With hundreds of new hotels around the world making their debuts since this time last year, global travelers have more options than ever when it comes to choosing their perfect-fit accommodations.

IN THE MIDDLE EAST, the new JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai celebrated its grand opening in February, following a soft opening in late 2012.

The highly anticipated 5-star property is, for now, the world’s tallest hotel, topping out at almost 1,165 feet, just 85 feet shorter than the Empire State Building.

A world-class convention and business destination, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai boasts nine restaurants in addition to five bars and lounges. The hotel is located in the heart of Business Bay, minutes from Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and close to Dubai International Airport.

“The JW Marriott Marquis will add significantly to Dubai in its drive to become the preferred choice for meetings, incentives, conference and events business,” said Rupprecht Queitsch, general manager, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. “We are working in tandem with Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the Dubai Convention Bureau to put Dubai on the global business destination map.”

LATIN AMERICA IS A HOTBED of hotel development, with Starwood an aggressive player in the market. Earlier this year, Starwood announced its Latin America growth plan, declaring its goal of having 100 hotels in operation or development by the end of 2013.

When it opened last summer, Sheraton Tucumán Hotel became Sheraton’s ninth branded hotel and the 10th Starwood property in Argentina. Located in Tucumán, the capital of the province, the hotel overlooks the city’s beautiful 9 de Julio Park, named for Argentina’s Independence Day. It’s also just blocks from the city’s historic district and civic center.

Sheraton Tucumán Hotel, Argentina © Sheraton

“Sheraton is an icon in Latin America, having been the first international hotel brand to be established in major cities, including Buenos Aires, Santiago and Lima. Today, Latin America boasts several of the world’s fastest-growing economies and is one of the most promising for the Sheraton brand,” said Hoyt Harper, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “Sheraton continues to be one of the most sought-after hotel brands in Latin America and around the world; and as a result, we are experiencing record-breaking growth, with plans to open our 500th Sheraton hotel by 2015.”

Sheraton Tucumán Hotel offers 124 guestrooms, including six executive suites and a presidential suite. Sheraton Club Lounge, located on the top floor, boasts a panoramic view of the park and surrounding mountain landscape. An 8,600-square-foot spa, the first of its kind in the region, offers a full range of therapies, and with more than 28,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, Sheraton Tucumán is one of the largest convention centers in the region.

IN BRAZIL, SHERATON DA BAHIA HOTEL opened to rave reviews earlier this year. Located in Salvador, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the 284-room hotel, formerly the historic Hotel da Bahia, underwent extensive renovation prior to reopening under the Sheraton flag.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of Sheraton hotels in Brazil and partner with GJP Hotéis & Resorts to open our first hotel in Salvador, one of the country’s most important cities,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, co-president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Americas. “This additional hotel in Brazil highlights our distinctive positioning in this fast-growing market and the strength of the Sheraton brand in the upscale hotel segment.”

“This is a historic time for the Sheraton brand. Starwood has invested billions of dollars in renovating iconic properties and bringing the brand to the most important places in the world,” said Sheraton’s Harper. “Brazil is now a powerhouse economy whose prominence around the world will be permanently established with the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games, and Sheraton is thrilled to expand its presence there during these exciting times.”

Located in the city center with direct access to Sete de Setembro Avenue, one of Salvador’s major thoroughfares, Sheraton da Bahia Hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is second only to Rio de Janeiro in tourism traffic. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city offers a kaleidoscope of cultural attractions, cuisine, music, beaches and architecture.

IN AUGUST, PALACIO DEL INKA in Cusco, Peru, opened its doors following an extensive $15 million renovation. Owned by Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco offers discreet and personalized service in the ancient capital of Peru. Starwood’s Luxury Collection comprises a growing roster of unique hotels that span five continents, 60 cultural centers and seven centuries.

“Latin America has a vast landscape with unique destinations that are ideal for global explorers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences with exceptional service and style. As a result, The Luxury Collection brand portfolio continues to grow in the region, where we now have 11 hotels, from Argentina to Mexico,” said Starwood’s Librizzi. “We are honored to welcome Palacio del Inka, which embodies centuries of history, richness and indigenous charm into our Luxury Collection portfolio. We are certain it will become the favorite of the new generation of luxury travelers visiting the region for years to come.”

Situated at the heart of Cusco, the historic Palacio del Inka is located across from the preserved ruins of the Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun. With a striking Spanish colonial façade, Palacio del Inka was originally part of the Incan civilization in the early 15th century and later designed and inhabited by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The ancient walls are still part of the structure while the interior design, paintings and furnishings evoke Peru’s colonial past. The 203-room hotel includes 17 Casa de los Cuatro Bustos Suites. The suites boast 13-foot ceilings and rich textiles, and all guestrooms feature custom-designed carved wooden doors, chests and desks complementing vintage paintings and mirrors.

AMONG STARWOOD’S PANAMA debuts this year, The Westin Panama opened in early 2013, followed closely by Waldorf Astoria Panama. Located in Costa del Este, Panama City’s newest, upscale corporate and financial center, The Westin Panama boasts 218 rooms, including 45 suites, in addition to 14,460 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and function space. The newly constructed hotel is a key element of the Costa del Este financial center, which includes several high-end real estate developments, numerous multinational corporate offices and a boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. Costa del Este is just 15 minutes from downtown Panama City and less than 30 minutes from Tocumen International Airport via the Corredor Sur.

Located in the heart of Panama City’s entertainment area, Waldorf Astoria Panama offers 248 guestrooms, suites and luxury residences. The hotel’s design combines fresh, luminous tones and reflective materials, as well as high ceilings, rich exotic woods, metallic pieces, multidimensional panels, glass and crystals to create a sophisticated social atmosphere.

In addition to the hotel’s exclusive dining and wellness facilities, Waldorf Astoria Panama features Level 5, a multi-event venue for meetings and social gatherings where Manhattan penthouse design blends with a trendy Latin American ambience. The more than 3,500 square feet of meeting space includes three multipurpose meeting rooms and a ballroom, complemented by a versatile business center where guests can access a variety of services.

“Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts are committed to a presence in landmark destinations around the world, so Panama is a perfect venue for our brand’s entry into Latin America,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide. “The Waldorf Astoria Panama is perfectly positioned to create the exceptional experiences and unforgettable moments that are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand.”

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD, Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul opened in May, marking the luxury brand’s first foray into Turkey. Set on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait between the Dolmabahçe Palace and Naval Museum, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul offers an expansive view of the city’s unique landscape, showcasing a panorama of colorful domes and minarets. Housed in a restored circa 1930s tobacco warehouse, the hotel features a Neoclassical façade; two carefully preserved sycamore trees (estimated at 150 and 350 years old) stand in the hotel’s courtyard, giving testament to its storied past.

Inside, Shangri-La Bosphorus is a modern oasis, taking design cues from the glamorous Dolmabahçe Palace with swathes of marble, glittering chandeliers and a mix of European, Asian and Turkish décor. Natural light illuminates a dome-shaped atrium, adding sparkle to a massive Bohemian chandelier. The hotel showcases more than 1,000 pieces of European and Asian art. One masterpiece, located behind the reception desk, is an exquisite southern China lacquer craft carving depicting a Bosphorus water scene.

WHILE SHANGRI-LA HOTELS & RESORTS has yet to confirm an opening date for its highly anticipated Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London, the hotel promises to become an icon on London’s hospitality landscape. Housed on floors 34–52 of The Shard, the city’s iconic crystalline tower — and currently reigning as the tallest building in Western Europe — Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London will be the brand’s first hotel in the United Kingdom.

PARK HYATT IS ALSO ON THE MOVE with a number of new and soon-to-open hotels worldwide. Among them, Park Hyatt Sydney reopened last year following the largest and most comprehensive renovation in its history. The iconic harborfront hotel closed for 10 months during the extensive makeover, culminating in a big-reveal debut of upgraded guestrooms, remodeled public spaces and rooftop suites boasting almost-360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Designers specified regional building materials to echo elements of Sydney’s past and present. The original 1990 foundation was rebuilt of traditional Sydney sandstone, historically used as a canvas for aboriginal rock carvings and as a building material by local architects dating from 1788. The boardwalk surrounding the hotel’s entrance was reconstructed using spotted gum, a timber native to a number of regions in Australia. Park Hyatt Sydney also selected a small group of renowned Australian artists to create sculptures, paintings and photographs inspired by The Rocks and Harbour to connect public spaces and guestrooms to Sydney’s yesterday and today.

CLOSER TO HOME, HONG KONG-BASED Langham Hotels and Resorts is beefing up its U.S. presence with the September opening of The Langham, Chicago. Housed in the last office building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, known for developing the modern skyscraper, the 316-room hotel sits in the heart of downtown Chicago, just minutes from the Loop business district and Michigan Avenue. It is the company’s first purpose-built hotel in the United States.

“After more than four years of planning and construction, we’re delighted to join the Chicago community and bring our brand of European hospitality to this great city,” said Bret Butcher, CEO, Langham Hospitality Group. “The Langham, Chicago was a labor of love for our chairman, Dr. K.S. Lo, who is passionately committed to developing luxury hotels in heritage buildings. The opportunity to build our hotel within this landmark building was a great privilege.”

Built in 1971 as IBM’s regional headquarters, the building was declared a Chicago Landmark in 2008 and entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 2010.

The Langham, Boston © Langham Boston

The Langham, Chicago joins The Langham Huntington, Pasadena; The Langham, Boston; and Langham Place, Fifth Avenue on the company’s growing roster of U.S. hotels. What’s on the horizon? Katie Benson, CEO and executive director, Langham Hospitality Investments, Ltd., recently told Global Traveler Langham is actively on the lookout for additional opportunities in New York and Los Angeles, as well as Washington, D.C.; Miami; San Francisco; and other locations.