Where to Stay: New hotels in Sri Lanka, the US and Czech Republic

Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing

Location: Overlooking the Indian Ocean in Panadura, on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, 1.5 hours’ drive from Colombo
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 180
Facilities: Western and Chinese restaurants, bar, karaoke lounge, outdoor pool with bar, spa
Meeting space: Separate building for large-scale events including a 500-pax banqueting hall, two conference rooms, breakout rooms and a business centre
They say: “Placed on a glorious strip of beach, this tropical escape takes you into a world of its own with its ethnic design and open spaces”
We say: Facilities and proximity to Colombo position the hotel perfectly for the Chinese MICE market
Opening: Already open

El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Location: Directly on the beach in the Isla Verde district of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 388
Facilities: Four pools, a spa and multiple F&B outlets, including six bars and a beach club
Meeting space: 1,000m² ballroom
They say: “With the reopening today El San Juan Hotel, we are proud to continue our growth throughout the Caribbean by welcoming it as the first Curio Collection property”
We say: Having previously hosted legends like Sammy Davis Jr and Tony Bennet, it’s good to see this classic 1950s hotel restored to its former glory
Opening: Already open

Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown

Location: One of four towers in downtown LA’s new Metropolis development
Grade: Upper-upscale
Keys: 350
Facilities: Two restaurants, lobby lounge, 18th floor bar, fitness centre
Meeting space: Almost 2,000m² of function space covering 11 rooms
They say: “Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown hotel will be the new defining flagship property for the rapidly-growing Hotel Indigo brand”
We say: The quirky Hotel Indigo brand is likely to appeal to travellers in “La La Land”, providing a welcome alternative to the usual chain hotels
Opening: March 2017

W Prague

Location: The former Grand Europa Hotel on Wenceslas Square, in the historic centre of the Czech capital
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 154
Facilities: Several restaurants, rooftop bar, indoor pool, fitness centre, spa
Meeting space: 350m² of “ultra-modern event space”
They say: “The historic structure will be combined with a modern new building to create a stunning blend of old world glamour and bold, contemporary design”
We say: The modern extension of this historic building needs to be done sensitively, but the end result is likely to be an impressive addition to the Prague landscape. The rooftop bar is likely to become a popular local venue
Opening: 2020