Category Archives: Hotels

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced its entry into Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with a partnership with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company in the prestigious King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) project. Commenting on the signing of this agreement,  Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) said, “We are honoured to partner with Umm Al Qura Development and Construction Company in bringing the first Taj hotel to Saudi Arabia. This signing is aligned to our strategy of a strong focus on global growth markets and to be present where our guests travel to. We are committed to expanding our presence in the MENA region.” This hotel will be IHCL’s fourth venture in the MENA region. The company manages Taj Dubai located in the Burj Khalifa downtown area. It will also open another two hotels in Dubai in the next twelve to eighteen months. The proposed hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram), the main attraction for over six million pilgrims who visit the city each year. It will also be in close proximity to commercial offices, retail stores and restaurants within KAAR project. The hotel, scheduled to open in January 2023, will have approximately 340 keys, banqueting facilities and several restaurants to serve all tastes.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties has announced the launch of Address Al Marjan Island, the company’s first hotel and residences project in Ras Al Khaimah. With panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, the hotel and residences is part of over 2 million square feet mixed-use developments by Emaar in Al Marjan Island. Address Al Marjan Island will be a resort-style development that draws on its exceptional natural location, directly by the Arabian Sea. The hotel will have 249 rooms, including suites, while Address Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 234 high-end apartments. As part of Views, the largest of the four islands that make up Al Marjan Island, residents will be in close proximity to the ubran core of the master-planned community as well as the town centre. With direct access to over 600 metres of beachfront, residents and guests will have uninterrupted views of the sea in addition to a range of lifestyle amenities. Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman, Al Marjan Island, said, “We are honoured to welcome Emaar and its prestigious Address hotel brand to Al Marjan Island, which will further strengthen the appeal of our master-planned development as a preferred hub for visitors and investors from around the world. Emaar’s proven strengths in mixed-use developments will add significant value to Al Marjan Island with the Address hotel to contribute to our emirate’s tourism sector.”

Fortifying its pre-eminent position in Abu Dhabi’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector – Rotana inaugurated the Pearl Rotana Hotel at Capital Centre. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of  Mohammed Bin Juan Al Badie Al Dhaeri, Al Badie Group; Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman, Rotana, top executives from both companies and honourable guests. Pearl Rotana is a modern-designed hotel located in the hub of the city, across from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), 20 minutes from the airport and in close proximity to all the main attractions. Al Dhaeri, said, “With its solid business growth and strong portfolio, Rotana has established its name as the bellwether of the region’s hospitality industry and it gives us immense pleasure to partner with the company. This partnership will benefit our shareholders and the local economy and strengthen our position in the domestic and international markets. We look forward to further collaboration with Rotana in the future to achieve our shared vision of contributing to the sustainable growth of the UAE while thriving in our business.”

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) will open its doors to the public on April 18, 2018 following highly anticipated international interest. PCFC Hotels, part of the Dubai government’s Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation, has reinvented the legendary vessel as the latest tourism destination, in a city renowned for its world-class attractions. The world-famous cruise liner, which has a history spanning five decades, is now docked permanently at Mina Rashid, where her dining, accommodation and entertainment attractions will be unveiled. In this first phase, she will be welcoming passengers on board to experience a selection of beautifully restored rooms and suites in the adjacent QE2 Heritage Exhibition. Hamza Mustafa, CEO, PCFC Hotels commented, “To finally open the QE2 is a dream come true for my team. It is one of Dubai’s most highly anticipated projects and we know that a lot of people are going to be very excited to see her for the first time, or to step back on board the vessel that created so many wonderful memories during her 40 years at sea. We are thankful to our Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem whose vision and determination to give her a second life has come to fruition.” The 13-deck hotel has been thoughtfully restored to her former glory – maintaining her most loved interior design features – including her period furniture, renowned paintings and famous memorabilia.

Kempinski Hotels launches Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai on the West Crescent of Dubai’s exclusive Palm Jumeirah. The 100,000sqm beach resort pays homage to the palaces of 18th century Europe. With 389 rooms and suites, eight world-class restaurants and bars, 3,000 sqm Cinq Mondes Spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga studio, 500m private white sand beach and 80-seat private cinema, Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai provides a gateway into palatial living. “We look forward to welcoming our discerning guests to our palace by the sea in 2018, and bringing them on our journey,” says Sebastien Mariette, Managing Director, Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai. “We aim to offer a combination of timeless opulence and world-class luxury to guests visiting Dubai, guaranteed to create unforgettable memories. The UAE is a compelling country full of rich culture, diverse landscapes and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination for tourists from around the world.” Offering eight categories in total, the hotel offers 389 guest rooms and suites – each furnished with bespoke pieces from traditional Italian craftsman. At 65 sqm, the deluxe rooms offer one of the most spacious level entry room categories on Palm Jumeirah, while mezzanine suites give guests the chance to add a unique element to their stay.

In an effort to boost the hospitality landscape of Sharjah, Arada signed a management agreement with Emaar Hospitality Group to launch three hotels in Sharjah. 150-room Address Aljada Sharjah, 175-key Vida Aljada Sharjah and 300-key Rove Aljada Sharjah are set to open doors to support emirate’s growing tourism sector. The three hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group’s premium lifestyle will be located in Aljada, a 24 million square foot integrated lifestyle destination, and a new leisure and entertainment hub for Sharjah. The agreement was signed by HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman, Arada; HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Vice Chairman, Arada and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, in the presence of senior officials of the two companies. His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said, “Our flagship development, Aljada is a first-of-its-kind integrated lifestyle destination in Sharjah that will add tremendous value to the economy. Hospitality is one of the core aspects of the mega-development. Our agreement with Emaar will bring proven hospitality competencies to this spectacular development that will transform Sharjah’s economy.”

Starting from April 16, 2018, Wyndham Hotel Group brands is set to unite its family of hotel brands under one umbrella by adding ‘by Wyndham’ suffix to their names. Brands adding the hallmark are Super 8, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, AmericInn, Baymont, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Dolce, Dazzler, Esplendor and Trademark – representing 7,074 properties across the globe. The move not only unites the company’s diverse hoteliers under a common mission and name, but is also expected to favourably impact guest trial and brand awareness throughout the company’s portfolio. “As the leader in midscale and economy lodging, the Wyndham name has become synonymous with making hotel travel possible for all,” said Barry Goldstein, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Wyndham Hotel Group. “This new designation for our brands is a celebration of the accomplishments we’ve made in our mission to make travel possible for everyone, revolutionising Wyndham Rewards and elevating our brands through a laser focus on quality, technology, and sales and marketing,” he said. The updated brand names and logos will appear across Wyndham’s digital placements from brand websites to mobile sites and third-party listings.

Rove Hotels has launched Rove Dubai Marina, the fifth hotel in Dubai that celebrates the inspired setting of its waterfront location. With its central location and tech-savvy environment for the socially connected new generation, Rove Dubai Marina brings a new hospitality choice to visitors to the city with its stylish marina-front setting. A joint venture between Meraas and Emaar Properties PJSC, Rove Hotels currently has four operational hotels in key locations in Dubai – Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre, Rove Healthcare City and Rove Trade Centre. Several Rove Hotels are being planned in other locations within the city. Rove Dubai Marina has 384 rooms that present a design-influenced lifestyle choice for value-conscious leisure and business travellers. Located centrally in one of the region’s largest waterfront developments, the hotel offers leisure guests the ease of accessing Dubai’s popular beaches as well as a vibrant marina. The Dubai Marina Mall, with a vivid array of retail and leisure choices, is located nearby as well as the Dubai Marina Yacht Club that serves as a prestigious address for marina enthusiasts and The Beach, an upbeat urban waterfront destination created by Meraas.

Wyndham Garden opened its doors recently under R Hotels in Ajman Corniche under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Municipality and Planning, and Chairman of R Holding. The new hotel is the first Wyndham Garden to open in the UAE. Boasting sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, the property features 179 rooms and suites, all facing the beachfront. It will also showcase an executive lounge on the top floor, and state-of-the-art leisure facilities including a modern spa, fitness club, outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, and kids’ club. Al Nuaimi remarked, “The emirate of Ajman welcomes Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, a new landmark to showcase exceptional Emirati hospitality to the rest of the world. This is another testament on the continuous growth of the tourism sector in the emirate.” Sumair Tariq, Managing Director, R Hotels, commented, “With the solid performance of Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman over the years, we are confident that the hotel will deliver the highest standards of service to all the guests, with its seasoned and professional team.

Dusit International has introduced ASAI Hotels for the curious, millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in vibrant cities and resort destinations worldwide. Set to launch in Q1 2019 with its first hotel in Bangkok’s renowned Chatuchak Market, ASAI Hotels embraces a sustainable, community-focused concept, with each property designed to reflect the culture and heritage of its location through collaborations with local artisans. In line with the four core pillars of the brand – Thoughtful Essentials, Common Areas, Locally Inspired and Connected Community – each hotel will feature compact rooms, whose contemporary design will emphasise on key features like superior quality beds and high pressure rain showers. A large mixed-use space, meanwhile, will include a cosy and efficient work space, a leisure area, and a restaurant concept curated by local chefs who champion sustainability. The Chatuchak hotel includes an eatery developed by Bangkok-based chefs and restaurateurs, Jarrett Wrisley and Paolo Vitaletti, whose own restaurants, Soul Food Mahanakorn and Appia, are renowned for their sustainable approach to cooking. Their menu at ASAI Chatuchak will highlight produce from Thailand’s Royal Projects. Each ASAI hotel worldwide will leverage technology to streamline the booking and stay experience. This includes the implementation of self check-in kiosks, and exclusive online guides that link guests with authentic local experiences and lesser-known.