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

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.