5 hotels that are reimagining the delegate experience

From the latest in technology to innovative ways to restore work-life balance, these new and soon-to-launch hotels in Asia-Pacific are redefining meetings and experiences.

Melco Resorts & Entertainment brings in W Hotels brand to Macau, set to open in December this year.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment brings in W Hotels brand to Macau, set to open in December this year. Photo Credit: W Hotels

Floating meditation pods

Restoration and well-being is central to the concept of Else Retreats, which is opening its first hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this summer. The 49-room property will feature a private meeting space called the ‘Business Den’ alongside a communal co-working space, a drawing room and a library. Those who want to unwind can make use of floating meditation pods or let off some steam in a state-of-the-art gym.

Take LED to the next level

Host a high-tech event at the 1,080–room Hilton Singapore Orchard, the largest Hilton hotel in Asia-Pacific, which opened in January. It features two pillarless ballroom with moveable LED walls and enhanced lighting and sound facilities. Technology is central to the guest experience too, with in-room motion, air-conditioning and light sensors in every room, while digital access keys and services connected to guests’ smartphones make the most of contactless technology.

Team-building with a difference

Last December, Marriott International announced an agreement with Melco Resorts & Entertainment to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Macau. Scheduled to open in December 2022, the 557-room W Macau - Studio City will offer 1,100sqm of event and meeting space, alongside a dedicated private on-site recording studio, the W Sound Suite, which can be used for corporate team-building activities.

Fitness on demand

Australia recently reopened its borders to international visitors, coinciding with the opening of the 172-room Kimpton Margot Sydney, an IHG hotel with original Art Deco features. It hosts rooftop yoga classes or delegates can opt for a yoga session in the privacy of their own room, where a yoga mat and on-demand classes are available at all times of the day. The venue features six meeting spaces.

Scale new heights

Set to open in May, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon offers 155 rooms and a range of meeting spaces, the largest of which can host up to 120 theatre-style. The hotel will also be home to Sky Beach, the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok, which will feature live music and food-themed experiences.