The world’s best and worst new luxury hotels named

THIS popular Aussie destination has been slammed by a prestigious brand as totally disappointing, being named as one of the world’s 10 worst new luxury stays.

ONE of Australia’s most well-known luxury hotels has been labelled a “huge disappointment” in a scathing review by a travel company.

The members-only site LTI — Luxury Travel Intelligence, included One & Only Hayman Island on a list of the 10 worst new high-end hotels of 2014.

It said of the hotel: “Following a much-published major refurbishment and rebranding of an existing property, we had high expectations for this new resort.

“The location is magnificent, but the hotel’s failings on so many aspects mean that they fall far short of delivering a true luxury experience. A big disappointment.”

Its inclusion on the list is surprising, with One & Only being praised by several other travel sites and guests throughout the year.

#DailyInspiration: One&Only Hayman Island is #Australia's best hotel. Review: http://t.co/qg6JNMrkaf @OOResorts pic.twitter.com/vca3XB2GsN

— Luxury Travel Expert (@LuxTravelExpert) December 17, 2014

Review: One&Only Hayman Island http://t.co/qg6JNMrkaf #greatbarrierreef #lovewhitsundays @OOResorts @OOHaymanIsland pic.twitter.com/se39s5Hg4E

— Luxury Travel Expert (@LuxTravelExpert) December 16, 2014

The view from our balcony! It's like Paradise, loving it here. #recharging @ One&Only Hayman Island http://t.co/8xrXe3wZE3

— Aric Yegudkin (@aric_yegudkin) December 16, 2014

news.com.au even had a chance to stay there since the refurbishment. It looked pretty incredible to us!

Meanwhile, while the majority of reviews of the hotel on TripAdvisor were glowing, those left underwhelmed cited the service and value for money as drawbacks.

An unhappy guest.

Another review.

So we contacted the resort to find out their reaction.

“One & Only is proud of its newest resort, One & Only Hayman Island, and has enjoyed extremely positive feedback since opening in July,” Guenter Gebhard, General Manager. One & Only Hayman Island said.

“ ... The reviews that we have received from some of the most experienced travel editors and reviewers, both here in Australian and from around the world, have found the resort to be a great luxury travel experience, consistent with One & Only resorts around the world.”

LTI said it sent a team of experts to research the luxury hotels offerings throughout the year, and offered up their honest opinions as to what it’s really like staying there.

Factors under scrutiny included design, management skills, food, location and amenities.

Here’s their full list of the worst new hotels this year — and the best.

YOUR SAY: Tell us what you think about these hotels below.

The worst new hotels:

10. Waldorf Astoria, Dubai

9. Peninsula, Paris

8. The Brando, French Polynesia

7. One & Only, Hayman Island

Pool villas at One & Only resort Hayman Island. Picture: Angela Saurine

6. ME, Mallorca, Spain

5. ME, Ibiza

4. Park Hyatt, New York

3. Ham Yard, London

2. SLS, Las Vegas

1. Shangri-La, London

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard in London.

LTI said of the Shangri-La London: “What views! And we are not talking about those of the amazing London skyline stretched out below you — but rather those direct or reflective views into neighbouring rooms. And when you can see them, they no doubt can also see you. This disastrous design fault has already been well documented by the global media, but we have witnessed it first-hand on two occasions and it is very disconcerting.

“The hotel’s solution has been to fit blinds, but then you are in just another hotel room, which completely erodes the whole purpose of staying here, as room decor and size is only on par with the average London 4/5 star hotel.”

The best new luxury hotels of 2014:

10. Cromlix House, Scotland

9. Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam

8. Four Seasons, Dubai (Jumeirah Beach)

7. Raffles, Istanbul

Suite lounge, Raffles Istanbul.

6. Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

5. Maalifushi, Maldives

T & I Spa Treatment Room, COMO Maalifushi, Maldives.

4. Four Seasons, Moscow

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow.

3. Loews Regency, New York

2. Portrait, Florence

1. Beaumont, London

The Beaumont Hotel, London.

LTI said of the Beaumont: “We are long-time fans of Chris Corbin and Jeremy King. Their ‘dining room’ empire in London never fails to impress, so we have been well aware of their longstanding ambition to open a hotel. It was no surprise that the hotel opening was pushed back several times, so that everything would be perfect. And perfect it is — in fact it feels like it has been there forever, and the Art Deco inspired rooms and suites are warm and welcoming. The Colony Grill Room is outstanding and deservedly one of the hottest reservations in town.”