With international travel nearly back on track, put Rome, Bangkok and Jakarta in your list of next destinations.
W ROME
Situated a few strides away from the Spanish Steps, W Rome’s recent opening marks the brand’s first debut in Italy. Spanning two adjacent 19th century palazzos, the hotel’s 147 guestrooms and 15 suites offer a city apartment feel. Take in the views of the Eternal City from the room or suite’s private balcony and terrace. Inspired by the city’s heritage, the interior juxtaposes the past and the present through striking colour blocks, bold graphic prints, cuttingedge in-room technology, and modern furnishings in an eclectic, quintessentially W design.
The hotel’s W Lounge comes alive at night with music and an innovative cocktail menu. During the day, guests can go up to the rooftop terrace where the WET Deck, plunge pool and Otto Rooftop Bar are located. Nibble and mingle as the Romans do at the Giardino Clandestino open-air courtyard or the Giano Restaurant which serves authentic Sicilian cooking. W Rome also takes wellness seriously, as can be seen at FUEL x Petra Studio Gym’s personal training programme.
CHRISTIAN ZANDONELLA, GENERAL MANAGER OF W ROME
“We are not melancholic in the way we approach hospitality. We don’t want to bring back the good old times but create the new good times. Loaded with Roman vitality yet dismantling the norm, W Rome has something for everyone. For this reason, we carefully chose partners who are true Italian tastemakers. There are fitness athlete Pietro Boselli at the helm of the first FUEL x Petra Studio programme; Daria Reina who curated our W The Store x Daria Reina; and Fabrizio Fiorani who brings his contemporary Italian pastry at Zucchero x Fabrizio Fiorani.
Our culinary experience is in great hands with Ciccio Sultano at the helm, fusing Sicilian cuisine with Roman culture at Giano Restaurant. Emanuele Broccatelli, our bar manager, combines Rome’s culture and history with the city’s future that neatly fits W Rome’s live eternal outlook at W Lounge. Set to be an oasis surrounded by lemon trees and foliage, Otto Rooftop Bar offers a rare rooftop experience showcasing another side of Rome with tasty crudo and pizza.”
THE STANDARD, BANGKOK MAHANAKHON
Bangkok’s new hotel is anything but standard. Housed within the futuristic skyscraper, King Power Mahanakhon Building and situated in the city’s business district, the 155-room hotel is the brand’s flagship property in Asia. Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon collaborated with The Standard’s in-house design team to create the mid-century modern decor and style. The rooms boast vibrant colours, curvaceous furniture and lush greenery, complete with Bang & Olufsen speaker and Nespresso machine. The hotel’s cinematic poolscape overlooks the city, alongside its 360-degree rooftop bar, Sky Beach.
AMAR LALVANI, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF STANDARD INTERNATIONAL
“The hotel is the result of a collaboration between King Power and The Standard along with visionary creative partner Jaime Hayon. We are located in one of the most impressive buildings in Bangkok and are very proud of our culinary and cultural offerings.
There is the first international outpost of The Standard Grill Bangkok. It is our take on a modern all-day brasserie that blends traditional American steakhouse with the freshness of regional Thai flavours. Thoughtfully referencing the original Standard Grill at our New York High Line property flagship, it is set to become a local favourite for breakfast meetings, power lunches, and lots of pleasure in the evenings. The culinary and service details are top notch but the scene is approachable and never pretentious. Table hopping and socialising are more than welcome.
There is also Tease, our stunning jewel box of a tearoom with unforgettable decor, tasty treats and an extensive tea selection. Lastly, Ojo Bangkok, the crown jewel of the hotel on the 76th floor, will be helmed by the awardwinning chef Francisco Paco Ruano. The restaurant features a creative take on Mexican cuisine that will shatter the city’s preconceived notions of Mexican food, complete with sweeping views of the city where guests can dine and dance until the wee hours.”
THE ORIENT HOTEL JAKARTA
Jakarta’s latest boutique hotel, located at the heart of Sudirman Business District, is now open. Surrounded by vibrant restaurants, sultry speakeasies and shopping destinations, the hotel – designed by the awardwinning architect Bill Bensley – aims to take guests away on a nostalgic journey to Indonesia’s bygone era.
The hotel pays homage to the heritage of batik throughout its 153 rooms and suites. Intricate and colourful batik patterns are recreated throughout the hotel with a pop art twist. Together with curated antiques and statement upcycled artworks, the hotel’s design is both urbane and quirky. Guests are invited to enjoy the infinity hydrotherapy swimming pool on the fifth floor as well as the gym and spa.
LUIS DANIEL GARCIA, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE ORIENT HOTEL JAKARTA
“The Orient Hotel Jakarta proudly brings Bill Bensley’s creative design to life. We offer something different in Jakarta with our distinctively eclectic take on Indonesia’s heritage and craftsmanship. Each room at the hotel is uniquely hand-painted, decorated and designed. Our culinary offerings are thoughtfully curated as found in Caspar, Furusato Izakaya and the soonto- be-opened rooftop bar, Café California.
Located in the ground floor of the building, Caspar has been recognised as the dining spot for authentic Spanish cuisine. Our paella and woodfire or ascuas menu are the guests’ favourites. At night, the restaurant transforms into a lively after hour destination with DJ and music performances. Alternatively, head to Furusato Izakaya for a casual Japanese dining experience featuring dishes such as Saikoro Beef Steak, Chicken Nanban, and special menu from our Robata Night”.