for luxury travelers in the French capital.

• Compare the top hotel suppliers for the best rates at Hôtel de Crillon here.

Villa La Coste reimagines Provençal luxury, offering the intimacy of a private residence within a 600-acre organic vineyard estate in the heart of Provence. Each of the 28 contemporary villa suites comes with a private terrace and sweeping views of the Luberon Valley, blending art, nature, and gastronomy for a truly immersive experience.

Located in a former bank headquarters, The Ned fuses historic architecture with contemporary luxury. Operated by Soho House, this London landmark offers a rooftop pool with panoramic city views, eight diverse dining venues, an exclusive members’ club, state-of-the-art gym, and a spa featuring a serene subterranean pool—making it a sought-after destination for both leisure and business travelers.

• Compare all leading hotel suppliers to secure the best rates for The Ned here.

Bulgari Resort Dubai redefines understated elegance in a city renowned for its opulence. Opened in December 2017, the property spans 13 hectares and features striking contemporary architecture, a private beach and beach club, a 50-berth marina, an award-winning spa, and a celebrated Italian restaurant led by chef Niko Romito. The resort continues to set the benchmark for discreet, sophisticated luxury in the UAE.