Category Archives: Hotels

Announced during ILTM Cannes, Hyatt introduces plans for seven new luxury hotels throughout Europe and the Middle East, in addition to 24 luxury properties in stunning destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Morocco, Greater China, Thailand, and more as Hyatt’s luxury portfolio globally that are slated to open by 2023.  These hotels are expected to further bolster Hyatt’s portfolio of luxury brand offerings in key growth markets. Hyatt continues to grow its brands in locations that matter most to guests, members, and owners. As leisure travel continues to drive recovery in many parts of the world, today’s announcement signals a continued commitment to catering to high-end travelers through a strong pipeline of diverse brands in some of world’s most desirable locations. The hotels and resorts set to join the Alila, Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and Thompson Hotels brands are expected to exceed the expectations of the luxury traveler, delivering personalized and engaged service, story-worthy experiences and world-class offerings. “Today, more than ever, our members and guests are looking for unforgettable travel moments – moments that are truly meaningful and leave an indelible mark, connecting them to experiences that change and inspire them,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights, Hyatt. “The addition of these new hotels and resorts across Hyatt’s luxury portfolio will reinforce Hyatt’s position as a leader in the luxury hospitality space.” All grounded in premium, cultural and desirable destinations known for their cuisine, architecture, immersive cultures, and history, these newly announced projects are located throughout Europe and the Middle East and have been carefully selected to complement Hyatt’s elevated, luxury portfolio.

After the successful launch of the first METT Hotel & Beach Resort in Bodrum, Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) has now revealed details of its highly anticipated second hotel, due to open in 2022: METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona, Spain. As one of the most visited destinations by the Middle East travellers, this will be another iconic property to add to their list in their favourite summer destination in Spain. With uninterrupted sea views and sandy beaches, the 5-star lifestyle resort sits on the pristine Marbella shoreline on the border of the famed Estepona. It has 253 rooms and suites, all designed beautifully with seafront or pool-facing views, perfectly suited for the most dynamic and adventurous traveler. Antonio Gonzalez, CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group says: “The METT concept and lifestyle was originally curated for those travellers of today who are looking for a place to simply have fun and celebrate life, in an amazing location. After the phenomenal success of METT Bodrum, we will now maintain the brand values and experiences that makes us ‘METT’ and look forward to welcoming the residents and visitors of Costa del Sol.” Surrounded by lush Andalusian landscape resembling a “chic contemporary cortijo”, the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona is the perfect destination offering everything guests may need. From incredible dining and wellness, as well 5* accommodation, to no frills service, expect nothing less than an elegant, yet modern and minimalist design. With dining at the heart of the METT experience, the Mediterranean-inspired FOLIE Restaurant & Sea, which debuted at the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum, will yet again bring waterside glamour and barefoot luxury with a relaxed open-air ambience …

Dubai-based luxury hospitality developer Seven Tides will open the first resort on The World Islands in Dubai, UAE in just a few days, on 18th December 2021. Situated on Clarence Island, the five-star Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort will feature its own stunning 2,000 square metre private beach. The resort’s 142,000sqm host island is itself located within the South American continent of the World Islands development – a remarkable offshore archipelago of 300 man-made isles, just four kilometres from the coast of Dubai. Seven Tides CEO, Abdulla Bin Sulayem, said: “The Anantara hotel on Clarence Island will set the bar for exclusivity and a luxury lifestyle, while remaining in harmony with nature. Without a doubt, this will become one of the most sought-after leisure and lifestyle destinations in the Middle East, if not the world. “Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort is unique. It will offer genuine island tranquillity despite its close proximity to major retail destinations, gourmet restaurants, golf courses and the emirate’s lively nightlife,” Bin Sulayem added. The upscale hospitality project boasts a total of 70 rooms, suites and villas, which combine island living with contemporary luxury. Guests will be able to choose from rooms and suites with ocean views and beach access, while spacious villas with private pools will also be available. Accessible exclusively by boat, just a 10-minute ride from Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, the development will feature a gymnasium and a guest pool, as well as a series of private infinity pools for the exclusive use of those staying in villas. Food lovers will be able to choose from the resort’s five restaurants and bars, which will offer everything from fine dining to chilled-out eats. …

Laundryheap has strengthened its B2B linen rental services by rebranding its specialised vertical as ‘Laundryheap Linen’ and investing in a new 3,000 sq ft warehouse in Dubai, UAE to drive the operations. Serving the significant demand for bed linen, towels, accessories and other related rentals for the hospitality sector in the UAE, ‘Laundryheap Linen’ is the new brand identity of ‘NestAngel,’ which was launched by Laundryheap in Dubai earlier this year. NestAngel was first launched by Laundryheap in the UK six years ago and continues to operate successfully under the same brand name and has serviced over 300,000 guests. Laundryheap Linen in the UAE, will allow businesses – including hotels, short-term rentals, Airbnb operators, holiday home companies, and others to save in the long-term on laundry, depreciation, logistics and storage costs by using this clever solution to service all linen needs. The Laundryheap Linen service will be especially useful to the hospitality industry while managing the increased occupancy during the upcoming Expo 2020 season. The service operates as a one-stop-shop for all services relating to linen and towel rentals as well as accessories. It avoids the hassle that many holiday home and apartments face in managing inventory and having to buy, wash, store and deliver to guests. With Laundryheap Linen, its customers can focus on their core competency of operating their properties, getting more bookings and improving customer service while the firm takes care of all the requirements with ready-made linen sets. Adding to this, businesses can also access a wide range of toiletries and welcome kits effortlessly. The new brand creates strong synergies with the organisational brand, Laundryheap, thereby enabling customers to instantly connect to it. Unlike most other …

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, one of the fastest-growing hotel management companies in the region, has announced the signing of a new hotel management agreement for Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA – Copthorne Al Basateen Jeddah Hotel in partnership with Hussain bin Yousef bin Ali Nazra. Hamid Sidine, Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, said: “This expansion comes as part of our ambitious expansion plans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supporting Saudi Vision 2030. We are delighted to expand in Jeddah and contribute to the city’s hospitality offerings.” Copthorne Al Basateen Jeddah is conveniently located 10 minutes away from King Abdulaziz International Airport. The newly-built hotel will feature 232 rooms and 20 suites, meeting rooms, a business centre, swimming pool, gym, and various dining outlets. Copthorne is a renowned brand that provides quality service with tremendous value, offering convenient locations around the globe for business and leisure travelers. Millennium Hotels and Resorts currently operates 25 hotels under the Copthorne brand globally in Asia, Europe, and New Zealand, including five hotels in the MEA region. And a pipeline of five hotels across the MEA region.

Radisson Hotel Group and REALITES Group announced the signing of Lincoln Casablanca, a Radisson Collection Hotel.  This historic signing, debuting Radisson Hotel Group’s third brand in Morocco, Radisson Collection, also marks the Group’s ninth hotel signing in Morocco this year, bringing its portfolio in the country to 11 hotels in operation and under development, and setting the Group firmly on track to exceed its ambition of reaching 15 hotels by 2025. “The Lincoln Hotel”, the oldest hotel in Casablanca and a prime example of the city’s Art Deco heritage, was built in 1916 by the renowned French architect, Hubert Bride. The Lincoln Hotel is a key landmark in Casablanca around which the city was originally developed. REALITES, a French territorial development group and the owning company, aims to revive the iconic hotel with a sensitive restoration that preserves the façade, a historic architectural monument being carefully preserved. Scheduled to open early 2025, the hotel is situated in the heart of Mohammed V Avenue in the historical city center, a well-developed area currently undergoing a full restructuring and recognized as a prominent corporate, financial, and entertainment district. It is also within proximity to the city’s major attractions, such as the Casablanca Marina and Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, just 3 kilometers away. The hotel is also close to the Old Media, which is 1.5 kilometers from the Old Medina, and within walking distance from the tram line and the closest train station, Casa Port. The hotel will comprise of 120 contemporary standard and superior rooms, as well as Junior Suites, all carefully curated with impactful touches that leave guests with an authentic impression of Casablanca. Promising a vibrant …

Accor is expanding its footprint in Egypt with the opening of Movenpick Living and Residences in Cairo. Once open the property will feature 150 serviced apartments and 40 branded residences. The Group is partnering with Al Bourouj Misr Development, which operations started in 2012, with a visionary approach towards strategically responding to the diverse and evolving real estate market in Egypt, by offering a sustainable and diverse mix within a real estate portfolio comprised of construction and real estate developments of mixed-use contemporary, residential and commercial developments through its subsidiaries. “It is with great pride that we announce the inking of a partnership with Movenpick for one of the foremost iconic real estate projects by our company” mentioned Mohamed Assy, Vice Chairman of Al Bourouj Misr Development. “Our collaboration with Accor is a continuation to the company’s commitment of working hand in hand with reputed international brands to redefine the lifestyle of the new capital. We are confident that Sixty iconic tower with its modern and outstanding architectural design will be the first choice for those seeking uniqueness and tranquility in a next generation focal point of the business and financial district that is set to be Egypt’s most sought business and lifestyle destination.” The new Movenpick Living & Residences will be located in the New Capital City (NCC), Egypt, which features hospitality, residential, entertainment, commercial, retail components and government entities, including the presidential palace, parliament, cabinet, Supreme Court, all ministries of Egypt and various foreign embassies.   “This is a very exciting project for Accor in Egypt”, says Mark Willis CEO of Accor India, Turkey, Middle East, and Africa. “This new addition will be introducing a unique offering to …

Deutsche Hospitality continues to establish its growing portfolio in the Middle East with the opening of the IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront on 25 November 2021. On the occasion of this opening, the hotel group joined forces with the hotel management company Valor Hospitality Partners. The IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront thus becomes Deutsche Hospitality’s first franchised hotel in the Middle East. It will offer benefits such as a buzzing, centralised location and award-winning service to both leisure visitors and business travellers. “The Middle East has always been an exciting and ever-growing market,” says Marcus Bernhardt, CEO Deutsche Hospitality. “We are already operating 19 properties in the Middle East and will continue to expand the presence of our brands in the future. Establishing our first franchised property with such an accomplished partner as Valor Hospitality Partners opens up further opportunities for us in this regard as well.” Situated on Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, the hotel features a total of 138 Superior and Premium rooms. The roof terrace will feature a pool complex complete with an AquaLounge and a dedicated children’s pool area. Further facilities include gyms, contemporary style restaurants and a Bistro Lounge. The property’s striking interior design concept bears the signature features of Italian architect Matteo Thun, as can be seen at all latest generation IntercityHotel properties across the world. The uniquely placed hotel also allows guests to choose their own means of travel with easy and efficient access to the Dubai Metro, main roads, or boat rides across the Creek. Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality, comments: “We are tremendously excited to introduce the IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront. Located at the heart of Dubai, nestled between the historical …

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 …