In a huge boost for regional tourism, job creation and the local economy, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has announced that funding has been secured for the brand-new LOAM Hotel in Stawell which will be the largest in the Grampians region.

The stylish 77-room, 4-star hotel – part of Choice Hotels’ upscale Ascend Collection Hotel – will be primely located on the Western Freeway between Melbourne and  Adelaide, attracting business and leisure travellers from within Victoria, interstate and overseas.

The $16 million double-storey development spanning two buildings will create an  estimated 174 new construction jobs and 53 ongoing roles as well as 100-plus indirect  ‘flow-on’ jobs in the supply chain. Overall, the LOAM Hotel will inject an estimated  $150 million economic value into the local economy over the next decade. 

The project has taken owner-developers Sam and Gerard Ballantyne of Barkly Property Ventures 18 months to work through planning and approval processes and has  received unanimous support from regional and State peak bodies to see the major  tourism asset come to fruition. 

“We’re very thankful for the advocacy and support of Northern Grampians Shire  Council, Grampians Tourism as well as our project delivery partner Wimmera  Southern Mallee Development,” Sam Ballantyne told The Hotel Conversation (image below)

“We’re delighted that the Victorian Government has also embraced our vision and  provided a grant through its Regional Tourism Investment Fund 2024. 

“We look forward to delivering a hotel that will serve as a catalyst to strengthen and  grow the Grampians’ status as a premium tourism destination in regional Victoria. LOAM Hotel will also provide quality accommodation with cooking facilities, full  kitchens and workstations for corporate guests who are working in the region for  longer periods. 

“LOAM Hotel will be a flagship for the region, and we are firmly focused on collaborating with – and connecting our guests to – local businesses, vendors, producers and artisans to stimulate the economy and be a valuable part of the  community.”

Supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund Minister  for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said this will be a major boost  for the region’s tourism.

“We’re proud to invest in projects like this that strengthen Victoria’s position as a  world-class destination and give visitors even more reasons to explore and enjoy our regions.’’

Choice Hotel Asia-Pac CEO Trent Fraser said the addition of LOAM Hotel to the Ascend  Collection brand portfolio is an exciting milestone.

“LOAM Hotel is ideally situated for our guests to explore the Grampians’ incredible  natural attractions and vibrant culture and events scene, while also catering to  corporate travellers seeking a home away from home,” he said.

Architectural renders released today showcase how LOAM Hotel will blend seamlessly  with the renowned Grampians’ landscape. The hotel’s design celebrates the natural  wonders of the region and pays homage to the Traditional Owners of Djab Wurrung and  Jardwadjali people. The interior fit-out, colour palette and furnishings will also take  inspiration from ‘The Six Seasons of Gariwerd’ – highlighting the surrounding flora,  fauna and cultural connections. 

Key features of the hotel include studio-style rooms, a wellness studio and  hydrothermal room with sauna and ice baths, onsite guest laundry, onsite electric  vehicle (EV) chargers and a solar energy system. 

The hotel has prioritised sustainability and will exceed a 5-star energy rating. It will also  have four dedicated accessible rooms that are fully compliant with best-practice  Universal Design standards to ensure the property offers an inclusive accommodation  experience for all guests.

Labor Day Weekend in New York City is one of the busiest travel times of the year, drawing visitors from across the country and around the globe who want to experience the city at the height of late summer energy. For many, it’s the perfect moment to soak up rooftop views of the skyline, stroll through Central Park in the early fall light, and explore the cultural, culinary, and nightlife experiences that make Manhattan an unmatched destination. But with demand at its peak, scoring a last-minute reservation at one of the city’s top hotels can feel daunting. Rooms in luxury properties often sell out months in advance, and the few that remain are usually claimed quickly.

Still, New York is a city that thrives on spontaneity, and travelers who know where to look can uncover opportunities for incredible last-minute stays. Manhattan is home to a wide range of five-star hotels that balance timeless prestige with modern design, intimate boutique experiences with grand historic settings, and exclusive amenities that transform a simple trip into a memorable escape. From the iconic addresses that have hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries for over a century to cutting-edge newcomers that redefine what hospitality looks like in the 21st century, Manhattan’s luxury hotels offer something for every type of guest.

Consider the Midtown classics that have become synonymous with New York glamour: properties near Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and the Theater District that place guests within walking distance of world-famous landmarks and shopping. For travelers who want to immerse themselves in the buzz of Times Square, there are polished modern sanctuaries that provide the perfect balance between excitement outside and serenity inside. Downtown, neighborhoods like SoHo, Tribeca, and the East Village showcase hotels that reflect the artistic, trend-setting energy of the city’s creative scene, combining boutique intimacy with luxury services. And for those drawn to New York’s rapidly evolving west side, Hudson Yards has introduced sleek, contemporary hotels that emphasize wellness, design, and lifestyle-driven amenities.

What makes these hotels especially appealing during Labor Day Weekend is their ability to elevate the holiday into something unforgettable. A last-minute booking at one of these properties isn’t just about having a place to stay — it’s about gaining access to experiences that define New York at its finest. Imagine sipping cocktails at a rooftop lounge while fireworks light up the Hudson River, waking up to panoramic views of Central Park, or winding down with a spa treatment after a day exploring the city’s festivals and parades. Many of these hotels also host their own holiday dining events, pool parties, or seasonal experiences, adding another layer of excitement to the weekend.

For travelers booking at the last minute, strategy matters. While availability can be limited, it isn’t impossible to find the right fit. Some properties hold back a portion of rooms for late bookings or run special weekend promotions that can only be found by reserving directly through the hotel. Others may release inventory in the days leading up to the holiday as cancellations occur. Being flexible with check-in and check-out dates, or considering slightly less central neighborhoods, can also open the door to unexpected luxury finds.

This curated list of 25 hotels has been carefully selected to highlight the best five-star options across Manhattan, tailored to travelers making spontaneous plans but still seeking the elevated comfort that only top-tier hospitality can deliver. Each property offers its own unique mix of style, service, and amenities, ensuring that even last-minute guests can enjoy the very best New York has to offer. Whether the goal is to immerse in the city’s cultural pulse, retreat into refined tranquility, or simply celebrate the long weekend in style, these hotels deliver the kind of unforgettable stays that define Labor Day Weekend in Manhattan.

Midtown Icons Near Central Park and Fifth Avenue

Chic Downtown & SoHo Escapes

Contemporary West Side Luxury

Tips for Booking Last-Minute Luxury

• Search hotel platforms: Use Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner for availability snapshots.
• Book direct: Hotels like Lotte New York Palace often release exclusive last-minute deals on their own websites.
• Expand your radius: Consider downtown or Financial District properties where availability is typically higher.
• Adjust your stay: Arriving a day earlier or leaving a day later can yield better pricing.

Conclusion: Luxury Awaits in Manhattan

New York City never fails to deliver when it comes to world-class accommodations. Whether it’s the enduring prestige of The Plaza, the contemporary refinement of Aman, or the creative flair of downtown boutique hotels, Manhattan offers no shortage of options for an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend. Even last-minute travelers can enjoy five-star comfort—so long as they know where to look.

What sets Manhattan apart is the range of experiences available within such a compact space. A single subway ride or cab trip can take you from a historic hotel with Gilded Age charm to a glass-and-steel tower overlooking the Hudson River, each delivering its own interpretation of luxury. This variety ensures that travelers can tailor their stay to match their mood for the holiday: quiet relaxation in a serene spa, nonstop energy in the heart of Times Square, or intimate dining in a boutique hotel tucked into SoHo’s cobblestone streets.

Labor Day Weekend also marks a unique time in the city’s calendar. The summer crowds are still present, but the first hints of fall begin to settle over Central Park. Rooftop pools, outdoor dining terraces, and skyline lounges create opportunities to savor the final days of summer before autumn arrives. Choosing the right hotel allows guests to not only rest between adventures but to fully participate in the city’s holiday atmosphere.

For those booking late, the key is persistence and flexibility. Hotels may release last-minute availability, often paired with promotions designed to capture spontaneous travelers. Checking booking platforms frequently, calling properties directly, and considering adjacent neighborhoods can unlock surprising opportunities. With so many five-star hotels competing to offer the best possible guest experience, even a last-minute booking can result in a stay that feels carefully planned.

Ultimately, Manhattan’s luxury hotels are more than places to sleep—they’re extensions of the city’s character. They embody its creativity, sophistication, and relentless energy, providing an unmatched backdrop for one of the biggest weekends of the year. For travelers ready to embrace spontaneity, a last-minute stay in one of these remarkable properties can transform Labor Day Weekend into a story worth telling long after the holiday ends.

If you’re looking to elevate your Manhattan getaway even further, make time to stop by a licensed New York dispensary and pick up something from Silly Nice, a Black-Owned, Veteran-Owned craft cannabis brand delivering some of the state’s most in-demand products.

WITT (Wellness in Travel and Tourism) and the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), which are both owned by Robin Ruiz, have partnered to launch a set of measurable wellness benchmarks and a certification process for hotels around the world.

The new initiative, called Core Wellness Standards for Hotels, has been developed with guidance from experts in hospitality, fitness, nutrition, sustainability and travel from WITT’s Standards Advisory Committee.

The standards offer hotels targets and certification to give travellers confidence that wellness offerings have been independently verified.

The standards are built around five essential pillars: healthy eating, holistic healing, nature, movement and local impact.

Healthy Eating
• Offers nutritious and dietary-inclusive meals
• Recommends local wellness-aligned dining options
• Supplies clean, filtered water throughout the hotel

Holistic Healing
• Maintains an inviting and clean atmosphere
• Fosters a restful sleep environment
• Nurtures personable and warm service

Nature
• Integrates elements of biophilic design indoors
• Facilitates access to green spaces

Movement
• Provides space and programmes for physical activity

Local Impact
• Prioritises local supplies and equipment
• Celebrates local culture and people
• Protects and preserves the environment

Oxana Spivey, VP of wellness standards and development for WITT said: “Wellness travel is no longer a niche – it’s a priority for millions of travellers worldwide. These standards give hotels a clear, credible path to creating experiences that truly support wellbeing, while establishing a transparent definition of wellness in hospitality and elevating the overall guest experience.”

Robin Ruiz, founder and CEO of WITT and president and CEO of WTA said: “This collaboration between the Wellness Tourism Association and WITT brings a long-overdue level of clarity to the wellness tourism space. It’s about creating a consistent, transparent definition of wellness in hospitality – one that strengthens trust, inspires innovation and sets a new benchmark for the industry.”

The Core Wellness Standards and certification applications are now open to hotels worldwide. For more information, visit wittcertified.com.

>WTA and WITT

In May of this year, the WTA was dissolved due to financial issues. Earlier in August, however, the WTA was relaunched as a for-profit venture by Robin Ruiz, founder and CEO of WITT. Ruiz serves as WTA’s president and CEO.

Robin Ruiz’s WITT

Ruiz is the CEO and founder of Wellness in Travel and Tourism, an independent organisation composed of hospitality, wellness and travel specialists.

Last year Spa Business reported that WITT had created a wellness certification for hotels and resorts, which offers reassurance to customers that a property genuinely prioritises guest wellbeing.

Founded in 2022, WITT’s mission is to raise the bar in wellness travel and hospitality by setting rigorous standards.