And if they don't inspire you to book your next city break, we don't know what will.


And if they don't inspire you to book your next city break, we don't know what will.
The best time to book a holiday is when you're just back from one. With that in mind, here's the lowdown on a few sensational hotels that are on the verge of opening in Australia. If these don't inspire you to book your next city break, we don't know what will.
When Ritz-Carlton opens in March, it'll be the tallest hotel in Australia, with an express elevator zipping you - in a matter of seconds - from the ground floor to the reception located on the 80th level. And if that doesn't take your breath away, wait till you survey the views - all the way to the outer fringes of Melbourne. And it gets better: even the smallest rooms at this hotel will offer 46 square metres of real estate with marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows framing those views.

A renowned hospitality brand with luxury hotels in cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi and Shanghai, Capella makes its Australian debut in March. Housed in the historic Department of Education building on Sydney's Bridge Street, the 192-room hotel will impress guests with its timeless golden sandstone facade, an exquisite spa and Brasserie 1930, helmed by renowned Sydney restaurateurs Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt.

Bright splashes of colour in spacious guestrooms, delicious fare at the onsite restaurant Stanley and proximity to some of the city's top attractions - from Cairns Aquarium to the Night Markets - are just some of the things to look forward to at this family-friendly Mercure property opening this month.

The "new hotels" scene in Adelaide is showing no signs of slowing down, thanks to yet another launch, featuring contemporary rooms with open-plan ensuites, striking art in the foyer, and wellness facilities such as a heated pool and state-of-the-art gym. Scheduled to open on February 14, Vibe Adelaide will also be home to the Storehouse Flinders East restaurant, where both locals and visitors can feast on delicious modern Australian.

No two rooms are the same at Manly Pacific and that's just the tip of the sandcastle at this gorgeous hotel, reopening this month after a $30 million makeover. Chic Australian furniture chain Coco Republic has spun its magic in the guestrooms, dressing them with light oak timbers, Mykonos-white linen and swathes of sheer curtains billowing in the breeze. But the ultimate drawcard here is what lies beyond those drapes. Wake up to one of Australia's most famous beaches and savour the views from your bed before the crowds descend.

Take a step back in time at this iconic property, reopening in Melbourne after a two-year refurbishment on February 1. Housed in a heritage-listed 1928 building by Australian architect Harry Norris, the Royce will transport you to a bygone era with lavish trimmings - from white Italian Cararra marble ensuites in the guestrooms to a dazzling chandelier in the lobby

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.




