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Opened in 1913, Carlton Cannes earned its Five-Star in 2025.
Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel
Of the first-time Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award winners hotels announced on February 12, many properties can be categorized as new builds. But if you take a closer look at the tally, you’ll notice that some of the fresh entries on the list are actually older hotels that have successfully gone through extensive renovations to restore their former luster.
“With a growing focus on authenticity and no signs of a slowdown when it comes to discerning travelers wanting to stay at property’s where they can quickly relate to a brand’s story, it is no surprise to see these notable new openings enter our list for the first time,” says Amanda Frasier, Forbes Travel Guide’s president of Standards & Ratings.
The fascinating trend not only illustrates owners’ appreciation for a prior time, but it shows that, when done right, the past and present can work harmoniously to create an unbelievable travel experience.
Here are three examples of standout hotels being unapologetic about their history yet remaining committed to their tomorrows being filled with stars.
Inside the historic halls of Raffles London at the OWO.
Raffles London at the OWO
Raffles London at the OWO
The origin story of Raffles London at the OWO — in the early 1900s, Winston Churchill, T.E. Lawrence and other influential leaders walked the halls of the “Old War Office” — is an intriguing chapter in a London history book lined with them. But to stand out in a city with so many stories of glory and grandeur (not to mention 20 Five-Star hotels, the second-highest number behind Macau’s 24), it takes even more to turn heads.
“Raffles London at The OWO is a true historical destination in itself,” says Philippe Leboeuf, the hotel’s managing director, on the property that reopened in 2023 after a six-year restoration. “The building has not only witnessed the rise of Britain’s most influential political figures but has also played vital roles in global events that have redefined the world of modern espionage. It inspired the creation of the iconic James Bond series.”
Some of the hotel’s suites honor trailblazing female spies and political heroines, and it even has tastings at the Spy Bar that takes guests on a historical journey through cocktails. But rather than rest on Ian Fleming’s lapels, Raffles keeps today’s guest in mind with top-tier wellness options and contemporary culinary takes. “With steadfast curiosity of modern travel trends and understanding of the ever-changing hospitality landscape,” Leboeuf adds, “our property blends deep-rooted culture with modern service that promises a luxury experience where past meets present.”
Carlton Cannes suites have classic and contemporary touches.
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel
Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel
An iconic property on the French Riviera, this 1913-built hotel formerly known simply as the Carlton has been the site of many firsts: the first League of Nations conference (1922), the first memorable tennis match on clay (1926) and the first private beach in Cannes (1930). And while those memories and countless others carried the hotel for more than 100 years, a $375 million refresh completed in 2023 will push the Mediterranean treasure into another century.
“The meticulous attention to detail at new award winners around the world, notably those from the Regent and Raffles brands, caught our attention,” Frasier says. “Both bring to life their wonderful history, which was carefully woven into the guest experience.”
A team of 750 French artisans was tasked with meticulously restoring Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel‘s interiors, from the famous “Carlton Hotel” inscription on the property’s façade to the smallest room details by interior designer Tristan Auer. Two new bookable wings were also added, raising the total to 332 rooms and suites that are adorned with classic bow windows and streamable TVs.
The restored Waldorf Astoria is ready to astound.
Noë & Associates, Courtesy The Boundary
Waldorf Astoria New York
When this fabled Manhattan address reopens this spring after a $2 billion re-envisioning that has taken nearly eight years to complete, the city will finally be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. For nearly a century, Waldorf Astoria New York had been at the heart of the city’s culture. Locals cherished invites to parties at the property. Visitors couldn’t stop snapping photos of the astounding art deco architecture. Everyone enjoyed congregating over cocktails at the iconic Peacock Alley Bar.
Because of the thoughtful restoration from renowned architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and the interior design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the 375-room beauty will retain its former magic. Adding to the excitement this time around will be a 30,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an opera-inspired Grand Ballroom, and a fresh food and beverage program anchored by signature restaurant Lex Yard and a new take on the aforementioned Peacock Alley Bar, with both places featuring drink menus launched by renowned mixologist Jeff Bell (managing partner of innovative NYC speakeasy PDT).
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