An unprecedented year is finally nearing its end, and people across the world are hopeful that 2021 will usher in a return to normalcy – not just in our daily routines but our travel plans.
COVID-19 has touched all of our lives in large and small ways, limiting how we have interacted with others and how we moved around – or, in many cases, didn’t. That has led to an enormous pent-up demand for travel. A new survey commissioned by Hilton shows that 81% of Americans, 70% of Brits and 84% of Chinese respondents say that they are missing the opportunity to create new travel memories due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The “To New Memories” survey found that 90% of Americans and 95% of Chinese believe their country is facing a travel memory deficit. In 2021, it seems, consumers plan to make up for the trips they missed amid the pandemic. In fact, 66% of Americans and 60% of Chinese say they will quit putting off “bucket list” trips in the future. Meanwhile, 57% of Brits are already planning trips in 2021.
As we emerge from a grim year and enter a hopeful one – with long-delayed visits to loved ones and unforgettable experiences on the itinerary – here are Hilton’s 21 amazing travel destinations and places to stay:
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.)
Overlooking the Abu Dhabi skyline, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is the perfect vantage point for taking in all that the United Arab Emirates’ capital city has to offer. With luxurious, modern rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a 74th floor observation deck offering panoramic views of the city below and the Arabian Sea from the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi, the hotel is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the city. Venture out to visit some of the UAE’s most famous attractions, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the ornate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and desert safari excursion where groups can venture out into the desert for experiences like dune bashing, belly dancing, henna painting and more. Now open.
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort (Cancun, Mexico)
If you’re looking to stay at an all-inclusive beachfront escape, look no further than Hilton Cancun. The secluded resort is nestled behind a mangrove preserve and situated on 100 acres of the Mayan coastline. When you’re done spending sunny afternoons in the pool and checking out multiple on-site dining options, Hilton Cancun offers curated local adventures. Visit the local architectural sites for a cultural trip; experience a tropical zip lining adventure; enjoy a tour to the local “cenotes” (natural caves with underground rivers); or take a day trip to Isla Mujeres, known for its beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving. Expected to open mid-2021.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Grand Cayman (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
Feel the tropical vibes at Hampton Inn by Hilton Grand Cayman, where you’ll be just steps away from the pristine sands of the award-winning Seven Miles Beach and the waterfront town of Camana Bay. Guests seeking fun-filled activities and entertainment can arrange snorkeling and boat excursions to Stingray City with the hotel’s water sports concierge, or hop on a shuttle to nearby beach parks, bars and clubs. When it’s time to relax, stop by Hampton Inn by Hilton Grand Cayman’s tropical garden pool featuring Ms. Piper’s alfresco restaurant and lounge. Expected to open Feb. 2021.
ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Kyoto, Japan)
If your 2021 travel plans include visiting UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, shrines, palaces and gardens or hiking through scenic and serene Japanese forests, Kyoto should be at the top of your list. Situated in a tranquil area along the foothills of the Takagamine mountains in northern Kyoto and within walking distance of the iconic Kinkaku-ji “Golden Pavilion” and other historic temples, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a peaceful retreat offering guests a bespoke Kyoto experience. With fine dining; various on-site and nearby nature experiences and activities; and luxurious spa treatments complete with natural hot springs, the hotel has everything needed for a refreshing stay. Expected to open fall 2021.
Resorts World Las Vegas (Las Vegas)
Resorts World Las Vegas brings back the essence of The Las Vegas Hilton – once the largest hotel in the world – for a distinct hotel experience featuring Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. The 3,500-room resort has it all, including a gaming floor, state-of-the-art theater, grand ballroom, nightclubs, a wellness spa and fitness center, diverse culinary experiences, seven outdoor pools and more premier facilities. With Resorts World Las Vegas located on the Las Vegas Strip’s north end, guests can experience endless attractions and entertainment both on and off-site. Expected to open Summer 2021.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton (Las Vegas)
A mile away from the Las Vegas Strip, a quick walk from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a short drive from McCarran International Airport, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton is the perfect home base for whatever your trip to “America’s Playground” has in store. This desert retreat offers everything from the high stakes of gambling in its on-site casino, to lounging by winding pools or relaxing at the day spa. Guests can choose from the hotel’s numerous restaurants and bars, including world-renowned Nobu, as their pre-party spot before hitting the town and enjoying all that the Strip has to offer. Expected to open Jan. 2021.
Canopy by Hilton London City (London)
Explore London’s East End neighborhood, one of the city’s coolest and trendiest areas at the new Canopy by Hilton London City. Within walking distance of famed London attractions, including Tower Bridge and Spitalfields Market, the hotel is the perfect home base for sightseeing. With an on-site restaurant serving fresh, healthy and locally inspired dishes, and guest room interiors influenced by the hotel’s East End surroundings, the hotel is the ideal location for an authentic experience in the U.K.’s capital city. Expected to open June 2021.
Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Madrid)
No European adventure is complete without exploring the historical and artistic jewels that each country calls its own. With newly renovated guest rooms featuring loft-style ceilings and authentic, local design, Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is the perfect home away from home for exploring Spain’s capital. The hotel is a short walk from the museums that form Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art – the Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Fans of historical architecture will appreciate nearby Palacio de Cristal – located in the middle of Buen Retiro Park – Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid, some of the most famous landmarks in Spain. Expected to open March 2021.
Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Mahé, Seychelles)
Overlooking the sparkling, calm, shallow waters and white sandy beaches of Anse à la Mouche bay is the new Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts. With five dining and drink venues, tranquil spa treatment rooms, three pools and water sports offerings, including canoeing, kayaking and snorkeling, this intimate and exclusive resort is the perfect year-round South Mahé island oasis. Choose from beachfront rooms and villas, each with private terraces or balconies offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, or book a private nestled cluster of up to 13 rooms, complete with an elevated pool for the dream family getaway. Expected to open March 2021.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Montreal Downtown & Homewood Suites by Hilton Montreal Downtown Dual-Brand (Montreal)
For cozy accommodations in the heart of downtown Montreal, consider the dual-branded Hampton Inn by Hilton Montreal Downtown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Montreal Downtown. Located near Old Montreal, the Montreal Convention Centre and Chinatown, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants, government offices, museums, theaters and historic attractions. After exploring all the district has to offer, chill out on the property’s rooftop terrace or take a dip in the seasonal plunge pool. Hampton Inn by Hilton Montreal Downtown expected to open in June 2021. Homewood Suites by Hilton Montreal Downtown expected to open in July 2021.
Motto New York Chelsea (New York)
Located at the center of the city’s arts world, the new Motto New York Chelsea offers an authentic neighborhood experience for visitors looking for a respite from Manhattan’s famed tourist traps. Fashionable shops, famous nightclubs and favorite eateries, including Chelsea Market, attract visitors to the area, along with nearby landmarks like the elevated High-Line park. The hotel’s efficient micro guest room design, with linking rooms for group travel, fits right in with the surrounding neighborhood. Start out your day or your night at the centerpiece of the hotel, the Commons daytime coffee bar and vibrant nighttime cocktail bar, with design elements that pay homage to Chelsea’s history as New York City’s original theater district. Opening in summer 2021.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club (Orange County, California)
For travelers looking for a getaway where the hotel is the main attraction, consider Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. Perched atop a seaside bluff in Dana Point and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this AAA Five-Diamond Award-winning resort is the perfect beach-club style oasis for days spent relaxing and soaking up the sun. Choose between a spacious guest room or suite, each with large marble bathrooms and private balconies offering sweeping views to either green gardens and palm trees or the blue ocean waves. With three pools, private beach club and seven on-site restaurants and bars, guests will find themselves immersed in the coastal luxury California is known for, all without ever having to leave the resort. Expected to open Jan. 2021.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort (Oranjestad, Aruba)
Book a beach vacation at the upscale Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, where guests are welcomed to one of the top-rated beaches in the world. The resort is right across the white sands of Eagle Beach, the perfect location for stunning, unobstructed views of the Caribbean and proximity to the area’s main attractions, dining and entertainment. At the property, enjoy Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort’s spacious suites; multiple restaurants and bars; and two pools, including one for the kids. Expected to open late 2021.
Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs Elysees, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Paris)
On par with a city known for its beauty, elegance and history, Le Belgrand Hotel Paris Champs Elysees, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers an intimate hotel experience that leaves guests feeling like they’re truly experiencing Paris, instead of simply visiting it. Nestled among some of France’s most famous streets and in walking distance of its most visited landmarks, the hotel is central to some of the best attractions Paris has to offer. Shop in Paris’ Golden Triangle or along the famous Champs-Élysées; visit the Eiffel Tower or the iconic Arc de Triomphe; or spend the day admiring some of the most famous pieces of art in the world at the Louvre, all just a short distance from the hotel. Expected to open Feb. 2021.
DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront (Perth, Australia)
Staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront puts you in the vibrant district of Elizabeth Quay. Set on the Swan River waterfront, various attractions and entertainment venues are within walking distance of the hotel, including the iconic Bell Tower right next door. DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Perth and Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and close to other landmarks like Perth Concert Hall, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Western Australia Museum and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Before you go, stop by the hotel’s rooftop pool and bar to take in city views, share platters and listen to late-night DJ sets. Opening Dec. 2020.
Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa (Rijeka, Croatia)
Relax and take in the views of Croatia’s Adriatic coast at Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa, where all guest rooms are sea-facing. Featuring a private beach, full-service spa, health club and more, the resort is perfect for leisure travelers. Guests also have six on-site dining options, including a rooftop restaurant offering authentic Croatian flavors and a striking location overlooking the Adriatic Sea. If you want to explore, Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa is between beach destination Opatija and the coastal town of Rijeka, an area renowned for its historical charm. Expected to open spring 2021.
Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins (São Paulo)
Explore Brazil’s largest – and South America’s most cosmopolitan city – with Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins. Just a few minutes from downtown São Paulo, the Jardins District is an affluent part of the city featuring hundreds of bars, restaurants and shops, including some of Brazil’s most famous lifestyle brands. Grab a complimentary Canopy bike and make your way through Brazil’s concrete jungle, stopping to take in some of the artistic attractions along the way, both formal museums and local street art alike. Expected to open Feb. 2021.
Hotel Resonance Taipei, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Taipei, Taiwan)
Hotel Resonance Taipei, Tapestry Collection by Hilton’s central location near bustling business and shopping districts makes this hotel ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Modern guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the heart of Taipei’s city center, high-tech amenities and spacious bathrooms, each with its own bathtub and shower. Historical landmarks and sites, and Michelin-starred dining are in quick reach, but for those adventures that require more of a journey, hop on a train at the Taipei Main Station, the city’s largest railway station, just steps away from the hotel. Now open.
Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands (Tórshavn, Faroe Islands)
As the first international hotel at one of the most remote locations in the world, Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands is a sustainable destination for nature and adventure lovers alike. Guests will be surrounded by the archipelago’s unrivalled natural beauty and stunning wildlife while staying in the charming capital city of Tórshavn. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore nearby hiking trails, waterfalls and rocky coastlines, or discover the thriving music scene and growing gastronomical culture. Local attractions like Svartifoss Waterfall, The Nordic House and the National Museum of the Faroe Islands are only a short car ride away. Now open.
Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone (Towcester, United Kingdom)
Whether you’re a longtime racing fan or new to the motorsport world, you won’t want to miss the exciting action at Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone. The hotel will be the first to open at the internationally renowned Silverstone circuit and will provide guests with extensive views of the racetrack from the comfort of their guestroom balconies or from the stunning rooftop terrace. Located right next to the International Pit Straight and The Silverstone Wing conference center, Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone will also offer race-day experiences for all major sporting events held at the venue. Expected to open July 2021.
DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort (Weerawila, Sri Lanka)
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can find comfort at the contemporary DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort, which is uniquely situated within the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary and on the banks of Wirawila Lake. The hotel is also near three of the most visited parks and sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, including Bundala, Yala and Udawalawe national parks. Drawing from its environment, DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort is set apart by its nature-inspired facilities, including an exquisite ballroom, stunning dining options and a lake-view outdoor pool. Now open.
Don't forget to book your stay through Hilton Honors, Hilton's award-winning guest loyalty program. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits and exclusive member discounts. The program is free to join, and travelers can enroll online and learn more at www.hiltonhonors.com