Bucket-list city escapes around the world for 2026

The year ahead promises a host of exciting new hotel openings, including these four city stays you won’t want to miss.

By Joanna Tweedy | December 18, 2025

Elevate your next getaway with a new hotel stay

Your dream getaway just keeps getting better, with new hotels set to open their doors in the coming year, featuring enhanced amenities that focus on everything from wellness and dining to technology and art. Here are four city stays to add to your bucket-list trips in Nashville, San Antonio, Dublin, and Kuala Lumpur.

In this article: Best city stays for 2026

Nashville, Tennessee

Plan a spring getaway to Nashville and explore Tennessee’s most visited city known for its country music, Southern comfort food, shopping, entertainment, and more. After spending the day exploring everything Music City has to offer, retreat to Tempo by Hilton Nashville Midtown, located near Nashville highlights, including the Frist Art Museum, Centennial Sportsplex, and iconic music venues like Ryman Auditorium, so you’ll never be far from adventure. Opening in spring 2026, this hotel’s rooms are designed with wellness at the fore. From cooling bed linens and blackout curtains to the room’s well-lit Get Ready Zone, every detail will help you stay relaxed and recharged. Schedule a morning workout at the state-of-the-art fitness center before grabbing a bite to eat on-site or at legendary Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, just a 6-minute walk from the hotel.

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San Antonio

With historic sites like The Alamo and natural wonders like the nearby Natural Bridge Caverns, it’s easy to see why San Antonio is a must-visit destination for a bucket-list city escape. Take your trip up a notch by staying at The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton. Opening in spring 2026, this hotel excels as a modern urban retreat in the heart of the lively downtown area. San Antonio’s must-visit sites are on the hotel’s doorstep, including Hemisfair and the popular River Walk lined with shops and restaurants. When you need a break from exploring the city, the hotel’s on-site dining options have everything you need to refuel, including a casual speakeasy, a rooftop restaurant, and a coffee shop. Wind down in the rooftop pool, visit the spa, or borrow one of the complimentary bicycles to take in San Antonio’s charm on two wheels.

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Dublin

Ireland’s character-filled capital is a dream destination for anyone who loves a city with rich history, friendly locals, and a lively music scene. In 2026, extended stays in the Emerald Isle will be better than ever, with the debut of Home2 Suites by Hilton Dublin City Centre. Situated on one of Dublin’s main thoroughfares, O’Connell Street, the city’s most acclaimed attractions are all within easy reach, from the traditional pubs of the Temple Bar neighborhood to the historic library at Trinity College. The famous Guinness Storehouse attraction is also just a 25-minute drive from the hotel. This stylish abode has spacious pet-friendly suites with full kitchens, making it the perfect home away from home. And when you’re not out exploring, the hotel’s cool social spaces, fitness facilities, and complimentary hot breakfast will help you recharge for your next Dublin adventure.

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For the perfect multicultural blend of modernity and tradition, look no farther than Kuala Lumpur, where you can explore colorful temples and soaring skyscrapers in the same day. Offering discerning travelers an opportunity to stay in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s dazzling skyline is the soon-to-open, 50-floor Conrad Kuala Lumpur. This chic hotel sits in the Golden Triangle District within easy walking distance of the upscale shopping and dining district of Bukit Bintang, as well as Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers. Feeling hungry? The contemporary-styled Conrad Kuala Lumpur has a quintet of dining experiences to explore, including two specialty restaurants and the promise of artisan refreshments at one of the hotel’s two bars. Those wanting to pencil in some self-care will love the hotel’s fitness center, swimming pool, and spa.

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Joanna Tweedy

Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.

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