Element Foshan NanhaiElement Foshan Nanhai
Location: In Shishan Town, close to Nanhai Central Park in southern China's Guangdong province
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 329
Facilities: Restaurant, lounge, 24/7 self-service F&B area, 24-hour fitness centre, heated indoor pool and bicycle hire
Meeting space: One 56m² meeting room
They say: “Element Foshan Nanhai offers guests experiences they need to thrive, from its cleverly designed spaces that are eco-certified to healthy alternatives and fitness programs that promote a balanced, active lifestyle while on the road”
We say: This unique brand targets environmentally conscious guests who like healthy living. But its long-stay rooms with kitchenettes could prove the biggest selling point
Opening: Already open
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Location: On the corner of Colombo and Armagh streets, opposite Victoria Square.
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 204
Facilities: Two restaurants, bar, fitness centre
Meeting space: Four meeting rooms
They say: “We're opening in a competitive market and the city's still rebuilding, but we're looking to the future and are excited to be part of the regeneration”
We say: The new hotel becomes the largest upscale property in Christchurch, boosting the city's recovery. This will continue in future with the opening of the nearby convention centre
Opening: Already open
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Kota
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Kota
Location: The centre of Kota, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan
Grade: Upper-midscale
Keys: 85
Facilities: Rooftop swimming pool, spa, steam room, two restaurants and a bar
Meeting space: More than 1,100m² of indoor banqueting space plus a large outdoor event lawn
They say: “In line with the brand’s service standards and values, the hotel is set to deliver on service and product”
We say: Carlson Rezidor continues to expand in lower-tier cities in India, one of its key markets. This hotel will provide a much-needed international accommodation option in Kota
Opening: Already open
Wanda Jin Danzhai
Wanda Jin Danzhai
Location: In Wanda Danzhai Tourism Town, an ethnic minority-themed attraction located two hours' drive from Guiyang, southwest China
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 95, all featuring "Miao elements"
Facilities: Restaurant with private dining rooms. Surrounding park features the world's largest waterwheel, cultural shows, a cinema, restaurants and shops
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “The hotel combines the characteristics of a Chinese-style resort with Miao village”
We say: Like the park in which it is located, this hotel aims to showcase the native ethnic cultures of Guiyang. Whether it achieves this in an authentic and sensitive way is open to debate
Opening: Already open
Skye Hotel Suites Parramatta
Skye Hotel Suites Parramatta
Location: In western Sydney's Parramatta district, walking distance from the train station
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 72 apartment-style units
Facilities: Pool, fitness centre, spa, sauna, restaurant, 26th floor rooftop bar
Meeting space: Three function rooms providing 224m² of event space
They say: “Parramatta is a powerhouse for innovation and business and Skye Hotel Suites will be a stand-out, luxury addition to Sydney’s up-and-coming west”
We say: Australia's Crown Group moves into the luxury hotel sector. This suburban project will be followed by a second Skye Hotel Suites in central Sydney next year
Opening: 1 August 2017
StayWell's Simon Wan (left) signs the new hotel
Park Regis Lotus, Bahrain
Location: The Juffair district of Bahrain's capital, Manama
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 164
Facilities: Six F&B outlets, swimming pool and fitness centre
Meeting space: Available, including a 1,000-pax capacity ballroom
They say: “We are hoping that this magnificent property is the stepping stone for a further presence in Bahrain”
We say: Australian hotel group continues to expand in the Middle East, following the recent signing of a 550-key Park Regis resort in the UAE
Opening: Q3 2017
