China
Chateauform’ City Chuanshan Academy, located in the center of Beijing, is the first IACC-certified conference venue in China. The 13th century building includes a traditional, peaceful courtyard. Over 2,100 square feet of space includes an auditorium, a boardroom, two large plenary meeting rooms, an informal meeting room and five breakout meeting rooms. All rooms are equipped with the latest technology offerings.
France
Opening later this year, InterContinental Bordeaux–Le Grand Hotel will be IHG’s sixth InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in France. Situated on Place de la Comedie, Bordeaux’s central square that dates back to 1776, the 130-room property will be transformed from the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa. The hotel will have seven meeting rooms, an indoor pool and a spa. Overseeing food and beverage will the Gordon Ramsay Group, its first venture into Bordeaux. The hotel will include Le Pressoir D’Argent, a fine-dining restaurant.
Indonesia
Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced the debut of the Four Points brand in Indonesia with the opening of Four Points Bali, Kuta. The hotel has 185 guest rooms and 2,300 square feet of meeting space. In addition to full-service dining at The Eatery, guests can sample authentic local beers in the urban beer garden as part of its signature Best Brews program.
Italy
The Mandarin Oriental, Milan, now open in the heart of the city, is just steps from La Scala. Four 18th century buildings mix Milanese style with the traditional Mandarin Oriental design. The property features 104 guest rooms, an open courtyard, a spa, several dining options and two meeting rooms. www.mandarinoriental.com/milan
Japan
The Westin Rusutsu Resort is scheduled to open in December as Starwood’s first ski resort in Japan. The resort will have 210 guest rooms, including suites with up to seven beds for large groups or families, and house over 1,100 square feet of meeting space. Three distinctive dining venues are planned to include variety, and the brand’s nutrient-rich SuperFoodsRx menus, designed to provide travelers with options for a healthy lifestyle while on the road.
Saudi Arabia
Marriott International debuted its first flagship brand in the holy city of Mecca, the Makkah Marriott Hotel. In the center of town and close to many of the city’s holy sites, the 426-room hotel is arabesque in design and offers sweeping views of the city. There are five high-ceiling meeting rooms with just over 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space available.