Category Archives: Hotels

Staytus announced Hotel Chat, the first chat platform built exclusively for hospitality. The web-based service is designed to connect guests and hotels before, during and after the stay. Publicly accessible by all guests regardless of their personal messaging preferences, Hotel Chat is free of charge for hotels to use. Hotel Chat bridges the gap between guests’ demands for contactless interactions and hotels’ need for a simple, secure means of managing communications and delivering service digitally. From the hotel side, messages are received on a purpose-built platform designed for service. Messages can be viewed by an unlimited number of staff users. Staff can respond to guests in their native language and collaborate internally for a faster response. Hotel Chat also provides a secure, GDPR-compliant environment and no data is stored on staff mobile devices. This avoids potentially compromising guest data when using personal messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Messenger. “Our team loves the capabilities of Hotel Chat, which speed up communication between departments, help reduce workload, and also generate more guest engagement and guest satisfaction,” said Olivier Lenoir, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. “More and more guests prefer to chat with their hotel. This growth trend started even before the pandemic,” said Troy Simoni, CEO, Staytus. “It’s about convenience and service. Excellent service is fast and personal, but doesn’t always need to be face-to-face anymore. People want to chat with real humans, not chatbots, and they want quick answers. These trends helped us design Hotel Chat. It’s made to be the world’s best chat platform for hotels and guests.”

Radisson Hotel Group has started moving towards normality with a host of expansion and opening announcements over the past months. From the first Radisson RED in the region to making history with the appointment of the world’s first female Saudi General Manager in the hospitality industry, Radisson Hotel Group looks back on a year of mixed emotions and many great achievements. Looking back at 2020, Radisson Hotel Group has announced more than 40 new hotel signings across EMEA, five of which comprising 1,500 keys fall within the Middle East region. With that in mind, Radisson Hotel Group is confident that travel will continue to rebound, and more capital will be invested in the industry from both the private and public sectors. While customer preferences, financial markets, and real estate dynamics may evolve, the group continues to put their owners and guests at the heart of its initiatives. While many hotel groups have put their development plans on hold, Radisson Hotel Group and its shareholders have remained committed towards their ambitions. The group remains focused on its  mission to be recognized as one of the top three hotel brands in the world and the brand of choice for owners, guests, and talent. The recently announced signings re-affirm the group’s commitment to its owners, employees, guests, and partners and further strengthens its global scale of over 1,100 hotels in operation and another 300 in the pipeline. Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development Middle East, Cyprus, Greece and Pakistan said, “Moving forward we aim to continue expanding our brand architecture covering all product types and hospitality models as we strengthen our presence across the Middle East, primarily through conversions. We have a very …

Shaza Riyadh Hotel Residences is gearing up for the return of businessmen with several offers and bespoke spaces catering to the businesses as the economy recovers. The Saudi capital is witnessing an economic recovery that is mainly led by the ease of restrictions by the authorities. This is mainly due to the drop in COVID numbers nationwide, as well as the trust and confidence the business sector has in the Kingdom for the way they handled the pandemic. There is nothing that makes a businessman’s heart chirp like striking a good business deal, and Shaza Riyadh offers exactly the place to do so while giving the best deals for each stay as well. Business travellers can take advantage of the ongoing “It’s Time To Travel” campaign using the promo code – TIME, including 25% off on rooms (with an additional 10% discount for Discovery members), 20% off on dining and spa, and children below 12 years eat free. The property, inspired by the rich silk heritage, derives inspiration from the Andalusian charm. Each detail of its interiors and architecture boasts a story about the bygone days of  enchanting Andalusia. Great deals need great places and the hotel’s exceptional scent-inspired meeting rooms are the best fit for conferences, banquets, and more. From Saffron to Areej, each of the six meeting rooms boasts its own story and fragrance. Additionally, each one is equipped with the state of the art audio-visual systems and can be set up for respectful privacy. Andre Saade, General Manager at Shaza Riyadh Hotel Residences, commented, “At our hotel, it is our business to plan, execute and help you make your business successful. In Bayt Al Hikma, we have …

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas announced the opening of its highly-anticipated new hotel accommodation which features spacious, modern guest rooms and joins the resort’s wide range of offerings, including its 84 beach villas and Qatar’s largest theme park, Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park. Every guest is entitled to daily access to the waterpark, the hotel promises a relaxing yet fun filled experience for all the family. In addition, the resort has opened a range of new dining venues including Dante Cucina Italiana which offers an immersive culinary journey to Italy. Another option is Levantine, where diners can explore the flavors and aromas of Levant cuisine. In the heart of the hotel lobby, Nesma Lounge offers curated menus of traditionally prepared beverages and afternoon tea, with a surprising Middle Eastern twist.  In addition, visitors to Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park can dine at Telal Café and enjoy comfort food, perfect for a day of fun-filled activities. “We are delighted to have opened this incredible property and look forward to welcoming guests to our new hotel accommodation and dining venues,” said Etienne Gailliez, Country General Manager, Hilton, Qatar. “With elegant beach villas and guest rooms, enticing dining and a range of leisure facilities, the hotel is set to be an exciting addition to Hilton’s portfolio, and to Qatar’s tourism offering.” Marrying bright blue and white exteriors with regionally inspired design, the hotel features 246 spacious rooms and suites, boasting a contemporary interpretation of Arabian décor – as well as84 beach villas and the signature Arabian village with 31 villas. The elegant rooms all have private balconies and terraces that overlook lush scenic gardens and offer incredible views of the …

Hundreds of hospitality employees working in Yas Island hotels have chosen to vaccinate as part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to ensure a safe reopening to tourists and a safe hosting of the recent UFC Fight Island Triple Header event. More than 240 people working inside the UFC Fight Island ‘bubble’ hotels on Yas Island received their first dose of the vaccine, via an initiative to provide free vaccines to all hotel staff who choose to vaccinate. The initiative was launched in line with Abu Dhabi’s coordinated and collaborative response to COVID-19, the emirate-wide ‘Choose to Vaccinate’ campaign and the nationwide immunisation programme. HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “The safe and successful return of fans to live events at UFC Fight Island Triple Header showcased the hard work and collaboration of government departments, public and private sectors and UFC to make it possible. Abu Dhabi is open; Abu Dhabi is safe. This vaccination drive for hospitality staff, who are the face of Abu Dhabi and work tirelessly to uphold the emirate’s standing as a world-class leisure destination, will help reassure visitors that they are in a safe and secure environment and reaffirm our efforts to press forward with our tourism plans, guided by the country’s visionary leaders.” Fahad Al Mahmoud, Executive Director Stakeholder Management at Aldar, who was one of the 240 to receive the vaccine, said: “Our leadership’s tireless efforts and rigorous approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic have enabled us to remain resilient throughout. The tourism sector is a vital pillar of our economy and this vaccination drive will ensure we continue to play our part in supporting …

Wyndham hotels Ajman are offering staycation packages inclusive of must-try UAE experiences: desert safari and dhow cruise. Make the most of the UAE’s ideal outdoor weather with your loved-ones by availing any of these packages: a one-night stay in a standard room inclusive of breakfast for only AED240/ at Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman, AED250/ at Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman, and AED299/ at Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche. The deal, which is valid for stay for two adults and two kids below six years old,  includes free passes for a desert safari or dhow cruise experience for four people.   Half-board and full-board packages are also available at attractive rates. In addition, guests have the option to use the four free passes within 30 days from their check-in date.

Ascott has added a record number of over 14,200 units across 71 properties worldwide for 2020, with the aim of growing its global portfolio to 160,000 units by 2023. Despite COVID-19, this exceeds the number of units secured in 2019, marking a fourth consecutive year of record growth for the group. Kevin Goh, CapitaLand’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging and Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “COVID-19 has validated the resilience of Ascott’s business model as property owners continue to sign new management and franchise contracts with us, allowing us to achieve our fourth consecutive year of record growth in 2020. Through these new contracts, we continue to build our future recurring fee income stream. In 2021, over 80 properties with about 17,000 units are slated to open across the world. We will continue to look for opportunities to expand our presence through management contracts, franchises, strategic alliances, and stand ready to seize good investment opportunities.” Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional GM for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said, “Despite the challenges the hospitality industry faced across the world in 2020, our sustainable business model has allowed us to stand firm performance-wise. While we continue reinforcing our position in the Middle East, where we have established a strong presence in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, our focus over the next five years is to strengthen our geographical presence in the emerging markets within Africa. We will continue to focus on strengthening our regional portfolio even further, to meet our ambitious growth plan of 10,000 units by 2025 and bring Ascott brands to key countries where the demand for internationally branded hotels and serviced apartments …

Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai unveils its family-friendly winter staycation packages inclusive of free tickets at any of the five Emaar entertainment attractions located at The Dubai Mall. Starting at AED 659/, the deal is inclusive of a one-night stay in a one-bedroom apartment, plus breakfast for two adults and two kids aged six and below. As part of the package, guests will get one day-pass at Kidzania Dubai, or they can opt for two tickets from any of these four attractions at The Dubai Mall: Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, VR Park, or EkartZabeel. For added convenience, Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai offers guests complimentary shuttle drop off at The Dubai Mall during their hotel stay. Alternatively, the free tickets can be used within 30 days from the check-in date. To add more perks to the fun-filled staycation, guests will also receive 20% off at Kenza Restaurant and  in-room dining orders, and AED50/ gift voucher at the newly-opened Rayya Wellness.

sbe in collaboration with World of Wonders Real Estate Development announced SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences is set to welcome guests, residential, hotel and local alike, in the second quarter of 2021.The highly anticipated project soars 75 floors to the sky and is located in Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa District. Split between 254 uniquely designed hotel rooms, 321 hotel apartments and 371 branded residences, the luxurious new hotel property is one of the tallest in the city. SLS Dubai features sbe’s signature culinary concepts Fi’lia, authentic Italian restaurant, and Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary steakhouse from the legendary butcher from Tuscany, Italy. S Bar, sbe’s mixology lounge is located in the lobby, as well as signature rooftop nightlife venue, Privilege. EllaMia is a sophisticated café that brings its dedicated Los Angeles-based coffee culture to Dubai and at 12 Chairs Caviar Bar, caviar takes centre stage, reserved for only 12 guests, to experience and indulge. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center, salon and the exclusive Ciel Spa will cater to guests’ beauty, wellness and fitness needs. Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe states, “We are excited to open our doors to Dubai’s diverse travellers and residents, welcoming them with the signature SLS style of luxury, hospitality and comfort. Naturally as a major destination for global travellers, Dubai was the ideal location for our next SLS hotel. Home to over six of sbe’s signature culinary and nightlife experiences, SLS Dubai will be the ultimate lifestyle destination in Dubai”.

Neorcha has partnered with Dubai-based TIME Hotels to launch its new performance-based App in the Middle East. It is the first hotel group to introduce the new Neorcha App across its property portfolio. The deployment of additional mobile and contactless guest services is aligned with the Group’s “Sanitised& Ready” protocol, launched in partnership with global leading hygiene solutions provider Diversey, to embrace the new normal as the hotels welcome guests after COVID-19 restrictions were eased over the summer. Joseph Fayad, Corporate Director of Information Technology at TIME Hotels commented, “The implementation of innovative technology is crucial to our recovery post-COVID-19, and our future growth within the tourism industry. As pioneers of the tourism industry, we want to be early adopters of new technology. The partnership with Neorcha helps us achieve this and underscores our commitment to our guests by ensuring seamless interactions at every step of the customer journey.” Rogerl El Khoury, Managing Director and Founder of Neorcha, said: “We are delighted to welcome TIME Hotels as the first hospitality group to implement our new performance-based App, enabling its hotels to provide seamless and contactless self services to its guests as part of the group’s commitment to offer the highest safety standards.”