United Kingdom
Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotels of the Year list highlights a growing interest in historic buildings reborn as luxury stays
Travellers are increasingly choosing hotels with a story. According to Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotels of the Year list, part of Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26 travel trends report, a new trend is emerging: “Salvaged Stays” — historic buildings repurposed into upscale hotels. From former prisons to train stations, travellers are seeking out hotels that blend history with luxury.
“Travellers are craving more than just a place to sleep — they want a story to tell,” says Melanie Fish, VP of Global Communications at Expedia Group. “Salvaged Stays are the perfect blend of character, culture, and comfort. This year I’ve stayed in an old post office, a jail, and a warehouse — the past definitely has a future in hospitality.”
Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotels of the Year List: Salvaged Stays*
| Property | Location | % Increase | Former Use |
| Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu | Kyoto, Japan | +194% | School |
| Bodmin Jail Hotel | Cornwall, U.K. | +110% | Prison |
| Sandi Hotel | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | +72% | Mint & school |
| Fontevraud L’Ermitage | Anjou, France | +71% | Abbey |
| Union Station Nashville Yards | Nashville, U.S. | +57% | Train station |
| The Old Clare Hotel | Sydney, Australia | +45% | Brewery & pub |
| Hotel Place d’Armes | Montreal, Canada | +36% | Bank & federal building |
| Nine Orchard Hotel | New York City, U.S. | +23% | Bank |
| Bank Hotel | Stockholm, Sweden | +13% | Bank |
| Canfranc Estacion, Royal Hideaway | Canfranc, Spain | +9% | Train station |
Upcycled Openings on the Horizon:
- Rosewood Amsterdam, Netherlands – former courthouse, opened spring 2025
- Populus Seattle, U.S. – former warehouse, opened spring 2025
- Fairmont New Orleans, U.S. – former bank, opening 2025
- Bank Piccadilly, London, U.K. – former bank, opening 2026
- Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria, London, U.K. – former First Sea Lord Residence, opening 2026
This growing interest in historic hotels aligns with travellers’ broader sustainability mindset and a desire for immersive travel experiences. See more Salvaged Stays inspiration here.
Notes to Editors
*Hotels.com — 2026 Hotels of the Year: Salvaged Stays
Hotels of the Year data based on year-over-year increases in global hotel searches on Hotels.com: January 1-December 31, 2024 vs. January 1-December 31, 2025.
About Unpack ’26
Q: What is Unpack ’26?
A: Unpack ’26 is the annual global travel insights report from Expedia Group, building on years of trend forecasting and traveller behaviour analysis. It draws on first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, along with insights from 24,000 travellers across 18 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive travel trend reports in the industry.
Q: What makes Unpack ’26 a credible source for travel trends?
A: The report combines real-time platform data from millions of users with third-party research conducted by OnePoll, following the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct. Its findings are backed by behavioural insights, booking patterns, and cultural signals, making it a trusted resource for media, industry leaders, and travellers alike.
Q: Where can I access the full Unpack ’26 report and assets?
A: Visit https://www.expedia.co.uk/newsroom/ for the full Unpack ’26 report, downloadable assets, and brand-specific insights from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.
