It depends on the size of the room, it's insulation and whether internally it has any heat sources.

24-26° isn't an exceptionally low temperature and if the room isn't that big and especially if no one walks in and out of it all the time then a 1hp inverter is good, else get a 1.5hp.

Get an inverter unless you are only using the airconditioner for less than 4 hours per day.

Brands? If you don't like cold air blowing on you do consider buying a Panasonic Sky series or a Samsung Windfree, not cheap but once you start using it then you'll wonder why it isn't a standard feature.

Other than that, Midea, Gree, Daikin and Panasonic are the usual to go to ones that are pretty good and well supported. Make sure you buy one that uses R32 and 5* energy efficiency.