Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, announces 24 new properties worldwide scheduled to launch before the end of the year, presenting inspiring options for travellers in both new and timeless destinations. From soon-to-be-iconic city-centre hotels to instantly Instagrammable beachfront retreats, each new property in the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio promises to deliver one-of-a-kind, authentic experiences that scratch beneath the surface to reveal the essence of each destination, an ideal known by the brand’s loyal guests as #ThePreferredLife.
New Classics in Europe
Monument Hotel (Barcelona, Spain) – Launching March 2016
This new five-star palace hotel housed in a restored neo-gothic building is conveniently located on the Passeo de Gracia, Barcelona’s shopping mecca. Guests will be wowed by the 84 immaculately designed guestrooms and suites with balconies extending city views. Other highlights include a florist, wellness centre, and a Mediterranean-influenced cocktail bar and restaurant offering.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: Travellers celebrating a special occasion should dine at the hotel’s two-Michelin starred Restaurante Lasarte by seven-Michelin-starred chef Martin Berasategui.
Franklin Hotel (London, UK) – Launching July 2016
After an extensive renovation, this intimate Knightsbridge hotel overlooking Egerton Gardens will re-open its doors to the delight of hotel and design aficionados everywhere. Maintaining the elegance and grandeur of its original Victorian townhouse architecture, lauded designer Anouska Hempel has created a whimsical world of finely tailored details that pay tribute to Venetian splendour. The new Franklin Hotel will feature 35 suites and guestrooms with four-poster beds, restaurant, cocktail bar, study with open fireplaces, and hammam and spa – all in a silver and grey colour palette.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: The hotel’s Garden Suites offer historical South Kensington views and easy access to the gardens.
Only YOU Atocha (Madrid, Spain) – Launching June 2016
The sister property of the trendy Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid, Only YOU Atocha is set to be an immediate favourite with local jet setters and hotel junkies alike. Mere steps from Puerta de Atocha station, the industrial-chic styled property designed by Spain’s leading architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán comprises 206 rooms with 14 suites – two with terraces, communal areas, a restaurant, and a café offering a take-away breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: A sundowner and tapas on the rooftop terrace, high above the buzzing Atocha district and serene botanical gardens below, make for an impressive experience.
Opulence and Glamour in Asia
Wanda Reign on the Bund (Shanghai, China) – Launching June 2016
This new Shanghai landmark directly faces The Bund and embraces Shanghai’s stylish reputation as ‘the Paris of the East’ in details that pervade its interiors and fine Chinese artworks. Each of the 193 guestrooms and suites are furnished with roll top bathtubs and wireless control dashboards. Notable facilities include MARC, a French restaurant and club by two-starred Michelin chef Marc Meneau, offering panoramic views of Pudong and the Huangpu River from the hotel’s top floor.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: The hotel’s on-site art curator is available to take guests on a tour of the hotel’s multi-million dollar art collection, which includes original paintings and sculptures along with custom-made pieces created for the hotel by famous Chinese artists.
Katamama (Bali, Indonesia) – Launching March 2016
Designed by Indonesian architect Andra Matin, Katamama will showcase traditional and contemporary Balinese design with handcrafted artwork and mid-century furnishings in each of its 58 oceanfront suites. Located on Petitenget Beach, Katamama offers MoVida, which specialises in small-plate Spanish dining, and Akademi, a mixology centre, and will run a collaboration series with architects, designers, chefs, and musicians promoting Indonesian culture.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: Travellers looking for a “wow” factor can choose the Katamama Suite, featuring 320 sqm. of living space, two bedrooms with king size beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an oversized rooftop terrace with a barbecue, daybeds, and Jacuzzi.
Sunshine Escapes in the Americas
Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa (Anguilla) – Launched February 2016
An idyllic sanctuary nestled on six oceanfront acres, Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa blends modern comforts with experiences anchored in the Anguillan tradition. The 63-room property is the island’s only resort located on the acclaimed pristine sands of Shoal Bay Beach. When sun-worshipping and bathing in crystal clear waters becomes a tad exhausting, the retreat offers spa experiences such as Taino-inspired healing treatments and small-batch rum tastings in the Rhum Room.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: Enjoy an island hopping boat excursion to St Maarten or St. Barths, seamlessly organised by the resort’s friendly concierge team.
Opal Sands Resort (Florida, USA) – Launched February 2016
The newest resort on Clearwater Beach, Opal Sands presents casual beachfront luxury in a relaxed environment. Each of the 230 guestrooms and suites are spacious and airy with large balconies extending picture perfect ocean vistas. Families can opt for one of the suites, which include a second bedroom, expansive living area, kitchenette, and veranda-style balcony, while all guests can indulge in long walks on the powder-fine sand, pampering at the spa, or cocktails by the outdoor pool.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: Travellers can soak up the evening atmosphere on Pier 60, a short walk from the resort, where nightly sunset celebrations include artisans, crafters, and street performers.
Hotel Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá (Panama City, Panama) – Launching August 2016
Designed by the renowned Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the 30-storey Hotel Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá is situated in the city’s financial centre, steps from La Cinta Costera and the best nightlife in town. Guests staying in one the 285 upscale rooms and suites have unrestricted access to an array of dining outlets including the two-Michelin-starred Erre Restaurant. Other facilities include a spa with Turkish bath, sauna, and a flotarium.
For more of #ThePreferredLife: For the best selfies, guests can take the elevator up to the largest executive lounge in the city and strike a pose on the panoramic terrace.
Other new openings from the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio include: Treasure Island Beach Resort in Florida, USA (opening March 2016); SLS Hotel New York, USA (opening Fall2016); SLS Hotel Brickell, Miami, USA (opening Summer 2016); The Watergate, Washington DC, USA (opening April 2016); The Dewberry Charleston, USA (opening May 2016); EAST Miami, USA (opening May 2016); NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento, Rome, Italy (opening March 2016); Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam (re-opened February 2016); Hotel Royal Palm Tower Indaiatuba, Brazil (opening October 2016); The Henderson, Destin, Florida, USA (opening Summer 2016); AKA Wall Street, New York, USA (opening Spring 2016); Simaisma, A Murwab Resort, Qatar (opened February 2016); Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas, USA (opened December 2015); Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, Seoul, South Korea (opened December 2015); Shilla Stay Guro, Seoul, South Korea (opened February 2016); and Wanda Reign Chengdu, China (opened December 2015).
