With the start of a New Year comes resolutions, fresh calenders and a list of destinations you’re hoping to cross off that bucket list. What it also means is brand new hotel openings across the globe. Toronto? Check. New York? Check. Sydney? You bet. We couldn’t possibly mention every single hotel scheduled to open in 2012, so instead we’ve made a selection of 6 we’re really excited about. Staying at a new hotel? I think that’s the kind of resolution you’ll want to make.
The projected Shangri-La Toronto.
1. Shangri-La Toronto
The hotel scene in Toronto is getting more luxurious by the minute. First it was the Thompson hotel opening last year and now the five-star Shangri-La Hotel has decided to open its doors in downtown Toronto. The hotel will take the first 17 floors of the 65-story tower, offering its guests rooms outfitted in a contemporary-Asian style that’s associated with this brand. Other highlights of the hotel include a Wellness Floor that features a lap pool, extensive gym, yoga studio and CHI spa with 10 treatment rooms. We’re also excited to hear there will be a 30-seat screening room, which will no doubt come in handy during TIFF. The hotel is scheduled to open August 2012.
Visit shangri-la.com for more details.
The conceptualized exterior of the Conrad New York.
2. Conrad New York
There has been a lot of anticipation for this Battery Park City luxury hotel to start welcoming guests, but as of late it looks like it will be fully completed for a 2012 opening date. Adjacent to the Hudson River Park and offering guests great views of the river, the hotel will boast 463 spacious guest suites all outfitted with integrated technology like climate control and two flatscreen HD TVs. Another highlight? The 16th floor “green roof” with a rooftop terrace bar and great views of Manhattan — although maybe enjoying that part will have to wait until summer. The hotel is scheduled to open February 2012.
Visit conradhotels1hilton.com for more details.
The view from the Park Hyatt Sydney’s restaurant.
3. Park Hyatt Sydney
While the Park Hyatt Sydney isn’t exactly new to the city, it is re-opening early 2012 after undergoing an extensive transformation. Offering a new level of contemporary luxury, the hotel now has three rooftop suites located on a new fourth level. Other updates include floor-to-ceiling windows in all of the guest rooms that open up to a private balcony, a facelift to the restaurant, bar and spa, as well as you’ll find specially commissioned artwork throughout the hotel, created by renowned Australian artists. Plus you can’t forget the stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the harbour. The hotel is scheduled to open February 2012.
Visit hyatt.com for more details.
The Jumeriah Port Soller Hotel & Spa sits on the cliff.
4. Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
Bringing a new level of luxury to the Spanish island of Mallorca, this hotel sits atop the cliff, allowing for gorgeous views of the Mediterranean, the port and the mountains. Featuring 120 rooms spread over 11 buildings connected by garden walks and internal passageways, the hotel also features two swimming pools, plus a handful of unique vantage points to enjoy the scenery (perhaps with a meal al fresco?). We’re also fans of the large spa facilities, offering 10 treatment rooms, as well as its own outdoor heated Hydropool overlooking the valley. The hotel is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012.
Visit jumeirah.com for more details.
A luxurious bathroom in the Fairmont Jaipur Hotel.
5. Fairmont Jaipur Hotel
The Fairmont has more than a few new hotels opening this year, but one that particularly caught our attention was the Fairmont Jaipur. A landmark opening for the Fairmont, this will be their first endeavor into India. Offering 199 guest rooms and suites, you’ll discover oversized bathrooms with soaker tubs, state-of-the-art sound systems and flatscreen TVs. Other highlights include the 14,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa, as well as a 5,000 square-foot Health Club. The hotel is scheduled to open March 2012.
Visit fairmont.com for more details.
A room at the Four Seasons Guangzhou.
6. Four Seasons Guangzhou
As China’s third largest city (Shanghai and Beijing take top spots), it was no surprise that the Four Seasons decided to make a presence in this busy metropolis. Taking the top third of the 103-story IFC Guangzhou, one of the world’s largest skyscrapers, here you’ll discover 344 guest rooms, including 42 suites, all with unobstructed views of the Pearl River Delta. Other highlights include the Spa located on the 69th floor, with a 24-hour fitness centre, 25-metre lap pool and windowed poolside terrace where you can truly enjoy the spectacular views. The hotel also features five dining venues including Tin Yut Heen on the 71st floor, where you can dine contemporary Chinese cuisine. The hotel is scheduled to open mid-2012.
Visit fourseasons.com for more details.
