Category Archives: Hotels

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have signed an AED 1.6bn loan facility agreement, which will provide ADNH with the financing capability to acquire Dubai-based hotels. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Sultan Suroor Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman, ADNH and André Sayegh, Deputy Group CEO and Group Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, FAB. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Sultan Suroor Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman, ADNH, said, “This landmark agreement reflects our ambition to ensure sustainable growth through strategic acquisitions in our core markets. Our continued expansion across the UAE allows us to contribute to economic prosperity throughout the country, which is an important aspect of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.” André Sayegh, Deputy Group CEO and Group Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, FAB, said: “Supporting the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and contributing to growth throughout the UAE are key pillars of FAB’s lending model. This agreement supports this mandate and highlights our reputation as the bank of choice for large corporates in the UAE and beyond. We are delighted to have concluded this loan facility with ADNH (being a prime UAE Corporate Institution) and to support the development of the hospitality sector.”

To mark the launch of its new Luxury Suite Collection, Rixos The Palm Dubai has received a new name, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel and Suites. The rebranded Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel and Suites will expand its offering on February 25 to launch an exquisite selection of suites, bringing the total number of rooms and suites in property to 316. The expansion builds on its renowned success in the region as the UAE’s first luxury multi-concept resort by further diversifying its offering. The Luxury Suite Collection will comprise 82 suites, providing the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience by combining the homely comforts of a private residence, alongside the unparalleled service and amenities that Rixos The Palm Dubai is known for. Conveniently located in a dedicated building adjacent to the existing hotel, guests looking for exclusivity and privacy can choose from a collection of two, three, four and five bedroom family suites. Luxury features include spacious living and dining areas, private balconies offering sea views and Dubai skyline vistas, exquisite marble bathrooms with deep-soak tubs, separate butler or maid’s rooms and sumptuous décor that reflects the look and feel of luxury residences. Furthermore, generous outdoor areas range from large private balconies and verandas, to garden areas complete with BBQ areas, sun loungers and playgrounds. The Luxury Suite Collection also extends exclusive benefits to its guests including private check-in, special spa treatments, VIP amenities on arrival, in-suite breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea, a private BBQ dinner experience, a complimentary local tour and two-hour use of non-motorised watersports, plus much more. In addition to dedicated amenities, which include private pools, a dedicated beach bar and an authentic Turkish all-day dining restaurant, guests staying in …

Hilton has signed an agreement with AW Rostamani Group to develop an upscale DoubleTree by Hilton property in Bur Dubai. DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Mankhool will join 11 hotels operating currently, or in the pipeline for the brand in the UAE. The construction for the property is already underway on the mixed-use development, which will house the property. Nestled within the portion of Dubai commonly referred to as the city’s ‘Old Town’, guests will be ideally located to enjoy attractions such as Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Creek and the range of lively souqs which characterise the area’s heritage. The hotel itself will contain 327 guestrooms with 131 serviced apartments. It will include five food and beverage outlets and two outdoor pools, and fitness and business centers situated on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, within close proximity to two metro stations and Burjuman Shopping Mall. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development — Middle East & North Africa, Hilton, said, “Since we introduced DoubleTree by Hilton to the UAE four years ago, the brand has been a real success story, and is now one of the fastest growing in the market. It offers the versatility to create a hospitality experience that fits an owner’s personal vision, supported by the established standards and global reach of an established brand. We look forward to working with AW Rostamani Group to bring about a new and unique offering for travellers looking to experience staying in the heart of Dubai’s traditional, cultural district.” Khalid Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, Chairman, AW Rostamani Group, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Mankhool represents the expansion of the AWR Properties portfolio, whilst also supporting the leadership’s Dubai Plan 2021 …

Master developer Nakheel has started constructing the rooftop infinity swimming pool at The Palm Tower, its 52-storey, luxury hotel and residential complex at the heart of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Perched 210 metres above the ground and covering 775 square metres, the infinity pool – one of the highest in the world – borders all four sides of the building, boasting unrivalled, panoramic views across Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The pool – which will hold 930,000 litres of water – is on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower. Above the pool will be a podium housing a 51st level speciality restaurant and a 52nd storey public viewing deck, 240 metres high. Construction of the rooftop dining viewing deck complex will begin soon. Located at the heart of the world-famous, award winning Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower comprises a 289-room St Regis hotel, 432 luxury residences and an array of dining and leisure facilities. The hotel occupies the first 18 floors, with fully-furnished studios and one, two and three bedroom apartments on the upper floors. The Palm Tower is directly connected to the under-construction Nakheel Mall – the access point for the public viewing deck – and its 350 shops, restaurants and attractions.

Four Points by Sheraton is all set to open its doors for guests in Sharjah during mid-January. With 225 contemporary guest rooms, the hotel offers views of the traditional Blue Souq and Water Lagoon from higher floors. With a sizeable inventory of inter-connecting and twin rooms to accommodate families and large groups, this will be the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate complementing the existing sister brand, the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Ideally located in the centre of Sharjah on King Faisal Street close to Al Ittihad Square, the newest city hotel will have easy access for leisure with Al Majaz Waterfront in the south and for business in the north with the Bank Street. The Four Points hotel is directly connected with one of the most prestigious business towers in Sharjah and an upmarket shopping mall within the same premises. Furthermore, the hotel stands at the end of the famous Sharjah Buhairah Corniche offering many options for dining and family entertainment. The hotel presents a range of Food and Beverage options with the Mediterranean styled all-day dining restaurant – Yasmina and casual dining with Cheeky Chan offering Asian-fusion favourites. Signature Coffee brews with savoury snacks at the Library Café and a pool-side Tea Garden caters to the in-between needs of the guests. Six modern and well-designed meeting spaces in the hotel are enhanced with natural daylight and latest technology to facilitate business discussions, team building activities and social gatherings. Recreational services at the hotel includes an open-air swimming pool and a kid’s pool on the 8th floor with a stunning view of the sunset over Sharjah. The Four Points by Sheraton will be the second hotel by …

OYO Hotels & Homes welcomed over 100,000 guests from 78 countries across 14 properties and 20 homes in the UAE, since its launch in April last year. With this lease and full inventory control model, OYO currently manages 1,300 rooms within these properties in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah and is set to touch 12,000 rooms by 2020. Since the first 9 months of its launch, the hotel chain has received guests from within the UAE, which accounted for 45.73 per cent of their guests and the remaining from countries such as India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, France, Russia, United States, Australia, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius and United Kingdom, among several other counties. OYO aims to grow its market share through its ‘Manchise’ business model — a unique business model that combines the best of management contract and franchise agreement. Through this model, OYO aims to grow its footprint within the two-, three- and four-star hotels in the UAE.  With nearly 15.8 million overnight visitors in 2017, Dubai retained its ranking as the fourth most visited city in the world for the fourth year in a row, according to Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index. Dubai was ahead of Singapore, followed by New York, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Seoul. Manu Midha, Regional Head — Middle East, OYO Hotels & Homes, said, “OYO has now grown to become a preferred choice for several nationalities across the globe due to its ideal location, quality and also the price point. At the moment, we have touched around 78 countries and we are going to take this number higher due to the upcoming EXPO 2020. With 190 nations already signed up, we are confident that our …

Palace Residences has been launched in Dubai Creek Harbour, adjacent to the upcoming 121-room Palace Dubai Creek Harbour hotel featuring a range of dining choices and luxury hotel services. An architectural landmark, Palace Dubai Creek Harbour and Palace Residences are housed in two contemporary 44-storey towers rising above the Creek Canal and Creek Beach. Described as ‘The World of Tomorrow’, these homes offer unobstructed views of the iconic Dubai Creek Tower and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Palace Residences bring a boutique waterfront living experience for residents with branded 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments. The homes will be serviced on demand by Address Hotels + Resorts. Investors will have several benefits including 5-year property management services by Emaar, 50 per cent discount on membership at the Palace Dubai Creek Harbour Spa and pool, as well as 25 per cent discount on food and beverage at the hotel’s outlets. Residents will have access to a host of exclusive amenities in both the residential towers and the hotel. Among the amenities are a rooftop infinity edge swimming pool, signature rooftop lounge and grill, a full-fledged gymnasium, 24×7 concierge service and valet parking, among others. Residents will be able to use the hotel’s services and amenities on demand, including a modern spa, meeting rooms, 5-star deluxe hotel service, and all-day dining outlet, among others.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced a collection of three Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries set to take flight in 2020. Featuring the trip of a lifetime to Rwanda and the Galápagos as part of the fastest selling itinerary to date, World of Adventures, the trio of international expeditions gives travellers the opportunity to discover the rare, wild, and beautiful in the comfort and care of Four Seasons, aboard the brand’s Boeing 757. Peter Nowlan, Chief Marketing Officer, Four Seasons, says, “The feedback we’ve received since launching our fully branded and customised Four Seasons Private Jet Experience in 2015 has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests are beyond thrilled as they can now cross destinations off their bucket lists in the comfort and care of Four Seasons, resulting in record-pace bookings and subsequent wait lists for each of our 2019 itineraries. Travellers are clearly responding to the dedicated team and renowned high-touch service that we offer both on the ground, and when cruising at 40,000 feet.” The itineraries feature air travel aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet, ground transportation, planned excursions, all meals and beverages, and luxurious accommodations at Four Seasons hotels and resorts. International Intrigue (February 15 – March 9) Seattle – Kyoto – Hoi An – Maldives – Serengeti – Marrakech – Budapest – St. Petersburg – Paris Adventurers will explore old Japan in Kyoto, discover the Ancient temples of Hoi An in Vietnam, relax on pristine Maldives beaches, and taste the exotic flavours of Morocco. Jetsetters will also be witness to Serengeti sunsets and can enjoy a soak or two when visiting Budapest’s historic baths. A behind the scenes ballet experience awaits travellers in St. Petersburg before a …

The new five-star hotel Stella Di Mare at Dubai Marina is now open to welcome its guests. The brand new property offers a wide range of top-class amenities for both travellers and the UAE residents, alongside six restaurants and bars. Stella Di Mare, meaning ‘the star of the sea’ in Italian, is ornate, elegant and designed to the highest-possible quality. The 369-room hotel offers art deco style suites, twin and king rooms, a fully-equipped spa with an extensive range of beauty treatments and stylish meeting venues. A true one-of-a-kind feature is the 1920-inspired grand ballroom, serving as the ideal venue for bigger events, occasions, and glamourous wedding receptions. Stella Di Mare brings a new dining hub to the south edge of the Marina. The property comprises 252 king rooms, 72 twin rooms and 45 suites, all of which are fully air-conditioned and fitted with high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, personal safe, mini-bar and 24-hour room service. The 550 sq metre roman bath-inspired spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials and beauty therapies. There are separate male and female saunas, a steam room, an indoor jacuzzi and a stunning outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool. The health and wellness options also include an indoor gymnasium with a range of high-quality equipment, plus a salon offering hair, nail and other beauty treatments.

Moving into The Greens with a bang, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens is the third hotel to open as part of Jumeirah Group’s upscale casual brand. Opening in Tower 3 of the Onyx Towers, the hotel is high on design synonymous with other hotels within the Zabeel House by Jumeirah collection; but inspired by New York loft living, with contemporary and yet quirky art and design throughout the hotel, representing the spirit of the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand perfectly. The Onyx is a stylish integrated community with three towers of residential, commercial and hospitality buildings, as well as a podium of 32 retail and F&B outlets located in the heart of Dubai. A hotel to appeal an intrepid traveller, it is perfect for those looking to stay in a social destination in the heart of new-Dubai, but are also able to enjoy the conveniences of a Jumeirah-endorsed hotel, all at a great price. There are two restaurants too: LAH LAH, a pan-Asian eatery and Social Company – a ground-floor restaurant with a difference; Native Club, a new multi-purpose sports and leisure club open for both membership and hotel guests; outdoor pool perfect for a swim, or for sun-worshipping on the quirky pop-art and retro-inspired furniture and cabanas.