Category Archives: Hotels

The 200 luxury guest rooms at the new Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will be just feet away from world-class shopping and dining, thanks to its location in Avenues Mall — a destination with more than 1,100 shops and a movie theatre. The hotel will also be home to the award-winning Japanese restaurant concept ROKA and will feature an exclusive Club Lounge as well as an awe-inspiring 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa.  Kuwait City Centre, historical and cultural sites, and the Grand Mosque of Kuwait are just a short 15-minute drive away.

Situated in the Old Salata district, Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town will feature 221 modern guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, juice bar, 24/7 snack bar, work zone and fitness centre. It will be conveniently located close to Doha attractions such as the corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, and the famous Souk Waqif. It will also be in close proximity to the banking district and the Emiri Diwan Palace, and just 12 kilometres from Hamad International Airport

While travel restrictions continue for parts of the world, many of us are now able and willing to travel once again, with vaccine drives in many countries enabling open borders. As we become more open to taking vacations, a new global travel survey has found that UAE travelers seek a homely experience when staying in a hotel, with 36% saying they like to feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home.  Nearly a fifth (19%) said they are bothered when there aren’t personal touches in their hotel. Cleanliness and comfort were among the highest priorities for guests, with an uncomfortable bed rated the most disliked factor about a hotel stay (33%), while nice food and clean rooms or communal areas among the experiences most likely to make guests book again, at 49% and 43% respectively. On the dining front, 37% of those surveyed said they prefer it when there are a mix of cuisines on offer, while 36% would like more buffet or help yourself options.  And with an emphasis on feeling at home crucial to UAE hotel guests, it’s not surprising that 36% prefer when food is served for longer hours e.g. not just a two hour window for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  And with clean eating a key trend, 13% said they dislike it when there aren’t enough vegan or vegetarian options on hotel menus. Sustainability was also a key point of interest for UAE guests with nearly half (46%) keen to see hotels purchase more environmentally friendly products, for example, using glass instead of plastic, which 41% would support. However, the survey commissioned by voco hotels to launch their new Turn Up Service found guests’ experience with staff …

Hilton signed the latest property from LXR Hotels & Resorts, the company’s collection of independent luxury properties, in Diriyah, Riyadh, KSA. Projected to open by 2026, this captivating boutique resort represents the brand’s introduction to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will be located within Diriyah, an 11-square kilometre development that is set to redefine luxury living complete with high-end retail offerings, lavish restaurants, residential and administrative buildings, educational institutions, recreational spaces, and galleries and museums. Nestled in the historic Wadi Hanifah, the retreat is to house 80 immaculately designed guest rooms and enchanting villas. Offering a nearby lush escape of tranquillity and relaxation for those looking to explore the vibrant Diriyah development, guests will enjoy easy access to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the home of the first Saudi State. Moreover, the annual ‘Diriyah Season’ will create a sought-after destination, hosting a myriad of sports and entertainment events, bringing together local and internationally renowned figures during the month-long festival. “Bringing the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to Diriyah is yet another step in our ambitious growth plan Hilton has for the Kingdom. KSA is a strategic market for us within the Middle East, where we already have a strong presence and aim to further expand on it,” said Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “In the coming few years, we aim to have opened 75 hotels in the Kingdom, and we continue to look for more opportunities to expand our presence within the rapidly growing market of KSA.” Designed to be an oasis of serenity, the property will house more than 800sqm of spa for guests to rejuvenate through holistic healing and enjoy …

Hilton announced the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin, as it continues its expansion in destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 176-guest room property will be developed in partnership with Ahmed Al Amoudi Group and is expected to open in 2025. Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin will be located on Prince Majid Road, offering ease of access to Jeddah International Airport and the City Centre.  The renowned commercial hub of Falastin Street will be a short walk away with its range of shopping malls, restaurants and commercial enterprises. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a major focus for us as we grow the Hilton Garden Inn portfolio in the Middle East.  The brand has the largest pipeline in Saudi Arabia according to a recent STR report and is an ideal fit for urban locations with strong commercial and business offerings.” Othman Al Amoudi of Ahmed Al Amoudi Group said: “We are proud to be partnering with Hilton in developing this new property, which will enhance the mid-market accommodation offering of this part of Jeddah.  Hilton Garden Inn is a renowned brand which is a great fit for the area and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in 2025.” Hilton Garden Inn Falastin guests will have access to fitness facilities and an indoor pool as well as an all-day dining F&B outlet and lobby juice bar. The property will also contain 314sqm of meeting space. Hilton currently operates 15 hotels in KSA, and already has another 46 under development. The company plans to expand its operations to more than 75 properties in the next few years …

Due to open in Q1 2022, the landmark hotel will stand as one of the tallest buildings in the city, spanning 66 floors, with 349 rooms and suites. The highly anticipated hotel is also expected to offer world-class dining outlets – including the renowned JW Steakhouse, along with exceptional facilities, spanning business, wellness and much more. 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 Hotel Riyadh resides in one of the most desirable addresses in Riyadh.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Al Mirqab Tourist Company LLC to debut the Andaz brand in Qatar. The 318-guestroom Andaz Doha is expected to open in fall 2022, at the same time football fans around the world will turn their eyes to Qatar. The hotel will mark the fourth Hyatt hotel in the country. The Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels offer distinctively local experiences that stimulate the senses. Andaz means “personal style” in Hindi, and Andaz hotels celebrate the individuality of every guest and speaks to the uniqueness of each locale. Every Andaz property stands out as an elevated reflection of the culture that surrounds it – capturing the best of local design and cuisine – while delivering thoughtful, unscripted service. Andaz hotels enable guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity about the world and local cultures through immersive experiences that capture the true essence of the surrounding destination. The 318-room hotel with stunning sea views will be located in the prestigious West Bay area of Doha, nestled amongst embassies, consulates and key government institutions. Situated within close proximity to a cosmopolitan blend of restaurants, residential and retail space, the hotel will cater to travelers searching for the best of local culture. It will feature four distinct food and beverage outlets offering a wide range from local flavors to international dishes while creating a vibrant social scene. All dining options will boast modern design and an innovative approach to drinking and dining. “We are honored to announce plans for the Andaz brand in Qatar in our second collaboration with Al Mirqab Group as part of our …

Hilton announced plans to debut Curio Collection by Hilton in Saudi Arabia with a new build property in the capital city, Riyadh. Almashreq Hotel Riyadh, Curio Collection by Hilton has been signed together with Mashareq Investment and is due to open its doors in 2024. Featuring 185 guest rooms, Almashreq Hotel Riyadh, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in the upcoming Laysen Valley development, opposite the city’s diplomatic quarter.  Opening its first phase in 2022, Laysen Valley will consist of over 50 residential, commercial and retail buildings – set to include offices of major corporations and government departments as well as gourmet dining outlets. Amir Lababedi, Managing Director, Development, Middle East & North Africa, Hilton, said: “This property further extends our offering into Riyadh where we now have properties trading or under development across nine different brands.  Its location forms part of one of the most exciting mixed-use developments in the city and developed by one of the country’s premier developers, Tatweer group, which is set to become a hotspot for F&B as well as a desirable corporate location.” Abdulaziz AlZamil, CEO of Mashareq Investment and Almashreq Hospitality, said: “We believe this is a great partnership that will add a valuable offering to our portfolio under award-winning Almashreq hotels brand. We are very pleased to be working with Hilton and bringing the first Curio Collection by Hilton property to Saudi Arabia and look forward to further partnerships with Hilton in the Kingdom and the region.” Guests will have access to a range of facilities within the property, including an indoor pool and fitness center, six meeting rooms and multiple F&B outlets to cater to hotel guests and the neighbouring …

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa is preparing for a grand opening in Q1 2022, offering an idyllic, luxury island experience on the pristine Hayat Island shoreline in Mina Al Arab, United Arab Emirates. The 351-room expansive escape will mark the first property for the luxury hospitality brand in the emirate, making it the flagship beachfront resort. All accommodations provide overwater views and access to a private balcony or terrace area – perfect for a relaxed morning coffee or gazing upon the glowing dusk hues. From the spacious rooms for a romantic retreat to private pool villas for family escapes, each sanctuary seamlessly fuses modern luxury living with elegant local touches, just 45 minutes from Dubai. Bringing a new level of luxury to Ras Al Khaimah, the all-new five-star haven will present six new culinary outlets to the emirate, that have been inspired by the surrounding mountains, desert and sea, including the fine-dining Levant & Nar, complete with 360-degree sea views. For an elevated stay, guests can look forward to the unmatched Club InterContinental. A resort within a resort, Club InterContinental is housed in an exclusive building that provides an end-to-end guest experience, with personalised service, separate check in area, access to a private pool, and special privileges that enhance every aspect of the stay. An oasis of tranquillity, the resort’s five-star spa is equipped with a spacious Turkish hammam, as well as 10 treatment rooms with pioneering treatments, while younger guests can learn more about the world in the Planet Trekkers and Teens Club facilities, that are only available at select InterContinental resorts around the world. From dazzling beaches to desert-cloaked landscapes, the resorts Concierge programme helps guests …

The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has been officially recognized as a five-star wellness resort by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). The region’s first wellbeing resort receives the new classification, following a number of site visits to identify all classification and licensing procedures. Situated along Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, the resort offers 255 rooms and design-led suites as well as four dining options which showcase an array of healthy cuisine. The world’s first Rayya Wellness Centre housed within the property offers a variety of all-inclusive retreat packages that have been expertly designed for relaxation and rejuvenation to improve mind, body and spirit. The wellbeing resort also features a dedicated Rayya Fitness Centre, esco Rayya Spa and Rayya Kids Club. The hotel also recently launched Rayya Nutri, a comprehensive range of healthy meal plans developed by the team. Rayya Nutri meals are offered via delivery and come with a list of ingredients, alongside the nutritional facts of each dish. Khalid Saeed Bin Touq, Executive Director, Tourism Activities and Classification Sector, Dubai Tourism, commented: “We are delighted to officially present the first wellness hotel certification to The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel. “The demand for wellness tourism continues to increase as more travellers become mindful of their health and well-being. Dubai continually strives  to further enhance its position as a global wellness destination with its distinctive attributes being  the most modern world class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance one’s wellbeing, and a diverse group of experts and practitioners from across the globe, in addition to ensuring that the highest standards of health and safety measures are in place across sectors in line with international …