Category Archives: Hotels

IHG Hotels and Resorts announced the signing of franchise agreements with subsidiaries of Aqarat, Kuwait’s real estate company in relation to two new Vignette Collection hotels which will launch IHG’s new collection brand to the Middle East later this summer. The hotels will be managed by United Hospitality Management. The Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection in UAE (162 rooms), and Vignette Collection in Kuwait City (194 rooms) join Vignette Collection’s family of distinctive, elegant, and intriguing luxury and lifestyle hotels. Each Vignette Collection property is unique yet connected by a shared vision to make positive change for people, place and planet. Created for the next generation of luxury & lifestyle traveler, each property is distinguished in its character and design, always with the discerning eye of the thoughtful venturer in mind. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of two remarkable Vignette Collection hotels in Dubai and Kuwait as we continue to expand our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the region. The partnership with Aqarat and the opening of these hotels marks an important milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts, as we cater to the growing number of guests who seek luxury experiences that differ from conventional hotel and resort offerings.” Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts first collection brand and the latest addition to its fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio which is now one of the world’s largest with more than 450 open hotels and over 100,000 rooms. It joins IHG’s exceptional portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, …

Since opening its doors one year ago, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman has become one of the premier hospitality and leisure destinations in Jordan’s bustling capital city, providing impeccable service to guests from around the world and garnering a wealth of international attention and acclaim. Now celebrating its one-year anniversary—on the sidelines of Jordan’s 77th Independence Day and the highly anticipated wedding of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II—The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is eagerly setting its sights on its many years of exceptional hospitality to come. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman commenced its operations with an opening ceremony inaugurated by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein, demonstrating the significance of the property as a new national landmark. Marking the official arrival of the globally renowned Ritz-Carlton brand to the Kingdom, the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman quickly attracted the attention of Ladies and Gentlemen the world over and was even featured as one of the ‘Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2022’  by Forbes Travel Guide. Commenting on its achievements, Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, said, “The Ritz-Carlton has achieved incredible success in the hospitality industry through its dedication to service excellence and unparalleled guest experiences. We are proud of the accomplishments that have been made so far and are committed to continue raising the bar for our guests and the luxury hospitality scene here in Jordan.” Situated in the heart of Jordan’s vibrant capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman has proven to be a stunning addition to the city skyline, soaring 20 stories high and evoking a style that is at once timelessly elegant and effortlessly modern. Hosting 194 exquisite guest rooms and 34 suites—all of which provide guests with a …

Central Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its latest sustainable tourism campaign that represents a significant step in enhancing the brand’s visual identity and reflects its unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the hotel industry. By taking proactive measures to reduce its environmental impact, Central Hotels & Resorts aims to raise awareness among its guests and fellow hospitality chains, inspiring them to follow suit in the journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. Scheduled for implementation in the fourth quarter of this year, Central Hotels & Resorts is eager to lead by example and drive positive change within the UAE’s hospitality landscape. As part of its dedication to sustainability, the brand will be introducing several impactful measures across all its hotels: Wooden Key Cards: In a bold move to minimize plastic waste, Central Hotels & Resorts will be replacing traditional plastic key cards with eco-friendly wooden alternatives. This shift not only demonstrates the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility but also encourages guests to adopt more sustainable habits during their stay. Environmentally Friendly F&B Practices: Understanding the significance of sustainable dining experiences, Central Hotels & Resorts will be transitioning to use of environmentally friendly / biodegradable materials and practices in all its restaurants and dining areas. By making this change, the brand aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic and contribute to the overall reduction of plastic waste in the UAE. Water Bottle Implementation: Demonstrating its dedication to combatting plastic pollution, Central Hotels & Resorts will be taking the crucial step of eliminating plastic water bottles from its properties. Instead, the brand will introduce reusable water bottles for guests, providing them with a convenient and eco-conscious alternative …

Kerten Hospitality will enter its House Residence brand in Oxagon, home to advanced and clean industries in NEOM. This move will further Kerten Hospitality’s ambitious expansion across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The upscale 200-unit serviced apartments, at the heart of Oxagon’s first residential community, is set to open its doors in 2025. Reimagining the traditional industrial city, Oxagon is creating a new paradigm for urban living. Offices, world-class recreational and sports facilities, next-generation mobility solutions, and unique hospitality and retail concepts are all seamlessly integrated within communities, in harmony with nature. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, said, “We are envisioning a transformation in the concept of living. The House Residence in NEOM’s Oxagon is more than just a project – it’s a statement of intent to catalyze the evolution of our habitats, foster thriving communities, and redefine the human experience. Our alliance with NEOM at Oxagon marks a crucial step as we contribute to the extraordinary transformation of Saudi Arabia. As the nation unfolds its tourism potential, we stand on the brink of a new era of global exposure. NEOM is set to be the beacon guiding this transformative tide, and our aim is to anchor the vibrant communities being built in Oxagon.” Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon added, “One of the many reasons we’re excited about working with Kerten Hospitality is the way they interact and work with local talent and entrepreneurs to curate experiences and innovations tailored to our future residents. We feel that The House Residence concept embodies the neighbourhood atmosphere and lifestyle from the integration of F&B to advanced technologies, that’s core to the mixed-use residential communities we’re building here at Oxagon.” Chris Newman, …

Wego inked a global partnership with IHG Hotel & Resorts to provide its users with a wider array of hotel offerings across the globe. Through this collaboration, Wego users will be able to search and book 15 of IHG’s 18 brands – worldwide – Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. Travellers will get access to over 4,000 open hotels across global destinations and ultimately find the perfect hotel stay that matches their requirements anywhere in the world. IHG’s latest offering will be promoted across all Wego’s channels, providing travellers with information on the latest properties and trendy destinations. Commenting on this strategic partnership, Craig Hewett, Chief Hotels Officer and Co-Founder, Wego, said: “Partnering with one of the world’s leading hotel companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts, reflects our commitment to provide our users with global hotel offerings and deals. Through this partnership, we will promote IHG Hotels & Resorts to our large user base in the MENA region and aim to convert more bookings to IHG’s global network of hotels.” James Britchford, Vice President Commercial, India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to partner with Wego, the number one travel app in MENA for flight search and booking. Through this partnership, travellers will enjoy more convenience and access to 15 of our brands across our luxury & lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites portfolio in global destinations when booking their trip on Wego.” Wego compares …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced a partnership with Equinox to create Equinox Resort Amaala in one of the world’s most well-preserved natural environments, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea. Equinox Resort Amaala is the latest hotel brand to be announced for Red Sea Global’s Amaala, an integrated wellness haven featuring some of the world’s most renowned luxury brands. The hotel, with a focus on sports, fitness and lifestyle, will comprise of 128 keys, including two luxury penthouses as well as a suite of amenities such as several world-class culinary concepts, a magnesium salt rooftop pool, spa, Beach Club, and a signature Equinox Fitness Club. “Amaala brings the best in health and wellness together in an area of extraordinary natural beauty to offer exceptional and transformative experiences for guests. Equinox’s unique brand of luxury and fitness is a fantastic fit, allowing visitors to choose seekin self-improvement during their stay, getting back to nature on land or at sea, or simply enjoying quiet moments with loved ones in comfort and privacy,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Equinox Resort Amaala is a key part of the Amaala Marina Village, designed by renowned architects, Foster + Partners, which will feature a collection of luxury hotels, villas and condominiums all set in a lively retail precinct with stunning marina views. The Village, part of the wider Triple Bay development, has been designed to adopt the best elements of local architecture featuring narrow winding streets perfect for exploration and discovery. The irregular street facades have been orientated to capture and channel breezes, offer shade and protection and filter light, delivering natural climate control to enhance the comfort of guests. The very best in international …

Ishraq Hospitality announced the signing of a Hospitality Management Agreement (HMA) with Rekan Group, marking a significant milestone in their strategic expansion plans. The agreement entails the management of an exceptional Crowne Plaza Hotel in the vibrant city of Batumi, Georgia, further solidifying Ishraq Hospitality’s commitment to delivering unique experiences worldwide. The new property, located by the beach promenade in Batumi and offering great views of the waters, boasts 150 smartly appointed rooms, two restaurants, meeting facilities, a fitness club and a pool, ensuring guests experience supreme comfort, convenience, and entertainment. In addition, Ishraq Hospitality will also oversee the hotel management of Batumi View Hotel Apartments, a 240-room hotel apartment. These developments are poised to enhance the hospitality landscape in Batumi and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a tourist destination. Rekan Group, a renowned investment company in the region, brings invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of the Batumi market to the partnership. The collaboration between Ishraq Hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts – owner of the Crowne Plaza brand and Rekan Group will lead to drive significant economic growth and provide new employment opportunities. A signing ceremony took place for these new properties at Crowne Plaza Jumeriah in Dubai on 20th July,2023 in the presence of chief guests and high profile delegations. Ahmed Ali Azeez Rekani, Co-Owner at Rekan Group said “We are delighted to join forces with Ishraq Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts. This partnership represents a momentous step forward for our organisation as we contribute to the development of Batumi’s hospitality sector. With Ishraq’s proven track record and our shared vision for excellence, we are confident that these new properties will become the preferred choice …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts signed a franchise agreement that will see a Hotel Indigo property open in Oxagon, a coastal industrial city in NEOM, located in the Northwest region of Saudi Arabia. In Oxagon, thriving communities will exist seamlessly alongside clean industry, commercial, hospitality, entertainment and retail activities. The 250-key Hotel Indigo property will be situated in Oxagon’s first residential community and will open its doors in 2026. Designed to seamlessly integrate work, live, and play, Oxagon’s neighborhoods will be fully walkable, with sustainable on-demand mass transit and micro mobility solutions. As one of IHG’s lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, taking inspiration from the area around each hotel to inform all aspects of the guest experience, from the hotel’s boutique design approach to locally inspired restaurants. Similarly, the Hotel Indigo property in Oxagon will be designed as a lifestyle destination offering exciting retail and dining concepts including cafés, a pool lounge, and a specialty restaurant. Additionally, residents and visitors will have access to a range of leisure and wellness facilities including a spa and 24-hour fitness centre. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are delighted to announce our first IHG hotel in the exciting and rapidly developing region of NEOM. Hotel Indigo is dedicated to embracing the unique essence of each local destination, ensuring that our hotels truly embody the spirit of their locations. We are excited to announce the upcoming opening of this new property in Oxagon, where an innovative blueprint for industry and remarkable livability is …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a new technology agreement between affiliates of Hyatt and Sabre Corporation. Under this agreement, Sabre’s SynXis Central Reservation System will become the main Central Reservation System (CRS) for Hyatt hotels beginning in 2024. This integration will enhance Hyatt’s reservation capabilities, streamline its operations, and deliver a seamless and efficient experience for guests, including a faster search and booking process. The agreement comes on the heels of Hyatt’s announcement of Hyatt PrO to optimize its revenue management system. These innovations are done with the aim of enhancing Hyatt’s commercial technology stack, informed by listening to owners and operators. “All of our business decisions are driven by our purpose – we care for people so they can be their best – and that begins with empathy and listening,” said Eben Hewitt, chief information officer, Hyatt. “As part of our transformative growth journey, we heard directly from owners and franchise management companies that we had an opportunity to create a more efficient and streamlined Central Reservation System, and after a very thorough evaluation, we decided that Sabre would be the perfect provider for Hyatt’s global portfolio to make the search and booking process even better for guests.” By leveraging the SynXis Central Reservation System, Hyatt’s new system will be designed to make the guest search and booking process even smoother and increase visibility for property availability through: Flexible calendar search – Guests searching for availability will have a more intuitive and efficient calendar view, including key dates when special promotions are available, as well as when World of Hyatt members can redeem their points for the highest value. Enhanced rooms and rates view – Hotels will be able to …

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will open its third London hotel in the British capital in 2028 to cater to the discerning guests from the Middle East. Situated on London’s South Bank with dramatic views over St Paul’s Cathedral, Mandarin Oriental Bankside, London is positioned ideally to access both the City of London and the West End theatre and shopping districts, offering a perfect base for leisure and business travellers. The hotel will be part of the larger Bankside Yards development, which serves to reconnect the space between the Tate Modern and Blackfriars Station and is centred around the historic railway arches that run through the heart of the site. The overall property is being developed by an international real estate consortium including Hotel Properties Limited, Native Land Limited and Amcorp Properties Berhad. The development will comprise a contemporary standalone building, expected to have 171 guestrooms and 70 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental. The hotel will offer wellness and fitness facilities tailored for those leading active lifestyles. Within a dedicated space, guests will find a comprehensive Spa at Mandarin Oriental, providing signature wellness therapies and beauty treatments, a 25m lap pool, a spacious fitness centre and invigorating heat and water experiences. Four distinct culinary outlets, located on the first floor and the 19th floor of the building, with views across the city, will make the hotel a destination for locals and visitors alike. Dedicated events spaces include adaptable function and meeting rooms, with pre-function space, an outdoor terrace and an activity space, will ensure it becomes a sought-after destination for events and social occasions. In line with the brand’s continuous commitment to sustainability, the property will benefit from the wider Bankside …