Best New Business Hotel (Asia)
Overseas assignments are stressful enough without time-poor executives having to micromanage the details. The best business hotels recognise this and train staff to anticipate their guests’ every need. This is especially true in Asia, where a crack service team can help out with everything from cultural etiquette to subway routes (and where to find the best ramen or chicken rice).
The Sukhothai, Shanghai hotel.qantas.com.au/ sukhothaishanghai
Shanghai newcomer The Sukhothai ups the ante for executive stays. It has a prime city-centre location and an entire floor of event spaces (with IT butler on call). Wellbeing options include a gym, 25-metre pool, yoga studios and spa.
The look and feel Minimal and modern with pastel accents, terrazzo and timber finishes, the 201 rooms (44 to 172 square metres) have walls that absorb noise and filter air – a blessing in the notoriously congested city.
The crowd Savvy deal-makers who are into design and lifestyle. The wow factor A concierge desk that is next-level attentive.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
hotel.qantas.com.au/ capitolkempinski
In the downtown Civic District, this imposing 157-room heritage conversion offers elegant accommodation, a destination restaurant by celebrity chef Alvin Leung and versatile gathering spaces, from private dining to an event salon for 220.
The look and feel Behind the graceful Art Deco and Victorian lines of the hotel’s two historic façades, guestrooms in dozens of configurations that feature travertine, lacquered rosewood and Italian marble finishes, with extravagant views over the Lion City.
The crowd The high-finance and heritage set.
The wow factor 24-hour suites. Checked in at 5pm? Stay till 5pm.
The Murray, Hong Kong hotel.qantas.com.au/ murrayhongkong
With commanding views over Hong Kong, this landmark office block – transformed into a hotel with 336 rooms – provides a distinctive address for group gatherings and individual stays. The look and feel Behind the original archways and recessed windows lie elegant, spacious rooms (minimum 47 square metres) furnished with Italian and Asian fabrics and chequerboard marble. Corner suites enjoy park and harbour views.
The crowd International wheelerdealers and design connoisseurs. The wow factor Multilingual concierges hold the keys to the city.
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
hotel.qantas.com.au/ waldorfastoriabangkok
The Waldorf Astoria’s desirable Lumpini address offers sweeping parkland vistas and excellent transport connections to the entire metropolis. Downtime? There are six dining options and a spa.
The look and feel The 171 rooms, starting from 50 square metres, have appealing André Fu (The Upper House hotel) interiors that combine Thai accents with classic Waldorf Art Deco style. The crowd City-savvy types who seek a blue-chip sanctuary.
The wow factor The 16th-floor horizon pool overlooking the park.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
hotel.qantas.com.au/ mandarinorientaltokyo
Fresh from a stunning makeover that reaffirms it as one of Tokyo’s top stays, this 179-room hotel sits in the heart of the financial and cultural district and boasts an impressive 10 restaurants and bars. The look and feel Guestrooms have cherry-blossom headboards,
yukata nightrobes and bamboo and walnut flooring. Premium accommodation overlooks the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo Bay for extra Zen.
The crowd High-flying fans of the Mandarin Oriental brand.
The wow factor A high-tech gym in the clouds.