October passed shockingly. This is not surprising. This happens every year. But it’s always uncomfortable to realize that it’s November and the end of the year is approaching. Now is the time to lock in those holiday plans, make sure you use shopping portals to earn points and miles when looking for gifts, and even book a backup hotel as your “exit plan” in case starting family life becomes too difficult for your family.
Even though November’s air is crisp, we still have time to look back at what happened in October: Hilton launched its 25th brand, a new lifestyle collection; a stunning new JW Marriott hotel opened in Tokyo (I can’t wait to visit in December!); and TPG favorite Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal finally completed its multi-year transformation.
Here’s what else I think you should know about hospitality industry events this October.
A luxury hotel is opening on the Charleston waterfront
Opening on March 1 next year, The Cooper is an exciting hotel we’ve been keeping an eye on. The 191-room hotel will bring luxurious hospitality to the historic South Carolina seaside city for the first time. Taking reservations now, guests can experience rich Southern charm, a 7,000-square-foot spa, high-end boating and four bars and restaurants during their stay. Oh, and don’t forget your personal concierge.
There is a Mandarin Oriental hotel in Vienna
Vienna’s hotel scene has been heating up in recent months, and now another new addition – the Mandarin Oriental, Vienna – has opened its doors to guests. The hotel is located in Vienna’s 1st district, in an Art Nouveau building that was a former court building. Today, it has 86 rooms, 52 suites and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Spa, because no luxury stay is complete without pampering. Visitors and locals can also enjoy four bars and restaurants, ranging from an all-day brasserie to a Japanese-style izakaya restaurant led by chef Thomas Seifried.
Airbnb gets social (and more)
Every few months, Airbnb releases a slew of new features and tools to help travelers have a better experience, whether they’re staying on Airbnb or joining an Airbnb experience. The latest update allows people who book an Airbnb experience to see who is joining the experience, with the option to reach out afterward and stay in touch (if you want!). Airbnb has also added other features, including improved maps and a flexible carousel to help you see more rental options to help you find the Airbnb of your dreams.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels Lands in Finland
The first Nordic Waldorf Astoria hotel has now opened in the Finnish capital, Helsinki. Spread across four historic buildings, the hotel has 116 gorgeous rooms (see above), 32 suites and even some rooms with saunas, steam rooms and terraces with jacuzzis. As with all Waldorf Astoria hotels, you’ll find the iconic Peacock Alley bar, as well as a signature restaurant opening next year. Even if you don’t book a room with a private steam room, you can make the most of Finnish sauna culture at the Waldorf Astoria Spa.
Rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki start at about $350 per night or 100,000 Hilton Honors points.
Moxy expands into Latin America
I’m a big fan of Moxy Hotels, and in 2023 I wrote an article about why the brand has “grown up” while still maintaining the playful spirit with which it was designed. Now, the brand has opened its first hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America in Tulum, Mexico. This 122-room hotel is located near downtown Tulum and offers easy access to beaches, Jaguar National Park, Mayan ruins and other attractions in the bohemian-chic town. Some room configurations even offer bunk beds, perfect for groups of friends or family.
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Prices for the Moxy Tulum Hotel are currently unavailable.
