Category Archives: Hotels

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with South African real estate company, Millat Properties, for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Cape Town. Hyatt Regency Cape Town, a 137-room hotel, is expected to open in December 2020, bringing the total number of Hyatt-branded hotels across Africa to eight, with two in South Africa. Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with South African real estate company, Millat Properties, to open the first Hyatt hotel in Cape Town. Hyatt Regency Cape Town, a 137-room hotel, is expected to open in December 2020, bringing the total number of Hyatt hotels across Africa to eight, with two in South Africa. The new Hyatt Regency Cape Town will be rebranded from the former Hilton Cape Town City Centre. Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa, Hyatt said, “As a premier destination, Cape Town has been a top goal for us to have a Hyatt hotel, and we believe there is meaningful potential for further growth in South Africa. Hyatt Regency Cape Town is a key element of our strategy to grow thoughtfully in markets where we know our guests are travelling.” Hamza Farooqui, Chief Executive Officer of Millat Properties said, “Millat will extensively refurbish the hotel – prior to reopening – using renowned international interior designers, LW Design. Knowing Hyatt and Millat share equally high standards around the guest experience, we are delighted to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to life in this iconic location.” “The news of a Hyatt-branded property opening within the City of Cape Town is a welcome addition to the tourism sector and is a positive …

Palm Fountain at The Pointe has secured the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Fountain after a breathtaking launch streamed live across the world. The magical show was attended by distinguished guests, residents and tourists, who watched in awe as The Palm Fountain broke the record in tune to an exclusive song – Dubai is another planet, produced to reflect the city’s vibrant and inspirational spirit. A celebration of Dubai’s creativity and ambition, The Palm Fountain is spread over 14,000 sqft of sea wáter and is the only multi-coloured fountain in the city. Its super shooter stands tall at 105 metres and comes alive with over 3,000 LED lights. Omar Khoory, Managing Director of Nakheel Malls, which operates The Pointe, said, “This is an historic moment which further underscores our commitment to bringing new and unique experiences to the city for the benefit of all stakeholders. As pioneers of retail and lifestyle destinations in Dubai, we look forward to the inspiration it will bring to visitors at The Pointe, residents of the UAE, our retailers, tourists and the international community.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Securing another Guinness World Records™ title for Dubai further solidifies the city’s status as a must-visit destination where guests from around the world can experience the best sights and sounds as well as unrivalled retail and tourist spaces. The Pointe’s standing as one of Dubai’s premier dining and leisure destinations has been further elevated with the unveiling of this record-breaking new attraction and we look forward to welcoming the many new tourists who will visit.” Shaddy Gaad, Senior Marketing Manager – MENA, Guinness World Records, said, “GWR …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the launch of a new brand, Radisson Individuals. Radisson Individuals is a conversion brand that offers independent hotels and local, regional chains the opportunity to be part of the global Radisson Hotel Group platform, benefit from the Group’s international awareness and experience, with the freedom to maintain their own uniqueness and identity. Radisson Individuals hotels are selected for their own characteristics and personalities, offering guests an opportunity to discover new locations around the world, while always delivering Radisson Hotel Group’s high standards of quality and “Yes I Can!” service hospitality, combined with the local flavors and personality of the member hotels. Radisson Individuals represents an exceptional opportunity for hotels to enhance their visibility, nurture customer confidence, and access a wider audience through multiple distribution channels and a global sales structure. These hotels will benefit from the contracting power and economies of scale that come from a brand that is trusted by millions of guests across the globe as well integrated IT and revenue platforms, and comprehensive operational systems to deliver high GOP margins. In addition, Radisson Hotel Group has signed ten new hotels across EMEA in Q3 2020 in the UK, Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Egypt, and Nigeria. The new signings build on the 15 hotel signings which were announced in Q2 2020 and re-affirm the Group’s commitment to its owners, employees, guests and partners, and its ambitious five-year development plan. Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its new brand architecture and further strengthen its presence across EMEA. Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development Middle East, Pakistan, Greece and Cyprus, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “The launch of this exclusive affiliation brand is a bold and innovative conversion …

Marriott International’s commitment to Clean and Global Cleanliness Council, Marriott has introduced digital content about redefined processes and reimagined spaces guided by cleanliness experts and best practices to help hosts, organisers and attendees plan and execute meetings and connect with confidence. Recognised as an industry leader for quality and exacting standards for over 93 years, Marriott is introducing changes which include enhanced sanitation guidelines, new operational training for associates, and increased use of conference technologies to ensure that customers are able to come together when they are ready. Meeting planners may now reference a series of new materials including customer stories and resources that provide additional context and information for designing successful events in the current environment. Available on MarriottBonvoyEvents.com, these tools illustrate Marriott’s approach to delivering high-quality meeting experiences across its full portfolio of hotels and resorts. “Our Commitment to Clean is guiding everything from how we keep our guests and associates safe to how we begin to welcome back event and meetings business across Europe, Middle East & Africa,” said Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International, EMEA. “Our Global Cleanliness Council is working with us to tackle the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and what that means for an event or meeting at a hotel. Having experts in the area of hygiene, food safety, infectious disease, and infection prevention has been enormously beneficial in helping us think through everything we can do to support organisations as they begin to envision, plan and execute future meetings and events of all sizes.”

Accor announced its continued action to lead the hospitality industry with the most stringent cleaning standards and operational procedures concentrated on guest safety. Following operational disruptions stemming from COVID-19, Accor has successfully reopened most of its hotels with 95% of them having already adopted the Group’s trusted ALLSAFE cleanliness and hygiene protocols jointly developed with Bureau Veritas. To date, Accor has successfully certified 65% of these hotels with the ALLSAFE label through a third-party review and accreditation process with professional auditors like Bureau Veritas, SGS, Clifton and Ecolab, and is working to have additional hotels independently verified as ALLSAFE compliant over the coming months. “At Accor, we are grateful for the trust our guests have placed in us to protect their health, safety and wellbeing and this is a responsibility we prioritise above all else,” said Chris Cahill, Deputy CEO Hotel Operations. “Throughout this difficult year, our hotel teams have risen to the challenge of enhancing their already stringent protocols and following increased public safety regulations while continuing to welcome, safeguard and take care of others; this remains at the very heart of what we do and who we are as hoteliers.” “Rolling out the ALLSAFE Program in our region has been a priority for us since its launch”, said Mark Willis, CEO Middle East & Africa. As we continue to welcome our guests with all the joy and expectation that travel brings, we want to ensure we keep them, and our team members, as safe and protected as we can along their journey.”

Ascott has launched its new ‘Discover ASR’ mobile app for members of its loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR). The new mobile app will unlock a world of conveniences for ASR members, providing greater value and flexibility to enhance their experience with Ascott. The ‘Discover ASR’ mobile app acts as a one-stop 24/7 digital concierge for ASR members, who can search for special deals and book their stay at about 200 participating properties in over 25 countries and more than 85 cities through the mobile app. This includes Ascott’s properties within the Middle East and Turkey: Ascott Park Place Dubai, Citadines Metro Central Dubai, AscottTahlia Jeddah, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residence Jeddah, AscottRafalOlaya Riyadh, AscottCorniche Al Khobar, Somerset Panorama Muscat, Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain, Somerset West Bay Doha, and Somerset Maslak Istanbul. Kevin Goh, CapitaLand’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging and Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Across our multiple lodging brands, Ascott provides a home away from home for a wide demographic of guests with varying lengths of stay. With the mobile app, ASR members are empowered to shape their own stay experiences through a unified platform in a convenient and effective way.” From a global perspective, Goh further added, “Ascott’s adoption of technology has boosted our operational efficiencies and allowed us to deliver greater value to our business partners and customers. The use of unmanned service robots and self check-in kiosk with facial recognition have enabled us to minimise physical contact while continuing to provide seamless services to guests amid COVID-19.” Discussing further on the launch of the ASR app, Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s Managing Director, Brand & Marketing, said, “Our members will get to …

Ultimate sunset destination to launch this week with beachside dining and nightlife options, entertainment and water-sport activities for all visitors. Get set to ‘bring on the beach’ with an iconic new addition to the shores of Palm Jumeirah – Palm West Beach by Nakheel Malls, the retail arm of master developer Nakheel. Offering a range of premium licensed hotels and restaurants and sea view vistas, the destination promises to be the ultimate sunset spot in Dubai. Opening to the public later this week, Palm West Beach will be home to the ultimate UAE staycation the entire family can enjoy with all-day beachfront entertainment, water sports, and the best Dubai skyline views. The walkable waterfront destination comprises 1.6km of promenade and beachfront. Palm West Beach is pet friendly, and home to a stunning tree lined promenade, with 300 palm trees which will illuminate the walking and running trail in the evening. Bring on the beach at a true play and stay concept destination, where visitors can enjoy round the clock fun on morning runs, lazy beachfront breakfasts, cosying up with a favourite book, building sandcastles, and picture-perfect sunsets, at Palm West Beach. Visitors can choose from an array of water view restaurants including: the recently opened – Koko Bay, and the upcoming Jones The Grocer, Aprons and Hammers, Lucky Fish, Señor Pico, Orange Chameleon, among others. Palm West Beach will also include eight 5-star Hotels: Fairmont The Palm, Five Palm Jumeirah, SOHO Palm Jumeirah, Adagio Aparthotels, Byblos, Hilton Palm Jumeirah, and One Palm. Visitors to Palm West Beach can enjoy an action-packed selection of water sports including kayaking, VR diving, stand-up paddle boarding, electric hydrofoil surfing, sea bikes, Catamarans and more. …

Grand Heights Hotel Apartments is open and ready to welcome guests seeking the convenience of modern hotel-apartment living. Grand Heights Hotel Apartments has officially opened in Dubai’s dynamic Barsha Heights district, making an exciting new addition to hotel-apartment living in the heart of the city. Ideally located close to Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road and major transport services, including the Dubai Metro, Grand Heights Hotel Apartments features 184 fully equipped studios and one-bedroom apartments. Each generously sized apartment boasts modern furnishings and amenities. A refrigerator, electric hotplate, microwave and washing machine can be found in the kitchen, while the living space offers flat screen TVs and a comfortable seating area, making the apartments ideal for guests who appreciate home conveniences. Managed by property developer, The First Group, Grand Heights Hotel Apartments is ideal for guests seeking affordable high-quality accommodation in a prime location. Guests will enjoy convenient access to Dubai’s major attractions and key business districts such as Media City and Internet City which are just minutes away. “Grand Heights Hotel Apartments is perfect for individuals that want to have all of the comforts of home in a prime, central location. Whether guests are planning a short trip to Dubai or are looking for a place to call home for the long term, they will enjoy unrivalled convenience and value with us. Recently, we have seen an increase in demand for fully serviced apartments, with individuals moving away from traditional yearly apartment leases and opting for the convenience of hotel apartment rentals that include all utilities as well as flexible payment options,” commented David Thomson, Vice President of TFG Hotel Management Company.

Atlantis, The Palm announced that it will be offering all its global guests who stay five nights or more the opportunity to claim back the cost of their respective countries’ departure PCR test from now until 30th April, 2021.With many travellers still required to conduct a PCR test before arriving into the UAE, Atlantis, The Palm is giving back the full cost of the tests for two guests per room staying five nights or more to spend as in-resort credit. This means that for a PCR test that costs up to US$190 (AED 700) each, two guests will receive the full amount of the test back to spend on anything in-resort including food and beverage, spa or marine and waterpark experiences. Speaking about this latest development, Timothy Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis Dubai, said, “We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our customers during this challenging time. We would like to continue to make the travels of our international guests easier by giving back the cost of their home country’s departure PCR test to spend on a range of amazing in-resort activities and experiences. We hope this will continue to reduce any travel inconveniences and encourage more guests from across the globe to visit Dubai’s premier entertainment destination.” Kelly added, “We look forward to our guests relishing every moment of their time spent at Atlantis, The Palm as we strive to implement innovative ways to welcome them in a socially responsible way. To further ensure this, Atlantis, The Palm has been granted the internationally certified safeguard label by Bureau Veritas as well as issued the safety seal of approval by the Dubai government – the …

Marriott Bonvoy is kicking off a Week of Wonders from October 8 – 15, 2020. The celebration is aimed at bringing members joy and happiness by encouraging travel and providing an opportunity to experience the pleasures of travel in their own homes. Each day this week will feature a different Wonder with themes such as inspiration, comfort, discovery, rejuvenation and delight. These Wonders will include great travel offers globally at renowned brands that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels and Autograph Collection.  “We are all yearning for the time when we can freely travel again and explore the world,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty, Marriott International. “With Week of Wonders, we are bringing our best offers, content and experiences across the entire Marriott Bonvoy portfolio to inspire travellers to dream of travel or recreate their favourite travel experiences at home.”