Category Archives: Hotels

Marriott International has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah together with the Diriyah Company. Expected to open in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah is anticipated to bring the brand’s legendary service and exquisite design to the cultural destination.  Plans for the hotel include 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, and fitness center. A kids club with the brand’s signature Ritz Kids offering, a signature spa and other immersive guest programmes are also expected to be offered. The event was attended by Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International and Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company along with senior members from both organisations. During the official visit, representatives visited the site of Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, which is expected to be the first hotel to open within Diriyah in 2024.  Bab Samhan will reflect the Najdi culture through its design and hospitality and will feature transformational experiences and destination-rooted authenticity. Design plans for the property include 135 guestrooms, including 27 suites, two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool, and spa. “We continue to witness great progress across our portfolio within Diriyah and look forward to bringing our cherished and celebrated brands to one of the world’s most anticipated cultural and heritage cities,” commented Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. Along with The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Marriott International and Diriyah have previously announced the signings of an EDITION Hotel and a Moxy Hotel. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company added “Diriyah is so much …

The iconic Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah reopens its doors revealing a stunning transformation. After an extensive refurbishment, the resort has unveiled 203 keys, including 149 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 54 suites with breathtaking views. The newest chapter of the renowned luxury hotel has begun, as the resort ¬ welcomes guests to live unforgettable once again. Also refurbished during the transformation are the nine restaurants and lounges, the spa and wellness center, extensive outdoor space for private events and weddings, and the resort’s golden masterpiece, the legendary six-meter Waldorf Astoria clock in the heart of the lobby. This stunning clock showcases pearlized domed glass dial with a captivating aquamarine center, complemented by gold-plated Whitehurst 7-day mechanical movement. Paying homage to its Arabic roots, it features rotating prayer rings for precise prayer times. Crafted by Smith of Derby over eight months with three tones of metal, steel, and champagne gold, it bears an inscription from ancient Bedouin songs for added historical significance. The Clock, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah One of the most notable changes to the resort’s footprint is the new look of the guestrooms and suites. The design of the spacious and well-appointed suites, with notes of greens and blues inspired by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, meet the needs of today’s luxury travelers, with unparalleled experiences and elevated personalized service. An exciting stay awaits the resort’s smallest guests with a junior check-in, special amenities and a dedicated children’s club with a varied, fun-filled program. In addition, the resort’s unique concierge program, Little Hotelier, allows children to step into the world of hospitality for a day and learn new skills while creating beautiful memories during their stay. …

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East successfully concluded its 6th Annual ROC Commercial Strategy Conference, the last of the Global, Commercial Strategy Conferences after London, Toronto, Singapore, India, and Korea. The event’s theme was around Connect Evolve Lead. Connect: Phil Bedford, MSc, Asentiv Worldwide, shared an inspiring keynote on networking in the hotel industry. Evolve: Steven van Belleghem, a Customer Experience Enthusiast spoke about the story of evolution and the infusion of genuine Customer Culture. Lead: Michael Dominguez, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) spoke about The Importance of Culture, Understanding the importance of humility and starting with building the right team members. The HSMAI conference was a remarkable gathering of minds, highlighted by global keynote speakers whose insights were both relevant and thought-provoking. The conference also featured engaging roundtable discussions that fostered dynamic exchanges of ideas providing attendees with key take-home messages on the latest trends and strategies in the industry, emphasizing innovation, customer engagement, and future-forward thinking. The ROC Star Awards held during the second day of the conference, acknowledged three top talents nominated by their peers for their exemplary achievements and influence in the hospitality sector. Nine nominations were selected by the advisory boards from a total of 41 submissions. Outside of UAE, 50% of submissions this year were received from KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq making this a truly regional awards program acknowledging the efforts, innovation and performance of our on-property executives. The 2023 ROC Star winners are Linda Mwaffak, Commercial Director, Conrad Dubai, Abhay Bishnoi, Director of Revenue Management at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Laurence Desirée Klett, Director of Marketing Communications & Sustainability, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Each winner received …

Pulse Hotels & Resorts is targeting the GCC market with a range of unique and exclusive experiences curated for the regions’ avid traveller base, available across its luxury resorts for the festive season. Working with its partners at dnata, the hospitality group is unveiling exclusive offers and a range of experiences across its resorts – Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives and The Nautilus Maldives – for a tropical festive season on Maldivian private isles for 2023/24. Highlights include: Nova Maldives: Exclusive winter offer with dnata Travel In partnership with dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest serving travel provider, Nova has launched an all-inclusive holiday package with exclusive benefits for dnata’s travellers across the GCC, available this winter. In addition to the extensive range of activities and dining available to guests at Nova, dnata guests can enjoy the following, complimentary benefits: a VIP arrival experience with Manta Comfort Lounge Access, a Sunset Cruise, and enhanced in-villa minibar, to make the most of the stylish and spacious overwater and beach villas included in their stay. Nova’s ‘Aqua Utopia’-themed festive celebrations begin on 22 December 2023 with a Christmas Tree Lighting and Barefoot White Party. On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner are included in a guests’ stay. Festivities continue through to December 31, with highlights including a Full Moon Dinner & Party (26 December) and a New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party (31 December). GCC travellers can make the most of up to 26% savings applicable on stays over five nights starting from 24 December 2023 to 10 January 2024. Rates start from AED 3,573 per accommodation per night. For bookings, access www.nova-maldives.com Kandima Maldives: ‘Holoworld’ events starting from 22nd  December A …

Stella Stays revealed that 81% of residents and guests are Millennials or GenZ according to their latest data showcasing trends in purchasing power and behavioural profiles from Gen Z and Millennials renters amidst real estate industry shifts, with this audience base constituting 46% of the global population and growing. The company’s data showcases that 81% of residents and guests at Stella Stays residences are Millennials and Gen Z, the next-generation renters. With the steadfast rising cost of becoming a homeowner, Millennials and GenZ often turn to renting, despite it being a tedious and inconvenient process by traditional means, rife with inconsistencies, untrustworthy rates, lack of flexibility and limited experiences. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, Stella Stays redefines renting from a commodity to a horizontally integrated experience that appeals to the same target audience as other tech-enabled services like Careem, Talabat, Apple and Netflix. This is achieved by offering a tech-driven flexible living platform including furnished apartments with versatile payment options including cryptocurrency, designer interiors, prime locations, community spaces and year-round modern services – mirroring the convenience of a hotel in a residential space and eradicating the inconveniences synonymous with traditional rentals. The tech-savvy, trendy and well-traveled next-gen renters view living as an experience rather than a commodity. They prefer features such as technology, indoor and outdoor community spaces, and enhanced design facets, and Stella Stays listened. From smart home systems to design upgrades with modern touches, the company prioritizes modern aesthetics and functionality. The residences’ appeal extends beyond the physical features; Stella Stays strategically creates living spaces that are social media friendly and invests in design upgrades to captivate the “Instagram-able” lifestyle of its major audience. Collaborating …

Tilal Liwa Abu Dhabi wins ‘Best Desert Resort’ title at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023.  Diana Kornilakis, General Manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel shared, “The team of Arabian Travel Awards did an amazing job, the planning and execution of the event was spotless. Winning the Arabian Travel Award is a validation of hard work, dedication and excellence in the travel industry. It is a pride to be recognized and appreciated by peers and industry experts. Winning an award is a motivation to continuously strive for excellence. It inspires to maintain high standards and push boundaries in the hospitality field.”  

Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is slated to open by Q1 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. Overlooking the River Nile, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi will be located within five kilometres of Cairo’s most popular attractions, including the Church of the Virgin Mary, Hanging Church, the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the Coptic Museum. Cairo International Airport CAI is 28 kilometres away. The hotel will offer several restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.

Dubai’s Jumeirah Group announced its plans to expand its brand presence in Asia, Europe and US whilst doubling its portfolio by 2030, building on its strength in the UAE and further expanding into key global markets. Plans include upweighting its presence in Europe, leveraging its strong base in London, Capri, Mallorca and Geneva to acquire luxury properties in other major cities as well as exploring opportunities in the US. The Group will also look to capitalise on the strong growth potential of the Asia Pacific market to extend its current reach beyond its properties in China, Bali and the Maldives. The growth plans are part of Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 strategy which will also see an evolution of the brand with a renewed focus on delivering distinct guest experiences and new ancillary businesses to complement its ultra luxury positioning.  Launching in 2024, this will include the integration of wellness into the entire guest journey based on the principles of lifelong learning, longevity and inclusivity, as well as a re-imagined family experience with a focus on education, self-discovery, environmental stewardship, cultural immersion and the arts. Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, commented: “The luxury landscape continues to evolve in response to consumer demand, particularly from younger millennial and Gen Z audiences, and as a brand we need to continually innovate to stay relevant.  Mission 2030 is a strategic plan that is designed to evolve the Jumeirah brand from a regional success story to a global leader in ultra luxury hospitality. It focuses on four key areas – international expansion, brand and product development, operational excellence and ancillary business – with an overall aim to sustainably double the size of our …

Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour is slated to open by Q1 2024 with 96 suites and two penthouses. The highly anticipated opening is part of the Bahrain Financial Harbour, a commercial waterfront development located in Bahrain Bay. With 96 suites and two penthouses, the property will provide an exceptional location for hotel guests and residents to enjoy spectacular coastal views of the Arabian Gulf while being conveniently located in the heart of the capital city’s up-and-coming business and residential district.

Swissotel Al Murooj Dubai won ‘Best 5 Star Business Hotel’ at the sixth edition of the most coveted industry awards, the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Amro Nagah – General Manager – Swissotel Al Murooj shared, “This award, gives me the confidence to go back to my team and celebrate with them and make sure that we provide a superior service to every individual, which again gives us self confidence with this prestigious award and we are really honoured to have won it.”