Title: Forbes (online) Date: January 5th 2011 Unique Users: n/a

The 10 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings Of 2012

This new year will usher in a fleet of luxury hotels slated to open in locations that range from the familiar (New York City) to the exotic (hello, Mauritius). Weve chosen a short list of 10 hotels to watch in 2012. With unique amenities and vastly different vibes, these hotels all have one thing in common we cant wait to check in.

1. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The luxury chains newest location will open its doors on Jan. 19 in the exclusive enclave of Bal Harbour, just outside Miami. The newly constructed beachfront hotel has three sleek, glass-encased towers that deliver ocean views from each of the 27 floors. Look for Art Deco-influenced design with a heavy dose of glam common areas feature unusual accents such as the graffiti-style mural that anchors the bar and the massive crystal chandelier in the hotels Grand Hall. The Jean-Georges Vongerichten-created J&G Grill and Remde Spa provide diversions, as do the private oceanfront cabanas and outdoor pool.

2. Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto. In typical Trump fashion, this hotel will own the skyline when it opens in downtown Toronto on Jan. 31 the tower will be Canadas tallest residential building and its secondtallest structure (the unique articulated spire puts a fine point on the buildings size). Each room 261 in all will deliver views of the city and Lake Ontario, along with a champagne and caviar color scheme (think dark gray walls, crystal wall sconces and aubergine-hued silk drapes). Trump Torontos amenities include an 18,000-squarefoot spa located on the 65-story buildings 31st floor, with dedicated spa concierges to create personalized treatments and experiences.

3. Conrad New York. Opening early this year, Conrad New York will bring 463 sleek rooms to Manhattans Battery Park neighborhood. The light-filled hotel will feature a dramatic 15-story atrium and a green rooftop, complete with a bar and an herb garden. With more than 32,000 square feet of event space and catering by restaurateur Danny Meyers Union Square Events, the Conrad is positioning itself as the place to host parties in the Financial District.

4. Park Hyatt Sydney. The results of a months-long renovation will be unveiled when the waterfront hotel reopens its doors on Feb. 1. Expect an expanded spa and three rooftop suites on the brand-new fourth floor. The hotels 155 guestrooms have been refreshed with custom-designed lighting; contemporary, earthy fabrics and furnishings; and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto private balconies.

5. W Paris Opra. The W brand makes its debut in France on Valentines Day with this chic new outpost across the street from the citys famed Opra Garnier opera house. A highlight of the dcor (a departure from Paris more traditional hotels) is a backlit digital wall, which will project abstract patterns throughout the space, creating different moods to match different seasons or events. The public areas will feel classic thanks to stained glass windows, mosaic flooring and marble staircases but the 91 guestrooms will have more of an edge. Local artists are responsible for the innovative accents in the rooms, including sculptural faucets and original light fixtures designed for the hotel.

6. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort. Africas first St. Regis hotel will open in the sleepy island nation of Mauritius, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise lagoon and tropical climate. The hotels 173 guestrooms each outfitted with spacious private balconies with ocean and mountain views include spa suites and villas decorated in a traditional colonial style. Personal butlers, a nightly champagne ritual, six restaurants (including a beachside eatery and bar) and a spa surrounded by tropical gardens complete the offerings. Its all slated to open May 15.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. Hows this for a glamorous location? Opening in May, the first Four Seasons outpost in Russia will be inside a 19th-century royal palace. Two marble lions guard the entrance of the restored building, which will house a grand staircase, two signature restaurants, and a glasstopped spa with Russian-style saunas and a relaxation pool.

8. Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou. This newly constructed hotel promises to bring contemporary and spacious guestrooms (along with serviced apartments) to the southern Chinese city in mid-2012. Its Financial District location will be ideal for the mainly business travel crowd that comes to Guangzhou; but those checking in for leisure can scope out the six restaurants and bars (including an outpost of the hotel groups signature Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop), or the hotels spa, which will offer Mandarin Orientals well-known holistic treatments.

9. ME London. ME from the Spanish brand Meli is just one of the many hotels opening in London ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Though ME will be in the historic Marconi House in the Aldwych neighborhood, this fashion-forward hotel will be thoroughly modern. Guests can book one of the 157 trendy rooms, including those in the hotels VIP area, or a penthouse suite that covers two floors. Between athletic events, take advantage of the 3-D-equipped screening room and the 180-degree rooftop terrace with a bar and views of the Thames.

10. The James Royal Palm. Taking over Miamis historic Royal Palm hotel when it opens at the end of 2012, this new property plans to pay homage to the buildings roots (the rolling lawn, outdoor fountain and signature palm trees arent going anywhere), but it will revitalize the space with a topiary living room on the front lawn and clean and bright guestrooms that emphasize the hotels ocean views. Other highlights will include two swimming pools, a full-service spa and a top location thats steps from the beach and trend-setting Ocean Drive.