The Ritz-Carlton Astana

Location: In the Talan Towers, a new luxury complex in the square around the Bayterek Tower, the monument in the centre of Kazakhstan’s capital city
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 130 plus 27 residences
Facilities: Three restaurants, including one on the 18th floor, a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre
Meeting space: Three meeting rooms, two boardroom and a 1,000m² ballroom
They say: “Much like the monument it overlooks, The Ritz-Carlton Astana represents the future of Astana and acknowledges the city’s growing power and prominence”
We say: The hotel could not be better positioned, right in the heart of Astana. It should benefit from an initial strong period of business during this year’s World Expo
Opening: Already open

Swiss-Belinn Luwuk

Location: Overlooking the Banda Sea in Luwuk, a city in the eastern part of Sulawesi, Indonesia
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 100 rooms plus two villas
Facilities: Restaurant and bar, swimming pool overlooking the sea, fitness centre and spa
Meeting space: Three meeting rooms for up to 300 guests
They say: “The hotel overlooks Luwuk and offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the southern Banggai coastline and the Banda Sea”
We say: This opening represents Swiss-Belhotel’s strategy of targeting Indonesia’s second and third tier cities, providing international facilities to mainly domestic travellers
Opening: Already open

Somerset Ekamai Bangkok

Location: The Ekkamai district of Bangkok, close to the main Sukhumvit business district
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 262 serviced apartments
Facilities: Swimming pool, massage parlour, gym, restaurant, indoor and outdoor children’s playgrounds
Meeting space: Conference centre including auditorium and meeting rooms
They say: “[Somerset Ekamai Bangkok] will also appeal to leisure travellers looking for quality accommodation while discovering the interesting places in Bangkok’s hipster enclave”
We say: This property will provide a good extended-stay or expanded-space option for business travellers and families. The Ekkamai area is well-placed close to Sukhumvit and trendy Thong Lor
Opening: Already open

Sofitel Dubai Wafi

Location: Close to Wafi shopping mall in downtown Dubai, adjacent to the Raffles Dubai
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 501 rooms & suites plus 97 serviced apartments
Facilities: Several restaurants, including all-day and Asian outlets, gastropub, 44th floor bar, lobby café, outdoor swimming pools, spa, kids’ club
Meeting space: Ten meeting rooms and a 1,115m² ballroom
They say: “This impressive project that will undoubtedly become a future flagship for Sofitel in the region”
We say: As the largest Sofitel in the Middle East, and with a location close to several business hubs, this hotel is likely to become a key destination for the high-end corporate market
Opening: Early 2019