Category Archives: Hotels

Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina officially announced its highly-anticipated reopening, bringing in an exciting new chapter in the Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ property. The hotel will be opening its doors on the February 1, 2020 after undergoing a complete renovation designed to facilitate business and leisure. Discerning travellers can expect new levels of unparalleled, tastefully-designed living spaces and extraordinary service following the hotel’s renovation. The 35-story building has been revamped with fully-furnished luxury apartments, holiday homes, and residential units designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a spectacular view of the Marina. Each unit will come with a choice of either one, two, or three-bedroom configurations and are all fully integrated with comprehensive facilities and services to make guests feel right at home. Additionally, the property will offer a variety of large, glamorous penthouse options, perfect for any in-city get away. “It is our wish and utmost desire that our guests will continue to create memories and new experiences at the hotel, we want our guests to feel the comforts of home no matter where their travels might lead them,” says Bassam Zakaria, General Manager of Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina. The hotel will also be a health-frantics dream hub, set to adopt a more health conscious property, introducing a brand new fitness outlet, KO8 Fitness Center, as well as a wholesome eatery, Baker’s Kitchen. Dusit Princess Residences is within easy proximity to Bluewaters Island, The Beach, neighbourhood eateries, shopping malls, and just minutes away from the bustling The Walk JBR, a strip packed with Dubai’s top restaurants and shops.

Accor has partnered with UAE entertainment giant, Bulldozer Group, to unlock more exclusive and dynamic experiences for members of its newly launched lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL – Accor Live Limitless. The collaboration builds on Accor’s ambition to become a lifestyle enabler, with Bulldozer Group famed for its portfolio of original nightlife venues and award-winning restaurants, including Gaia, Scalini and Shanghai Me as well as state-of-the-art productions and cutting-edge events through BASE Dubai that are setting regional and global trends. Following the deal between the two leading lifestyle brands, ALL – Accor Live Limitless members will be offered privileges at most Bulldozer Group venues and restaurants, including BASE Dubai, an immersive open-air super club that regularly plays host to A-list celebrities. Backstage passes and meet-and-greets with artists are also up for grabs as part of partnership benefits. Diamond members will also be entitled to receive special benefits at Bulldozer Group restaurants with the choice of premium dining experiences including Shanghai Me, Scalini and Gaia. The exclusive privileges don’t end there; during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place every November, Accor will host an exclusive F1 party and other exciting hospitality events for ALL members. “As an operator of dynamic nightlife venues and restaurants with a distinctive atmosphere, the Bulldozer Group is the perfect fit for Accor and what it has set out to achieve with ALL – Accor Live Limitless,” said Yigit Sezgin, Chief Commercial Officer, Accor Middle East & Africa. Evgeny Kuzin, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Bulldozer Group, said, “A limitless lifestyle is an important part of our core culture, an ideology that we promote and facilitate for all of our clients, and one of …

Luxury five-star hotel C Central Resort The Palm marks the beginning of 2020 with a milestone event – its grand opening in Dubai. A 203-key luxury beachfront hotel with magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf, C Central Resort The Palm is strategically located in Dubai’s iconic man-made island, home to some of Dubai’s top luxury resorts – the Palm Jumeirah. “We are pleased to launch C Central Resort The Palm, a rare gem that sparkles in the sea, where guests can truly experience privacy and beachfront living, unwind and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean,” says Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer of Central Hotels. “Our top clients are travellers and tourists from the CIS market, as well as guests from GCC & Middle East, Southeast Asia, Far East Asia, Europe and Latin America,” adds Basel Eshak Butrs, General Manager of C Central Resort The Palm. Featuring 192 spacious and well-equipped rooms, 11 stunning suites, four distinctly themed F&B outlets, a world-class spa & wellness centre, and a state-of-the-art gym, C Central Resort The Palm exemplifies a grand canvas of contemporary sophistication and luxurious tranquility. Both leisure and business travellers are in for something new & exciting. Within close proximity to prominent business districts, top attractions and the airports, the new hotel is the perfect address for modern travellers.

Meraas has announced a partnership with Hilton that will see three hotels at Al Seef operate under Hilton brands. Hilton will operate the Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef and Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Originally opened in 2018, the three hotels are located at Al Seef, the bustling waterfront destination by Meraas that blends traditional Arabesque scenery with a contemporary vibe, along the shore of Dubai Creek. Mukesh Sodani, Deputy CEO of Meraas, said, “To be collaborating with three Hilton brands is a testament to the diversity of the hospitality portfolio we have developed and delivered over the past decade in Dubai. It’s another example of how we continue to enhance the hospitality sector in Dubai and contribute to achieving the Emirate’s Tourism Vision 2020.” Commenting on the opening of these hotels, Rudi Jagersbacher, President for Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Hilton, said, “We are delighted to be adding these three spectacular hotels to our portfolio here in Dubai. Reflecting the best of both old and new Dubai, they are perfectly suited to our brand portfolio and are great additions to our existing properties in the city.” Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef offers contemporary hotel spaces featuring modern artwork in the lobby and public areas, a stylish restaurant featuring free hot breakfast and a bright aesthetic that provides a place to relax and recharge with comfortable spaces. The 200-room Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef is located in the heart of old Dubai and is home to a Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop bar. The property will undergo minor changes to its public space in Q1 2020 to create …

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman, Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman and Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche, organised a roundtable with a focus on the correlation between sustainability and profitability. The panel, composed of seven experts in the field of sustainability and hospitality shared their respective insights on the topic. With the theme ‘Sustainability: responsibility or profitability?’, they discussed the commercial advantages of different eco-friendly practices, and deliberated on the challenges of getting all industries on board. The discussion also included the importance of creating awareness across all stakeholders, aligning the company’s vision vis-à-vis the projected benefits, and the long-term financial gains of sustainable schemes and their effect on overall business model.   Iftikhar Hamdani, Cluster General Manager, The Ramada Hotel and Suites by Wyndham Ajman, highlighted, “Ramada Ajman has been campaigning for sustainability since 2012 and we have established an outstanding case study on its commercial benefits within our operations. We have an annual savings of AED120,000 from our zero landfill initiative, and  have proven that it is possible to have a profitable and socially-responsible business. Another point that we want to highlight is the value of staff retention in the success of any campaigns related to sustainability, which equates to higher profit for the business.” The other panellists are John Arnold, director of GreenGood Eco-Tech; Harbinder Singh, managing director of Sudeku; Rafik Kamel, director for franchise operations for Middle East and Africa of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Khadeeja Balkhi, CEO and editor-in-chief of The CSR Journal; Fraz Ajmal, chief services officer of Qissa’ Go.

Millennium Central Mafraq is now open for leisure and business travellers. Comprised of 242 rooms and apartments featuring modern Arabic décor and unmatched essence of traditional Arabian hospitality, the hotel includes 6 restaurants and bars, temperature-controlled swimming pool, designated gym and spa facilities for men and women, flood-lit tennis courts, children’s play area and a recreation centre. Managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, the fastest-growing hotel management company in the Middle East & Africa, the hotel is the second property to join the newest brand addition to Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio ‘Millennium Central’ after Millennium Central Downtown in Dubai. Osama Ibrahim, General Manager of Millennium Central Mafraq, said, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Millennium Central Mafraq that represents a one of a kind oasis. The hotel provides comfort, relaxation and entertainment with customised services to meet the different needs of all our guests.” Millennium Central Mafraq is perfectly set to attract both leisure and business travellers and demonstrates the brand concept and positioning of being centrally located. It is just 5-minutes away from Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, 10 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 15 minutes away from Abu Dhabi landmarks including Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island and 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi City.

Millennium Resort Salalah announces its partnership with Fly Dubai. This partnership is aimed at promoting the laudable services of the resort and the airlines, and to boost tourism in the region at the same time. The partnership favors not only guests but also the airline staff with several benefits, offering them a convenient and hassle-free travel experience. Fly Dubai passengers and the airline staff can take advantage of the facilities that come along with this partnership. Starting with a complimentary airport transfer, to a 24-hour check-in check out, guests won’t have to shell out an extra dime to avail these conveniences. Along with this, up to two kids can go free with one adult. Commenting on the partnership with Amr Hussein, Fly Dubai, General Manager of Millennium Resort Salalah, said, “Our partnership with Fly Dubai comes as part of our striking efforts in building tactical partnerships intended to drive footfall to our resort. The association does not limit the benefits just to the Fly Dubai passengers, but it also allows the airline staff to enjoy the same complimentary facilities. Upon their stay, the guests will enjoy incredible hospitality and an unforgettable stay experience at our resort. We are positive about this partnership and are looking forward to receiving more bookings in the following months.” Further, Hussein commented, “We are excited about this strategic partnership that will not only help to boost passenger booking but will also allow Millennium Resort Salalah to endorse its exemplary property and services. Allowing the passengers to enjoy a 24-hour check-in check out with few more added benefits, fittingly promotes both partners.”

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA will be taking over operations of Mafraq Hotel Abu Dhabi and reflagging it as Millennium Central Mafraq as of January 1, 2020. Comprised of 242 rooms and apartments featuring modern Arabic décor and unmatched essence of traditional Arabian hospitality, the hotel is the second property to join the newest brand addition to Millennium Hotels & Resorts portfolio ‘Millennium Central’. ‘Millennium Central’ is created with a focus on the details that makes a difference to its guests’ stay – what makes it convenient, efficient and enjoyable. The brand pillars focus on location, quality, convenience and urban living with an emphasis on centrally located properties that embody all the standards of excellence and consistency from an international hotel brand and yet retain an independent spirit. Kevork Deldelian, Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa, said, “We are delighted to announce the second hotel that will operate under Millennium Central brand after Millennium Central Downtown in Dubai. Millennium Central Mafraq is perfectly set to attract both leisure and business travellers and comes in line with our strategic expansion plan to double our portfolio within the upcoming five years.” Abdulla Mohamed Almazrouei, Chairman of The National Investor, said, “Our company aims to develop leading luxurious and cosmopolitan projects that are environmentally and culturally friendly, and we look forward to a great relationship with Millennium Hotels and Resorts to bring to light innovative concepts that provide an exceptional experience to our guests.”

Copthorne Kuwait City Hotel is to be rebranded to Millennium Central Downtown Kuwait starting from January 2019. Focusing on essential hospitality pillars such as location, quality, convenience and urban living, the launch of Millennium Central in Kuwait comes in line with Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA plans that aim to redefine the guest’s experience positively and thus increase brand loyalty. ‘Millennium Central’ is a new brand introduced to Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA portfolio this year to emphasis the distinctive features of centrally located properties that embody all the standards of excellence and consistency from an international hotel brand and yet retain an independent spirit. The new brand is set to highlight features such as a unique location; a hassle-free and prime quality service, convenience to work and unwind at the same time; unique spaces for business meetings, creative brainstorming or social gatherings; and convenient meal options like food on the go. Millennium Central’s tailor-made services will cater to the needs of frequent business travellers looking for a short stay that is approximate of major commercial, business and trade hubs. Alaa Selim, General Manager at Millennium Central Downtown Kuwait, said, “We look forward to providing excellent services and to go beyond our guests’ expectations in term of quality as we have always done. We will strive further to position Millennium Central Downtown Kuwait as a destination of choice for business and leisure travellers alike.”

Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched its second voco hotel voco Al Khobar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in partnership with KSA-based developer Wasata Al Wosta Real Estate Co. offering a spacious, modern, stylish and unstuffy hotel experience for guests, voco Al Khobar boasts 130 rooms, embodies the characteristics of voco with exclusive features and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay. Every guest will experience the voco signature ‘come on in’ warm welcome, promising a swift and simple check in, with every room equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, executive desks and in-room refreshments. So guests can relax and indulge in some ‘me time’ when they stay at voco. For those looking for an alternative space for meetings, the hotel offers all the facilities to cater to a wide range of events with 11 meeting spaces from  small and smart meetings, workshops, weddings and banquets, while also fitting up to 410 guests at Al Sultana ballroom. The hotel is an ideal destination for those wanting to escape the hectic city life and unwind in a haven of ultimate relaxation. The impressive health club also features a spa, with five lush treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and two fully equipped fitness centres, assigned separately for men and women. M. Allaf, Area General Manager – IHG, said, “Whether guests are staying or dining, we look forward to giving everyone a warm welcome when they arrive at voco Al Khobar. We want all of our guests to take a moment for themselves to recharge and unwind and enjoy the personal service the voco brand is renowned for.”