Waldorf Astoria and Conrad boast eight marquee openings next year; LXR expands development pipeline with new Middle East signings
Hilton’s iconic luxury brands will continue an impressive momentum of global growth in 2022 with nearly 10 openings and new signings slated across Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. This follows eight openings in 2021 across global leisure destinations including Las Vegas, southern California, Kyoto, Seattle and Seychelles.
“The continued growth of Hilton’s luxury category is a testament to the trust and confidence our guests and development partners have in Waldorf Astoria, LXR and Conrad,” said Matt Schuyler, Hilton’s chief brand officer. “I’m thrilled to see our Waldorf Astoria portfolio expanding into new markets in Mexico and the Middle East as well as Conrad’s growing footprint within the Americas and Europe.”
Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head, Hilton Luxury Brands, added, “I cannot wait to extend our intuitive and bespoke service, unparalleled experiences and world-class culinary offerings to guests travelling to these dynamic destinations in 2022.
And while we welcome guests to these new Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties next year, the continued growth of our LXR pipeline will ensure an exciting future for the brand as we build a collection of truly unique and independent hotels for the sophisticated and adventurous traveller.”
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts continues to solidify its presence in both key domestic and international markets in the new year. Travellers will soon be able to experience the brand’s elegant yet effortless luxury at two new properties:
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait (spring 2022): Located within The Avenues, Kuwait’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination, the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will feature 200 contemporary, spacious, and sun-drenched deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the glittering Kuwait City skyline.
Guests will enjoy a transformative journey of the senses at this ultra-luxurious property, from world-class dining venues, including the highly-anticipated Japanese restaurant concept, ROKA Kuwait, to the awe-inspiring 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa. The hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge redefines luxury, combining intimacy and comfort with bespoke service. Meanwhile, beautiful meeting and event spaces — including a spectacular Grand Ballroom — provide idyllic venues for unforgettable celebrations or tailored corporate events.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun (fall 2022): Set on 100 acres of secluded coastline, Waldorf Astoria Cancun will be a beachfront oasis where travellers can find a rich Mexican heritage combined with Waldorf Astoria’s elegant hospitality and unforgettable experiences. The hotel will offer stunning ocean views from its 150 suites, the Waldorf Astoria Spa which integrates Mexican healing traditions, and five restaurants and bars which will provide local cuisine flavours.
Conrad Hotels & Resorts, which currently hosts the majority of its portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, is gaining traction within the Americas and Europe, opening six new hotels in 2022:
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya (January 2022): Nestled among verdant tropical vegetation, overlooking the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters, the new-build Conrad Tulum will be Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Quintana Roo on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, set to debut in January 2022. The property will provide a secluded haven for travellers featuring a design aesthetic inspired by Tulum’s lush landscape, picturesque beaches, and surrounding nature reserves.
Conrad Shanghai (January 2022): A prime example of a true luxury conversion, Conrad Shanghai will be the first hotel under the luxury brand in Shanghai and Hilton’s largest Conrad hotel in Asia with more than 700 rooms, expanding Hilton’s luxury footprint in one of the major gateway cities of China. Targeted to open in January 2022, the hotel is located at People Square, the most renowned tourism and business district of Shanghai which is also in close proximity to various tourist destinations and commercial centres, as well as office buildings.
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia (spring 2022): Debuting in spring 2022, Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia will be a family-friendly resort inspired by Sardinia’s local history and culture. The hotel will undergo an extensive renovation that will update and enhance all guest rooms, common areas, restaurants and bars to be in line with Conrad’s refined, yet contemporary brand aesthetic.
The refurbishment will pay homage to Sardinia with each space featuring its own distinct design while remaining connected through the use of natural materials and colours. Guests in 2022 will be the first to experience the new luxury property that will feature multiple dining destinations that celebrate the local cuisine, serene pool, and chic spa.
Conrad Nashville (spring 2022): Ideally situated in the heart of Music City, Conrad Nashville gracefully blends urban sophistication with refined elegance to create a luxe retreat within the bustle of the city. Pairing Southern hospitality with a new era of modern luxury, the hotel is part of the new Broadwest development, steps away from the city’s best restaurants, shopping, entertainment, music, and sports venues. Designed by Champalimaud Design, Conrad Nashville caters to guests through its design, culinary and artistic offerings which include the locally-inspired mainstay restaurant led by a celebrity chef, stylish lobby bar with classic cocktails and afternoon tea, rooftop pool terrace and bar, and wellness centre.
The 13-story glass building is comprised of 234 spacious guest rooms and suites, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible views of the city and in-room soak tubs with Byredo bathroom amenities for utmost relaxation. The property also features over 11,000 square feet of multi-purpose space for social gatherings and meetings.
Conrad Rabat Arzana (fall 2022): Conrad’s first Morocco property, Conrad Rabat Arzana, will make its debut in fall 2022 located near the capital of Morocco, Rabat’s town centre. The new hotel will be part of the exclusive and new Arzana development and will feature 120 guest rooms with ocean views from its elevated waterfront location overlooking a tranquil lagoon and beach. Guests will be able to experience breathtaking surroundings while enjoying locally-inspired food and beverage at two unique restaurants offering all-day dining and speciality cuisine, in addition to the lobby bar and pool lounge available for refreshing drinks day and night. The hotel will also offer a fully-appointed spa and salon as well as 600+ square meters of events space comprised of a grand ballroom and four meeting rooms.
Hilton’s newest luxury brand, LXR Hotels & Resorts, experienced impressive global growth, more than doubling the collection’s portfolio in 2021 with landmark openings including Oceana Santa Monica, Crockfords Las Vegas at Resorts World, Mango House Seychelles, ROKU Kyoto and Hotel 1000 in Seattle just within the last year.
LXR will look to expand the collection’s Middle East footprint in 2022 with several soon-to-be-announced signings in the region as well as the most recently announced urban boutique resort located in Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s Wadi Hanifah masterplan, representing the brand’s debut in Saudi Arabia. This captivatingly intimate retreat, nestled in the historic Wadi Hanifah, will feature 80 immaculately designed guest rooms and enchanting villas, offering guests a lush escape of tranquillity and relaxation for those looking to explore beyond the vibrant Diriyah town.
