Category Archives: Hotels

Palladium Hotel Group will be the new official sponsor of Real Madrid Basketball. The Santiago Bernabéu stadium hosted the presentation of the agreement in the presence of the President of Real Madrid C.F., Florentino Pérez, and the CEO of Palladium Hotel Group, Abel Matutes Prats. The agreement, whereby Palladium Hotel Group will sponsor the shirt of Real Madrid Basketball’s first and second team, was confirmed with the signature of the directors and will be in force for the next three sports seasons. Perez referred to the agreement, “Today is a very important day for our basketball section. We link the real Madrid name to a prestigious company that will help us to be stronger and face new challenges in a stage that is already historic for our basketball team.” Prats stated, “Today is a historic day for Palladium Hotel Group and we are immensely proud of the trust that Real Madrid has shown in us. It’s a privilege to be associated with a club such as this one, and to do it with a legendary team like the basketball team”. Palladium Hotel Group’s sponsorship agreement with Real Madrid Basketball shows the great expansion of the group in recent years, as well as the efforts to reposition its brands and their identity. Due to this sponsorship agreement, the hotel group’s logo will appear on the official polo shirt of Real Madrid Basketball´s first team, both for the players and the technical team, as well as on the club’s kit. All these new designs will be available from September 18th in the official stores of Real Madrid, Adidas and other authorised establishments.

Hotelbeds announced a strategic alliance with Selina, one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the world. This strategic agreement will give Selina access to Hotelbeds’ large high-value distribution network made up of more than 60,000 travel agents, airlines, tour operators and loyalty programmes in more than 140 source markets worldwide. At the same time, Hotelbeds customers will have, from now on, access to the Selina hotel portfolio, consisting of more than 52 properties located mainly in Latin America, but also across Europe, with properties in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The hotel chain plans to open more than 35 locations in 2019, including upcoming openings in the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Chile, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Felipe Muñoz, Global Head of Sales for Selina, commented, “This alliance is very important for Selina as thanks to Hotelbeds we can have access to one of the largest B2B distribution networks, including both wholesale and retail, in the world.” Matias Elisavetsky, Regional Director of Sourcing for Hotelbeds in Americas, said, “Selina is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in Latin America, with plans to further expand its reach and become known not only in Latin America, but also the United States, Asia, and Europe.”

The Oberoi, Marrakech, which will open in December, has 84 spacious and luxurious rooms, suites and villas; 76 of which have large private pools and gardens. The resort is located on 28 acres of landscaped gardens, citrus orchards and olive groves with spectacular views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The resort is just 25 minutes from the Djema el-Fna square and the ancient walled city. Announcing the opening of the resort, P.R.S. Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group, said, “We look forward to extending the Oberoi Group’s presence in one of the world’s most exotic destinations. I am confident that The Oberoi, Marrakech, with its exceptional location, aesthetic design and committed team will offer the distinctive Oberoi service to travellers from around the world.” Adding to this, Fabien Gastinel, General Manager of the resort, said, “Every facility at The Oberoi, Marrakech is being planned to create a flawless experience for our guests. From the luxurious rooms to the dining options; all aspects of the resort will offer our guests unparalleled luxury with exceptional service which is warm, personalised and heartfelt.” The Oberoi, Marrakech has three restaurants featuring diverse international and Moroccan culinary experiences. The bar and the terrace overlook the extensive gardens and the Atlas Mountains. The Spa with an indoor pool is an oasis of peace and tranquility. A children’s activity centre is available for families. The resort has a 300 square metre function room and smaller meeting rooms for social and corporate events.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts announced the promotion of Kevork Deldelian to Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region effective immediately. Deldelian has been operating as the Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Hotels & Resorts for the MEA region since March 2017, and under his strategic leadership, the company witnessed rapid growth and came closer to doubling its portfolio since he took over. He also played a pivotal role in implementing several strategies to enhance productivity throughout all its divisions to maximise the revenues. He has introduced three new brands to the Middle East region, namely Millennium Place, a modern hotel concept that caters to the new generation of business and leisure travellers; Studio M, a chic urban hotel brand; and Millennium Central, which caters  to the corporate and business requirements of travellers. Deldelian has been recognised amongst the top 10 most influential hotel professionals and ranked eighth in the 2019 edition of the Hotelier Middle East Power 50, the only list that recognises and celebrates the top 50 most influential hotel professionals in the Middle East hospitality industry. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President of Millennium Hotels & Resorts, MEA, said, “Deldelian has efficiently managed the company’s operations since 2017 and has ensured ongoing success to the business. It is my pleasure to announce his promotion where he will be stepping into a greater role, and I look forward to working with him to continuously evolve Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and Africa.”

R Hotels announced the opening of Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR located along The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai. The hotel features 188 spacious family-friendly rooms and apartments and amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, a spa, and temperature-controlled outdoor pool. It also offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting facilities, a coffee shop, and a restaurant – Flavours – serving a wide range of international cuisines. The hotel’s easy access to the popular Jumeirah Beach and its many water sports activities lets guests enjoy a perfect beach holiday. Several leisure, dining, shopping, and entertainment options within the vicinity, as well as convenient connectivity, provide travellers many opportunities to explore Dubai. Commenting on the launch of the property, Sumair Tariq, Managing Director, R Hotels, said, “With the strong performance of our hotels, the addition of another Ramada hotel to our portfolio will help us achieve greater operational efficiencies for all of our properties. The brand is ideal for the hotel’s location and features spacious rooms and well-appointed suites which are suitable for all types of travellers.” Panos Loupasis, Vice President Development, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “R Hotels is an important partner for us, they share the same ambition for growth, have immense local expertise, and operate quality properties which deliver on our high standards for guest experience. We look forward to a continued fruitful relationship as we work to further expand our footprint of upper mid-scale hotels across the region.”

Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel scheduled to welcome its first guests in November this year, has appointed Amer Ammar as General Manager. Ammar will oversee the upcoming launch and daily operations of the new 360-key Avani hotel. Having worked in the hospitality sector for over 25 years, Ammar, an original native of Jordan, began his career in 1994. In 2001, he moved to Dubai where he worked in various operational leadership roles for Taj Palace and Coral International. In 2007, he joined Al Ghurair Group as Hospitality Manager and set up the hospitality division for the Group. He became General Manager for the first time with the pre-opening team of Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis in 2009. Between 2011 and 2015, Ammar was the General Manager at Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre, and subsequently Cluster General Manager for Premier Inn Abu Dhabi hotels. His last assignment prior to joining Avani Hotels & Resorts was General Manager at Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park. Developed by Nakheel, Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel is strategically located adjacent to the recently-opened Ibn Battuta Metro Link connected to Ibn Battuta Mall. The 18-storey hotel will feature a pool, a gym, an all-day dining restaurant, a coffee shop and car parking.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed a Management Agreement with real estate company RIKAZ Properties to develop its fourth Holiday Inn hotel in Al Khobar. Expected to open in January 2021, Holiday Inn Al Khobar King Fahd Road will be located in close proximity to the King Fahd Causeway, making it the ideal choice for leisure guests during holiday seasons as well as corporate guests looking for ease of connectivity to and from Bahrain. The 140-key property will feature an outdoor pool, a lobby lounge, food & beverage outlets and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said, “With a number of recent signings in Saudi Arabia, across our brands such as Holiday Inn, voco and Crowne Plaza, we are growing our presence in key cities and gearing up to cater to the needs of diverse guest profiles expected to visit the country in the coming years.” Khalid Al Gahtani, Chairman, RIKAZ Properties, added, “The Holiday Inn brand has an international appeal and we are confident that this latest hotel will perform successfully and cater to the increasing demand for midscale accommodation in the country.”

For most children, the first day of school is an exciting time complete with new clothes and back-to-school gear. But for kids in families where money is tight, the experience can be just opposite. To make a difference to deserving children at the start of the new school year, Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments Dubai will donate 100 colourful new backpacks containing essential school supplies to Dar Al Ber Society. Dar Al Ber is considered one of the first charities in UAE. It was established in Dubai in 1979 as a charity, cultural & social firm. Dar Al Ber Board of Directors has been formed according to the directives and decisions of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. “Supporting the students and communities where our hotels operate is an important element of who we are as a brand, that’s why we have partnered with a number of charities to support our goal of changing lives. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to go to school with dignity and hope” said Freddy Farid, Managing Director of Two Seasons Hotel Management. “We hope that this small act will help them put a smile on their faces knowing that someone cares. Our aim is to continue to strengthen our commitment and solidarity to the local community through such activities. The hotel is keen to implement community initiatives on a regular basis,” he said. Mohamed Abbas, the Director of Human Resources, represented Freddy Farid in handing over the school bags to Dar Al Ber Society team.  

Rene Mayer has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl. Educated at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, New York, he has been involved in the hotel industry from the age of 17. He established his career with several leading hotel groups in Europe, and eventually attained management positions at international companies such as InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. After moving to Asia in 2011 to assume the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at Sofitel Hanoi, he became the Director of Global Sales for Regent Hotels & Resorts in Taipei. Mayer spent the past five years with Fairmont Hotels in Indonesia, including Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali and Fairmont Jakarta. During that time, he was awarded the Sales Hotelier of the Year 2016 for the Asia-Pacific region at the BMW Hotelier Awards and the hotelier distinction as the Best Marketing Department in Indonesia and Asia Pacific at the International Hotelier awards. In addition, he was recognised by Linked-In in its 2017 “Power Profiles” awards as the most searched hotelier profile in Indonesia. “We are excited to have Mayer as part of Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi & Residences Emirates Pearl. I’m confident that our hotel will continue to grow under his leadership in the Sales & Marketing Department,” says Julien Gonzalvez, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl.

Gallery Suites Vacation Rentals, a subsidiary of the UAE-based IBC Group,  has joined hands with OYO Rooms for a deal valued at US $5 billion (Dh18 billion) to furnish and manage 10,000 premier holiday homes in Dubai. The partnership will manage a portfolio of elite properties in Dubai as uniquely furnished holiday homes that address a growing demand for exceptional short-term rental experiences in the Emirati city. According to a report released by Skift Research, the cumulative bookings market for short-term rentals will rise to an estimated $115 billion in 2019, up seven per cent  from about $107 billion in 2018. Gallery Suites and OYO Rooms seek to emerge as the service providers of choice for the exclusive end of this burgeoning market in Dubai. The properties being furnished and managed by the partnership are focused within locations rated ‘high’ in the ‘occupancy heat map’ used to illustrate demand, in the recent ‘Dubai Holiday Homes Market Review 2019’ report released by Knight Frank – including the Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and other exclusive addresses in the city. The alliance between the two heavyweights comes at an opportune time. Globally, travellers are increasingly seeking out the ‘home away from home’ experience that short-term leasing offers, while aspiring to affordable luxury. The partnership aims to offer a rich pool of high-quality holiday homes, in high-price locations, at affordable rates, to the international travellers visiting Dubai.