This year has seen a proliferation of funky new properties around the world, a gloomy economic outlook seemingly unable to hold back our desire for edgy style or luxury wherever we go. Here, a look at some of our favorite openings throughout the year.

Ritz-Carlton is planning to open its third hotel in Japan in the ancient capital of Kyoto in spring 2014 by rebuilding the Hotel Fujita Kyoto, which closed in January.

The hotel will be built alongside the Kamogawa river, which is one of the most popular walking spots, particularly during the cherry blossom season in the spring.

Strict regulations on the construction of buildings within the metropolis — which remains one of the few low-rise cities in Japan — mean that the hotel will have a maximum of four floors above ground but a further three levels underground.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will open its first hotel in Saudi Arabia, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh on October 24.

The palatial hotel, with 493 rooms and suites, is situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre.

The hotel’s stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces with ochre facades blending gracefully with the verdant landscape of the gardens.

Influential magazine Condé Nast Traveler has named the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong as the best hotel in the world in its annual Readers’ Choice survey.

The publication, announcing the results ahead of the November issue, revealed the Shanghai hotel’s victory ahead of Peninsula House in the Dominican Republic, which won second place, October 11.

The Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh won third place, while the Safari Lodges at Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa came in fourth.

Today marks the beginning of a new initiative from The Ritz-Carlton with the introduction of an entirely new communications approach.

Their new brand platform, ‘Let Us Stay With You’ requests guests to allow The Ritz- Carlton to be much more than just a hotel, and instead a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Through the use of artwork, film, messaging, and digital experience platforms, guests are requested to allow The Ritz-Carlton to be much more than just a hotel; indeed to be that indelible memory that lasts a lifetime.

Members of the InterContinental hotels loyalty program are to be offered the chance to snap up last-minute hotel deals on points, the company announced August 1.

Last Minute Rewards will offer Priority Club members the chance to redeem hotel nights for 50 percent fewer points than they would otherwise be offered at.

The promotion will be valid at nearly 90 select hotels around the world, including properties in popular holiday destinations such as Orlando, Florida; Berlin; Paris; Shanghai; Bangkok; and Seoul.