The Junei Hotel, Kyoto

Location: Within the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens West, in the centre of Japan’s cultural capital
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 8, all styled on traditional Kyoto townhouses
Facilities: Limited, but Japanese breakfast is included in the rate and guests can experience a traditional tea ceremony. Green tea and Japanese sweets are served upon arrival
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “We are aiming to contribute to the tourism industry in Japan by calling attention to the country’s charm, tradition and history”
We say: This unique new-build hotel will transport guests back to a bygone era. Guests wanting the full cultural experience can even rent a kimono to wander around the city
Opening: 1 July 2017

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, London

Location: In the Shoreditch area of East London
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 150
Facilities: Nobu Restaurant, including sushi bar and chef’s table, plus lounge, bar, 24-hour fitness centre, spa services and outdoor courtyard
Meeting space: Kaijo event space for 200 people, plus 80-pax Nobu Terrace
They say: “The expressive and distinctive design for the new Nobu Hotel Shoreditch… [includes] overhanging floor slabs and cantilevered steel beams”
We say: Robert de Niro-backed Nobu Hospitality’s brand of modern luxury is the perfect match for Shoreditch, one of London’s trendiest areas
Opening: 1 July 2017

The Middle House, Shanghai

Location: Part of the HKRI Taikoo Hui development on Nanjing Road in downtown Shanghai’s historic Dazhongli neighbourhood
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 111 rooms and 102 serviced apartments
Facilities: Café Gray Deluxe restaurant and outdoor terraces. Other facilities not yet revealed
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The Middle House continues the company’s philosophy of intimate luxury, delivered with highly-personalised service”
We say: Swire Hotels continues to develop its small portfolio of modern luxury hotels in Greater China. F&B will form a key part of the hotel, with New York-based chef Gray Kunz heading up the restaurant
Opening: By the end of 2017

Melia Melaka

Location: Part of Haleton City, a major new midscale development in the centre of the UNESCO-listed Malaysian city, within walking distance of the heritage zone
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 250
Facilities: Rooftop garden and pool on the 28th floor, spa, several F&B outlets, fitness centre and nightclub
Meeting space: Available, including a wedding pavilion
They say: “We are confident that Melia… will contribute a tremendous boost to the tourism industry of Melaka while elevating the city to greater heights”
We say: This glass and steel edifice represents modern side of the UNESCO-listed port city and continues the rapid expansion of Melia’s Asian portfolio
Opening: 2020