A resurgence in luxury travel is breathing new life into the grand dame hotels, iconic establishments that defined an era of opulent travel. These historic properties, once a hallmark of the Gilded Age, are being updated to meet the demands of contemporary travelers who increasingly seek authenticity and a connection to a destination's unique story.
Recent examples of this trend include the reopening of Bless Ibiza The Site in June, a sprawling property with 461 rooms, retail, dining, and multiple social spaces designed as a 21st-century interpretation of a 19th-century grand hotel. "This project is positioned as a new flagship destination for Mediterranean travelers," said Ana Morillo, corporate managing director at Palladium Hotel Group, the hotel’s developer.
Across the globe, existing grand hotels are also experiencing renewed interest. In Manhattan, the Waldorf Astoria New York, a century-old landmark, is slated to reopen in 2025 after a $2 billion renovation. "We’re witnessing a renewed appreciation for places with genuine character and enduring legacy," said Luigi Romaniello, the hotel’s managing director.
Similarly, the InterContinental Grand Ankara in Turkey, originally opened in 1966, has been revitalized and reopened for a new generation of travelers. The hotel boasts 342 rooms and features several ballrooms, a large spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple meeting spaces.
In Coronado, California, the Hotel del Coronado, which claims to be the birthplace of the American beach vacation, recently completed a $550 million overhaul. "The renovation was about striking a balance between honoring our 1888 heritage and reimagining the property for the modern era," stated managing director JP Oliver. He believes that properties like the Hotel del Coronado are irreplaceable real estate assets with significant long-term value when updated thoughtfully.
Grand hotels historically were designed to host a large volume of guests and provide extensive on-site entertainment for extended stays, offering luxuries like electricity and private bathrooms. Their prominence waned with shifts in transportation from trains to automobiles and airplanes, and a reduction in typical vacation durations.
The decline of such large-scale hotels was also exacerbated by economic downturns. "The Great Depression wiped out 80% of hotels in the US, while World War II also saw grand resorts taken over for hospitals, military housing or offices," noted Gina Petrone, heritage manager at Hotel del Coronado.
The origins of grand hotels can be traced to 19th-century Europe, driven by the popularity of the Grand Tour and railway companies' efforts to promote tourism by building luxury hotels along their routes. These establishments offered affluent travelers the comforts of home combined with exceptional luxury, exemplified by openings such as Raffles Singapore (1887), the Savoy in London (1889), and the Plaza Hotel in New York (1907).
While the definition of a "grand hotel" can vary, experts suggest that scale is a key factor, typically ranging from 200 to 500 rooms, and the property must feel substantial. "A lot of it comes down to the scale of the property — as the name suggests, it’s got to feel grand," said Mark Okrant, an emeritus professor of tourism management and geography at Plymouth State University.
Experts attribute the current revival to a growing desire among travelers for authenticity. "Guests increasingly want to stay somewhere that reflects the character of the destination rather than somewhere that could exist in any city," explained Susan Wilson, house historian at the Omni Parker House in Boston. The popularity of TV series like "The White Lotus" and collaborations with fashion brands have also fueled renewed interest. For instance, Gucci reimagined the Royal Suite at the Savoy in 2021, referencing Guccio Gucci's own history as a former employee at the hotel.
This trend suggests that travelers are not just booking accommodations but also seeking access to the stories and heritage that these grand hotels uniquely offer.