Tower Wing at Shangri-La Singapore
The Shangri-La Singapore has unveiled its renovated Tower Wing, revealing an updated lobby, refurbished rooms and club lounge plus three new restaurant concepts. The wing’s 503 rooms feature glass wardrobes, floor-to-ceiling windows and “a soothing colour palette”. Guests that book Horizon Club rooms will have access to the Horizon Club Lounge on level 24. Restaurants include the Lobby Lounge, which features signature dishes from the region, a grab-and-go shop serving light dishes, and Japanese outlet Nami Restaurant and Bar.
Amari Johor Bahru
Onyx Hospitality Group has opened an Amari property in the southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru. A half hour drive from Senai International airport and 80 minutes from Singapore’s Changi airport, the hotel’s 242 rooms will feature “spa-inspired bathrooms, dual frontage wardrobes and ergonomic work stations”, plus free wifi. It also has a market-style all-day restaurant, café and outdoor pool and bar, alongside numerous meeting venues including an outdoor terrace which can hold 600 for a standing reception.
Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel
Renaissance Hotels has opened a property at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International airport. Connected to the airport via Skytrain, the hotel’s design has been headed up by interiors company Rottet Studio, and offers 204 rooms, a gym, a bar, 584 sqm of meeting space and a restaurant serving southern American comfort food.
Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Kaimah
Hilton Garden Inn has opened its first property in Ras Al Kaimah, the UAE. Located in the district of Al Nakheel, the hotel has 240 rooms, including 10 family rooms and eight suites, two restaurants, a bar and lounge and an outdoor pool and bar. Other features include 500 sqm of meeting space, tennis courts and a business centre, plus access to beach facilities at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa via a free shuttle.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Monterrey Valley
IHG has opened a Holiday Inn Express in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey. The 174-room hotel is situated in the district of Valle and includes a 24-hour gym, on-site laundry facilities and five small meeting rooms. Rooms feature a small sitting area, a 43-inch TV, a microwave, a minibar and a coffee machine. The hotel’s free breakfast includes continental dishes plus regional favourites such as carne asada tacos.
Coming soon
The Trafalgar St James
The Trafalgar hotel is set to relaunch as The Trafalgar St James under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. Located on the south side of London’s Trafalgar Square, the hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment and is expected to open this autumn. All 131 rooms and 14 suites are being refreshed alongside a new all-day dining restaurant and club-like private lounge inside, while a revamped Mediterranean-style rooftop lounge will feature a private glasshouse that can hold 14 people.
Aloft Dubai City Centre Deira
Marriott has plans to open a cinema-themed hotel in Dubai. Expected to launch in 2018, the Aloft Dubai City Centre Deira will have 304 themed rooms featuring a large collection of movies, a projector and a TV, plus enhanced sound systems. Four suites will be designed to reflect favourite blockbuster themes, including comic superheroes and Bollywood. The hotel will also have an all-season outdoor cinema and event space.
Metropolis Avani Residences, Auckland
Avani Hotels and Resorts has acquired apartment providers Metro Suites in Auckland, to be rebranded as the Metropolis Avani Residences. Housed within a 40-storey tower, the luxury hotel group has announced plans for a major room refurbishment due for completion this October. Rooms will feature spacious living areas, kitchens and laundry facilities with views across the city. Leisure facilities include a 22-metre swimming pool, a sauna, a gym and a steam room.
Flamingo Las Vegas
Caesars Entertainment Corporation will be launching a US$90 million renovation of the Flamingo Las Vegas. Due to complete in the middle of 2018, 1,270 rooms of the hotel’s total 3,500 rooms will be updated beginning August this year, adding “retro chic” accents designed by US interiors firm Forrest Perkins. The hotel has a six-hectare pool and a wildlife habitat featuring waterfalls.
