Luxury redefined: esquire's top new hotels for 2026

The hospitality industry faces a curious paradox: how to cultivate a sense of meticulous care while simultaneously fostering a spirit of exploration? The relentless pursuit of “authentic experience” in hotels often clashes with the very desire for adventure that drives Travel itself. Esquire’s editors spent a year traversing the globe—from snow-dusted Yellowstone to California’s wine country, navigating a brief, unexpected detour courtesy of U.S. military exercises in Puerto Rico—to identify the 43 hotels that best reconcile this tension.

Florence's hidden jewel: collegio alla querce

Perched high above Florence, the Collegio Alla Querce isn't just a hotel; it's a journey through time. Once the palazzo of a nobleman, then a private school educating generations of Florentines (including Salvatore Ferragamo’s family), it now offers a discreet luxury experience. The Bar Bertelli, housed in the former headmaster’s office, is the ideal spot to savor a Negroni as the sun dips behind the cypress trees—a view that, as W. Somerset Maugham observed, “you never tire of.” It’s a whisper of elegance, a haven far removed from the summer tourist throngs, yet remarkably close to the city's vibrant core. The design firm ArchFlorence has masterfully transformed the common areas, imbuing them with a sumptuous, deeply Florentine character. Expect rooms with panoramic views, the scent of lemon groves, a sprawling pool, and exceptional seafood at La Gamella—their tuna tartare alone is worth the trip. The hotel achieves that elusive state: feeling utterly like home, a testament to the Auberge Collection’s knack for intimate scale and a powerful sense of place.

Sedona's healing embrace: l’auberge de sedona

Sedona draws seekers of the fabled red-rock vortices, those who believe in the earth’s palpable energy. L’Auberge de Sedona doesn’t claim to be a vortex, but it certainly surrounds you with a restorative aura, gently nudging you towards a slightly better version of yourself. Following a recent renovation, the property boasts ninety-one lodges with breathtaking views, offering an invitation to swim, stargaze, and connect with the desert’s quiet power. It’s a space to gather crystals, reflect, and perhaps, rediscover a sense of inner peace.

Ojai's cool california vibe: hotel el roblar

Hotel El Roblar encapsulates the essence of Ojai’s laid-back cool. Beyond the obvious delights—chef Brandon Boudet’s exceptional tuna tostadas and sweet-potato tacos, the resident Aldabra giant tortoises—it's the small details that truly shine: the meticulously chosen tilework, the warm woodwork, the quirky mural blending Krishnamurti and 80s aerobics. The crackling fireplace in the lobby on a rainy afternoon is a magnet, drawing locals and guests alike to share stories and quiet moments. Hotel El Roblar isn’t merely a place to stay; it’s a portal to a particular mood, a feeling.

A new york icon reborn: waldorf astoria

After a monumental $2 billion, eight-year renovation, the Waldorf Astoria has returned to New York City's skyline, reaffirming its status as a landmark of luxury. From its opulent lobby, anchored by Cole Porter's piano, to its world-class restaurants and Guerlain Wellness Spa, every detail exudes a timeless elegance. The hotel’s reopening marks not just a restoration, but a redefinition of New York's hospitality landscape. The recent sale—already back on the market—suggests the property's continued trajectory towards unparalleled prestige.