Features

Launch Party: Our picks of the top new hotels to try in 2020

31 Dec 2019 by Jackie Chen
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

Here we are in 2020. This is a special year, not only because it marks the beginning of a new decade, but also some of the most exciting international events will take place in the Asia-Pacific region over the next 12 months, such as the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup, to be held in a total of seven different cities across Australia.

Along with these thrilling events, a number of new hotels are also springing up. Here’s a preview of some of the most anticipated hotels that will open their doors this year.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Grand Staircase

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Housed in Sydney’s former General Post Office (GPO) building at No.1 Martin Place, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney marks the first international expansion of Singapore-based Fullerton Hotels & Resorts. The 416-room hotel offers two choices of accommodation: the Heritage Rooms situated in the historic GPO building and the Tower Rooms in the property’s high-rise section with a more contemporary design. Dining options include The Place, which serves modern Australian dishes and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, and The Bar for afternoon tea and drinks. Event facilities include a 1,058 sqm Grand Ballroom, the Heritage Ballroom that features an 11-metre dome ceiling and circular antique windows, and other smaller meeting rooms. The new hotel also has a 24-hour business centre, an executive club lounge, a fitness centre and the Endota Spa.

fullertonhotels.com

1 Hotel Haitang Bay, Sanya

1 Hotel Haitang Bay, Sanya

This new hotel, located in China’s southernmost tropical Hainan Island, will be the US-based, eco-friendly hotel chain 1 Hotels’ first property in Asia. Sustainable initiatives in this 294-room property will include decorations made of locally sourced or reclaimed materials, and the use of reclaimed chalkboard in all guestrooms as a paper substitute. Another special feature is an on-site farm, run and managed by the hotel. The 15,000 sqm farm will not only provide fresh and organic fruit and vegetables for the hotel’s seven restaurants and lounges, but will also be open to guests through a variety of parent-child activities.

Other recreation options will include five outdoor swimming pools, a Bamford Haybarn spa, fitness centre and kids’ club. Meanwhile, its 630 sqm of meeting facilities and 4,000 sqm of garden space will offer a choice of venues for a range of events.

1hotels.com

Hotel Alexandra - One-Bedroom Suite

Hotel Alexandra, Hong Kong

A new hotel managed by local hospitality group Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts is set to open on the North Point waterfront of Hong Kong Island. The new property, Hotel Alexandra, is situated close to the shopping and entertainment spots in Causeway Bay and offers easy access to the central business districts in Central and Wan Chai with the opening of the new Central-Wan Chai Bypass in 2019. The hotel, whose design is inspired by both Victorian elements and modern concepts, will offer 840 guestrooms named after the four suits of a pack of playing cards, as well as suites, with many overlooking Victoria Harbour. In addition to an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, it will also be home to all-day dining restaurant Café A, The Bar & Lounge for afternoon tea and drinks, as well as versatile function spaces.

hotelalexandrahk.com

One-Eight-One Hotel & Serviced Residences, Hong Kong

One-Eight-One Hotel & Serviced Residences, Hong Kong

Situated in the northwestern part of Hong Kong Island, this 183-room hotel offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and West Kowloon. With the HKU subway station, Western Harbour Crossing tunnel and Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal located nearby, the hotel is easily accessible from the city’s business, shopping and entertainment precincts. It has three restaurants and bars: all-day dining eatery The Tea Room inspired by Hong Kong’s local “Bing Sutt” dining culture; European gastropub The Common Room; and rooftop bar The Light featuring live music performances. There are also four meeting rooms with sizes ranging from 30 to 104 sqm.

Other facilities include a 24-hour gym, a foot massage parlour, a gift shop and flower shop, as well as Tesla charging stations.

one-eight-one.com

The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon

The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon

The Japanese capital will get its first ever Edition property next year. Slated to open in summer 2020, the 200-key The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon will form part of a large mixed-use project that entails the redevelopment of the former Pastoral Building, which will comprise offices, residences and a medical centre. Situated in the Minato district, the hotel will be close to Tokyo’s civic buildings, such as government offices, embassies and consulates, as well as local cultural landmarks such as Akasaka Palace and the Meiji Shrine. Tokyo Metro’s Kamiyacho Station and Roppongi-Itchome Station are both within walking distance, while the city’s main Tokyo Station is also just a short drive from the hotel.

editionhotels.com

Ace Hotel Kyoto Courtyard Rendering

Ace Hotel Kyoto

After the opening of Park Hyatt Kyoto and Aman Kyoto in late 2019, the Japanese city will soon welcome United States-based Ace Hotel’s first Asian property. Set to open in spring 2020, Ace Hotel Kyoto will offer more than 200 guestrooms. At the helm of the hotel’s architectural design is renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, whose works also include the New National Stadium in Tokyo for the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The new hotel will form part of the Shin Puh Kan redevelopment project in the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office, which will also contain a variety of shops, restaurants, a cinema and pop-up space, and will be directly connected to Karasuma Oike Station in the city’s subway system.

acehotel.com

Capella Bangkok - Riverfront Premier I

Capella Bangkok

A new Capella hotel is coming to Bangkok in early 2020. Located on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River, the new urban resort will feature 101 keys, including seven villas. All the rooms, suites and villas will offer panoramic views of the river and feature either a private balcony or a verandah with a plunge pool. A dedicated Capella Culturist will also be assigned to every room. The hotel will be home to four F&B outlets, a large wellness centre containing a spa facility that offers Asian and traditional Thai therapies, as well as all riverfront-facing event venues. Guests will also be able to engage in the hotel’s curated activities along the Chao Phraya River, with a focus on art, history, culture, entertainment and cuisine.

capellahotels.com

Four Seasons Bangkok - Pool

Four Seasons Bangkok

Also located along the Thai capital’s iconic Chao Phraya River, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is set to open in February 2020. Designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel offers 299 guestrooms with garden terraces, including a two-storey Presidential Suite. Dining options include Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan; Riva del Fiume for Italian cuisine; French restaurant Brasserie Palmier; The Lounge for afternoon tea as well as casual dining and drinks; neighbourhood-style pastry shop Café Madeleine; and the in-house bar BKK Social Club. In terms of leisure facilities, there’s a spa, a fitness centre with a 30-metre lap pool, two outdoor infinity pools overlooking the river and a kids’ club. The hotel also features a dedicated Art Space displaying artworks created by local artists.

fourseasons.com

Park Hyatt Auckland

Park Hyatt Auckland

Hyatt will mark its return to New Zealand with the debut of Park Hyatt Auckland. Overlooking Waitemata Harbour where the 2021 America’s Cup will be held, Park Hyatt Auckland will have 195 guestrooms whose design incorporates local Maori accents. Some rooms even afford views across Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and Waitemata Harbour. There will be four restaurants and bars: Onemata is the hotel’s signature restaurant, featuring local produce and menu selections driven by local farmers, fishermen and seasonal ingredients; all-day dining eatery The Living Room; The Pantry that will serve as both a grab-and-go counter and a dine-in outlet; and Captain’s Bar for drinks and snacks. In terms of wellness facilities, the hotel will offer a spa, a 25-metre infinity pool and a fitness centre.

hyatt.com

W Melbourne

W Melbourne

Set to open in 2020, W Melbourne will mark the second W Hotel in Australia, following W Brisbane that opened in 2018. Located in the city’s central business district and overlooking the Yarra River, the new hotel will be part of the A$1 billion (US$682 million) mixed-use luxury development Collins Arch, which will comprise two towers housing a mix of offices, retail and commercial space. Melbourne’s shopping, entertainment and art precincts are within walking distance or just a short tram ride away. The hotel will offer 294 guestrooms, including 40 suites and an Extreme Wow Suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite). Other on-site facilities include a spa, a fitness centre and an indoor heated swimming pool. Guests will also be able to experience W Hotels’ iconic Whatever/Whenever service.

w-hotels.marriott.com

Grand Hyatt Jeju - Event Space

Grand Hyatt Jeju

The largest Grand Hyatt hotel in the Asia-Pacific region will make its home on Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, which is only an hour’s flight from Seoul. With 1,600 guestrooms, Grand Hyatt Jeju will also become the second largest Grand Hyatt hotel in the world when it opens its doors. As part of local development company Lotte Tour’s “Dream Tower” integrated resort development located in the centre of Jeju City, the new property will also offer 1,200 sqm of meeting space and more than 14 dining outlets alongside recreational and leisure facilities.

hyatt.com

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