November: What a month — especially this one. There was a lot to get through between the election, the start of the holiday season, the time change and, at least, for those who love and support me and my fellow TPG hotel reporter Cameron Sperance, two Scorpio birthdays.
Between all of that, there was still some hotel news that you might have missed.
A few new hotels opened, including two in Utah: a Grand Hyatt welcoming guests just in time for ski season and a stunning hotel in Salt Lake City, set in a historic train depot. We learned that Hilton has plans to open new all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic next year, while Belmond shared that it has plans to launch a luxurious new overnight train through England in 2025.
Here’s what else you should know about.
Shanghai will get another Edition hotel
Marriott’s Edition brand is no stranger to China: There are already locations open in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai and the resort destination of Sanya.
Next year, Shanghai will get a second Edition outpost, this time in the Putuo District. Called The Shanghai Edition, Changfeng Park, the hotel will feature 278 rooms and suites, views of Suzhou Creek, a swimming pool, a spa and (we assume) all the Le Lebo smells your nose can handle. (And if you need more, you can get Edition’s Le Lebo products, including candles and even an electronic scent diffuser, online.)
Related: The best Edition hotels in the world, according to Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
Waldorf Astoria New York reveals more about the hotel’s signature restaurant
The long-awaited return of the Waldorf Astoria New York is just around the corner — and new details seem to be emerging weekly. The latest is the unveiling of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Lex Yard by chef-partner Michael Anthony, with the name serving as an ode to “the urban legend of secret travels taken by distinguished hotel guests and dignitaries, connecting the hotel to Grand Central Station,” according to Hilton.
Once open, the two-story restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu of seasonal American cuisine.
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“My favorite restaurants are approachable, offer a personalized experience to guests and don’t take themselves too seriously,” Anthony said in a statement. “This is what we will focus on at Lex Yard, creating a space for guests to enjoy elevated American food and excellent service with their family, friends, and business partners, time and time again.”
The Waldorf Astoria New York is scheduled to open in the spring of 2025.
Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas officially joins Hyatt
Hyatt’s relationship with Las Vegas has changed a lot in the last year. But World of Hyatt loyalists heading to Sin City can celebrate that Rio, the off-Strip casino resort that just underwent the first phase of a $340 million renovation, is now officially part of the Destination by Hyatt brand. With the integration, Rio becomes Hyatt’s largest property based on room count. During the renovation, the hotel’s Ipanema Tower saw room and suite redesigns, the addition of a new food hall, a revamped pool complex, new casino games and new bars and restaurants.
Rio is a World of Hyatt Category 3 hotel with award nights starting as low as 9,000 points per night.
The Westin London City debuts residences perfect for extended stays
London has one of the best hotel scenes in the world — and it just keeps getting better. For folks looking to stay on the longer side or simply need more room to spread out, look no further than The Westin London City’s four new residences. Starting at 1,770 feet, the four residences each offer three bedrooms, a balcony facing the River Thames, living and dining areas and a kitchen. Guests can even arrange for a private chef to come cook or take advantage of discounts on spa treatments or dining at the hotel.
Rates for the four residences start around $2,142 per night with a three-night minimum. Now through October of next year, you can earn 2,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for stays in the residences.
Related: TPG exclusive: Your first look inside the new Park Hyatt London River Thames
A star Fifth Avenue hotel gets a shining new chef
One of TPG’s best hotels in New York City, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue is a fabulous hotel with some of the most impressive views of the Empire State Building around. (Seriously, book a one-bedroom Empire State view suite and thank me later.)
It’s also home to Ai Fori, a restaurant serving coastal Riviera cuisine that’s part French, part Italian and 100% fresh under the helm of new executive chef Lauren DeSteno, previously with Marea. Now, in DeSteno’s reign, guests will experience a new menu that’s the culmination of a year spent exploring more than 10 cities in France and Italy. Be sure to order the tagliatelle royal, made with Nova Scotia lobster, crustacean butter, sea urchin and American sturgeon caviar.
Oh, and if you happen to be free between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., Bar Fiori’s daily martini hour shouldn’t be missed (just don’t forget to invite me).
The StandardX lands in Thailand
The Standard’s “rebellious younger sibling,” The StandardX, first touched down in Australia — and now is expanding outward to Thailand. At The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, guests will find 62 rooms, an all-day Thai restaurant, a Mexican-inspired rooftop restaurant by the pool, an art gallery and a chic minimalist vibe in a trendy neighborhood. And, since The Standard brand is now officially part of Hyatt, it’s also a place where you’ll be able to earn or use World of Hyatt points.
