In one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, a slew of hotels catering to business events have announced their opening and developments the past few weeks. Here are some in Asia Pacific you should know about.
Australia
Boasting spectacular views over the Sydney CBD and harbour, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour will provide 590 rooms and suites that blend stylish French aesthetics with contemporary designs. Situated alongside the new International Convention Centre, this five-star property will feature a stunning infinity swimming pool, Sydney’s most spectacular Champagne bar, a Club Millesime executive lounge, several restaurants and bars and easy access to Sydney’s best attractions. Its 28-storey glass façade will be lit up at night, creating a new landmark in Sydney’s “favourite playground” of Darling Harbour.
China
As the second Four Points in the ancient city with a storied history that can be traced back to the 2nd century BC Han dynasty, the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Hefei, Baohe strengthens the Four Points by Sheraton brand presence in Hefei, gaining higher market penetration for Marriott International in second-tier cities across Greater China. More than 2,400 sq m of flexible, multi-functional meeting spaces include a 780-sq m Grand Ballroom and nine separate function rooms furnished with advanced audio/visual equipment. Apart from its 271 rooms, the hotel also features three stylish restaurants and bars, including China Spice, which features 16 private dining rooms.
Located in the new financial district of the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone, the Waldorf Astoria Chengdu has opened as part of a high-end integrated complex called In99, which also hosts a retail mall, office towers, and apartment towers. It occupies a 52-storey art deco inspired building within the mixed-use development, and its 289 rooms start at a spacious 50 sq m, with marble bathroom, walk-in closets and other elegant touches in addition to modern amenities. There are six food and beverage offerings as part of the hotel, plus a spa and a 24-hour fitness centre.
A second Hilton Hotels and Resorts property has been opened in the northern coastal city of Yantai. The Hilton Yantai occupies levels one to six and 26 to 41 of the city’s tallest building, the 323-metre Shimao Skyscraper, in the central business district. Guests in its 252 rooms are afforded stunning views of the coast or the city skyline, as well as access to an indoor pool and a fitness centre. There are three restaurants offering a variety of cuisines that can be enjoyed without venturing outside the hotel.
Hunan’s first Courtyard-branded hotel has opened to 260 rooms in a prime location at the core of Changsha, comprising part of Zhongjian Plaza, a modern commercial and entertainment complex with high-end office buildings, U+block and banks. Developed in collaboration with Xinhe Real Estate Co., Ltd. of CSCEC, one of the world's top 500 enterprises, Courtyard by Marriott Changsha South boasts a banquet hall with plenty of natural lighting and three multi-function rooms, totalling 1,000 sq m in space. The Grand Ballroom offers one of the largest high definition projection capacities in Hunan. The versatile space can also be divided into two conference rooms of the same size according to the needs of guests.
New Zealand
Sofitel Wellington will feature 129 guest rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides and Botanical Gardens when it relaunches in October 2017. The luxury boutique hotel is themed around the Wellington and Luxembourg Gardens. Facilities include The Green Room which offers a relaxed and private atmosphere with a fire pit in a sheltered alfresco courtyard, rooms decorated in vintage gold and bronze tones and the Jardin Grill. With a prime location on Bolton Street in the centre of the capital, the Sofitel aims to be the luxury hideaway close to the city’s best entertainment and attractions.
Myanmar
Pan Pacific Yangon has debuted in Myanmar with an opening set for November this year. As the first truly international luxury five-star hotel in Myanmar just a stroll away from the Yangon River, the hotel is also close to popular landmarks such as the Bogyoke Aung San Market, Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Pagoda. Situated within Junction City, an integrated commercial and lifestyle development with a myriad of dining and recreational options, Pan Pacific Yangon offers 336 rooms and suites, along with a ballroom and a selection of meeting rooms.
South Korea
Fairmont Ambassador Seoul has been planned to launch in 2020. Located in the financial district of Yeouido, the hotel is part of an integrated development by Parc 1 comprising a retail mall and two office towers. Designed by renowned architect Richard Rogers, the eco-friendly hotel features 326 guest rooms, a rooftop terrace, spa, fitness centre, pool, conference hall and four restaurants and a bar. The hotel is located adjacent to Yeouido Park and is within five to 10 minutes’ walk to Yeouido and Yeouinauru train stations. Fairmont currently operates 75 hotels and residences across major cities in 24 countries including China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore. Fairmont’s network includes The Plaza Hotel New York, The Savoy Hotel London, Fairmont Peace Shanghai, Fairmont Dubai and San Francisco. Fairmont continues to expand globally with recent openings including Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, Fairmont Chengdu in Western China and Fairmont Fujairah in the Middle East. New luxury hotels scheduled to open later in 2017 include Fairmont Amman in Jordan and Fairmont Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Fairmont will also open its largest hotel in Austin, Texas, later this year.
Sri Lanka
Club Med has announced plans to open its first resort in Sri Lanka. The all-inclusive Club Med Ceylon will be located in Sri Lanka’s South West Province in the small town of Beruwela, only 90 minutes’ drive from Colombo International Airport, and is scheduled to open in August 2019. Keeping in line with Club Med’s sustainability and green initiatives, the 372-room resort will be built to the standards of the Green Globe certification.
Club Med Ceylon will be tucked away from the hustle-bustle along the aptly named Golden Beach, a 1.5KM long pristine beach, well sheltered by palm groves that spread along the direction of the ocean. The Resort will offer guests over 20 sea and land activities including the Club Med signature Flying Trapeze as well as tennis, football, archery and many more, creating a team building haven for corporate groups.
Singapore
The highly anticipated Sofitel Singapore City Centre will open its doors in October this year, marking the AccorHotels’ landmark 800th hotel in Asia Pacific. Nestled amidst historic shop houses and towering skyscrapers, the 223-room luxury hotel is elegantly designed, reflecting Singapore’s rich cultural heritage with undeniable French flair. An oasis at the heart of historic Tanjong Pagar, the hotel will also be AccorHotels’ 13th hotel in Singapore and will be shortly followed by a combined 782-room Novotel and Mercure complex which will open on Stevens Road. Sofitel Singapore City Centre will offer 1,858 sq m of meeting spaces across 10 flexible venues including the 600 sq m Wallich Ballroom, named after Nathaniel Wallich, the founding father of the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The hotel has partnered with the award-winning Imperial Treasure to provide premium wedding and banqueting menus.
Vietnam
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has signed a management contract with Phu Quoc Tourist Investment & Development JS Company to develop Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc. Scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2017, the 522-room property is part of an integrated resort that caters to a host of recreational and corporate activities including a convention centre, safari park, theatre, water theme park, retail, multiple restaurants and a 27-hole golf course. Popular attractions include the Phu Quoc National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Din Cau Rock Temple and the spectacular Tranh Waterfall. The signing marks the second resort in Vietnam for the Group, following Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh Bay, slated to open in 2018.
The Group continues to pursue development opportunities in leading Vietnamese destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, while also exploring upcoming destinations such as Dalat, Hue, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, Sapa, and Hai Phong.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has added 23 new member hotels across 13 countries, of which nine are new hotel members across Asia Pacific.(read more)
ONYX Hospitality Group has announced plans for the rejuvenation of Amari Pattaya, a brand-new all-suites wing and the 406-room OZO hotel adjacent to the existing hotel.(read more)
Marriott International is about to make a headway in hotel openings in the Asia-Pacific region once again with the announcement to open nearly 80 hotels and debut two new brands in 2017.(read more)
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