Business Traveller rounds up new and recently opened hotels from brands including Avani, Doubletree, Intercontinental and Marriott.
Kota Kinabalu Marriott, Malaysia
Located in the capital city of Sabah, the East Malaysia state on the northern rim of the island of Borneo, the new hotel from Marriott aims to offer both a relaxing getaway and an invigorating cultural experience. The hotel is steps away from the shores of the South China Sea, and the design pays tribute to the heritage of Sabah’s majority Kadazan-Dusun people.
There are 332 rooms and suites, as well as an infinity pool, 24-hour fitness centre and spa. Five restaurants feature varied cuisines, including some locally inspired dishes. From £118.
Doubletree by Hilton Carcassonne, France
France’s first Doubletree by Hilton has debuted in the historical city of Carcassonne in southern Languedoc. This small town (around 50,000) is famous for its well-preserved medieval citadel, a World UNESCO Heritage Site founded in Gallo-Roman times.
The hotel, which sits on the bank of the Aude River, has 88 rooms including 17 suites. There is a spa with private cabins, a fitness centre and pool, and a garden. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet, and evening cocktails are served on an outdoor terrace. From £166.
Residence Inn by Marriott London Kensington
The largest property yet from Marriott’s Residence Inn brand, intended for guests taking long stays, has opened on Warwick Road near Earl’s Court.
Of the 319 suites, all include functional kitchens and separate areas to work and sleep. Several suites include private terraces looking out at the city, and all guests can make use of the eighth floor terrace, which can also serve as event space. Complimentary breakfast is served daily. From £151.
marriott.com
COMING SOON
Whitworth Locke Manchester
A former cotton mill in Manchester is being transformed into the newest property from Locke Hotels. Opening in November, the Whitworth Locke will be on Princess Street by the canal, an eight-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly railway station.
The hotel will have 160 rooms, each equipped with a kitchen. There will also be a coworking space, fitness centre, cocktail bar and all-day restaurant.
Hayman Island by Intercontinental, Australia
The former One and Only luxury resort on Hayman Island, originally built in the 1950s by Ansett founder Reg Ansett, will be renovated and rebranded as an Intercontinental by IHG and planned to reopen next year. Hayman Island is part of the Whitsunday Islands on the Barrier Reef, famed for their natural beauty and highlighted by calm blue waters and lush vegetation.
The hotel will have 166 rooms and suites, and can only be reached by helicopter or boat. It will remain the only hotel on the private 400-hectare Hayman Island.
Avani Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu must be increasing in popularity as a leisure destination – another new luxury hotel is planned for the coastal city in 2021.
The Avani Kota Kinabalu will be part of a mixed-use development featuring office space, retail, dining, entertainment and condominiums, all a 20-minute drive from the airport. The hotel will have 378 rooms catering to business and leisure travellers alike.
Laura Miserez
