Eight New Hotel Openings in 2008

- From Dallas to Zurich, the Florida Keys to China, a list of the eight new

     hotel hot spots you'll be hearing about in 2008 -

    NEW YORK, Jan. 22 // -- 2008 is looking to be a banner year for travelers. Between the boom in business travel and vacationers looking to explore new cities, the hospitality industry is responding by opening chic new hotels, spas and restaurants in destinations around the world. These new properties range from downtown Art-Deco gems to sprawling tropical resorts and each one offers the 2008 traveler a new escape.

    Here's a glimpse of eight hotels to watch in 2008:

    1. DALLAS, TX: The Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa

     (http://www.stoneleighhotel.com) is a sophisticated, 170-room

     hotel set in the lush Uptown neighborhood of Dallas. The legendary

     property -- which has hosted the likes of Elvis Presley and Judy

     Garland -- is putting the finishing touches on a $36 million

     restoration. The renovation includes new guestrooms and suites,

     restaurant & bar, and full service spa. Scheduled to re-open in Feb

     '08, The Stoneleigh will be crowned with an opulent penthouse designed

     by Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Company and a unique art

     collection featuring some of the most talented artists throughout

     Texas.

    2. ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: The Dolder Grand, (http://www.thedoldergrand.com)

     City Resort of Zurich since 1899, has been closed for renovation since

     2004 and re-opens in April 2008. What's new? 173 luxurious rooms and

     suites, a spa approximately 40,000 square feet, two restaurants and

     banquet facilities. The project has seen the collaboration of

     partners including, London architectural firm Foster and Partners

     Ltd., the interior design company United Designers Ltd. and spa

     doyenne, Sylvia Sepielli, who launches her first European spa. Over

     440 million Swiss francs (approximately 400 million USD) have been

     invested in the project.

    3. THE FLORIDA KEYS: Hawks Cay (http://www.hawkscay.com) is a water-based

     resort on the 60-acre island of Duck Key. The resort features world-

     class fishing, a full-service marina, Dolphin Connection, myriad water

     sports, full-service spa, kids and teen clubs, and more. Hawks Cay is

     undergoing a comprehensive transformation, re-launching February '08.

     Highlights include: 177 redesigned guest rooms, a new lobby area;

     dramatic veranda and sun terrace; Rum Bar; family dining at Tom's

     Harbor House; among much more. The renovation wraps up with the

     addition of Alma, a Nuevo Latino restaurant, and Beach Grill in spring

     '08 plus redesigned villas later this summer.

    4. BAL HARBOUR, FLORIDA: Opening in March 2008, The Regent Bal Harbour

     (http://www.regenthotels.com/balharbour) is the first luxury property

     to open in Bal Harbour Village in nearly half a century. Bal Harbour

     Village has been an enclave for the affluent since the 1940's.

     Located within walking distance of the famed Bal Harbour Shops, and 15

     minutes from renowned South Beach, The Regent Bal Harbour is one of

     the most highly anticipated hotel properties to debut in South

     Florida.

    5. ANGUILLA: Set on 35 acres of beachfront land along Barnes Bay and

     Meads Bay Viceroy Anguilla (http://www.viceroyanguilla.com) will be an

     array of 172 stylish homes comprised of freestanding villas and

     single-story resort residence buildings. With sophisticated interiors

     by Kelly Wearstler the imaginative eye behind the signature style of

     all Viceroy properties, Viceroy Anguilla will radiate a relaxed chic

     sensibility. Opening in Winter 2008, Viceroy Anguilla will feature a

     Kids Club, a Sea Centre for aquatic activities, gourmet restaurants

     and a team of "Lifestyle Assistants" to cater to guests every need and

     act as ambassadors to the island.

    6. BOSTON, MA: The Millennium Bostonian Hotel

     (http://millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboston), located in the heart

     of Boston's downtown across from historic Faneuil Hall and

     Quincy Market, is currently undergoing a $23 million renovation,

     scheduled to be complete in August 2008. The 201-room property will

     undergo a complete renovation of all guest rooms and public areas to

     create an upscale look for the hotel, with an emphasis on luxurious

     details such as faux leather finishes, linen-like wall coverings and

     42-inch LCD televisions.

    7. GUANGZHOU, CHINA: Grand Hyatt Guangzhou

     (http://guangzhou.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp) is ideally

     located in the city's central business district of Tianhe- Pearl River

     New Town, just a short distance from the new Guangzhou International

     Convention and Exhibition Centre. When it opens its doors in early

     2008, it will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in South China marking

     yet another milestone in China's expedient growth. The 375 room hotel

     will house an impressive five restaurants and bars, extensive meeting

     and banquet space, ballrooms, indoor swimming pool, fitness center,

     and spa facilities. Guests will be awed as they enter the sky lobby

     on the 22nd floor with its panoramic views of the Pearl River and

     Tianhe CBD.

    8. SOUTH AFRICA: Gondwana Game Reserve

     (http://www.gondwanagamereserve.com) will be the first authentic Big

     Five reserve near Cape Town. The reserve will be located 10 miles

     from Mossel Bay. This setting will be remote enough to serve as an

     authentic game reserve, but will also be accessible to the world-

     famous Garden Route. Fynbos Camp will be the first lodge to open on

     the reserve in September 2008 and it will feature 25 superior rooms

     and 10 luxury suites. All rooms will overlook two watering holes for

     optimum game viewing, as well as the Outeniqua Mountains.

    For more information on these hot new hotels: 212-255-6541; anna@hawkpr.com.