Category Archives: Hotels

Etihad Airways has opened its Etihad Eco Residence in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s first purpose-built, sustainable Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rated project for cabin crew accommodation. The project is the result of a unique partnership between Etihad and Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. The Etihad Eco Residence was inaugurated in the presence of Khaled Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace, Renewables & Information Communications Technology (ICT) for Mubadala and Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group.  The complex, which comprises 500 apartments in 11 buildings at the Masdar City development, was recently awarded ‘Sustainable Design of the Year’ at the 2017 Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) MENA Green Awards, and ‘Sustainable Construction Project of the Year’ at Big Projects Middle East Awards 2017. The residence offers comfortable, high-specification one and two-bedroom apartments which include furniture and white goods provided by Etihad Airways. Mana Mohamed Saeed Al Mulla, Chief Group Support Services Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “The opening of Etihad Eco Residence underscores not only the importance we place on providing superior housing to our cabin crew, but also our responsibility as part of the greater Abu Dhabi vision, to play a part in transforming the capital into a global leader in smart urban planning, clean energy and sustainability.”

Emaar Hospitality Group has expanded the portfolio of hotel projects under its Vida Hotels and Resorts brand, with the new Vida Za’abeel. Vida Za’abeel is located in the heart of Za’abeel, mixed-use development, with direct views of the Dubai Frame as well as 360-degree vistas of the city including its famed landmarks. The property is only 10 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport, and offers close proximity to Downtown Dubai as well as Bur Dubai. An elegantly designed twin-tower development of 70 and 68 storeys, Vida Za’abeel will be home to the 220-room Vida Za’abeel hotel and Vida Residences Za’abeel, a collection of serviced apartments in one, two and three-bedrooms. Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, said, “As a home-grown brand offering a different experience for the new generation of business and leisure travellers, Vida Hotels and Resorts have set a distinctive niche in Dubai’s hospitality sector. Vida Za’abeel is a significant addition to our portfolio of hotel projects that stands out for its central location and spectacular views of the city’s landmarks. With its focus on convenience and connectivity, Vida Za’abeel will add to the choice of hotel guests and discerning customers who are seeking a vibrant hub where inspiring minds can create and connect.”

The new AVANI Hotel Suites & Branded Residences with a total 527 keys, comprising 263 AVANI Residences and 264 AVANI Serviced Apartments will be the new addition to be opened in Dubai by 2020. The Residences, which will be marketed to investors as a sale and lease-back product, will be a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms, the latter offering an impressive 425 square metres of contemporary living space. Offering great visibility for the brand, AVANI Hotel Suites & Branded Residences will be located in a prime area of the city, directly overlooking the iconic Palm Jumeirah, adjacent to Dubai Marina and Media City, and half an hour from Dubai International Airport. “The AVANI Hotel Suites & Branded Residences will be our third property in Dubai, signalling the brand’s steady growth in the region as well as around the world. Residence owners and guests will be able to enjoy AVANI, starting from the brand’s designed sleep satisfaction and curated honest food programme, to simply exploring the vibrant destination Dubai through our AVANI lens designed to interact with the new generation of travellers,” said Alejandro Bernabe, Vice President, AVANI Hotels & Resorts.

Pearl Rotana has announced the opening of its business and leisure-led hotel, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, located a few steps away from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). An extensive array of spacious rooms and suites await guests, many of which present stunning sea views. The property has five dining venues, including two distinctive new concepts set to disrupt the Abu Dhabi dining scene. With central location to top attractions, in the buzzing Capital Centre area, and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s International Airport, the hotel makes for an ideal place to stay, immerse and experience the UAE capital to the fullest. “We are thrilled to offer Abu Dhabi residents and global travellers with an all new contemporary hospitality experience,” says Karim Nahas,General Manager, Pearl Rotana. “Following the recent announcement from the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), an impressive 7.4 per cent increase from last year in hotel guests to the capital, shows growth in the market,” he said. The 315 light, modern rooms and suites offer high-speed wireless internet, complimentary coffee and tea making facility, daily local newspapers and IDD telephones together with deluxe beds for maximum comfort. In-room flat-screen TVs come with multi and satellite channels, suitable for all visitors.

Rove Hotels is taking over the UAE with the ‘Roving Bus of Happiness’ to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness on March 20, 2018 and support the UAE’s vision to be among the happiest countries in the world. The big, bright and bold double-decker ‘Roving Happiness Bus’ travelled around the city to some of the most iconic locations including Al Seef, La Mer, The Beach and The Dubai Mall. The newly appointed Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) Happyness Chipote will be joining Rovesters who will be giving a round of Happy High Fives and instill happiness among UAE residents.  The Courtyard Playhouse, Dubai’s first improvisational theatre experts, will bring fun and laughter with a show every 30 minutes. DJ Bliss has also curated a dedicated happiness playlist. Paul Bridger, Corporate Director, Rove Hotels said, “The International Day of Happiness is an amazing way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. We are excited to spread some positive vibes around among our Rovers (guests) and Dubai residents with our team, and are thrilled to take part in this incredible initiative that supports the UAE’s vision to be among the happiest countries in the world.”  

Located in the modern community of Al Mouj, Muscat, the five-star Kempinski Hotel Muscat is an unparalleled luxury destination in the capital of Oman. The hotel features 310 rooms and suites, state-of-the-art meetings and events facilities, world-class restaurants and bars, a fully equipped fitness centre and a luxury spa, allowing visitors to revel in the beauty of both the location and warm Omani hospitality. Serving as the gateway to authentic Omani adventure, visitors can experience the unbeatable mix of local traditions and world-class European luxury at the luxury hotel.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced to bring Regent into its brand portfolio at the top end of the luxury segment and will accelerate its growth globally. It has agreed to acquire a 51 per cent stake in Regent Hotels and Resorts for $39 million in cash. IHG’s intention is to grow the brand from six hotels today to over 40 hotels in key global gateway city and resort locations over the long term. The Regent brand has set the benchmark for luxury hotels globally since it was founded in 1970. It has a world-renowned heritage, built around the elegant, timeless design of its hotels and rooted in its focus on delivering a truly unique and superior luxury experience for guests. The acquisition of Regent is part of one of IHG’s new strategic initiatives focused on continuing to expand its footprint in the fast-growing $60 billion luxury segment.  This initiative is supported by the creation of a new dedicated division to further enhance capabilities in this area and will be funded by IHG’s efficiency programme. IHG also announced that following an extensive refurbishment due to commence in early 2020, InterContinental Hong Kong will become a Regent Hotel in early 2021.

StayWell Holdings announced the expansion of its Park Regis brand into Bahrain with the opening of the country’s first Park Regis hotel in the city of Manama (Juffair). Centrally located in Bahrain’s capital of Manama, Park Regis Lotus Hotel has easy access to the diplomatic area and Bahrain Bay in Manama. The 19-storey hotel offers 164 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, an onsite fitness centre with 24-hour gymnasium and lap pool, and state-of-the-art business facilities. With entertainment front of mind, Park Regis Lotus Hotel boasts an array of premium onsite restaurant and bar options including buffet breakfast and casual dining, a patisserie and tearoom, and a roof top café. Simon Wan, President & Director, StayWell Holdings, said, “Alongside our parent company, Prince Hotels & Resorts, StayWell Holdings is in the midst of an exciting rapid development programme with plans to expand both brands internationally, with a current focus on the Middle East. Opening the Park Regis Lotus Hotel in Bahrain is an exciting achievement for StayWell to further cement its Park Regis brand in the region, with two Park Regis hotels already operating in Dubai and a further two under development for the Middle East”

Atlantis Sanya, the flagship resort on Hainan Island, opened its doors in time for Chinese New Year and welcomed its first guests. Located on the Haitang Bay National Coast, Atlantis Sanya is the first Atlantis resort in China, joining the flagship Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai as well as The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai and Atlantis, Ko Olina in Hawaii, both currently in development. Serge Zaalof, Chief Operating Officer, Atlantis Resorts & Residences comments, “The Atlantis brand is known for unique, ocean-themed destinations offering a wide variety of entertainment experiences and Atlantis Sanya is no exception. The owner, Fosun International, is an incredible partner and together we have created a resort that offers unprecedented experiences to its guests.” “Following an intense development period by a team of approximately 3,000 colleagues, we are proud to introduce Atlantis Sanya to our guests. When you combine 1,314 guestrooms including 154 suites, five of which are underwater suites, impeccable design from talents like Jeffrey Beers International and Hirsch Bedner Associates Design, and an incredible water adventure at Aquaventure Waterpark, we know we are giving people unparalleled experiences to Hainan Island and China, that only Atlantis can deliver”, adds Heiko Schreiner, Managing Director, Atlantis Sanya.”

Rotana once again strengthens its hub in Dubai by opening its latest five-star property and hotel apartments overlooking the Dubai Creek. Al Bandar Rotana consists of 190 rooms and suites in addition to Club Rotana rooms with additional benefits including an Executive Lounge and personalised services. Designed to suit the needs of long-stay visitors, Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana offers 90 fully-furnished studios and apartments with options ranging from spacious studios to three-bedroom apartments. The rooms, suites and apartments, which offer expansive views of the creek, are all equipped with modern technology and home comforts. In addition to a Business Centre, the properties offer six state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment to cater to a wide range of occasions. Mohammed Al Badie Bin Youan Al Dhaeri, Chairman, Al Ain Ahlia Insurance Company, said, “With its solid business growth and strong portfolio, Rotana has established its name as the bellwether of the region’s hospitality industry.” “With its vibrant economy and thriving tourism sector, Dubai has always been a favourable market for the hospitality sector to flourish and it still promises a brighter future for the sector with occupied room nights forecasted to reach 35.5 million annually in 2019,” said Guy Hutchinson, Chief Operating Officer, Rotana.