Category Archives: Hotels

TIME Hotels will be opening its first two hotels in Egypt later this year – the five-star TIME Coral Resort Nuweiba in the Red Sea resort of Nuweiba and the four-star TIME Marina Hotel & Conference Centre near Al Alamein on the Mediterranean coast, which is being hailed as Egypt’s second capital. During a recent visit to check on the progress of the hotels, Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME hotels commented, “Work is proceeding well at our TIME Marina Hotel and that property should be ready to open in August. As for the TIME Coral Resort, that hotel is already open and operating, so it is only a case of re-branding the hotel and opening under our management this summer. “These hotels are our first in Egypt and will broaden our footprint from the Gulf to the Mediterranean, with 16 properties situated in UAE, Doha, Saudi Arabia, and now Egypt, with a further five in the pipeline.” “This hotel is ideally placed to service the enormous number of corporate companies that are basing their operations here, some new, some relocating from Cairo, as well as an increasing amount of general commercial activity. The city will eventually be built across 50,000 acres in three stages, stretching for 60km away from the coast, attracting an estimated three million residents,” added Awadalla. “This beautiful resort hotel is perfect for those looking for complete relaxation in unspoilt and tranquil surroundings. We believe it has tremendous potential for the leisure market. It is only 90 minutes’ drive from the international airport at Sharm El Sheikh and only 70-100km from Taba International Airport and Eilat (Ramon International Airport). Plans are already afoot to develop the area sympathetically, …

Aleph Hospitality has signed the management contracts for three hotels in Kenya. The hotels, Boma Nairobi, Boma Inn Nairobi, and Boma Inn Eldoret, are owned by Red Court Hotel, a subsidiary of Kenya Red Cross Society. Managed under Red Court Hotel’s homegrown Boma brand until now, Dubai-based Aleph Hospitality has been appointed to manage the properties and turn them into profitable assets once again. As part of the agreement, Aleph Hospitality has pledged financial support to the Kenya Red Cross, by donating a percentage of fees it earns from the hotels to local charitable initiatives. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to take over the management of the three Boma hotels in a deal that further strengthens our presence in Kenya. We are committed to working with the owners to turn around the fortunes of these wonderful hotels and proud to support local humanitarian projects being run by the owner through the Kenya Red Cross”. Dr. Abbas Gullet, Founder and Chairman of Red Court Hotel and former Secretary General of Kenya Red Cross, added: “We are thrilled to be working with a professional hotel management company that understands both the global hotel business and our local hospitality market. All profits from Boma Nairobi, Boma Inn Nairobi and Boma Inn Eldoret fund the Kenya Red Cross Society and we are confident that together we can re-establish successful hotel businesses that will help support this great cause”. Haddad added, “We understand the Kenyan hospitality market exceptionally well and have seen an increase in demand for our management services during the Coronavirus pandemic, as owners in Kenya seek international expertise to help them manage costs, boost …

Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas has taken over Hurghada as the brand-new property opens its doors today on the Red Sea Coast. The 5-star property offers a spacious landscape of over 255,000 square meters, flashing an architectural masterpiece at the heart of the bustling town. The iconic sights are accompanied by the signature Rixos services, alongside first-class suites and villa facilities, meeting halls, vast food and beverage options, world-class leisure, sports, entertainment facilities, and a spa. “We are ecstatic to announce the significant expansion of our presence in Egypt. The recent opening of Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas is for our valued guests to experience a distinct all exclusive – all-inclusive, luxury and world-class quality of hospitality services as we strive to exceed the successes we have achieved with other properties in the country,” said Erkan Yildirim, Managing Director of Rixos Hotels Egypt.

Residence Inn by Marriott has announced its debut of the longer stay brand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf. Located in a prime city district and boasting spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa, Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf offers convenient access to key areas including Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Welcoming guests into a flexible, comfortable, and intuitive space, the Residence Inn experience is designed for guests to travel the way they love to live by blending comfort with style. “We are delighted to bring Residence Inn by Marriott, a global leader in the extended-stay lodging segment, to the UAE. Dubai is a key market for longer stay travel, and we know that as travelling styles have evolved, there is greater demand for accommodations which offer flexibility and home comforts for business travellers and families,” said Guido de Wilde, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. “As a thriving destination for leisure and business travellers alike, there is no better place than Dubai to debut Residence Inn by Marriott in the UAE,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President, Brand, EMEA, Marriott International. “Guests will benefit from the upscale living experience paired with hotel amenities that this pioneering longer stay brand offers, allowing them to maintain a healthy balance, maximise their time and connect with the local scene in a prime city location.” “I am proud to welcome guests to experience the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the UAE and provide the personal and flexible service that the brand is renowned for around the world,” said Hossein Garan, Multi-Property General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Residence Inn by Marriott …

Ramada hotels and suites by Wyndham JBR are offering a specialized daycation package to entice the residents and visitors in the UAE.  The hotel’s daycation packages start at AED 249/, inclusive of a day-stay in a deluxe room, pool access with a view of Ain Dubai, and 30% discount on spa treatments at Rayya Wellness. For the price of AED 299/, guests will receive hotel credits worth AED 250/ on top of a day-stay in a deluxe room, plus a gym and pool access. AED 100/ can be used at any of the dining outlets, while the remaining AED 150/ credit can be redeemed at Rayya Wellness. For AED359/, guests can avail the above benefits plus four tickets to Laguna Waterpark OR The Green Planet.

Marriott announces another opening in Q3 in 2021, this time in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. JW Marriott Burj Rafal is expected in the third quarter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Situated on King Fahad Road, a peaceful oasis amidst a dynamic city and just a 5-minute drive from King Abdullah Financial District, JW Marriott Burj Rafal resides in one of the most desirable addresses in Riyadh. The landmark hotel will stand as the tallest residential building in the city, spanning 70 floors, with 349 rooms and suites.

Kerzner International Holdings Limited (Kerzner) continues to innovate with the introduction of a new hospitality experience, SIRO. Conceived with fitness and wellbeing at the core, SIRO will be an immersive lifestyle destination, blending the boundaries between hospitality, fitness, and wellness through a fresh perspective and energizing experiences. SIRO will create a collective global community of like-minded individuals who live a high-performance lifestyle passionate about driving achievement and living their fullest potential. “We have always been pioneers, true disruptors within the hospitality space. We have built destinations through the personalities of our brands and understanding our guests’ journey, creating a meaningful legacy,” commented Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “We look forward to continuing the improvement of people’s lives with the introduction of SIRO.  We recognize that holistic health is more important than ever, and the primary focus of SIRO will be exceptional fitness and wellness to support a modern and balanced global lifestyle, delivered with our renowned service in a transformative and nurturing urban environment. As innovators, we are always looking to revolutionize the guest experience and anticipate travellers’ needs. We felt the time was right to introduce the SIRO concept to the world as we continue the strategic growth of the Company. We look forward to SIRO becoming part of key cities around the world.”

GHM announced plans to open a new luxury resort, composed of 59 rooms and suites as well as 32 chalets and villas at Katara Cultural Village in Qatar’s capital city, Doha. Developed by the Qatari real estate consortium, Triple-A in partnership with Katara Cultural Village, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort, Doha, Qatar shall occupy a beachfront setting within the landmark 100-hectare (247 acre) Katara Cultural Village district that includes theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, mosques, restaurants, shops, a park, and an open amphitheater. The area is a magnet for well-heeled travellers and Qataris who are keen to explore the cultural heritage of the region. All of Katara’s pedestrian-friendly attractions will be accessible from the property, either by foot or buggy. “The Katara Cultural Village is a microcosm of everything that Qatar stands for and what it aspires to be,” said Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer, GHM. “Our resort shall be both a springboard to and a respite from one of the most invigorating experiences to be had in the region. It is an oasis of calm and heritage in the middle of a dynamic and modern city.” With a design that pays homage to the glories of Indian Mughal architecture and a touch of Ottoman influence, the new Chedi’s principal hotel building will house a lobby lounge with 180° views of the sea, an expansive spa and fitness facility, and rooms and suites with terraces and views over the Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline.

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of The St. Regis Almasa with the rebranding of the Almasa Hotel. Located in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, The St. Regis Almasa is poised to becoMarrme the best address in the heart of the up-and-coming city, which is slated to be the new face of Cairo and the administrative and financial hub of Egypt. “We are delighted to bring our iconic St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital together with the National Authority for Management & Investment,” said Guido De Wilde, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This opening is a significant milestone in our journey and underscores the tremendous trust and confidence our owners have in us and in the power of our luxury brands in the region.” General Sherif Salah El-Din Chairman of The National Authority for Management & Investment said, “The National Authority for Management and Investment is excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring the classic sophistication of the St. Regis brand to the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. The St. Regis Almasa will play a significant role in giving the tourism industry much-needed support and will become the new destination for luxury hospitality in Egypt, playing host to the country’s most coveted events, conferences, and summits.”

Recent hospitality industry reports and analysis published by STR and Colliers International, have revealed that hotels in the UAE have put up a sterling performance, given the challenges of operating during the pandemic last year. To support the hotel industry still further during the vaccine rollout, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place in-person at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) 16-19 May 2021, is organising a Hotel Summit on Tuesday 18th May. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “According to STR data, the Middle East region was a top performer globally during 2020, with an average occupancy of 45.9%. One of the best-performing countries was the UAE with an average occupancy of 51.7% and an average daily rate (ADR) of $114. Although these figures were 29.3% & 16.5% down Y-on-Y, given the challenges presented by the pandemic, it is a remarkable achievement and proves just how resilient the hotel sector is in the UAE and wider Middle East. “Furthermore, if we drill down on these figures, ADR in Fujairah and RAK actually rose last year by 7% and 1% respectively, compared with 2019 and over the New Year’s celebrations hotels in Dubai were running average occupancies of 76% with an ADR of $300. I am certain that many hoteliers in the Middle East are now preparing for a V-shaped recovery, especially with the successful rollout of the vaccine and the ensuing herd immunity,” added Curtis. “Moreover, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also indicated that British nationals may be allowed to travel without any restrictions as soon as June 21st, which, given their close ties, would be a major boost for business and leisure travel …