Maison Aurelia Sanur by Préférence Hotels

Location: Slightly set back from the beach in the Sanur district of Bali, not far from the airport
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 41
Facilities: Indonesian restaurant, gastro-pub, swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, access to beach club
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The opening marks the first property under Préférence label uniquely comprising of upscale, charm and heritage boutique hotels”
We say: Tauzia Hotels launches Préférence brand with good location in Bali. Local restaurant and spa provide touches of Indonesian charm that could prove popular
Opening: Already open

Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park

Location: In the city’s Pudong district, adjacent to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 362
Facilities: Five restaurants and bars, fitness centre
Meeting space: Five meeting spaces, including a conference hall for up to 340 people
They say: “We plan to build on this momentum in 2017 and add over 10 hotels to our existing high-end portfolio over the next three years. Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park has helped us take some good first steps in this”
We say: Rebranding of the former Radisson Blu is not great news for Carlson Rezidor, but forms part of major expansion of AccorHotels’ Grand Mercure brand in China
Opening: Already open

Hillocks Hotel & Spa Resort

Location: A short distance from the centre of Siem Reap and the entrance to Angkor Wat
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 38, including “jacuzzi suites”
Facilities: Restaurant, rooftop bar, poolside lounge, spa, swimming pool, fitness centre
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Hillocks Hotel & Spa in Siem Reap provides travellers to Cambodia with a new benchmark in stylish, romantic resort accommodation”
We say: Semi-rural location allows resort to spread out, with large rooms and an impressive pool. But city centre attractions are a fairly brisk walk away
Opening: Already open

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Location: Khem Beach, in far south of up-and-coming Vietnamese island
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 243
Facilities: Four F&B outlets, outdoor pool, fitness centre, bike rental, water sports, kids’ club
Meeting space: Six meeting spaces covering more than 1,100m²
They say: “Travel back to the bygone era of the early 20th Century with Bill Bensley’s whimsical design”
We say: Quirky beach resort features won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but provides a charming break from usual chain hotels
Opening: Already open

The Villa Brown Jerusalem

Location: Housed within a 19th Century villa in the centre of Jerusalem, five minutes’ walk from the old city
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 24
Facilities: Restaurant with outdoor veranda, underground bar, rooftop spa and open-air jacuzzi, rooftop terrace and lounge
Meeting space: Meeting facilities available
They say: “Boutique hotel brand Brown Hotels adds a zip of modernity to the ancient city of Jerusalem”
We say: Beautiful hotel likely to be popular among travellers seeking a stylish place to stay in central Jerusalem
Opening: April 2017

Palacio Tangara

Location: Burle Marx Park, which covers more than 10 hectares in central Sao Paulo
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 141
Facilities: Restaurant, bar and lounge all with outdoor terraces, fitness centre, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, kid’s club
Meeting space: Nine function rooms, including a ballroom for up to 530 guests
They say: “This important hotel launch continues the group’s meticulous portfolio expansion, whilst remaining truthful to their founding promise: not just to open new hotels, but to create true masterpieces”
We say: This palatial property in the green heart of Sao Paulo is a great way for Europe’s Oetker Collection to enter South America
Opening: June 2017

Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa

Location: Beachfront setting in Jomtien, a quieter area just along the coast from Pattaya
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 257, including pool villas
Facilities: Two outdoor swimming pools, kids’ pool, kids’ club, spa, two restaurants, lobby lounge
Meeting space: Function space for up to 350 people
They say: “The latest addition to Renaissance Hotels will reflect the brand’s signature approach to feed curiosity, fuel the imagination and excite the senses”
We say: New Renaissance hotels are usually exciting. This resort likely to suit those seeking a beach resort getaway, but its location is slightly away from the bright lights of downtown Pattaya
Opening: September 2017

Dusit Thani Wetland Park Resort Nanjing

Location: Within Nanjing Shangqinhuai Eco Wetland Park, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 110, including villas
Facilities: Three restaurants, including rooftop garden outlet, gymnasium, swimming pool, spa, kids’ club
Meeting space: A 300m² meeting room
They say: “The [resort will] deliver an inspiring and rejuvenating getaway for guests from all over the world”
We say: In reality, it likely to cater primarily to the Chinese domestic market, which will be attracted by the natural surroundings and Thai style facilities
Opening: Late 2017