Destinations Known: The Most Memorable Hotels to Stay In This Fall

You have the college football trip or holiday sojourn on lock. Now make sure you’ve picked the right hotel.

This story appeared in Boardroom’s Fall Issue print magazine and has been adapted for online publication.

Well, it’s official — summer has come to an end. Labor Day came and went, which means kids are back at school, the heat is starting to turn to cool fall air, college football is gearing up, and baseball playoffs are around the corner. In honor of that, I put together a list of where to stay as you begin to plan some fall excursions (and if you’re ahead of the curve, maybe even some holiday trips). It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and you don’t have to go that far in order to have an exciting getaway. Whether you’re catching a football game or just going on a family vacation to escape the cold, here’s a list of places you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Don’t forget: If you do plan one of these trips, make sure to check out jamieslist.com for my tips on where to eat in all of these cities.

Austin — a UT game or the F1 weekend (October)

I can’t think of a better excuse to hit up that city than a football game. And the stars align at the end of October when the Longhorns play Ole Miss on the 24th, the same weekend that F1 is in town. In previous years, when I went to the SXSW film festival, our hotel choices were pretty limited. However, Austin has flourished over the years. I called in my friend and resident Austin expert Chris Camillo to get some additional local tips:

The Loren Hotel: Located in downtown Austin, this was where I stayed on my most recent trip to Austin, and I loved every second of it. The views were great, the staff was amazing, the vibe was cool, and there was a robust gym (which is crucial when I’m traveling solo). Not to mention, it was reasonably priced.

The Austin Proper: This spot has a reputation of being one of the coolest, most vibey places in the city. It’s also downtown, and has a great elevated bar scene. Plus, it’s home to Kappo Kappo, an upscale omakase restaurant that’s a must-hit for foodies.

Courtesy of Austin Proper

London — BFI London Film Festival & Frieze (October)

I love London all the time, probably because my wife is from there, but it is just such an awesome city. Now, I realize the weather isn’t always great, but with all there is to do, it more than makes up for it. The fall is a busy time over there; between the London Film Festival and Frieze, there is more than enough to do. Last year, I was there for the premiere of the latest film I produced, Roofman, and loved it. In addition, since it is during the Premier League season, you get to check out a soccer —I mean football —game as well. As a Tottenham fan by marriage, I recommend you check out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but honestly any teams that are playing nearby are worth a visit.

When it comes to hotels, London is not short on variety. There are the can’t-go-wrong-with famous ones—from Claridge’s to The Connaught to the Park Lane. Or the newest additions to the city, the Six Senses or The Rosewood. But personally, I don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze (unless someone else is paying). Then again, China Tang at the Dorchester is one of my favorite London restaurants. You really have to decide on the vibe you are looking for and the area you want to be in. Here are a few of my favorites when I visit:

The Twenty Two: Without a doubt, this is the best hotel if you are looking for a chic spot that is central and dynamic. It’s perfect for business breakfasts or lunches, and the night scene really turns it up. The staff is arguably one of the nicest I have ever had at a hotel, and considering the Chiltern Firehouse is still recovering from the tragic fire in February 2025, it definitely wins the award for coolest hotel in London.

The Ham Yard: You can’t talk about London hotels and not pick a Firmdale spot. They have eight hotels in London, and people love them all. I totally get why—I’ve always really enjoyed my time at the Ham Yard. If you are someone who wants to be in the center of everything, this is where you should stay. You’re in the heart of Soho, surrounded by enough restaurants to fill a week’s trip—not to mention theater everywhere you look. In addition, you are a literal stone’s throw from The Devonshire, which is one of my favorite spots in London for a meal (or for the best Guinness you can have outside of Ireland).

Courtesy of Ham Yard

The Newman: This is one of the newest hotels on the London scene, and I have to say I was really impressed with my most recent stay there. First, the location is great. Even for someone like me, who enjoys the action, Soho can be overwhelming. This is in Fitzrovia, which is right next to Soho but is much quieter. The gym here is just awesome—it has everything you could think of, with a separate studio for classes and a spa with an awesome sauna. Plus, there are great restaurants nearby for business or personal meals. They also have a wonderful staff, which is one of my favorite things.

New York — Marathon weekend, or the city at the holidays (November–December)

There is always a reason to visit NYC—art auctions, the marathon, holiday lights viewing, a sporting event, or just being a tourist in the city that never sleeps. As a former New Yorker, I would usually just stay with family during my visits, but recently I have gotten to sample a few of the city’s best hospitality offerings. New York is similar to London in that you need to ask yourself the best location to be in for your visit. Personally, everything in NYC (besides theater) is south of 14th Street, so I usually stay downtown. Given that, I usually stick to these two spots:

The Greenwich Hotel: There is no place chicer than The Greenwich Hotel. Especially as the seasons change and there’s either bright fall foliage or crisp, white snow—it’s picturesque from the moment you pull up. Being in the heart of Tribeca gives you so many options when it comes to food, shops, galleries, and more, but the hotel’s dining scene is strong on its own. The place just exudes cool, and there’s a quietness that serves as a contrast to the bustle of the city. Each of the 88 rooms and suites is unique, with features including reclaimed oak beams, Moroccan tiles, Tibetan silk rugs, and English leather furniture. Oh, and it’s co-owned by the legendary Robert De Niro.

The Crosby Street Hotel: Another great spot by Firmdale, located in SoHo. As in The Greenwich, each suite is specially designed, and The Crosby’s vibe is bright, colorful, and trendy. There’s also their well-known Crosby Bar, a screening room (plus other event space rental options), and a sculpture garden accessible for guests. If you’re looking for something to awaken your senses while providing great hospitality, this is it.

Chapel Hill — Michael Malone’s first season at UNC (November onward)

I realize Chapel Hill is not on exactly the same list as some of these other cities, but hear me out. In the fall, you can check out basketball games at both UNC and Duke. That alone is enough to make you think twice. For East Coasters looking to get away, this is a close spot that still feels different enough, and the college town exudes Southern charm. When I go to North Carolina, this is where I stay:

The Carolina Inn: This Hyatt destination hotel is the definition of quaint. It has been around for over 100 years, but renovations have obviously been ongoing throughout that time, resulting in something that feels new and clean. Plus, it’s in the perfect location—just a short walk from everything and not too far a drive from Duke. If you’re going for college football season, my advice is to get your reservations early.

Courtesy of Carolina Inn

New Orleans—Bayou Classic (Thanksgiving weekend)

NOLA is one of my favorite cities in America, and while it’s completely unique, it’s like NYC in the sense that there’s always an excuse to visit. Mardi Gras, of course, or you can always go for a Saints game or the Bayou Classic event. For those of you who don’t have a hard-and-fast Thanksgiving plan, that seems like the perfect time to hit this city. Grambling State versus Southern, with the Battle of the Bands the night before the game bringing major crowds. Truly an iconic few days. Unlike in NYC, it’s hard to find a good hotel with charm and 24/7 service in New Orleans in my experience. For me, there are only really three options for when I stay down there:

Hotel Saint Vincent: This is probably my favorite as it has the best of both worlds: New Orleans charm with some of the amenities you expect from most hotels. 24/7 room service, 24/7 front-desk staff, and a really good on-site restaurant—which I acknowledge sounds like the bare minimum, but New Orleans is known for small B&Bs with limited services. Also, being on lower Magazine Street means you are in one of the best locations in the city for all events. The history is cool, too—it’s a former orphanage built in 1861 and reimagined in 2021 as the hotel it is today. They offer events such as “jazz lunch” at their restaurant and have a pool to beat the heat. The hospitality is fantastic, and I always leave here happy.

The Chloe: An adorable hotel set in a Victorian-style mansion right on St. Charles, it feels as though you are staying in someone’s house. There’s a fun bar with a good restaurant. The only downside is that this place doesn’t have 24/7 room service, so if you need that, then it is not for you. But the pool is charming, and there are only 14 rooms, so it’s definitely a more quaint experience. It’s a genuine boutique hotel, for sure.

Courtesy of Hotel Peter & Paul

Hotel Peter & Paul: Probably the coolest remodel of any hotel I have stayed in. It’s in a former church, schoolhouse, convent, and rectory, with the original building finished in the 1860s. The renovations make it feel fresh, but the historic charm is still present throughout. For those of you who were at the 2025 Super Bowl, this is where GQ hosted its NFL fashion show with guest singer Leon Bridges, and honestly, it was the perfect fit. This is another place with limited service, but if you are in for Jazz Fest, it is the best place to stay, as it is one of the closest hotels to the festival grounds.

Miami — Art Basel (early December)

Although I am definitely not moving to Miami any time soon, it really is a great place for a weekend visit. Especially (or should I say only) in the late fall or winter before the heat. This is another place you don’t really need an excuse to visit, but Art Basel in early December is a great reason to make it down there. So many people from all over the world are in the city, which means it’s packed, but if you are in Miami, you are there for the energy and the excitement. There are a fair number of options here, from new chic hotels to old South Beach style, but for me there is only one choice:

The Faena: This place is all about eye-catching decor and a buzzy, exciting Miami vibe. It has been compared to a big-budget Hollywood musical, with vibrant colors and old-school glam that meets with a South American flair. They have the Faena Theater, with live music, stage productions, and cabaret shows accessible to guests. Their dining scene is also unmatched, and its prime location on the water makes it my go-to Miami hotel.

Courtesy of Faena Miami Beach

Los Angeles — any long weekend

I am biased, but any time of year is perfect to visit L.A. because the weather is just always perfect. So you don’t really need a reason, because the vibes outside will always be superior. But between the Dodgers’ quest for another World Series run, to the amazing concerts at the Hollywood Bowl during their on-season, to a college football game, the list of reasons to visit goes on and on. Picking a hotel in my home city isn’t easy, because I just never stay at hotels here, but when thinking about this piece, there was one option that I knew I had to share:

The Beverly Hills Hotel: The iconic green stripes and vibrant logo immediately greet you upon your stay, and the pink peppered throughout your stay will remind you of where you are. Nicknamed the “Pink Palace,” this hotel is known for its palm trees and lush gardens. There are over 200 guest rooms, but it also offers garden bungalows that hold more people for a more luxurious stay. Plus, the BHH is home to the iconic Polo Lounge—you can go enjoy a dirty martini and watch some of the biggest deals in Hollywood get made.