A resurgence of interest in grand hotels, iconic for their scale, luxury, and historic significance, is reshaping the landscape of high-end hospitality around the world. This trend reflects a growing demand from affluent travelers seeking not only comfort but also unique experiences tied to location and heritage.
In June, Bless Ibiza The Site debuted in Spain with 461 rooms, retail spaces, restaurants, a central social hub, and a speakeasy. The property also includes the Unexpected Ibiza Hotel, an adults-only experience within the larger establishment. Developed by Palladium Hotel Group, the project aims to serve as a flagship destination for Mediterranean travelers, blending the grandeur of 19th-century hotels with modern amenities.
The revival of grand hotels is not limited to new constructions. Existing historic properties are undergoing extensive renovations to meet contemporary luxury standards while preserving their legacy. Manhattan’s Waldorf Astoria New York celebrated its 95th anniversary this year, having reopened in 2025 following a $2 billion renovation. Luigi Romaniello, the hotel’s managing director, emphasized a renewed appreciation for venues with authentic character and enduring history.
Similarly, the Hotel Coronado in California, often cited as the birthplace of the American beach vacation, completed a $550 million overhaul. Managing director JP Oliver described the update as balancing respect for its 1888 heritage with a modernized approach, maintaining a long-term investment in a property with irreplaceable real estate value. Heritage manager Gina Petrone noted that hotels like the Coronado, once designed to entertain guests for extended stays with state-of-the-art luxuries of their era, declined in prevalence due to changes in travel patterns and economic shifts during the Great Depression and World War II.
The concept of the grand hotel originated in 19th-century Europe, supported by expanding railway networks that promoted luxury tourism. Notable early examples include Raffles Singapore (1887), the Savoy in London (1889), and New York’s Plaza Hotel (1907). Definitions vary, but experts generally agree that grand hotels are distinguished by their substantial size—typically 200 to 500 rooms—and an unmistakable sense of grandeur.
The current renewal of interest is driven by travelers’ desire for authentic local experiences rather than generic luxury. Susan Wilson, house historian at Boston’s Omni Parker House, highlighted that guests seek accommodations that convey a strong sense of place. Popular culture, such as the television series “White Lotus” and collaborations with luxury fashion brands like Gucci—who reimagined the Royal Suite at London’s Savoy in 2021—further amplify this trend. The Savoy is historically linked to Gucci’s founder, who worked there in the late 19th century, underscoring the storytelling aspect that draws guests.
The renaissance extends to other regions as well, exemplified by Turkey’s InterContinental Grand Ankara. Opened in 1966 as the Grand Ankara Hotel and recently reopened this past June, it offers 342 rooms, multiple ballrooms, a large spa, pools, and extensive meeting facilities, retaining its prominence near the Turkish Grand National Assembly while catering to a new generation of travelers.
This wave of restoration and innovation illustrates a broader shift in luxury travel, where historical significance and experiential authenticity are once again valued alongside traditional notions of comfort and opulence.