When the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai opens its doors at the end of this year, it will be the new tallest dedicated hotel building in the world.

Standing at 1,099-feet tall (355 metres), the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is just 26 metres shorter than the Empire State Building in New York.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, which sits on floors 102-118 of the 1,588-foot International Commerce Centre remains the highest hotel in the world.

Westin is to roll out a global revamp of its health and fitness centers around the world, it confirmed January 31.

The luxury hotel brand will make over gyms and fitness centers at all of its 186 properties this year, it said, as part of an attempt to tackle upscale competitors such as Crowne Plaza.

Westin will become the first hotel chain to use ActiViva lighting, fluorescent tube designed by lighting giant Philips which contains a high percentage of blue light and is claimed to result in an increase of performance of ten percent or more.

Luxury hotel chain Trump has opened its latest international property, adding another 261 rooms to Toronto’s booming hotel scene.

The 65-storey Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is Canada’s tallest residential building and its second-tallest structure, boasting both condos and the second international outpost of Trump Hotels.

Highlights include a huge mosaic and a three-dimensional cherry blossom branch behind the reception desk, which was handmade from Czech crystals.

Trump Hotels has announced a new loyalty program for its luxury-loving members, promising unique benefits to guests who hand over their Trump Card.

The Trump Card Privilege Program was unveiled by the luxury chain January 25 as a way for Trump to compete with other brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont, which both offer their own elite loyalty programs.

Unlike its competitors though, the Trump Card is sold on the well-known faces behind Trump, promising access to “once-in-a-lifetime experiences associated with the Trump family and lifestyle.”

The Shangri-La Hotel in Tokyo has been named as the number one Luxury Hotel in the World in the Traveler’s Choice 2012 Awards by TripAdvisor.

The awards are based on reviews and opinions provided by travelers and were introduced 10 years ago.

The categories for 2012 have been expanded to include top-25 lists for 30 countries and regions, as well as an international competition for the best properties to visit.

Luxury hotel chain Shangri-La will stop serving shark fin at its 72 properties, as the campaign to protect the marine predators gains ground among Chinese consumers.

The Hong Kong-based group said it would cease serving shark fin in all of its restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect, under a “sustainable seafood policy”.

Shark fin soup is viewed by many Asians as a rare delicacy and is traditionally served at wedding parties and business banquets in Hong Kong.