Marriott International has chosen two properties in China to begin trialling facial recognition check-in under the hotel group’s joint venture with Alibaba Group, a move that will likely see the technology introduced around the world.

The spectacular Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi has been re-branded under Marriott International’s funky W Hotels brand after owner Aldar Properties appointed Marriott to manage the hotel.

“With its game-changing Whatever/Whenever service and bold design, W Sydney will shake up the city’s social scene, turning traditional luxury on its head.”

Touted as Australia’s new capital of cool with its edgy urban spaces and burgeoning passions for music, fashion and design, Brisbane is an ideal destination for the W brand.

Rumours of the planned W Sydney – known as The Ribbon Hotel Development – have been circulating for a number of years, but now appear more certain with the property being listed on the W Hotels Worldwide global website directory.