Gothic themes in travel rise

Gothic aesthetics and nostalgic immersion are shaping 2027 travel trends, with a significant rise in demand for accommodations featuring dark wood paneling, velvet, ancient stones, and mysterious corridors.

Survey shows strong interest

According to a statement from the booking platform Hotels.com, 65% of surveyed travelers wish to stay in a gothic-style hotel, with this proportion rising to 71% among generations Y and Z. Additionally, 56% of travelers have chosen accommodations based on atmosphere or aesthetics.

Gothic travel gains popularity

This trend is reflected in a 20% increase in demand for castles over one year and a 38% rise in social media mentions related to gothic travel. Motivations include interest in historical hotels (46%) and destinations linked to legends or the supernatural (35%). The success of dark fantasy and fantastical universes contributes to this attraction for places steeped in history and legends.

Luxury hotels embrace gothic style

In London, the five-star hotel L’oscar London embraces a theatrical aesthetic, located in an old religious building and renovated by French specialist Jacques Garcia. The hotel combines velvet, wood paneling, and gilded details, creating a baroque luxury that is slightly unsettling.

Historical hotels offer immersive experiences

In the French Valley of Kings, the Château Louise de La Vallière offers a time-travel experience, with 20 rooms and suites designed by Jacques Garcia to pay homage to historical figures. The decor features precious fabrics, antique furniture, and interiors steeped in history, creating an almost theatrical atmosphere blending opulence with contemporary comfort.

Gothic trend extends to rentals

The trend extends beyond luxury hotels, with the rental platform Airbnb capitalizing on the desire for atypical and story-laden places. In the United Kingdom, the haunted room at Talliston, in Great Dunmow, offers a gothic experience with dim lighting, candles, heavy curtains, and old books and toys from the Edwardian era.

Famous gothic locations attract visitors

In the United States, the Byers house from Stranger Things in Fayetteville, Georgia, features interactive elements from the series, including a Christmas light wall, VHS cassettes, vinyl records, and retro games. Airbnb also offers unique activities, such as exploring the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris with historian Jacques Sirgent, who specializes in vampires and gothic literature.

Gothic appeal tied to nostalgia

This trend aligns with the "kidult" phenomenon, where adults remain passionate about themes from childhood, such as Disney, Harry Potter, or The Lord of the Rings. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit facilitate communities that exchange advice, collections, and travel tips.

Disneyland enhances gothic immersion

Disneyland Paris, which welcomes nearly 16 million visitors annually, continues this immersion with the Disneyland Hotel, featuring five "Signature Suites" inspired by Disney films such as Sleeping Beauty and Frozen. These suites include canopied beds and decor inspired by an ice palace, enhancing the overall experience.

Emotions drive travel choices

According to a study by Accor on travel trends in 2027, 46% of travelers primarily seek emotions and memories, considering the unusual as a key ingredient for an unforgettable experience.