Category Archives: Hotels

Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah has opened on the south bank of Dubai Creek. The property is spread across 10 clusters of Arabian Bayts (homes), tucked away amidst the rooftops and courtyards of a souk, offering guests tales of history and culture at every turn. With views down into the alleyways of the souk or out across the busy waterways of the Creek and a restaurant Saba’a, guests can book to stay from just AED 250 plus government fees and taxes as an introductory opening offer. The hotel has a unique Emirati-inspired design. The Arabian Bayts provide areas of personal peacefulness interspersed amongst the vibrant walkways within the hotel grounds – very much like the old neighbourhoods of decades passed. Further traditions of Emirati culture come to life behind the rough plastered walls, such as palm frond motifs, wooden ceilings and windows with traditional wooden panels that overlook the winding outdoor corridors of the Souk or Creek. The interiors of the 180 rooms and 10 suites reflect an age of pearl trading and Emirati crafts with a colour palette inspired by the UAE’s natural environment. Historical artefacts adorn the walls, with furnishings including old-style light switches, rotary dial phones, hanging oil lanterns and framed photographs of the souk and creek through the years – a visual exploration of the heritage of Arabia. Alessandro Cabella, Area General Manager, Jumeirah Group, said, “Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah is a real passion project. Everyone involved in bringing this idea to fruition has been inspired by the prospect of offering our guests a unique and authentic experience inspired by the stories of Arabia. Everything within the property adds to the authenticity of the environment …

Millenium Hotels has signed an agreement with Hotelbeds Group that grants all of the Hotelbeds Group brands (Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, Tourico Holidays and GTA) with direct real-time access to over 1.4 million of Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ annual room nights in more than 60 global business and leisure travel destinations. The pact will strengthen Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ distribution through Hotelbeds’ presence in more than 140 markets, spanning a wide range of channels including airlines, MiCE operators, point redemption schemes, retail travel agencies and tour operators representing over 60,000 travel distributors. Mark Redmond, Head – Global Chains, Hotelbeds Group, commented: “We are delighted to be connecting to Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ global hospitality offering. This will be a strong relationship in delivering special rates and availability across the MHR portfolio to our clients, while giving MHR access to higher-margin, niche segments of the travel market.” Also, Nayan Peshkar, Senior Vice President, Digital, Distribution and Revenue Strategy, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are pleased to be working with Hotelbeds. This supports the Group’s wider distribution strategy of reducing reliance on static rate and room agreements in the leisure segment.”

BYHOURS has officially launched in Manama, enabling users to select the desired check-in time to hotel rooms at any time during the day. The platform allows users to book hotel rooms in sets of three, six or twelve-hour timeslots. BYHOURS offers such flexibility in hotel stays in more than 3000 hotels in 25 countries across Europe, Latin America and the GCC region. This start-up is the first to introduce the concept of micro-stays and a pay-per-use finance scheme in the international travel and hospitality industry. It is aimed at international business travellers’ in-between meetings and for travellers spending time in cities for short layovers.

Ghaya Grand has announced its participation at WTM in London with a host of new activities to entice the UK market. Speaking about the event, Olwin De Souza, General Manager, Ghaya Grand, stated that a record-breaking number of travellers, totaling 15.79 million flew to Dubai last year, with the UK being the third-largest source of tourists. At Ghaya Grand Hotel, UK guests attract the largest number for our luxury serviced apartments, with numbers steadily increasing for short stay guests, checking into our hotel rooms. The UK market, along with other strong European markets, such as the German and Dutch market, contributed to an increase of 15 per cent growth over last year at Ghaya Grand Hotel. While there have been higher visitors from other top source markets such as China and the Middle East, the UK remains one of the most important feeder markets to the hotels in Dubai. De Souza reiterated that at this year’s WTM participation, they hope to meet with their existing and new travel partners to showcase their five-star model at Ghaya Grand Hotel and share their success story. We would like to reach out to partners on our journey of creating memorable experiences for guests; which they like to share with family, friends and other global travellers to Dubai. Our aim is to consolidate relations built with existing agents and interact with new agents and suppliers, to improve the number of visitors coming to Dubai and especially to Ghaya Grand Hotel.”

Marriott International has announced Courtyard by Marriott in Dubai’s prominent residential and business area of Al Barsha. Featuring flexible spaces to work, network and relax, Courtyard by Marriott Al Barsha provides the ideal destination for travellers looking to stay connected, productive and balanced while on the road. Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, said, “Courtyard by Marriott represents one of the fastest growing brands in the region under our portfolio and we are delighted to be opening our third Courtyard in the UAE.”  He further added, “The brand is a great fit for the Al Barsha area, which is a prominent business area in the city.” Courtyard by Marriott Al Barsha features 216 spacious and light-filled guest rooms with a modern design, plush bedding and flexible workspaces. The hotel’s state-of-the-art lobby provides an innovative space where guests can work or relax, along with easy access to the latest news, weather and airport conditions via its GoBoard technology. Food and beverage offerings at the hotel include flavours, an all-day dining outlet catering to all tastes and moods, and the Star Buzz Lounge for those looking for a comfortable setting to connect and collaborate. For guests looking to sit back and relax, the hotel’s Upyard Rooftop Bar offers the ideal venue to soak in the views of Dubai’s mesmerising skyline while the Oak Bar provides a contemporary setting with a variety of beverages and snacks. Additional features in the property include three flexible meeting rooms, a fully-equipped fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.

Dubai International Hotel has been officially certified by Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as a five-star hotel in accordance with the standards set by Dubai’s principal tourism authority. The 5-star rating is a reflection of the high standards of features, facilities and services offered at the 530-room hotel located with Dubai International Airport. Khalid Hussain Mohammad – Supervisor, Abdulla Abbas Saleh – Inspector, Abdul Rahman Khalifa Alsuwaidi – Head of Inspection Unit and Bader Abdulla Mohammad – Deputy Director of Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) presented the plaque to Ranjan Nadarajah Managing Director and Avinash Menon, General Manager, Dubai International Hotel. Dubai Tourism recognises Dubai as a leading tourism destination and a global commercial hub, and Dubai International Hotel continues to substantially contribute to this world-class standard. Part of Dubai Airport Authority, the multi-award winning luxury hotel caters to a myriad of international travellers each day, offering the finest hospitality standards and state-of-the-art facilities. The hotel features eight restaurants and bars, Ahlan Business Class and First Class Lounges, Timeless Spa treatment rooms and bespoke Ahlan Meet & Greet Services. Ranjan Nadarajah, Managing Director, commented at the ceremony, “We are honoured to receive this recognition. Being located within Dubai Airports, Terminal 1 and 3, we are the window to this multi-cultural city and a traveller’s first and often, only impression. For the past 18 years, we have worked in tandem with Dubai Tourism and Dubai Airports to keep Dubai relevant on the world map.”

Petra’s popular Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel has officially reopened, comprising 90 rooms decorated in natural tones and featuring modern showers and attractive tile flooring. As part of the renovation, a new Bedouin tent has been built where traditional Jordanian cuisine and Arabic coffee are served, while the revised layout at the Nadeem Bar & Terrace promises impressive views of Mount Aroun, the area’s highest peak. The property is located in the rolling hills of the Rift Valley, close to Jordan’s most visited attraction – the ancient city of Petra, also known as the ‘Red Rose City’.  The property has also introduced new tailor-made experiences such as mountain-view bonfires that really bring Jordan’s magic to life – perfect for special occasions or small family gatherings. Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel is located just 10 minutes from the entrance to Petra – a 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’. Perched at an elevation of 1,400 metres and offering stunning vistas of the valley, it is an ideal – and inspirational – base for travellers discovering the ancient archaeological landscapes nearby.

Noor Bank and Jumeirah Group have announced partnership to launch a suite of premium rewards available to Noor Bank customers. As part of the roll-out, select retail banking clients will receive complimentary Jumeirah Sirius memberships that allow them to enjoy a range of exclusive experiences and privileges across Jumeirah’s extensive portfolio of luxury hotels, residences, resorts and restaurants around the world. The collaboration reinforces the bank’s commitment to introducing unique and innovative propositions, and providing its customers access to a wealth of value-added lifestyle privileges with leading loyalty reward partners. John Iossifidis, Chief Executive Officer, Noor Bank, said, “In line with our efforts to implement value-added services to enhance customer experiences, we are delighted to partner with Jumeirah Group to present this offer to our customers. The collaboration brings tangible benefits to Noor Bank clients as well as Jumeirah outlets across the globe, and will go a long way in establishing Noor Bank as the bank of choice.” Jose Silva, Chief Operating Officer, Jumeirah Group, said, “Partnering with Noor Bank enables Jumeirah to reach a new audience, which is an important step in achieving our Jumeirah Sirius growth goals and is of strategic importance. It represents more than just driving guest behaviour through incentives. It is a way for Jumeirah to build relationships and connect more meaningfully with our loyal guests, and is an opportunity to thank Noor Bank customers for choosing Jumeirah.”

Majid Al Futtaim celebrated the opening of Aloft City Centre Deira, Dubai, at an event attended by VIPs, media and influencers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The opening of the event took place in the presence of Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim – Holding, and Arne Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. Operated by Marriott International, Aloft City Centre Deira is the first hotel in the region to offer movie-themed suites, alongside a VOX Cinemas’ outdoor screen and the Aloft brand’s signature programming. The urban hotel is a lifestyle destination catering to both leisure and business travellers. Aloft City Centre Deira delivers a fresh approach from the traditional hotel landscape with its emphasis on a lively, in-hotel social scene, modern design, innovative music programming and thoughtful technology incorporated to enhance the guest experience. Jalil Mekouar, Chief Executive Officer – Hotels, Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, said, “I’m delighted to announce the official opening of Aloft City Centre Deira, our 13th hotel in the region, to the public. Majid Al Futtaim strives to create and deliver compelling experiences through our unique destinations, and together with Marriott International, we have launched a concept that is an integrated lifestyle development aimed at establishing a new benchmark for experiential travel in Dubai’s hospitality sector, offering more authentic and personalised experiences within one destination.”

Falconcity Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of an agreement with Oakwood Worldwide to operate the hotel and serviced apartments in the SAM Polaris and SAM Vega Pyramids. The signing was announced at the Cityscape Global exhibition in Dubai. The project is Oakwood Worldwide’s first undertaking in the UAE, which reflects Falconcity of Wonders (FCW’s) potential to attract leading players in the global hospitality industry to the UAE. The transaction was advised by Moon Hotel Management and Beaufort Global. The pyramid SAM Vega and the pyramid SAM Polaris form two out of three pyramids in the Pyramids Park and a part of the iconic Wonders of the World project within the magnificent Falconcity of Wonders and feature 1,500 and 290 units respectively. Both pyramids will have branded and furnished hotel and serviced apartments with associated leisure, F&B and retails offerings. Height of SAM Polaris is 94 metres with a total of 1,527 parking slots, while the 57 metres tall SAM Vega offers 490 parking slots. HE Salem Almoosa, Chairman and General Manager, Falconcity of Wonders LLC, said, “Our latest cooperation with Oakwood Worldwide to operate the hotel and serviced apartments in the SAM Polaris and SAM Vega Pyramids forms part of our continuing efforts to sustain global interest in Dubai’s real estate landscape. It also reflects the confidence of international hospitality players in Falconcity of Wonders’ potential to become a major landmark in Dubai and the region as a whole, presenting an extraordinary investment opportunity for investors looking to own remarkable properties in one of the world’s most popular real estate destinations.”