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3 New Hotels To Build Your Trip Around In 2023

Every year, Condé Nast Traveler reveals its annual Hot List spotlighting the best new hotels, restaurants, and more around the world. In our first edition of 2023, we’re visiting NoMad in the city that never sleeps to check into The Ritz-Carlton, heading west to California wine country for a stop at The Madrona in Healdsburg, and finishing up with a sophisticated urban stay in Colorado at Thompson Denver.

Released on 05/01/2023

Transcript

[Narrator] Every year, Conde Nast Traveler reveals

its annual hot list, which spotlights the best new hotels,

restaurants and more around the world.

Here, a hip new place to sleep

in the city that never sleeps.

A restored Victorian charmer in the heart

of California wine country

and a sophisticated urban stay in downtown Denver

are three of the standout properties

on this year's hot list.

The new Ritz Carlton opened

in New York City's NoMad neighborhood

and it's the perfect centrally located home base

from which to explore the entire city.

The 50-floor all glass building has a fresh modern look

with pops of muted gold and silver

and stunning hand-blown light fixtures

by sculptor Randy Zieber.

What really makes the Ritz-Carlton stand out

are the hotel's buzzy restaurants and bars.

Zaytinya, a Mediterranean spot

from Michelin starred chef Jose Andres

is fast becoming a hard reservation to score.

The menu is an ode to Greek, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine

with classics like Smokey Baba Ganoush and Grilled Octopus

and of course, an excellent list of Greek and Turkish wines.

The real scene stealer is the 50th floor rooftop bar

Nubeluz, which channels the Roaring '20s

with a throwback color palette and lots of polished brass,

a dress code requirement and a drinks menu full

of elevated classic cocktails dramatically presented.

New York is best seen on foot,

and after a day of walking around,

it's time for some pampering.

The subterranean spa is spacious and chic.

Go for an Augustinus Bader facial,

or if you want a quick recharge,

try a 15-minute guided session

in one of the meditation pods.

Then it's up to your room.

Done up in calming neutral tones,

rooms are soothing sanctuaries to return to.

But a peek out your window at the iconic Manhattan skyline

reminds you that you are in the center of it all.

Welcome to California Wine Country and the Madrona.

Perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards

and groves of citrus and olive trees,

this former Victorian era mansion turned boutique hotel

feels like a rural retreat.

With mild sunny weather,

everything grows in Sonoma,

which means much of the produce

that winds up on the restaurant's menu is grown nearby

or even right in the hotel's own gardens.

The temperate climate also means you can eat

al fresco year round.

Inside, San Francisco-based designer Jay Jeffers

took inspiration from the aesthetic movement

which prized the pursuit of art

and beauty for their own sake

and was popular during the 1880s when the house was built.

And yes, you are in the heart of wine country

and wine tasting is a must,

but make time for the hotel's small but chic swimming pool.

And while the Sonoma vintages are great,

don't feel guilty about having a cocktail.

The hotel's craft cocktail game is strong,

especially the estate martini,

which pairs particularly well with the caviar

and house made potato chips or a dozen local oysters.

Each of the rooms is different.

Many are a study in pared back elegance with huge windows,

crisp battalion linens and hints of sophisticated gray.

But to really channel the aesthetic movement,

ask for one of the rooms with the stunning

botanical wallpaper that covers

every inch of the space, including the ceiling.

Next stop is the Mile High City.

The new Thompson Denver perfectly captures

both sides of the city and seamlessly blends urban cool

with Alpine comfort.

The loft-like lobby, which goes heavy on exposed brick,

taps into the city's location

in the hip lower downtown neighborhood.

On the sixth floor is the handsome Reynard Social

which has a welcoming members club feel

with a pool table and leather couches.

It's become a local hotspot for happy hour

thanks to its city views,

globally inspired nibbles and inventive cocktails.

The tequila-and-sherry-based High Water,

which is spiked with sage and pinion, is a must order.

No stay here is complete without a meal

at the much buzzed about Chez Maggy

from Chef Ludo Lefevre,

who trained for years in his native France.

The menu at this lobby level spot

channels a French brasserie

by way of the Rocky Mountains

with dishes like bison tartare and Colorado lamb chops.

But there are also some straight-up French classics

that Chef Ludo is known for

like his pastries, mussels frite,

and a french onion soup topped with melted gruyere.

New York City design firm Parts and Labor

is behind the mid-century feel

of the hotel's rooms and suites.

Woven wool rugs cover the wide plank hardwood floors

and saddle leather headboards nod

to Denver's Western spirit.

The spacious Thompson Suite is the hotel's crown jewel

with a sprawling private terrace

and a two-sided indoor outdoor fireplace.

A great hotel draws in the best of food,

design and comfort

and is the foundation of an amazing trip.

Learn more about these and other hot list hotels now

on Conde Nast Travelers' Hot List Hub

brought to you by Capital One.

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