2023 It List of Best New Hotels

Travel + Leisure announced today the 18th annual It List recognizing the 100 best new and renovated hotels across the globe. In-depth coverage of this year's It List is available now online and in the May issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands April 21.

The selected hotels span 37 countries across six continents and represent a variety of categories such as beach getaways, affordable luxury, wellness resorts, luxury city hotels, and more. This year's It List includes 34 properties in the United States in destinations such as Sedona, the Hudson Valley, Montauk, Healdsburg and Bar Harbor.

Jacqui Gifford, Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, said, "With a global group of honorees ranging from a mountain retreat in Morocco to a reimagined Miami icon, our annual It List is packed with hotels that are worth planning your trip around. This list is meticulously curated and researched, and we're excited to share what earned these properties a spot on the coveted list."

Spotlighting the 100 best new hotels and resorts that made the biggest impressions on Travel + Leisure editors and contributors, the 2023 It List features 35 hotels in North America, 32 in Europe, 13 in the Caribbean and Central and South America, 10 in Africa and the Middle East, 8 in Asia, and 2 in Australia. To see the full list of all 100 hotels along with descriptions about why each one made this year's list, click here.

How the It List hotels are selected: over the past year, the editors reviewed hundreds of new and renovated properties across the globe, which were then narrowed to just 100 in total. Each hotel has been vetted by Travel + Leisure.

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New Los Angeles Downtown Hub

Slated to debut on April 12, the 727-bedroom Moxy Downtown Los Angeles & AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles will bring a striking 37-story addition to the Downtown Los Angeles skyline and an unprecedented 12 new dining and entertainment venues and 13,000 square feet of meeting and events space to the blossoming neighborhood.

Designed to draw in travelers and locals alike, the dual-branded hotel is positioned on the corner of South Figueroa and Pico streets, directly across from the Crypto.com Arena and Los Angeles Convention Center. Connecting two powerful and distinct brands under one roof broadens the property's appeal to a much wider audience of visitors, including business travelers in town for a conference and young nomads eager to explore an up-and-coming part of the city. Making the destination even more captivating is Level 8, the multi-dimensional concept by Los Angeles' Houston Hospitality, opening later this spring.

Lightstone, developer of six acclaimed Moxy hotels in New York City and South Beach, is bringing the first Moxy Hotels property to Los Angeles, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands. Moxy's vibrant energy is perfectly complemented by the elevated, residential aesthetic of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, which was founded in Madrid. Both hotels are designed to appeal to independent explorers who are conscious of value, travel on their own terms, and prioritize thoughtful and intriguing design. The 380-key Moxy will be for those who want a spirited stay with a broad range of options for socializing and dining, and a cozy but smartly designed room. AC Hotel's 347 guest rooms will cater to a modern, design-conscious traveler who wants the essential elements of an elevated hotel experience at an accessible rate, with its signature AC lounge and AC kitchen and other upscale dining and drinking options at their fingertips, including the sophisticated tapas bar La Lo La Rooftop, situated on the 34th floor with views of the Hollywood Hills.

"For today's traveler, memorable hospitality means great design combined with the ability to choose from an abundance of experiences," says Mitchell Hochberg, president of real estate developer Lightstone. "By integrating the two hotels, plus Level 8, into a single building, we're creating a myriad of experiences never before offered in Los Angeles — and keeping it all affordable. It's a multilayered, endlessly fascinating destination for both locals and visitors."

The two hotels will share Level 8, the brainchild of hospitality veterans Mark and Jonnie Houston, known for their immersive and wildly successful restaurants and bars across Los Angeles. Comprising eight distinct dining, drinking, and entertainment venues filling the property's eighth floor and with its own dedicated entrance, Level 8 channels Downtown Los Angeles' creative energy, paying homage to its diverse cuisines and cultures while providing a stage for some of Los Angeles' top culinary talent — and dishing it all up with Houston Hospitality's signature spectacle.

"Bringing together Moxy and AC Hotels allows guests to make the most of their stay while experiencing two very distinct personalities," says Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott International. "Guests can take advantage of extra amenities, such as the AC Lounge for co-working during the day, while having more whimsical social options with Moxy in the evening."

Architecture & Interior Design

Moxy and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles were brought to life by Gensler, one of the world's leading architecture firms, and acclaimed global design studio Yabu Pushelberg. Gensler's 37-story structure consists of an L-shaped tower, one side for Moxy and the other for AC Hotel, sitting atop an eight-story podium. The podium itself is wrapped in a 15,000-square-foot live LED screen — the largest 3D billboard on the west coast — that transforms the corner of Figueroa and Pico into an illuminated landmark.

Inspired by the spirit of discovery that California stands for, Yabu Pushelberg's interior design carves out distinct identities for each hotel while remaining cohesive. For Moxy Downtown LA, the firm departed from the typical SoCal formula of palm trees and sunsets, instead evoking the iconoclastic romance and adventurous spirit of the California desert. Inspired in part by Easy Rider, the cult 1969 film that elevated the counterculture and celebrated the great American road trip, the hotel's interiors are sexy, irreverent, and playful, with references to biker culture, desert reptiles, and the gritty romance of the open road.

The lobby is an expansive space with an open ceiling and an eye-catching jumble of design elements, including a retro-style motorcycle and sidecar. Organic materials, such as rammed-earth walls, reference the desert landscape, while mirrored columns and iridescent mosaic tiles add vibrancy. The snake motif on the lobby carpet connects to the snakeskin-clad bar in the adjacent Bar Moxy. A mezzanine level is home to two Meeting Studios along with additional seating, including oversize lounge chairs; vintage arcade games, an armadillo-shaped LED neon sculpture, and a DJ booth add a playful energy. With reconfigurable furniture throughout, the lobby becomes the living, breathing heart of the hotel, a place for guests to use as a breakfast room, fueling station, or place to connect with friends old and new over a drink.

The 380 cozy bedrooms at Moxy Downtown LA are designed for flexibility and personalization, welcoming modern nomads with a thoughtful balance of utility and panache. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the SoCal sunshine to pour in. Distressed leather headboards evoke a well-worn motorcycle jacket, and cryptic markings on the wall reference the "hobo hieroglyphics" used by history's vagabonds. Adaptable, space-saving furniture and storage solutions allow guests to stake their own claim to the space. Industrial-chic bathrooms, lined in iridescent copper tile, feature a rain shower and an elongated sink carved from lava stone. Hanging on one wall is a sculpture that consists of chrome motorcycle handlebars mounted on a taxidermy-style plaque — a clever amalgamation of the twin desert themes of bikers and wildlife.

In contrast, Yabu Pushelberg imagined the interiors for AC Hotel Downtown LA as an artist's loft, bringing the Spanish roots of the AC Hotel brand into conversation with the Latin heritage of Los Angeles. Warm, light-filled public spaces are contemporary and welcoming, while upscale, serene guest rooms provide a generously sized sanctuary for work or relaxation.

From the ground floor, AC Hotel guests ascend in high-speed elevators to the sun-drenched Sky Lobby on the 34th floor, where they are greeted by jaw-dropping views of Los Angeles that stretch all the way to the iconic Hollywood Hills. Like the foyer of a gracious Spanish hacienda, the lobby features textured plaster walls, box beam ceilings, a sculptural redwood reception table, and striking artwork.

The residential influence is evident in the fluid, open connection between spaces, which encourages guests to explore. Adjacent to the reception area, the AC Library offers a sophisticated locale for creative thinking and comfortable socializing complete with a majestic black steel fireplace as a visual focal point. From the AC Library, guests enter AC Bar & Lounge, a hacienda-style haven that offers breakfast, evening bites, and drinks with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills as a backdrop. The room is anchored by a monumental 9-by-6-foot work commissioned from Turkish artist Yakut Aydogdu, a surrealist portrait of a woman whose head, tilted back, merges with a sun setting on the water.

AC Hotel's 347 guest rooms serve as residence-like respites from the energy of the city, with an open-plan design providing a seamless flow. Platform beds are dressed in crisp linens with a rich leather headboard. An integrated bench, closet, and oversize desk along one wall encourages productivity, while a tufted, geometric rug ensures plushness underfoot. Artwork above each bed depicts swimming pools and iconic Los Angeles buildings radically edited to present a new perspective with a splash of color. Dividing the living area from the bathroom is a full-height mirror and integrated stone sink/vanity that seems to float over the shelves below.

"We always think hard about the sociology and strategy around design, how it affects people and how it makes them feel connected to something," says Glenn Pushelberg, founding partner of Yabu Pushelberg along with George Yabu. "Moxy and AC are different brands, but both appeal to travelers who don't want to stay in a conventional hotel. They're both for adventurous, bold, curious tastemakers — so the design can't be generic."

Drinking, Dining & Entertainment

With two unique hotels under one roof, guests at Moxy Downtown LA and AC Hotel Downtown LA have access to an astounding 12 dining and drinking options, each celebrating the city's creative energy and culinary heritage.

At Moxy, drinks flow day to night at Bar Moxy, an energetic oasis for modern explorers. The lobby bar and all-day café provides the perfect venue to grab a coffee and snack and settle into a plush sofa or retro armchair. As night falls, guests can snag a spot at the snakeskin-clad bar and sip a hand-crafted cocktail. Just off the lobby, and with its own entrance on South Figueroa Street, Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop is ready to fuel co-working sessions with all-day Aussie-inspired coffee, brekkie sandwiches, and more.

Guests can also unwind an elevator ride away at AC Hotel's 34th-floor AC Bar & Lounge, serving breakfast, dinner, or drinks with a view in an intimate, convivial atmosphere. The menu offers Mediterranean small plates alongside artisanal cocktails, including signature gin and tonics. Plush banquettes and a fireside library provide a warm space to grab a drink with friends old and new. AC Bar & Lounge is also home to AC Hotels' signature European-inspired buffet breakfast as well as a bright red Berker slicer for jamón ibérico, a festive nod to the brand's Spanish heritage.

AC Hotel's crown jewel, La Lo La Rooftop, is an outdoor sanctuary 34 stories up in the sky. The menu offers Spanish-style tapas with contemporary flair and highlights a selection of specialty cocktails, all perfectly complemented by lush plantings and views that stretch to the Hollywood Hills. Overhead, twinkling bistro lights and retractable sunshades keep the atmosphere intimate, while heated seating nooks ensure a cozy evening year-round.

The centerpiece of Moxy & AC Downtown LA's food and beverage offerings is Level 8, Houston Hospitality's visionary, multi-dimensional dining, drinking, and entertainment concept opening later this spring. Located on the eighth floor, Level 8 will immerse all senses and desires with a selection of innovative dining and drinking offerings complemented by live performances, music, and entertainment bespoke to each venue.

The 30,000-square-foot floor's expanse will encompass a journey through cultures and time, beginning at Mr. Wanderlust, a globally inspired cocktail lounge named after the fictional creator of the space and inspired by his travels. From there, guests will have a world of possibilities to explore. South American live fire grill Qué Barbaro, will open onto poolside dining and carousel bar Golden Hour. Guests can feast on French-Japanese teppanyaki cuisine at Maison Kasai, or on traditional seiro mushi and hot pot dishes at Lucky Mizu. They can confess and transgress at Sinners y Santos, a cathedral-inspired nightclub with a speakeasy entrance. With Mother of Pearl, an alfresco oyster & ceviche bar, and Brown Sheep Taqueria on the terrace, the views and vibes are endless. A culinary odyssey with a side of Tinseltown showmanship, Level 8 features a mix of live music, acrobatics, and surprise performances designed to surprise and delight. The spaces were conceptualized by the Houston Hospitality team, with design in collaboration with LA-based interior and architectural design firm Undisclosable.

"What we've learned in our 20-plus years of opening restaurants and bars around LA is that people want more than just dinner or drinks out. They want to discover something new and come away with a sense that they've done something memorable, something different," shares Mark and Jonnie Houston. "Our trademark is a trifecta of a unique concept, a great cocktail program, and terrific entertainment, and Level 8 is all about creating opportunities for that kind of immersive discovery. The experience of each space is multifaceted and has a performative quality to it."

Meetings & Events Space

With a concept that pays homage to Downtown LA's industrial past and present-day spirit of urban renewal, Moxy & AC Hotel Downtown LA's 13,000 square feet of flexible space represents a bold new approach to meeting and event design. Created by San Diego–based Basile Studios and located directly across the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, the seventh-floor facilities were envisioned as the former headquarters of a fictional furniture factory. Modeled on a vintage factory floor, the 600-capacity Main Events Space is a striking hall that can accommodate conferences, banquets, weddings, parties, and other events. The room is surrounded by 16-foot panels of steel and frosted glass that are backlit to resemble exterior walls lit by natural sunlight; the LED lighting can dim to simulate different moods and times of day. The space offers maximum flexibility with the option to divide the room in two or reconfigure furniture to accommodate a variety of uses.

Separated from the Main Events Space by a plaster-coated arch are two boardrooms. The Fig Boardroom is ideal for smaller events or breakout sessions, with floor-to-ceiling walnut panels and cabinetry that exude a 1960's-era Mad Men-inspired sophistication. The Pico Boardroom can be used for breakout sessions or standalone events in a sleek, sophisticated space inspired by a historic factory "paint booth" and with a sleek, polished look that resembles a contemporary art gallery.

An elevator ride away at Moxy Downtown LA, two glass-walled Studios on the lobby's second-floor mezzanine, overlooking Bar Moxy, can be reserved for private gatherings. Infinitely flexible, each Studio is designed with modular furniture that reconfigures to fit the needs of meetings, brainstorming sessions, and special celebrations alike. Studios can be combined into one space for larger events, along with the option to include the mezzanine.

"Anticipation is a very powerful emotion: People are passionate about encountering something they've never seen, tasted, or experienced before. It's the same urge that sent Alice down the rabbit hole," says Hochberg. "Together, Moxy and AC Hotels Downtown LA and Level 8 promise a multitude of new discoveries. Whichever adventure you choose, it's guaranteed to be captivating and unforgettable."

ABOUT MOXY & AC HOTEL DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

With a multitude of experiences under one roof, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles are DTLA's new destination for visitors and locals. Located in the heart of Downtown, directly across from the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, the two hotels offer a total of 727 guestrooms; an unprecedented 12 dining and entertainment options, including Level 8, a collection of restaurants, bars, and lounges that highlight the neighborhood's diverse cultures and cuisines; a Miami-meets-Copacabana pool deck; and over 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting and social events space with a design inspired by DTLA's industrial heritage. The opening of Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles follows the successful launches of Moxy Times Square, Moxy Chelsea, Moxy East Village, Moxy Lower East Side, and Moxy Williamsburg, all in New York City, and Moxy South Beach in Miami.

GO Group Adds New Cities and Airports

GOWithsUs.com (formerly GO Airport Shuttle), is pleased to welcome two new operators in Jacksonville, Fla. and Raleigh, N.C. to its consortium of airport ground transportation providers.

GO now offers private airport shuttles and private car services to and from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), hotels, businesses and resort areas. At the airport, passengers can find the GO ground transportation booth located left of baggage claim. Service areas include all of northeast Florida, including Duval, Nassau, St. Johns Flaglar and Clay counties plus all of Southeast, Ga.

In Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), GO offers private cars for non-stop service to 38 destinations throughout the Research Triangle Region including the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Passengers can find GO by following signage outside baggage claims in each terminal to the brown limo zones.

Booking reservations in advance for all GO destinations in recommended to ensure vehicles are available and waiting for passengers when they are ready. All cities offer flat rates and never charge surge prices regardless of inclement weather or peak travel times.

"GO is continuing to grow to be able to provide our consistently high quality, affordable, safe and reliable services with trained, professional drivers to airports and cities around the world," says John McCarthy, president of The GO Group LLC, GOwithUs' parent company. "We are excited to work with our new partners in both Jacksonville and Raleigh and helping travelers get around these great cities."

The GO Group LLC is one of the world's largest airport transportation providers, offering shared rides, private vehicles, charters and tours, serving airports and cities in the United States, plus Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia and Europe. Under GOWithUs.com, travelers can book ground transportation to and from both departure and destination airports, around town travel, tours and attractions.

Thriving Motor Industry in Chicago

Chicago has long had a reputation as a city of industry. From the days of the steel mills that lined the Chicago River to the large manufacturing plants of the automotive industry, manufacturing has been a major part of the city’s economy. Today, Chicago’s motor industry is thriving. With the resurgence of the auto industry, Chicago has been able to attract automotive manufacturers and suppliers looking to invest in the city.

The situation has created a thriving ecosystem of component suppliers, parts manufacturers, design firms and other service providers. Additionally, these factors have contributed to the development of Chicago’s motor industry. Obviously, with the right infrastructure and incentives in place, Chicago can continue to attract new companies and investments in the automotive industry, creating jobs and economic growth for the city.

Right from the beginning, Chicago has been a hub of innovation in the motor industry. Many of the advances in automotive engineering and technology were developed here. It was Henry Ford's innovative production line that revolutionized the industry. The very first production plant was located in Chicago. Undoubtedly, Chicago has long been a powerhouse in the automotive industry. From its historic car factories to its leading auto parts companies, the city has been a leader in the auto industry. As such, Chicago is home to some of the most innovative and successful automotive companies in the world.

Chicago’s leadership in the production of cars and trucks, as well as in the development of auto parts and components, is undeniable. The city boasts a thriving auto parts industry, with companies like Daimler, Ford, GM, and Fiat Chrysler all having headquarters or operations in Chicago. The city is home to many other auto companies in the world, such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. The companies manufacture, design, and test the latest in automotive technology here. Chicago is also home to many auto racing teams, including the World of Outlaws and the IndyCar Series. Further, Chicago hosts major auto shows, such as the Chicago Auto Show, which is held annually. The event showcases the latest in automotive technology and design. It also attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Further, Chicago hosts a number of car clubs; these include the Chicago Roadsters and the North American Motor Club. These clubs bring many car enthusiasts together. They can share their passion for cars and discuss the latest news, trends, and developments in the automotive industry. Truly speaking, Chicago's motor industry is an important part of the city's and national economy. The enterprise provides employment for thousands of people. It generates billions in revenue each year. The industry is the source of many innovations in automotive engineering and technology; it plays a central role in the city's identity and culture.

As noted, Chicago is home to several world-leading automotive suppliers. These include the likes of General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen and others. While these companies are all based in Michigan, they have operations in Chicago as well. The industries include the development and manufacturing of parts, components and services for their vehicles. Many other automotive companies have chosen to locate in Chicago. The companies include Toyota, Honda and Kia, which have large parts and component-manufacturing facilities in the city. The companies have been able to take advantage of the city’s infrastructure and incentives to locate their business in Chicago.

Chicago has also seen the emergence of new automotive players in recent years. This includes companies such as Rivian Motors (image) and Faraday Future. Both work on electric vehicles and components; they are among the enterprises that have chosen to locate their operations in Chicago. In addition to automotive manufacturing and component suppliers, Chicago is home to some of the world's leading research and development centres. The Chicago University and the Argonne National Laboratory are two major research institutions in the city, both of which are heavily involved in the automotive industry. The city is home to several advanced manufacturing and engineering firms. Among these is Exelon, which has been involved in developing new materials and technologies for the automotive industry.

Certainly, with its vibrant auto industry, Chicago is a pleasant place to live, work, and visit. Whether you're a car enthusiast or an auto parts supplier, you can find a place in this lively city.