Best new hotels to visit in 2015
<p>Looking for somewhere new to stay for your next holiday? You can be one of the first guests of these just opened (or just about to open) properties and there’s something for every budget.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>BUDGET</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Mercure Bali Legian, Indonesia</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="500" height="380" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2862/bali_500x380.jpg" alt="Bali"/></strong></p>
<p>This compact new property sits at the junction between Legian, Seminyak and Kuta, one of Bali’s most popular strips and a hub for shopping and dining. Rooms are spacious and bright with high ceilings and huge bathrooms. The best option here is the private pool suites – while the rack rates can seem high the hotel will run specials throughout the year, meaning that you can have your own suite with a plunge pool in the heart of Legian for as little as $180 a night.</p>
<p>Rates start from around $106 per night.</p>
<p><strong>Best Western Patong Beach, Thailand</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="498" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2863/bwest-western-patong_498x330.jpg" alt="Bwest Western Patong"/></strong></p>
<p>Just one kilometre down from Phuket’s main tourist area, the new Best Western is an economy hotel with some pretty impressive features. All rooms have private balconies, rain showers in the bathroom and free Wi-Fi, and there are plenty of plush resort features like a rooftop swimming pool, sundeck with cabanas, pool bar and stylish restaurant. There are no real family facilities or a kids’ club, so it’s a great spot for a holiday with just the grown ups.</p>
<p>Rates start from around $80 per night.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>MID RANGE</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Riu Plaza New York Times Square, USA</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="450" height="291" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2865/riu-plaza-new-york.jpg" alt="Riu Plaza New York (1)"/></strong></p>
<p>You might not recognise the name, but this Spanish hotel brand is opening up simple, stylish hotels for the budget-conscious traveller all over the world. It is currently building the brand new Riu Plaza Times Square in the heart of New York’s theatre district and Restaurant Row. The $300 million dollar hotel is set to open in November and will have over 650 rooms, a restaurant, bar, café, gym, executive lounge and Wi-Fi access throughout. Plus it offers some of the best rates in town.</p>
<p>Rates start from around $240 per night in low season and $350 per night in high season.</p>
<p><strong>The Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="500" height="219" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2866/blue-mountains_500x219.jpg" alt="Blue Mountains"/></strong></p>
<p>It was originally built in 1904 as a health retreat but, after going through numerous incarnations, The Hydro Majestic has stood by the highway in Medlow Bath in various stages of disrepair for almost a decade. The grand old dame has had a complete refurbishment with more than $30 million spent to bring her back to her former glory. The property has retained much of its art deco charm with bold colour schemes, Australian artwork on the walls and the famous dome still firmly in place. Don’t miss the traditional afternoon tea.</p>
<p>Rates start from around $215 per night.</p>
<p><strong>Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort, Samoa</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="500" height="338" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2867/samoa_500x338.jpg" alt="Samoa"/></strong></p>
<p>Sitting on a 100-metre white sand beach just five minutes from the airport, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s is surrounded by lush jungle and sparkling blue water. This is the first internationally branded hotel to open in Samoa, so you can be guaranteed a certain level of quality and service. There will be just under 200 rooms and bungalows, as well as five bars and restaurants, spa and water sports.</p>
<p>The resort is the sister property to the famed Aggie Grey’s Hotel in the capital Apia, which has been a South Pacific legend since the 1930s. The hotel will also be redeveloped and reopened as a Sheraton property later in 2015.</p>
<p>Rates start from around $250 per night.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>SPLURGE</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Club Med Finolhu Villas, Maldives </strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="546" height="307" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2868/club-med-finolhu-villas-maldives_546x307.jpg" alt="Club Med Finolhu Villas , Maldives"/></strong></p>
<p>Many older travellers are inclined to stay away from the Club Med brand because it is generally so family focused, but this new private island resort in the Maldives is for over 18s only. There are just over 50 villas, sitting either on the beach or over the water, and each comes with a private butler. On-site facilities include an organic spa, fine dining restaurant and cinema under the stars, and guests can use the facilities of the nearby Club Med Kani resort (a 40-minute boat ride away) if they wish.</p>
<p>Rates start from $6,400 per person including seven nights accommodation, return flights from New Zealand, and all meals, beverages and general activities.</p>
<p><strong>Aman Tokyo, Japan</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="498" height="350" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2869/tokoyo_498x350.jpg" alt="Tokoyo"/></strong></p>
<p>Aman is widely regarded as the best hotel brand in the world by those in the know, but it manages to fly under the radar and remains something of an insider secret. The latest opening, Aman Tokyo, is the first urban property from the group and occupies the top six floors of the new Otemachi Tower near the Imperial Palace. The hotel is cool and contemporary with a distinctly Japanese Zen feel to it, and each room features a large soaking tub for traditional Japanese bathing. This is ultra luxury living at its finest.</p>
<p>Rates start from around $1100 per night.</p>
