Conrad Osaka

Location: Floors 33-40 of the Nakanoshima Festival Complex, between Osaka’s Umeda and Namba districts
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 164
Facilities: Four restaurants, a 40th floor “sky bar”, spa, 24-hour fitness centre and heated indoor pool
Meeting space: Two ballrooms, one boardroom and one divisible meeting room
They say: “Exuding modern chic style infused with traditional Japanese elements, Conrad Osaka also introduces guests to authentic and vibrant experiences within west Japan’s largest city”
We say: Major new luxury landmark for Japan’s second largest city. Sushi restaurant and sky bar likely to become popular with well-heeled local residents
Opening: Already open

Hyatt House Mexico City/Santa Fe

Location: In the Mexican capital’s Santa Fe business district, connected by a bridge to the Centro Medico ABC Hospital
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 119, including units with kitchen facilities
Facilities: Breakfast area, bar, 24-hour “market” for snacks and drinks, outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness room, 24-hour laundry room and complimentary grocery shopping service
Meeting space: Three meeting rooms
They say: “Every space in this hotel has been conceived to remind guests of home, and we want to warmly welcome them to their new home in the heart of the Santa Fe business area”
We say: This becomes the first Hyatt House hotel in Latin America, providing a convenient new option for families and business travellers on extended stays
Opening: Already open

NH Collection Grand Sablon, Brussels

Location: In the cultural Sablon district of downtown Brussels, 200 metres from the Central Railway Station
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 192
Facilities: Restaurant headed up by Michelin-starred chef, bar, 24-hour gym
Meeting space: 11 function rooms capable of hosting 250 people
They say: “With the opening of the company’s second hotel in Brussels under its upper-upscale brand, NH Hotel Group continues to consolidate a brand which only last year first appeared”
We say: NH Collection’s brand promises, such as in-room Nespresso machines and “Lazy Sundays” with late check-out and breakfast, should appeal to travellers
Opening: Already open

Grand Mercure Panzhihua

Location: Panzhihua, in southwest China’s Sichuan province
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 167, including seven villas
Facilities: Two restaurants, lobby lounge, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and hot spring centre
Meeting space: One ballroom and five function rooms
They say: “Set amidst a beautiful garden surrounded by hot springs, the low-rise resort is located next to the national baseball training centre”
We say: Panzhihua is known as China’s “National Health City” and the Grand Mercure’s international appeal will build on the existing local popularity of the Hongge Hotspring Resort
Opening: 2018

The Raffles Hotel London

Location: Within the Old War Office building in Whitehall, close to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 125 rooms & suites plus 88 private residences
Facilities: As yet unspecified, other than “restaurants other amenities”
Meeting space: As yet unspecified
They say: “This is the start of an important partnership for Raffles Hotels & Resorts and will create a new and vibrant landmark for London”
We say: This is a really interesting project to transform a Grade II-listed building that has previously housed Sir Winston Churchill and the British secret service, who had their own “discreet” entrance
Opening: 2020 (estimated)

Shangri-La Hotel Melbourne

Location: On Exhibition Street in downtown Melbourne, overlooking the Carlton Gardens
Grade: Luxury
Keys: Approximately 500 hotel rooms plus 300 residential apartments
Facilities: A sky lobby, restaurants, spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and retail space
Meeting space: Ballroom specified, other meeting space likely
They say: “Shangri-La is privileged to be selected as the hotel operator for this world-class… development, which will be an architectural masterpiece and an iconic part of Melbourne’s skyline for decades to come”
We say: While the word “iconic” is overused, this twin tower complex, which will be linked by a sky bridge, is likely to become a major new landmark in the city
Opening: 2022