Australia
The Aloft Perth debuted as the first hotel for the brand in the country. The property is part of an urban renewal project in the Springs Rivervale community near the Swan River and adjacent to the Perth Central Business District. The 114-room hotel features the brand’s WXYZ bar with live music and Re:mix lounge as well as the Springs Kitchen restaurant. The public spaces are adorned with artwork by recognized Australian artists. There is nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting space with a capacity for 300 people, including a rooftop ballroom with an open-air terrace.
China
The Conrad Guangzhou opened with 309 guest rooms in a multi-use complex with shopping, entertainment and corporate offices nearby. The property is located in CBD Zhujiang New Town and boasts river views from its rooms and restaurants. There are three restaurants as well as a lounge and bar, including Yun Pavilion, serving a new take on traditional Cantonese, and Gem, the ground-floor lounge offering afternoon tea. The hotel features 19,200 square feet of meeting space, including the 9,600-square-foot Conrad Ballroom that can accommodate 800 guests.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Shenzhen Longhua opened its doors as the first international, full-service hotel in Shenzhen Longhua. The hotel is located next to offices and a major shopping mall in the commercial center of Longhua New District. The 238-room property features executive floors with a private lounge, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and four restaurants and bars. The hotel offers the largest meeting space in the district with more than 17,500 square feet, including a nearly 8,000-square-foot ballroom and six meeting rooms.
Germany
The Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Lorrach opened in June near the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland. The new-build hotel offers 178 guest rooms, Restaurant Hebel and Bar 1760. There is also a nearly 6,500-square-foot conference area.
Italy
Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cortina d’Ampezzo, a historic hotel, joined The Luxury Collection, part of the Marriott brand. Located in Northeastern Italy in the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the property will reopen after a renovation of its 74 guest rooms, 22 suites and lobby. A second phase of redesign will be complete by December in time for its first ski season as part of The Luxury Collection. The hotel offers four restaurants, the Transvital Swiss Beauty Center spa and access to a golf course in partnership with Golf Club Cortina. The resort also has a private event space across three multifunctional rooms.
Kazakhstan
The Ritz-Carlton, Astana opened in the capital city. Set in the Talan Towers, the city’s first high-end mixed-use complex, the hotel features 157 guest rooms. There are three restaurants: Ozen, offering organic fare; Mokki, an all-day dining restaurant; and Selfie Astana, the newest creation of the Russian-based restaurant group White Rabbit Family. The property boasts more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,700-square-foor ballroom that can be divided by four, three meeting rooms and two boardrooms. Other hotel amenities include a Club Lounge, spa, pool and fitness studio.