X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel

Location: In the On Nut district of Bangkok
Grade: Upper-midscale
Keys: 145 rooms and 121 serviced residences
Facilities: Café, bar, saltwater swimming pool with poolside bar, spa, Japanese onsen, and a complimentary shuttle service to the BTS skytrain station
Meeting space: One meeting room for up to 48 people
They say: “With an ideal location close to bustling Sukhumvit and trendy Thong Lor, X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel is perfectly positioned to cater for the new era of millennial travellers”
We say: The new flagship property of the X2 Vibe brand is targeted at younger travellers, and its location close to the popular Thong Lor district will help achieve this
Opening: Already open

ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Vientai

Location: Soi Rambuttri, the next street along from Khao San Road, Bangkok’s famous backpacker haven
Grade: Economy
Keys: 215
Facilities: Bar and grill, cafe, outdoor pool, kids’ club, bike rentals
Meeting space: Two meeting rooms handling up to 200 guests
They say: “As a flagship ibis Styles hotel, the property offers travellers an all-inclusive bed and breakfast with spaciousness and comfort”
We say: The hotel’s prime position in Bangkok’s backpacker district plus selection of affordable rooms should make it popular with travellers on a budget
Opening: Already open

Pentahotel Hong Kong, Tuen Mun

Location: In the Tuen Mun area of Hong Kong’s New Territories
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 298
Facilities: Lounge with pool table, laundry, open social spaces and free Wi-Fi
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The former industrial high-rise building has been completely renovated… with a contemporary rustic decor that seamlessly blends with whimsical local cultural references”
We say: Interesting location for the lifestyle brand, allowing leisure guests to experience a different side of Hong Kong
Opening: Already open

Sofitel Foshan

Location: Connected to the Louvre International Exhibition Centre in Foshan, southern China’s Guangdong province
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 325
Facilities: Two restaurants, lobby lounge, sky bar, spa, 24-hour fitness centre, indoor swimming pool
Meeting space: 3,000m² of function space, including a ballroom, six meeting rooms and an outdoor terrace
They say: “Sofitel Foshan offers the perfect blend of the city’s charm with a touch of French and Chinese art de vivre for travellers seeking modern refinement and a luxury escape in the historical and cultural city”
We say: The luxury branding, extensive facilities and position in Foshan’s tallest building should make this a desirable option for high-end visitors to the city
Opening: Already open

The William Inglis Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel

Location: Adjacent to the Warwick Farm racecourse, southwest Sydney
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 144
Facilities: Racecourse-themed restaurant and gardens, bars, lobby café, micro-brewery, day spa, rooftop pool, gym
Meeting space: Conference centre with facilities for 1,000 people
They say: “Not only will it provide much-needed high-end boutique accommodation to service the racing industry… but we also believe it will be a major driver and drawcard for regional tourism across”
We say: Interesting concept, featuring feature more than 800 horse stables. The adjoining conference centre will make this a strong option for out-of-town events
Opening: March 2018

dusitD2 Vung Tau

Location: On Vietnam’s southeast coast at Vung Tau, 90km from Ho Chi Minh City
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 100
Facilities: Two restaurants including a seafood outlet, a bar, spa, outdoor pool and gym
Meeting space: Available, including a ballroom
They say: “We look forward to providing a hotel experience that not only delights guests with our signature gracious hospitality inspired by authentic Thai values, but which also elevates Vung Tau’s profile as a destination”
We say: Dusit continues to expand its presence in Vietnam, following the recent signing of a resort on the island of Phu Quoc
Opening: Q2 2018

Courtyard by Marriott Yangon

Location: Part of a new mixed-use development in downtown Yangon, close to the Sule Pagoda
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 200
Facilities: Executive lounge, restaurant, snack bar, bar, rooftop pool, fitness centre and spa treatment rooms
Meeting space: Four meeting rooms covering 400m²
They say: “Courtyard by Marriott Yangon’s dynamic offerings and welcoming service will cater to both leisure and business guests in Myanmar”
We say: Excellent central location and international branding are likely to make this a popular option with international travellers
Opening: 2019

Even Hotel Auckland

Location: In central Auckland, at the corner of Albert and Wyndham streets
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 200, all featuring in-room fitness facilities
Facilities: Restaurant serving healthy food, fitness centre and morning yoga classes
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Wellness travel is a global phenomenon and a US$563 billion industry today and, with Even Hotels, we have a created a brand that will deliver a local wellness experience to travellers”
We say: Even should be a good fit for the health-conscious Australasian market. This will be the first of 10-15 Even Hotels to be rolled out across Australia and New Zealand.
Opening: 2020