Where to Stay: new hotels from Banyan Tree, Movenpick, Hard Rock and more…

Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou

Location: In a UNESCO-listed mountainous area, 2,500 metres above sea level in southwest China’s Sichuan province
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 209
Facilities: Restaurant, spa with 12 treatment rooms, retail area, large kids’ club. Close to Jiuzhai Yunling Golf Club
Meeting space: Three meeting rooms, one boardroom, pre-function area
They say: “Step into a fairyland landscape of clear pools, waterfalls and limestone terraces at Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou hotel”
We say: Banyan Tree has secured another spectacular location as it continues to target the Chinese market. The Singapore-based hotel group recently formed a new Chinese joint venture
Opening: Already open

Mövenpick Residences Ekkamai Bangkok

Location: The trendy Ekkamai district of Bangkok, just east of downtown
Grade: Upscale serviced residence
Keys: 158, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments
Facilities: Restaurant, outdoor saltwater swimming pool, rooftop fitness centre, shuttle service to local attractions and skytrain
Meeting space: “Modest but well-equipped” function space
They say: “With seven unit types to choose from guests can find the perfect base to suit their personal lifestyle needs”
We say: This new-build property marks the entry of Mövenpick’s serviced residence concept in Southeast Asia. Brand name and a good location close to Sukhumvit likely to make it popular
Opening: Already open

Mercure Singapore Bugis

Location: In the Bugis-Bras Basah area, close to the central business district
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 395
Facilities: Chinese and international restaurants, bar, 24-hour gym, rooftop pool
Meeting space: Seven meeting spaces including a ballroom
They say: “The entire hotel is locally inspired with a fusion of cultures in all rooms complemented by stunning public areas”
We say: Excellent location and facilities at a reasonable price point – this hotel should be able to regularly fill its large inventory
Opening: Already open

Hard Rock Hotel Malta

Location: On the seafront in the St George’s Bay area of the Mediterranean island
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 370
Facilities: Several F&B restaurants including a rooftop bar, numerous swimming pools, large spa, fitness centre
Meeting space: More than 3,400m² of function space, including Malta’s largest convention centre
They say: “The upcoming Hard Rock Hotel Malta will pay homage to the 19th Century British military accommodation quarters building which will be a key feature of the project’s design and layout”
We say: The military theme is curious, but the Hard Rock brand will no doubt attract music-lovers and partygoers to the island. Event facilities could prove a game-changer for Malta’s MICE industry
Opening: 2020