Category Archives: Hotels

Carlton Hotels and Suites is earmarked to welcome guests to its newly launched luxury hotel, Carlton Dubai Creek. Located near Dubai Creek Water Canal with views of Al-Seef district and stunning vistas of Burj Khalifa, Carlton Dubai Creek is an upscale, all-suite hotel featuring 126-kitchenette equipped studios and plenty of facilities for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel is managed and operated by the Carlton Hotel and Suites group, which is a Dubai based multinational hospitality company that manages Hotels in the Middle East and across Europe. With over 25 years of experience in the Hospitality sector, Carlton Hotel and Suites is globally recognised for creating some of the most unique, distinctive and affordable guest experiences. The group’s portfolio consists of 5 operating properties in Dubai including Carlton Tower, Carlton Palace, Carlton Downtown and Carlton Barsha. “We are delighted to expand our portfolio further in the UAE. We want our guests to be able to experience the rich Middle-Eastern culture along with a blend of modern hospitality through Carlton Dubai Creek. The hotel is strategically located along the creek making it ideal for both tourists and guests on a short business trip to access key tourist spots and business hubs easily.” says, Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel and Suites With Middle-eastern inspired architecture blended with modern hospitality, Carlton Dubai Creek Hotel features two types of rooms. A spacious all-equipped twin studio room with kitchenettes, and one bedroom suite with a choice of walk-through balcony that features stunning views of the creek and Al-Seef district as well as breathtaking views of Burj Khalifa. Starting from AED 365 for a studio and AED 465 for a bedroom suite, Carlton Dubai …

Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA is pleased to announce the latest addition to its expansive portfolio in the UAE with the opening of Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments at Dubai Investments Park in partnership with Properties Investment LLC. Hamid Sidine, Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, said: We are very proud to open our latest hotel in the UAE and continue our strategic expansion across the Middle East region. We aim to create memorable experiences for our guests across all our hotel destinations and this hotel is no exception with its spectacular views and a relaxing atmosphere near the Dubai Expo 2020 site, Copthorne Lakeview is the ideal destination for the local community, business and leisure travellers” Overlooking a picturesque lake, the Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments Dubai Investments Park encompasses 165 rooms and 43 apartments of one and two bedrooms. It offers an outdoor pool area that includes a separate children’s pool and a relaxing terrace. The hotel adjoins a shopping mall that consists of a large grocery shop, Choithrams, a nail salon, a hairdresser, a kids play area, and several restaurants. Copthorne Lakeview Hotel & Executive Apartments offers a choice of dining options including a specialty all-day dining restaurant, Poolside Bar, and a British style gastro-pub, Neighborhood. It also provides banquet spaces with a private entrance, a large outdoor terrace to host special events and outdoor receptions, and five event rooms. For golfers the hotel is located near three championship golf courses and is also within a 15-minute drive to Dubai Expo 2020 site and a 20-minute drive from Al Maktoum International Airport. Copthorne is a renowned brand that provides …

Deutsche Hospitality is expanding into the United Arab Emirates by joining forces with Al Hamra the leading lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah to take on management of the Al Hamra Residences and Al Hamra Village Hotel. The resorts will use the Steigenberger Residences and MAXX by Deutsche Hospitality brand names in future. This expansion will enable Deutsche Hospitality to gain market entry to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. “The partnership with Al Hamra represents an important milestone in Deutsche Hospitality’s growth strategy in the Middle East,” said Marcus Bernhardt, CEO of Deutsche Hospitality. “The United Arab Emirates is a very attractive market, and the potential for our eight hotel brands is high. Collaboration with a strong local partner will enable us to leverage this potential in the best possible way.” Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, said: “As Ras Al Khaimah’s premier lifestyle developer and investment company, we are focused on enhancing the destination appeal of the Emirate and driving regional and global partnerships that create exceptional value for our customers and guests. Our strategy supports the vision of the leadership to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a regional tourism and investment hub. The expansion of Deutsche Hospitality in the Middle East through the management of our award-winning assets further highlights the growing global investor appeal of Ras Al Khaimah and the high returns that Al Hamra delivers through its existing income generating assets.” Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality, added: “In light of the constantly growing demand in the Gulf, we are delighted to be working with Al Hamra to enhance our presence in the region. We are confident that …

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. to enter the safari segment in Africa. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions. Offering discerning travellers an unparalleled setting, the elegant retreat expects to welcome guests in 2023. Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. Plans for the new-build lodge feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, ideal for families, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening. The untamed landscape will offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is also host to the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. “As a brand rooted in mindfulness, we cannot think of a more perfect retreat for the mind, body, and soul than the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya,” says Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as they connect with nature and …

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced a management agreement to rebrand the historic Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. This will be the Group’s first hotel in Egypt and further expands the brand’s portfolio in the region. The celebrated Shepheard Hotel first opened its doors in 1841 and remains a landmark in the city, respected by the local community and well known internationally.  A comprehensive renovation of the property is already underway and Paris-based interior designer, Sybille de Margerie, is tasked with preserving the building’s heritage design while enhancing the facilities and services.  Upon completion, currently anticipated for 2024, the hotel will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo. Situated on the eastern shore of The Nile river, in the heart of Downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms and 88 suites, many with balconies, providing excellent views over the city, the Nile and Gezira island. The hotel is ideally located to explore the city’s renowned attractions such as the historical Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Souq and Al-Azhar Mosque, and provides easy access to the river, key commercial buildings, and vibrant shopping, restaurants and cafés. Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo will feature five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant for al fresco dining, as well as an exclusive club lounge.  The hotel will also offer expansive function spaces, including a rooftop ballroom, making this the ideal destination for conferences and social gatherings of all sizes. An all-encompassing Spa at Mandarin Oriental will provide eight treatment suites and offer the tailored experiences and signature treatments for which the Group is renowned. Further wellness facilities include an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a beauty salon, fitness centre and a kid’s club. The …

A total of 32,621 hotel rooms are currently under construction in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom prepares to meet pent-up demand from pilgrims returning to its holy cities. That’s according to the latest research from STR, commissioned by Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May. The analysts found that the country’s revenue per available room (RevPAR) recovery index stands at 52 percent, noting that the absence of millions of Muslim pilgrims has significantly impacted hotel performance in Saudi Arabia. Medina and Makkah witnessed RevPAR rates of just 33 percent and 24 percent, respectively, in 2021. Although significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, KSA’s hotel performance registered year-on-year gains in 2021 and the sector’s recovery is expected to persist throughout the coming year, with pent-up demand driving further improvements as Covid-related restrictions continue to ease. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, said: “As was the case for markets the world over, the global pandemic had a major impact on Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Even so, STR’s findings clearly point to an ongoing and sustained recovery, and we are looking forward to exploring the vast untapped potential of the kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector at ATM 2022.” Hotels in Al Khobar are currently outperforming those in Saudi Arabia’s other major cities, with RevPAR surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, meanwhile, recorded recovery index rates of 88 percent, 85 percent and 56 percent, respectively, last year. In terms of outbound travel, research conducted by Colliers International shows that overseas journeys from the kingdom are set to grow to 6,075,000 in 2022, …

Following the success of the inaugural Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in October 2020 with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the G20 Secretariat, the event will return in a new format for its second edition on 24-25 May 2022 at the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel. Hosted by Dur Hospitality, FHS Saudi Arabia is co-organised by The Bench and MEED, along with the Saudi-based SEMARK, and will bring together government leaders, hotel investors, owners, developers, and operators to discuss the growth of the hospitality industry in the Kingdom. “Following the resounding success and feedback we received from FHS in 2020 and AHIC in 2021, we have been working hard behind the scenes to redesign the event and we’re thrilled to bring FHS back with not just one, but two monumental and distinct programmes this year in Riyadh in May and in Dubai in September,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. Under the theme ‘Reimagined Horizons’ the programme for FHS Saudi Arabia will be shaped with the help of its newly launched Advisory Board comprising a carefully curated group of senior industry leaders, to ensure the programme addresses the most pressing needs of the market. Key conference themes will include the future of hotel development, human capital and food & beverage as well as the future of flight, destination investment and sustainability and innovation. “We’re excited to have the active and high-level investment communities from both markets back together for what is promising to be an action-packed few days of content, dialogue and networking,” Worsley added. Commenting on the investment sentiment in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit, Philip Wooller, Area Director Middle East & Africa at STR, said: …

LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s collection of independent luxury properties, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement for a breathtaking new resort surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes on the private Al Nawras Island in Abu Dhabi. Expected to open in 2023, Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels & Resorts will mark the brand’s entry into the UAE capital. Perfectly situated in one of Abu Dhabi’s most recreational yet tranquil areas and designed with elements inspired by the destination, the resort will offer an exclusive escape on a private, secluded island, while still providing seamless access for those who wish to explore the vibrant city and its cultural experiences. The all-villa resort will offer 80 expansive and elegantly designed beach and water villas as well as a 450 square-metre two-bedroom Royal Villa surrounding a state-of-the-art golf course. “We’re delighted to be bringing LXR Hotels & Resorts to Abu Dhabi with Al Nawras Island,” said Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “The UAE’s burgeoning capital has established itself as a global hub in recent years and has seen incredible development in terms of hospitality, sports and tourism. I believe Al Nawras Island will complement Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotel landscape perfectly and we look forward to guests experiencing this unique property.” Al Nawras Island will place a strong emphasis on exploration, expression, and wellbeing. Among the property’s world-class leisure and recreational facilities are an upscale gym, fitness studio, and three stunning swimming pools – one indoor and two outdoor, as well as tennis and paddle courts, a private marina, exclusive beach club, and elaborate spa. Additionally, children will have access to an engaging playground, dedicated swimming …

dnata has been announced as exclusive representation partner for Sun Resorts Mauritius hotel group to cater for increased demand from GCC travellers. Adding to its extensive hotel representation portfolio, dnata Representation Services will now act as sales and marketing partner for Sun Resorts properties across the GCC countries, offering travellers local expertise and a personalised service, as they return to the beautiful island since its full reopening for tourism. With a spread across the island, Sun Resorts’ Mauritius footprint includes four resorts, La Pirogue, Sugar Beach, Ambre, and Long Beach, whilst the group also owns iconic leisure island, Ile aux Cerfs, featuring the world-famous championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. Popular with golf enthusiasts from the region, guests with Sun Resorts are offered complimentary green fees at three signature golf courses during their stay: Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Anahita Golf Club, and Tamarina Golf Club. Sébastien Doussin, DVP – Global Ground Services & Destination Management at dnata Travel Group, commented: “The Indian Ocean islands have always proved popular with GCC travellers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, offering luxurious and secluded island retreats. With Mauritius fully reopening for tourism we have certainly seen an increased demand for travel there. “With our local expertise, we are delighted to represent Sun Resorts Mauritius across the GCC, particularly as a brand which attracts various demographics of travellers across the leisure, corporate, and MICE segments. This also includes travellers with a keen interest in sport due to the quality of the golf courses in Mauritius. With the GCC region producing a number of golf enthusiasts due to the abundance of world-class courses in destinations such as Dubai, we can certainly see …

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)announced plans for Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. A 300-year-old site located just outside of Riyadh, Diriyah is considered to be the birthplace of the Kingdom and the capital of the first Saudi state. The area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif, the valley and lush palm groves of Wadi Hanifah, and will soon include the Diriyah development – an acclaimed project that pays homage to the history of Saudi Arabia. Located 15 minutes from the centre of Riyadh, Diriyah will comprise 13 unique districts inclusive of residences, hospitality offerings, office space, retail, museums, cultural institutions, outdoor attractions and more. The development is a key driver of the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority commented, “It is a delight to be partnering with Four Seasons. Renowned for their unforgettable guest experiences, Four Seasons is working alongside DGDA to elevate what travellers can experience within Diriyah, showcasing their timeless approach to hospitality whilst staying true to Diriyah’s rich cultural past. We are excited to share further developments on this project in the coming months.” Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia will include approximately 150 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, expansive meeting and event spaces, a wellness spa with seven treatment rooms and a fitness centre, as well as two outdoor pools with private cabanas. The Hotel will also offer four culinary outlets, including a poolside restaurant and sunset lounge. The Diriyah development will become one of the Middle East’s most walkable, pedestrianized cities, and upon completion will be the world’s largest cultural and heritage site. It has been designed to …