Where to Stay: New APAC hotels from Hilton, Dusit, Minor and more…

Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar

Location: In the centre of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 106
Facilities: Four F&B outlets including a rooftop restaurant, rooftop pool, spa, fitness centre, kids’ area, web corner, interactive touch-screen table in the lobby
Meeting space: Two meeting spaces
They say: “With Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar’s contemporary ‘home away from home’ stay experience, assortment of dining outlets and meeting spaces, we are set to define new paradigms in the hospitality industry to meet the city’s tourism growth”
We say: AccorHotels’ popular midscale brand should be a good fit for this large and expanding city, and the rooftop restaurant could attract local business
Opening: Already open

DoubleTree by Hilton Xiamen-Haicang

Location: In the Haicang district of Xiamen, the port city in southeast China’s Fujian province
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 301
Facilities: Chinese and international restaurants, noodle house, bar, heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre
Meeting space: Extensive, including a 1,000m² ballroom, six other function rooms and a 300m² banquet foyer
They say: “Whether in town for an important business meeting or looking for the perfect wedding venue, the new DoubleTree by Hilton Xiamen-Haicang promises to deliver the little things that make a big impact”
We say: The hotel’s extensive MICE facilities will make it popular with the local event sector, especially weddings
Opening: Already open

Metropolis Avani Residences, Auckland

Location: Central Auckland, within walking distance of the waterfront precinct
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 370 one- and two bedroom apartments
Facilities: Heated swimming pool, indoor and outdoor spas, sauna, gymnasium, steam room
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Metro Suites presented itself as a compelling acquisition opportunity to expand our foothold within the Asia Pacific region, and we look forward to introducing the Avani brand into this market later this year”
We say: The rebranding of the former Metro Suites will mark the Avani brand’s debut in New Zealand. The large US$7.5m renovation budget should lead to an impressive transformation
Opening: October 2017

DusitPrincess Moonrise Beach Resort, Phu Quoc

Location: On the west coast of Phu Quoc island, southern Vietnam
Grade: Upper-midscale
Keys: 108
Facilities: Restaurant, spa, outdoor pool with pool bar, kids’ area
Meeting space: Conference room available
They say: “Following our strategy for sustainable and profitable growth, which includes building our portfolio of international properties, the new hotel will open under our newly-developed franchise model”
We say: Phu Quoc’s development boom continues, and the DusitPrincess brand will provide an affordable alternative for visitors seeking a branded beachfront resort
Opening: December 2017