Raffles gets big in Macau, Banyan Tree goes small in Japan, Como heads home
Above, behold the lobby of Raffles at Galaxy Macau. Right, the standard room at Banyan Tree Holdings’ first micro hotel, Folio, in Japan
12 July 2023
A brief round-up of interesting hotel openings
A Raffles with 450 suites
A peak at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, which will soft-open on August 16, shows an extravagant side to the graceful historic brand – perhaps what is needed to compete in a place like Macau. The Galaxy alone has eight world-class hotels. The Raffles there has 450 suites (not a typo error) whose design draws inspiration from a modern palazzo. A Raffles Lounge & Terrace is set inside an iconic jewelry box-like structure with a jaw-dropping chandelier.
Banyan Tree goes micro
From expansive villas, Banyan Tree Holdings goes to the other end of the spectrum with the opening of its first micro hotel, and in a country that is a pioneer in pod and capsule hotels –Japan. Folio Sakura Shinsaibashi Osaka boasts a great location and 18 sqm neat rooms with a work desk, bathroom, fridge and essential amenities (have a look here). It also has a shared lounge.
Como Metropolitan goes home
After more than 25 years, Como Hotels & Resorts is finally opening a Como Metropolitan hotel in its home base Singapore this September. With 156 sleek-looking rooms and suites (have a look here), Como Metropolitan Orchard is part of an integrated experience spread over 19 floors offering Como Group’s international dining concepts, multi-label fashion Club 21 and wellness concept Como Shambhala. The two other Como Metropolitan hotels are in Bangkok and London.