Category Archives: Hotels

Just in time for the long weekend, new research conducted by Hilton shows that extra-large holidays are set to boom as UAE residents and citizens invite friends and family away with them. The majority (89 per cent) of adults in the UAE say the events of the past 18 months has made them re-evaluate what is really important. Three quarters of parents (75 per cent) said their children had missed out on seeing grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins during 2020 and 2021, with 83 per cent keen to make up for lost time in the future. As a result of the extended time apart, the UAE is set to embark on an era of multi-generational holidays, with the vast majority (89 per cent) likely to go away next year with extended family members such as siblings, cousins and grandparents. Of the respondents who had family abroad, 80 per cent confirmed their group holiday would involve visits to family overseas. Almost all (92 per cent) of those polled said going on an extended family holiday allowed them to reconnect with family members while enjoying a break, and 8 in 10 (80 per cent) said inviting more people along made childcare easier. Hilton is the only major hotel chain that allows guests to confirm interconnecting rooms at the time of booking, providing a hassle-free solution to a decades-old problem for families and groups. The most popular reason to have an XL holiday is to catch up with family members, followed by a chance to see relatives you don’t often spend time with and allowing kids to play together while grown-ups relax. One third (33 per cent) of adults said holidays provide an …

Travellers in the UAE are favouring the same holiday destinations year after year for home comforts and familiarity, with the pandemic leading most to being less adventurous than usual according to new research from Marriott Bonvoy, the travel loyalty programme that encompasses hotels, resorts, home rentals and experiences across 30 brands in 138 countries. UAE travellers seek the familiar post-lockdown The figures show that just a quarter (27%) of those going abroad plan to visit somewhere new for their post-lockdown holiday. The Maldives and Turkey are jointly the number one destinations for those from the UAE for their next getaway. Nineteen per cent of those planning a holiday abroad intend to visit The Maldives, and the figure is the same for Turkey. However, seven in ten of those going to Turkey (73%) say they have gone on holiday there previously and 48% have been multiple times. Meanwhile, 68% of those going to the Maldives have been there before. Egypt is the third most popular destination for post-pandemic breaks amongst those from the UAE travelling abroad (17%), followed by the UK (13%) and Italy (13%). In total, 88% say they will be going on holiday in the next 12 months. Seven per cent plan not to, whilst 6% remain unsure. It appears that lockdown has had an impact on where those from the UAE are choosing to go for their post-lockdown holidays. Over half (51%) say the pandemic has led to them being less confident in visiting new places. Amongst those who do not plan to go away 52% say that this is specifically due to a lack of confidence in travel post-Covid. The aim of the research is to look into how …

The much-anticipated Dubai EDITION opened recently, marking a significant expansion for the brand into the Middle East’s most popular travel destination. Based in the heart of Downtown Dubai, opposite the world-famous Dubai Mall, the one-of-a-kind hotel will showcase EDITION’s signature blend of modern luxury and local influence. Destined to become Dubai’s cultural and social milieu, the hotel will boast unique dining experiences, exciting entertainment, and world-class services and amenities. Designed by LW Design Group LLC, the hotel features 275 exquisite guestrooms including 45 suites. Restaurants featured at the hotel include an Italian restaurant, DUOMO, with an outdoor fresco terrace; Jolie – a French restaurant inspired by Mediterranean coastal flavors; a poolside bar and lounge with uninterrupted views of the Burj Khalifa, Thia; and a speakeasy style bar, Leon. The hotel will also feature a spa with three treatment rooms, a pool, and a state-of-the-art gym. Additionally, the property will boast meeting rooms and a flexible event space that can be uniquely transformed to fit any concept or theme.

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai.  The property is ideally located in Al Jaddaf’s Culture Village featuring stylish accommodation with excellent service, overlooking the Dubai Creek. Guests will find themselves only minutes away from retail playgrounds such as Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai as well as the business districts of both the Dubai World Trade Center and Dubai International Financial Centre. Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai features 168 spacious guestrooms and suites that combine comfort and functionality. Each guestroom is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, intuitively designed work areas and plush bedding. The hotel provides the ideal destination for travelers looking to stay connected, productive and energized when traveling, with its flexible spaces to work, network and relax. Guests are invited to taste dishes from around the world at the  MoMo Bistro, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant featuring a wide variety of delicacies to enjoy. For those who prefer to pick up a quick snack, MoMo 2 Go, offers the perfect menu, whether it’s to grab breakfast on the go, a coffee or a healthy lunch. Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai’s leisure facilities include a fully equipped gym with waterfront views, an outdoor swimming pool and a tranquil spa, perfect for guests looking to recharge during their stay. “We understand what our guests look for when they stay with us – ample space and time to work but also the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge. We look forward to providing uplifting spaces and welcoming hospitality that will give our guests an experience worth remembering,” says Richard Bleakley, the Multi-Property General Manager.  

Miral in collaboration with Warner Bros., announced The WB™ Abu Dhabi, located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, the first ever Warner Bros. themed hotel, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially opened its doors to guests. The hotel allows guests to see their favorite stories and characters brought to life through unique hospitality experiences that only the rich history and storied legacy of Warner Bros. could offer. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi (CEO of Miral), HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak (Chairman of Miral), Jochem-Jan Sleiffer (President, Hilton, MEA & Turkey) and Pam Lifford (President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences) at the grand opening of The WB™ Abu Dhabi HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “This is yet another great moment for us, with The WB™ Abu Dhabi hotel opening on Yas Island, further positioning it as a top global destination for leisure, entertainment and business. We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with both Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Hilton, bringing world firsts and global hospitality offerings and experiences to Abu Dhabi.” Featuring over 400 curated images and film and TV props, guests at the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel will be treated to a journey of discovery through film and television, enjoying Warner Bros.’ rich history and library of timeless productions at every touchpoint from arrival to check-out. While dining in one of five restaurants on the property, you can listen as the piano from “Westworld,” the hit HBO science fiction TV show, plays a familiar tune. Visitors can stroll through the lobby or admire 360-degree city and sea views alongside their favorite props and costumes from Warner Bros. films and TV shows.  Kids and …

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a private and lavish resort located between the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountains, has launched an exciting new range of exclusive offers and luxurious experiences for guests and families to enjoy for the coming months especially for the GCC clientele. Guests visiting Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, for a family getaway rather than business are in for a treat, as they will get to experience all the facilities the resort has to offer, such as the infinity pool, non-motorized water sports activities, and an array of daily kid’s activities. Families can also enjoy 50% savings on their second room for children up to 16 years old. Breakfast is available for two guests per room, and kids below six years old can also enjoy free dine-in and breakfasts. Also, families can enjoy complimentary use of Ritz Kids facilities and selected non-motorized water sports. The 50% discount applies to the lower room rate and interconnecting or adjacent room upon availability. There are a limited number of rooms available on this package, and blackout dates may apply, so guests should reserve a week in advance to avoid disappointment! Make an extended weekend escape a luxurious and relaxing experience at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, by enjoying a stay at the resort for four to six nights to enjoy 25% savings. With many activities catering to their every wish and need, guests staying four or more nights can enjoy a 25% discount along with luxury accommodation, creating the perfect addition to a relaxing weekend. Breakfast is available, and children under six years old will enjoy complimentary dining. Saving the best for last, travellers …

Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC, to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Dubai’s sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline. Expected to welcome its first guests in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is set to become an iconic addition to Dubai’s skyline and a new buzzing, urban escape in the cosmopolitan city. “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trend-setting W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With its unexpected design and iconic, socially driven Whatever/Whenever® service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.” His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and introduce W Dubai – Mina Seyahi to the renowned Mina Seyahi complex in Dubai Marina. This new property, which is among several other Marriott International hotels that wasl brought and launched in the emirate, will be an exciting addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector. We continue to look forward to developing further hotels to cement our position as a key player in the hospitality sector”. Located close to Dubai’s thriving leisure destinations, such as Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is well-situated to offer guests a vibrant and playful escape. The 31-storey hotel is expected to feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite). The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with The Red Sea Development Company for a 430-room Grand Hyatt hotel on Shaura Island, the hub of the ambitious Red Sea Project on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The luxury resort hotel will represent the largest of 11 hotels set to open on the island and will occupy a prime position within this innovative tourist development. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be the second Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom and the seventh Grand Hyatt hotel in the Middle East, marking an important milestone in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the region. Slated to open as part of phase one of the Red Sea Project, the property will be designed to reflect the bold and vibrant luxury synonymous with the Grand Hyatt brand, featuring sophisticated design, materials and decor inspired by the iconic elements present in the destination. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will feature a striking architectural “coral bloom” design, a unique concept that resembles a bloom of coral in the sea from above, that will offer a sense of luxury that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. A tasteful mix of suites and large standard rooms will provide guests with a comfortable and upscale place from which to explore the area’s diverse ecosystem and endless attractions. World-class food and beverage venues and the wider amenities of the hub island, which will include a marina and an 18-hole championship golf course, will complete the luxury hotel experience within a breathtaking setting. Located in close proximity to the soon to be developed Red Sea International Airport, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be easily accessible from both international …

Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced Hotel Royalty Since 1887, a brand campaign developed by Accor’s Creative Studio, a diverse cast of modern-day royals, and celebrated film director and artist, Peter Greenaway. Renowned for his evocative films with striking imagery, Peter Greenaway brings his powerful vision to this collaboration, the first commercial project of his career. The campaign pays tribute to the brand’s storied history and prestige through an innovative, emotive, offbeat, and atypical lens – modernising hotel royalty through a multi-generational cast that have always considered Raffles their luxury brand of choice. The new campaign is designed to reinterpret the golden age of travel, with each vignette emulating a painting, layered with saturated colours and textures that feel exotic and daring, yet also familiar. Filmed and shot at Raffles Singapore, the birthplace of the brand, the campaign draws from the fundamental spirit of Raffles, showcasing the extraordinary experience the brand provides. Inspired by Raffles’ philosophy of true luxury being not only about what you do, but also about how you feel, the campaign highlights the brand’s position as a destination for the well-travelled; a meeting point for many cultures, infused with international influences, where stories are told, and legends are made. Showcasing an enchanting, imaginary day in the life at Raffles, the campaign follows a cast of real-life royals – HIRH Catharina von Habsburg, Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Hungary and Bohemia with her mother HIRH Archduchess Anna Gabriele von Habsburg, born von Wrede; HRH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, King of Jaipur; George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford; HRH Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark; and HH Prince Nikolai of Denmark – as they embark on a series of marvellous and …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has appointed The Lux Collective, a luxury hospitality management company headquartered in Singapore, to manage two new hospitality projects set in Sharjah’s scenic central and East Coast regions. The announcement took place during Shurooq’s participation at the World Travel Market 2021, under the presence of HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, held in London, UK, from November 1 – 3, at the Sharjah stand. The nature-inspired LUX* Al Jabal Resort spans a 260,000 sqm area on a spectacular terrain hill overlooking a beach in Khorfakkan, facing the stunning Arabian Sea. The resort is expected to welcome guests in March 2023 and comprises of 45 eco-friendly units and suites that open out to expansive views of aquamarine waters and a jagged mountain range, offering a complete privacy. Set adjacent to the largest conservation park in the region for the largest wildlife safari in the world outside Africa in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah, Sharjah Safari, the LUX* Al Bridi Resort is scheduled for a 2023 opening. Upon completion, the project will feature 35 luxurious private tents and the LUX* Me Spa. Another key highlight of the property is the various types of animal encounters that are set in partnership between Shurooq and the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) under safe and secure measures that guarantees protection for both the guests and the animals. Speaking about Sharjah’s growing tourism profile, H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Chairman …