Where to Stay: New hotels in Jakarta, LA, Bangkok, Shanghai, and more…

Ayana Midplaza Jakarta

Location: The site of the former InterContinental Midplaza Jakarta on Jalan Sudirman
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 366
Facilities: Seven F&B outlets, spa, 24-hour gym, executive lounge, business centre
Meeting space: 24 function rooms for large and small events
They say: “Ayana’s multi-faceted hospitality team is preparing to introduce guests and residents to a fresh approach in authentic Balinese and Indonesian hospitality”
We say: Having built a strong reputation with its luxury resort in Bali, Ayana opens its first city hotel. It will be interesting to see how the concept translates to an urban hotel
Opening: Already open

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Location: On the west coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, 45 minutes’ drive from Nadi International Airport
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 136 rooms and 114 villas, including 22 overwater villas
Facilities: Three restaurants, tennis court, water sports, kids’ club, spa, three swimming pools including one with swim-up bar
Meeting space: 360m² ballroom and 1,200m² of outdoor pre-function space
They say: “The resort is located in a beautiful, untouched area of Fiji, making it the ideal spot for families and friends to explore”
We say: The Marriott brand’s first property in Fiji becomes the only resort on the country’s mainland to offer overwater villas
Opening: Already open

Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown

Location: New-build hotel in the Metropolis development on Francisco Street, walking distance from the Staples Center and Los Angeles Convention Center
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 350
Facilities: Restaurant and bar, top floor cocktail lounge, outdoor pool terrace with bar, 24-hour fitness centre
Meeting space: 11 function rooms covering more than 2,000m²
They say: “The design of the property is inspired by 1920s prohibition era, infusing elements from the underground speakeasies and tunnels”
We say: With 350 rooms and 18 floors, this must be the biggest “boutique hotel” in the world. But its downtown location, F&B outlets, local focus and design concept make it an exciting new option
Opening: Already open

Hilton Garden Inn Shanghai Hongqiao

Location: Part of the New Hongqiao CBD area of Shanghai, less than 10km from the city’s Hongqiao airport and railway station
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 226
Facilities: Restaurant, noodle bar, lounge, 24-hour snack bar, 24-hour gym, laundry
Meeting space: 500m² of meeting space across five function rooms
They say: “Hilton Garden Inn Shanghai Hongqiao offers upscale accommodations and all the modern amenities that today’s busy travellers need and appreciate”
We say: Should be a good affordable option for Chinese travellers, with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour services and location close to airport and high-speed railway station
Opening: Already open

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

Location: Above Carbon Beach along California’s Pacific Coast Highway
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 16 Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and hand-crafted tubs
Facilities: Outdoor lap pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, fitness room, access to beach and Malibu Racquet Club. Located next to Nobu Restaurant Malibu
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Encompassing the feeling of “omotenashi”, the Japanese art of hospitality, the Malibu location masterfully delivers the unique chemistry and perfect balance of luxury, fun, craft and theatre beloved by Nobu Hospitality’s international clientele”
We say: Exclusive hotel that blends the Japanese heritage of the Nobu brand with the Californian celebrity of its hotel label, which is backed by Robert de Niro
Opening: 28 April 2017

Savant Vela Hotel Bangkok

Location: The very centre of Bangkok, close to Siam Square shopping area and several major malls
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 72
Facilities: Wine bar, social lobby space, fitness centre
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Savant Vela Hotel Bangkok will serve the growing numbers of inbound Chinese travellers as well as leisure and business travellers from all over the world”
We say: Cachet Hotel Group’s boutique lifestyle brand will incorporate a series of high-tech features, such as mobile check-in/out and bookings via WeChat
Opening: November 2017