As 2015 steadily approaches, we here at HotelsCombined have once more looked back at the world’s most incredible hotel openings over the last 12 months. With hundreds of exciting new properties added to our database this year, it was certainly a tough job limiting our favourites to a list of ten. To help with our decision, we based our selection on factors such as location, uniqueness of amenities and quality of service. The end result is a phenomenal group of castles, beach retreats and architectural wonders that we hope you’ll agree are truly one-of-a-kind:
Shangri-La at the Shard, London
The Shangri-La’s first UK property, this highly-anticipated hotel has been greeted by nothing but rave reviews since its May opening. Housed within the 34th to 52nd floors of London’s iconic Shard skyscraper, the hotel naturally offers spectacular city views (the Shard is the tallest building in Europe). It also delivers an acclaimed onsite restaurant, a champagne bar, an infinity sky pool on the 52nd floor and an enviable location in the heart of the London Bridge Quarter.
citizenM Times Square, New York City
Trendy and colourful, this U.S. debut of the citizenM hotel chain is perfectly situated within walking distance of many famous New York sites, including Rockefeller Centre, the theatre district and Central Park. Other perks: The rooftop bar offers panoramic city views, the latest movies are available in-room (for free!) and the onsite café is open 24 hours a day. Above all, the boutique-style luxury here is budget-friendly – rooms start at $199 USD a night, a real bargain for Midtown Manhattan.
Cromlix, Scotland
Owned by tennis superstar Andy Murray, this elegant Victorian mansion provides a peaceful, high-end countryside escape. Evoking the grand estates of yesteryear, the manor is tastefully furnished in Scottish antiques and onsite activities along the sprawling grounds include tennis (naturally), clay pigeon shooting, fishing, falconry and archery. The world-renowned golf courses of Gleneagles and St. Andrews are also only a short drive away, as are a handful of other premier courses.
SO Sofitel Singapore
Housed in a heritage building near Raffles Place, the Sofitel So’s décor – which includes elements designed by Karl Lagerfield himself – features a traditional 19th Century French style with a contemporary twist. Special touches here include in-room iPad minis, a gold-tiled rooftop infinity pool and complimentary mini bar drinks.
The Castle Hotel A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian, China
Perched atop Lianhua Mountain and overlooking the Yellow Sea, this imposing chateau appears at first glance to be something straight out of a fairy tale. The enormous structure contains 292 guest rooms, spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, several restaurants and a “royal cellar” with a micro-brewery. For those really looking to splash out, the 6,674 square foot Presidential Suite has a marble entrance, dining room for 10, a full-service pantry and a waterfront balcony.
Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
Nestled within the Al Hajar mountain range, this serene retreat is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape teeming with caves, valleys, flowers, fruit trees and heritage sites (including the UNESCO-protected Bahla Fort). Guests can take a dip in the heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking gorge below or, for those who prefer, the villas have private terraces with plunge pools.
Ace Hotel Downtown, Los Angeles
A hipster’s paradise, this funky new L.A. abode plays an important part in the city’s cultural legend – housed within the historic United Artists building, the tower was once a movie studio and theatre hub for independent artists. Today, it’s a stylishly renovated getaway where an in-room extra perk might include an acoustic guitar. Best of all, the stunning 1920s theatre still houses a number of regular events and can be booked out for private functions.
Yemaya Island Hideaway, Nicaragua
A spectacular tropical getaway, Yemaya offers up 16 ultra-luxe, eco-friendly cabanas. Lucky visitors to this retreat on Little Corn Island can laze about in a hammock, enjoy a relaxing yoga session at the lush jungle studio, sip on a cocktail at the beachside bar, partake in a variety of water sports, tuck into an organic, locally-sourced meal at the onsite restaurant, or simply enjoy an indulgent spa treatment.
Stracta Hotel, Iceland
Only an hour and a half drive south of the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík, this warm and inviting haven allows guests to enjoy the region’s rugged natural beauty within the utmost comfort. Visitors can choose from an assortment of unforgettable activities ranging from helicopter rides to guided tours of the Northern Lights. And at the end of the day, two large saunas await just outside the property’s doors, ready to soothe away any aching muscles.
Do you agree/disagree with our picks? Did we miss anything? Let us know!
