What’s on Agoda’s 2018 bucket list?
In the past year agoda’s accommodation listings have doubled, and now the fastest-growing online travel booking platform offers over 2 million properties worldwide.
With so many new options available, Agoda has curated a list based on some of the most stand-out 2017 property openings around the world with options for every travel adventure.
agoda’s Global Director for Brand and Communications, Andrew Edwards, explained, “There have been some incredible hotel openings in last 12 months. From luxury resorts to quirky motels, the latest hotel openings have something for everyone in 2018.”
“One thing that stands out is that the calibre of new more affordable properties has been particularly high. Travellers are increasingly demanding more for less, and as cash-strapped millennials make up more of the travel market, the industry is tapping into the demand for affordable accommodation that doesn’t compromise on atmosphere and quality.”
By Design
Hi-Tech Hotel
YOTEL Orchard Road – Singapore
Opened: October 2017
YOTEL is the hotel chain that provides guests with everything they need, and nothing more. From self-service check-in, to adjustable Smartbeds, a technowall and Smart TVs, each ‘capsule’ has everything the modern connected traveller needs.
The hotel, created by Yo! Founder Simon Woodroffe, draws inspiration from both extremes – Japanese capsule hotels and luxury airline lounges. Check In to YOTEL Singapore, Step Out right into Orchard Road, the city’s most vibrant shopping and entertainment hub.
Reinvented Hostel
Steel House – Copenhagen, Denmark
Opened: May 2017
Formerly home to the Danish Union of Metalworkers, Steel House Copenhagen has been transformed into everything you could need from a hostel without losing its unique raw edge. Whilst there are both private and dormitory rooms available, you won’t find yourself feeling like a budget backpacker here with its balanced fusion of industrial interiors and soft textures. Check In to Steel House, Step Out to the Tivoli Gardens or Copenhagen Station located just 5 minutes away to open up an endless amount of places to explore.
Eco-Hotel
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – New York City, USA
Opened: February 2017
Another outpost of the nature-inspired 1 Hotel group, this 10-storey eco-conscious waterfront hotel has been designed by local artists using native greenery and reclaimed materials. Every room has a coffee machine with recyclable pods and mattresses with a hemp blend filling and 100% organic cotton sheets.
Guests have access to a Tesla vehicle for complimentary rides to explore the city. Check In to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Step Out to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade located just located just 0.6km away to enjoy sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
Concept
MACq 01 Hotel – Hobart, Australia
Opened: June 2017
Nestled in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is a luxurious hotel that combines premium accommodation with unforgettable storytelling. Each room is linked to a real character central to Tasmania’s history, including the heroes, villains, explorers, inventors and convicts.
Sign up for the Master Storyteller tour and be guided through the history that decorates the hotel’s hallways and beyond in the nearby Wapping district; or Check In, Step Out on your own to explore the many sights on offer, including Brooke Street Pier, Franklin Wharf, and Sullivans Cove – all less than 1km away.
Modern Architecture
Park Hyatt – Bangkok, Thailand
Opened: May 2017
Park Hyatt Bangkok is a popular pick for both business and leisure travellers, with easy access to all that this lively city has to offer. The dramatic, swooping architecture, designed by New York-based firm Yabu Pushelberg, uses art as a focal point.
Inside you will find stunning installations created by Japanese artist Hirotoshi Sawada, which will leave you in awe just as much as the stunning view from the infinity pool that overlooks the bright city lights. Check In to Park Hyatt, Step Out to some of Bangkok’s best attractions all within 2km of the hotel, including Erawan Shrine, Baiyoke II Tower, Lumphini Park, and Bangkok Art & Culture Centre.
By Location
Historical Location
Alila Fort – Bishangarh, India
Opened: July 2017
Located at Bishangarh Village in the Jaipur District, this converted warrior fort is now a historic landmark and heritage resort. Jaipur is rich in history, developed as India’s first ever planned city, and surrounded by three forts, and numerous temples, so travellers are sure to get their fill of history at this unique hotel.
With the 720 hectare Nahargarh Biological Park close by, you can take a jeep safari to see panthers, tigers and lions in between exploring Bishangarh’s rich history. Check In to Alila Fort Bishangarh, perched upon a granite hill, Step Out to 360-degree views of the impressive Rajasthani landscape.
City Hotel
The Silo Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa
Opened: March 2017
Located in one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, The Silo Hotel is a city hotel with a truly incredible feel, occupying 6 floors above Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa – the home of the largest collection of contemporary African art in Africa. The luxury hotel’s unbeatable location means you can see the ocean from the comfort of your own private balcony, whilst still being amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
Check In to the Silo Hotel, Step Out to the world famous table mountain, or treat yourself to a helicopter tour across Cape Town’s endless beaches.
Island Paradise
Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Opened: April 2017
Surround yourself with clear blue seas and white sand in this island paradise, tucked in a cove floating between Bora Bora’s mainland and coral reef. Check In to Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Step Out to the endless blue horizon and amazing sunset views.
With overwater bungalows, two gourmet restaurants, two bars, an infinity pool, and a private island accessible by boat, guests will never want to leave this paradise.
Jungle Hideout
Hoshinoya Bal – Ubud, Indonesia
Opened: January 2017
Located in Ubud on Bali, Hoshinoya combines unique Japanese design with traditional Balinese touches, hidden amongst lush jungle greenery.
The location is unbeatable with sacred water canals running through the property, all part of the island’s UNESCO World Heritage recognised water temple network. Check In to Hoshinoya Ubud, Step Out to the eclectic Ubud Market, historic Ubud Palace, and the breathtaking Campuhan Ridge Walk – all just a short bike ride away.
By Traveller Type
Solo Travellers
My Cocoon – Mykonos, Greece
Opened: April 2017
Affordable is not often a word associated with Mykonos in Greece, but My Cocoon has an option for every traveller and being located in the heart of Mykonos, solo travellers can’t go wrong.
Check In to My Cocoon, Step Out to the outdoor bar with a sun terrace and incredible sea-views – the perfect place to meet new people. It’s also easy to venture out and experience all Mykonos has to offer, with bars, restaurants and shops only moments away.
Business Hotel
The Murray – Hong Kong
Opened: October 2017
The Murray is fast becoming a popular choice for business travellers. The property is just 1 km away from the city center, and only 35 minutes to the airport. With its convenient location, the property also offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations for travellers keen to squeeze in some sightseeing between business meetings.
With Wi-Fi in all rooms, a fitness center, massages, and even a grocery delivery service on offer, business travellers can be sure that they can stay connected whilst in absolute comfort. Check In to The Murray, Step Out to Lan Kwai Fong just 550m from the hotel to experience some of Hong Kong’s lively nightlife hot spots with over 90 restaurants and bars – once all the business meetings are done, of course!
Family Resort
The Anam Deluxe Collection – Nha Trang, Vietnam
Opened: April 2017
Vietnam’s first true 5-star beach resort, The Anam Deluxe Collection has amazing activities on offer for families, alongside some of the most luxurious yet family-friendly villas. Parents can take advantage of the spa facilities and private beaches, whilst the kids can enjoy the cinema, kids club, windsurfing or simply frolic in the 3 expansive pools.
There is something here for all ages and interests, and with such incredible activities in this picturesque location, your family will never get bored. Check In to The Anam, and Step Out to the picturesque Bai Dai beach with the kids, or indulge in the 100 Eggs Mud Bath – both only a short distance away.
Luxe
Okada – Manila, the Philippines
Opened: January 2017
Carved into 44 hectares of picturesque oceanfront, Okada Manila is Entertainment City’s iconic integrated resort. Okada Manila boasts 993 lavishly furnished accommodation options, ranging from 50-sqm deluxe rooms to 1,000-sqm villas.
Guests can Check In and immediately Step Out to the resort’s very own premium amenities, including the Retail Boulevard with more than 50 luxury shops, the one-of-a-kind Cove Manila nightclub and indoor beach club, a 3,000-sqm spa, and the world’s largest multi-color dancing and musical fountain.
Romantic
The Ritz-Carlton – Langkawi, Malaysia
Opened: September 2017
Check In to The Ritz-Carlton, and Step Out to uninterrupted rainforest views from every angle. Set within an ancient rainforest on a secluded beach, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi holds the perfect location for a romantic getaway.
Couples can choose between enjoying the peace and quiet of the beaches, indulging in luxury hotel amenities, such as the island’s only overwater spa, or take a time out in the oversized marble in-suite bathrooms.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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