Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Aloft Hotels
Best for: The tech savvy crowd
Pedigree: The Starwood Hotels and Resorts group, the people behind Sheraton, Westin, W, St. Regis and Le Méridien.
Coolness quotient: You check-in via their touch-screen kiosks that also let you print your plane boarding passes. Some of their properties take it up a notch by letting members check in and unlock doors all via an app. It gets better, Aloft recently introduced robotic butlers or A.L.O the Botlr as they call him; he’s even got a nametag and bowtie and accepts tips in tweets. It might not be in Asia just yet, but it will be rolling over pretty soon. In the meantime, keep a look out for him at Aloft Cupertino in California.
Check-in here: There are Aloft hotels in China, Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea but our pick is the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral which also happens to be the biggest Aloft hotel in the world at 482 rooms and suites. The décor is modern and futuristic and it offers free Wi-Fi access throughout, even by the rooftop infinity pool. We love the overall vibe of this place and the 24-hour refuel stations where you can grab a bite anytime.
Radisson Red
Radisson Red
Best for: Arty folks
Pedigree: The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, behind brands like Radisson Blu, Radisson and Park Plaza.
Coolness quotient: Instead of front desks, they have a Hi All Art Gallery space that lets you soak up art vibes while checking-in on your smart phone. The arty element also carries on throughout the hotel with the décor drawing inspiration from local art. With their walls doubling up as a canvas for movies and art.
Check-in here: While there might be no hotels that you can check into just yet, the first Radisson Red hotel will be opening its doors in Shenyang, China next year. Other than the Hi All Gallery, there’s also the 24-hour Redeli for small bites and Ouibar for coffee and cocktail. Plus, a room here comes with a cool app that lets you do everything on it—from checking-in to ordering food and there’s even Red TV and Red Radio.
Hotel Indigo Lijiang
Indigo Hotels
Best for: Intrepid travelers with pets
Pedigree: The InterContinental Hotels Group which owns Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.
Coolness quotient: It’s all about the local experience with this one; the staff are all clued in on hidden gems and off the beaten path haunts. And in case you suffer from jet-lag, you can work up a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center and also stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Oh and in case your pet pooch wants to tag along, he gets to stay as well and they get their own doggy bed too.
Check-in here: With 39 hotels around the world, options are aplenty but our pick is the charming 70-room resort style boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo Lijiang in China that combines modern, minimal design with traditional elements like the sloping roofs and arched bridges. You also won’t have to give up on modern day spoils: there’s free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour restaurant and a plush Me Space that’s packed with cushions and comfy seats.
Andaz Hotels
Andaz Hotels
Best for: Stylish travelers
Pedigree: The Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which owns Grand Hyatt, the Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place.
Coolness quotient: With a name that means “personal style” in Hindi, Andaz’s boutique-y hotels have lots of neat personal touches. They do away front desks, and instead, you’re shown up to your room by an “Andaz host”. Top up on your insider info from the Andaz Salon; a virtual space that offers tips on everything food, art and travel related to help you navigate the neighborhood in style. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel too, so you can instantly upload those Instagram-worth snaps.
Check-in here: There are 12 Andaz hotels, with two in Asia. Our pick is the new Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. We cannot get over its deep soaking tubs that are inspired by the Japanese bath culture. Bonus: all the local snacks and non-alcoholic mini-bar drinks are complimentary.
