Forget beige hotels: why 'Gothic getaways' are the chic travel trend of 2027

Luxury boutique hotels have long been defined by a familiar aesthetic: design-forward elegance, warm neutral palettes and cosy lounges complete with plush sofas and honesty bars. But according to Expedia Group’s Unpack ’27 report, high-end travel is taking a dramatic turn in 2027.

The latest research reveals that ‘Gothic getaways’ will be the next big trend, where stylish travellers seek moody, atmospheric stays, swapping cheerful boutique interiors for sensory depth, rich history and theatrical design.

Hotels.com reports that 65 per cent of guests are looking for Gothic-style properties (jumping to 71 per cent among Millennials), while global searches for historic castle hotels have jumped by 20 per cent. Fuelled by the rise of dark fantasy, folklore and dark academia in pop culture, over half (56 per cent) of the survey's respondents say they now choose where to stay based entirely on the atmosphere and aesthetic.

Roshina Jowaheer