New hotels: Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour; The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, and more

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, Australia
Standing an elegant 13-storeys tall, Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is located on the corner of Bathurst and Sussex Street and features 152 guestrooms, each divided into four distinct zones – a desk space, a sofa area, king-size beds, and bathrooms. Hotel facilities include a rooftop heated infinity pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and three F&B venues. With a philosophy of building hotels for the future, the new look Crowne Plaza leans on design aspects that move guests seamlessly between work and downtime, including the Plaza Workspace, a new take on the traditional hotel lobby offering a space where guests and locals alike can work, meet and socialise.

The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, Japan
Centrally located near the metro stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon, the hotel is housed within the upper levels of Tokyo World Gate, a new 180m, 38-storey mixed-use skyscraper. All 206 rooms, including 22 suites and several rooms with private terraces, offer unobstructed views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. Adding to the urban resort atmosphere is a spa, a 24-hour gym, as well as a lap swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel also has four meeting studios, divided by sliding partition walls which can be combined to create a large ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests.

On-site restaurants are spearheaded by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, in what marks his first foray into Japan. The Blue Room offers all-day dining, while The Jade Room serves up a bespoke Japanese menu – both boast private dining rooms. Outside on The Jade Room + Garden Terrace, is a Sky Garden floating over 140m above street level. The outdoor restaurant serves a small menu of sharing dishes, while the bar offers a selection of specially curated cocktails. Gold Bar at Edition transitions from a lounge during the day – with an afternoon traditional Japanese tea ceremony and an all-day food menu – to a cocktail bar in the evenings. Together with the Lobby Bar, both bars serve custom cocktails, as well as a variety of sake.

The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection, Japan
Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels has planted its third flag in Japan, with the opening of The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection in northern Kyoto. Situated in the heart of Kyoto’s Rakuhoku district, the hotel is adjacent to Takaragaike Park, which offers walking trails with scenic views of spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Togo Murano, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike’s 310 guestrooms come with thoughtful amenities including free Wi-Fi and views of Takaragaike Park and its surroundings.

Dining options are designed to create an immersive experience in local as well as international culinary traditions. For instance, guests of Ito-Zakura French restaurant are invited to visit the century-old Morita Farm in nearby Kamigano to handpick their own vegetables, which they will later enjoy in a French-inspired meal. To explore Kyoto’s dining scene, guests can request a curated list of must-visit places, such as the traditional riverside dining (kawadoko) at the nearby Kibune or Takao restaurants. Special arrangements can also be made for a dinner in a tatami room with a maiko at the hotel.

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre, Malaysia
Nestled in the heart of the city centre, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre is the first under the brand in Johor and the third in Malaysia. The 335-room hotel is part of Komtar JBCC mixed-use development comprising retail and commercial office spaces and has direct connection to the Persada Johor International Convention Centre via Persada Link Bridge covered skywalk. Amenities include a sky pool, steam rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, and four multifunctional meeting rooms. For a social dining experience, the hotel is home to Dine @ Eight, offering all-day-dining with an open kitchen theatre concept serving local cuisines, as well as some of Johor Bahru’s best continental flavours.