Hotel openings we're most excited about in 2019

Rosewood Hong Kong | Isn’t it ironic that the Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts doesn’t yet have a Rosewood property in its home market? It’s about to change on March 18 when Rosewood Hong Kong debuts in the Tsim Sha Tsui district overlooking the Victoria Harbour. This property will debut Asaya, a wellness concept that promotes a healthy lifestyle through open spaces, retail, spa and food. There’s a total of 3,200sqm event space to play around with including a Grand Ballroom that can fit 1,000 in a reception setting.

Raffles Singapore | Singapore’s most iconic hotel temporarily closed in December 2017 to allow for major restoration works. This year, it’s the island’s most anticipated ‘opening’. Set to re-open doors in the middle of the year, the hotel will introduce new amenities, dining concepts, and tech facilities. The old Jubilee Hall will be converted into a 300-guest ballroom in hues of cream and gold, with chandeliers and an air-conditioned foyer, and will be named the Jubilee Ballroom.

Orient Express Hotel | AccorHotels will launch the world’s first Orient Express hotel within the King Power Mahanakhon Building in Bangkok. As the original Orient Express trains were known for its stately status, the hotel will emulate those standards by way of fine dining, art deco aesthetics by Tristan Auer, luxury amenities, an observation deck, and a glam rooftop bar. David Thompson – the man behind one of Thailand’s best restaurants, Nahm – will helm a restaurant in the property.

St Regis Hong Kong | Andre Fu is at it again. The visionary architect was commissioned to design Hong Kong’s first St Regis property set in the Wan Chai district. Due to open in June 2019, the hotel will offer a 24-hour butler e-butler service in keeping with the prestige of the St Regis brand. It’ll also host 12,000 sqft of event space that can take meetings and conferences for up to 500 people. It doesn’t hurt too that Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) is a five-minute walk away.

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing | Mandarin Oriental will finally make its debut in Beijing, and this one will feature a rooftop terrace garden and contemporary Chinese décor. Within walking distance are the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the National Museum and the National Art Museum of China. Details about meetings spaces are yet to be revealed, but we know that 80sqm of function space will be available. The group’s Mindful Meetings concept will also be implemented here, a program that combines meetings and wellness.

Capella Bangkok| The hotel will sit within the Chao Phraya Estate, a US$1 billion waterfront development project comprising a Four Seasons Private Residences and and the soon-to-open Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. To match Capella’s ‘urban resort’ branding, the hotel will promote villa-style living with 101 private suites and villas, each with a butler and unobstructed views.

Hotel EQ Kuala Lumpur | Hotel Equatorial was once a stomping ground for business travellers and dignitaries, many of whom were loyal patrons of Kampachi, the wildly popular in-house Japanese restaurant. After a much-needed revamp, Hotel EQ will emerge to present the Equatorial brand in a fresher, more dynamic way to appeal to the needs of the modern traveller. The former general manager of Capella Singapore, Robert Lagerwey, will take on the role of general manager here.

Ace Hotel Kyoto | Ace Hotel Group will mark its debut in Kyoto with a space that “honours the beauty and history” of the city. Taking over the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office and what was rumoured to once be the home of a Japanese samurai, the hotel is designed by architect Kengo Kuma. The Ace brand is known for plenty of communal space, and Kuma will adhere to that with a central courtyard garden. The property will be situated nearby cultural landmarks such as Nishiki Market, the Museum of Kyoto and Kyoto Art Centre.