Category Archives: Hotels

Ahead of next week’s Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2017 (AHIC), being held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from April 25 to 27, its speakers have unveiled insights into the global trends and market sentiment that are currently making an impact on the hospitality industry across the Middle East. Chairman of Bench Events and Co-founder of AHIC, Jonathan Worsley, said: “AHIC is the premium networking and knowledge platform for the hospitality investment community in the Middle East and beyond. As such, we are committed to providing our delegates with the very latest market intelligence and are thrilled to be unveiling new reports at AHIC 2017, including Global Megatrends from PwC and the AHIC BLP Market Sentiment Survey Review in partnership with Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP (BLP).” On April 26, PwC Middle East’s Partner and Deals Real Estate Leader Dr. Martin Berlin, will present, for the first time, the new PwC Report Global Megatrends and their impact on Hospitality in the Middle East. Presented by Gurdish Bassi, Economist, GRMC Advisory Consulting, this report will provide a unique insight into Dubai tourist spend patterns, activities and motives – and analyse how the tourist profile will evolve by 2021. In a sneak preview of the Dubai Tourist Profiling Report, GRMC Advisory Consulting forecasts a “conspicuous change” in the distribution of tourists coming to Dubai. Bassi explained: “Multiple primary research campaigns with hotel guests across Dubai revealed that 34 per cent of Asian visitors were first-time overseas travellers – this statistic increases to 62 per cent when only two-star and three-star hotels are considered. As affluence levels in Tier-II and III cities of Asian economies rise, an increasing number of first-time overseas travellers will seek …

Dubai developer Nakheel broke ground on a new, AED176 million hotel at Dragon City. The Premier Inn is Nakheel’s second hotel at Dragon City. The ground-breaking ceremony, led by Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, comes less than two weeks after the company awarded a contract worth AED136 million to Al Ghurair Contracting and Engineering Works to build the 304-room hotel. Nakheel’s first hotel, a 251-room ibis Styles hotel, opened in February 2016. Set for delivery in 2019, Premier Inn Dragon City is the latest project in Nakheel’s AED5 billion hospitality expansion. Last week, the company confirmed new hotels at Jumeirah Village Circle and Discovery Gardens, bringing its number of hospitality projects to 18. Lootah said: “Today marks another milestone in our hospitality expansion, and highlights our commitment to delivering new hotels across Dubai in line with the Government of Dubai’s 2021 vision. I am delighted to declare that work is officially under way at Premier Inn Dragon City, and to further reinforce our already highly-successful relationship with Whitbread through this latest partnership.” Premier Inn Dragon City is part of a huge new master plan that is transforming the area into a giant retail, residential and recreational complex of more than 11 million square feet.With a built-up area of 178,000 sq ft across eight floors, the hotel will have a restaurant, Costa coffee shop and gym. Nakheel’s hospitality expansion is bringing 18 new hotels and serviced apartment complexes, with over 5,800 rooms between them, to Dubai.

Jumeirah Islands Pavilion was inaugurated by Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, is the fifth community retail centre in Nakheel Malls’ growing collection of neighbourhood shopping and dining hubs across Dubai. It will serve 8,000 residents at Jumeirah Islands and provide a new destination for people living and working nearby.  Set among lush gardens and greenery, the Pavilion is flanked by a 1.1 km waterside jogging track. The anchor outlet, Choithrams, is complemented by a range of cafes and restaurants including Oregano, Nando’s and The Hamptons. There’s also a Round 10 Boxing Club, medical clinic, beauty salon, barber’s shop, pharmacy, and dry cleaners. Delivery of the Pavilion – which has 30,000 sq ft of shop space – comes as handover of homes at the premium residential community is in full swing. So far, 25 properties have been handed over, with the remaining investors due to collect their keys shortly. The Townhouses and Pavilion are located on the north-western side of Jumeirah Islands, one of Nakheel’s most mature residential communities and among the most sought-after in Dubai. Comprising 46 islands, known as ‘clusters’, Jumeirah Islands has 767 luxury villas and mansions, as well as mosques, nurseries and the Jumeirah Islands Club featuring restaurants, a pool and fitness centre. Complementing the villas are 246 luxury duplex apartments at Jumeirah Heights. The villas, apartments and townhomes that make up Jumeirah Islands are home to more than 8,000 people. Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Today marks the delivery of Pavilion number five in our growing collection of community centres, which are key to our AED16 billion retail expansion.With its picturesque setting and spacious grounds, this new facility blends perfectly with Jumeirah Islands’ overall look …

Louvre Hotels Group (LHG) has announced the relaunch of its Golden Tulip brand, as part of an initiative to roll out new-age hotels that are more lifestyle-oriented and better suited to meet the needs of today’s travellers. To support the relaunch of the four-star brand, Louvre Hotels is investing in the renovation and rebranding of Golden Tulip hotels – including those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The rebranding initiative involves a complete revamp of the Golden Tulip logo, design guidelines and positioning strategy as Louvre is creating a “New Basics” for the hotels of tomorrow. Born out of an in-depth study of the needs and preferences of the current and next generation of travelers, Golden Tulip’s new sophisticated brand identity – based around the theme of ‘playful business’ – has spurred a set of new design principles to create social hubs and creativity platforms and environments for its guests which in turn would significantly enhance the brand’s appeal and elevate the entire hotel experience. This philosophy extends to all interior design spaces such as the lobby, food and beverage concepts, rooms and suites as well as the meeting and conference rooms. The goal is to create a shift away from the traditional thinking of how we deliver hotel design and service attitudes, with a fresh, contemporary approach to design that encompasses the creation of integrated public areas that are in sync with the expectations of today’s travelers. “The rebranding is aimed at blurring the boundaries of work and play to create moments of surprise and delight for our guests,” said Amine E. Moukarzel, President, Louvre Hotels Group MENA. “Technology and the rise of social media have changed …

DUKES Dubai, five-star hotel and residences on Palm Jumeirah, has debuted its Duchess Floor, an exclusive area dedicated to female guests. The Duchess Floor features 20 exclusive rooms and is located on the third floor at DUKES Dubai. With private lift access, the floor features women’s only public spaces, as well as discreet and private access to rooms. Full-length windows provide sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, with the Burj al Arab to the east and the stunning Dubai Marina skyline to the west. The entire floor is adorned with Liberty Fabrics, providing elegant touches through silks, textiles and drapes in each ocean view room, while on the third floor, the Champagne and Tea Lounge will offer a Duchess breakfast exclusively for the hotel’s female guests. The Duchess initiative was borne out of DUKES Collection Managing Director Debrah Dhugga’s own business travel experience and will be showcased at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (24-27 April at Dubai World Trade Centre), from stand: HC0270. Dhugga identified a niche for five-star hotel brands to create a tailored experience specifically for women travelling alone, with a focus on comfort, service, style and quality. She said: “As somebody who travels regularly either for business or for leisure with friends and female relatives, I could clearly see a gap in the market for a women’s only area in a luxury hotel. The Duchess Floor combines the safety and security of a private residence, with beautifully elegant décor and bespoke facilities, in order to provide female guests with a sense of sanctuary when they stay at DUKES Dubai.”

Expanding its footprint in the hospitality sector, Dubai-based The First Investor group, a subsidiary of Al Fardan Group, announced the purchase of the Carlton Downtown hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. Formerly the Warwick Hotel, it is the third hotel to be operated by Carlton Hotel Management – a brand owned by The First Investor, and the ninth in the group’s collection of hotels. Commenting on the strategic investment, Hosni Abdelhadi, CEO of Carlton Hotel Management company stated, “The Carlton Downtown hotel is an exciting addition to our portfolio of hotels as we continue to expand our presence in the region. Our strategy is to invest in high-growth markets such as Dubai and this fantastic acquisition will reinforce our market position. We are confident that the Carlton Downtown hotel will prove to be a valuable asset for us and will generate superb financial returns for the company.” Located in close proximity to the World Trade Center, DIFC and Downtown Dubai, the 47-storey spectacular tower features 357 rooms (275 suites and 82 spacious rooms). Included in the hotel’s fabulous facilities are 7 restaurants and bars, 10 meeting rooms, a health club and spa. Carlton Downtown hotel is also home to Dubai’s highest open-air rooftop pool and bar with spectacular 360º views over the city. With a strong presence in real estate, hospitality, shipping, finance, retail, security, IT, food and beverage industries, The First Investor has a diverse portfolio. Over the last few years the company has emerged as a major player in the hospitality sector with a total investment of over AED 2.2 billion in various hotel projects. Hotels owned by the company include Carlton Downtown – Dubai, Carlton Palace Hotel – …

AccorHotels announced the extensive conversion and rebranding of a former Sheikh Zayed Road landmark into the Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments. The property is currently undergoing the first of a two-phase comprehensive refurbishment and is anticipated to open under the Mercure brand on May 19, 2017. As part of the first phase, 120 hotel rooms will be renovated to fit Mercure brand dimensions by blending classic design with a modern and contemporary aesthetic. The second phase of renovations will focus on enhancing additional guestrooms and facilities to meet AccorHotels’ international standards and will elevate the hotel from a four star ranking to five stars in the form of hotel suites.  As a premium product, the apartments will be refreshed and reintroduced to the market. The renovation and refurbishment is anticipated for completion by the end of 2018. Upon opening, the 1,015 room hotel will be the largest Mercure property in AccorHotels’ global portfolio. Olivier Granet, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Middle East and Africa (MEA), said: “We are delighted to enter into another high-profile agreement with our existing and trusted partner to further elevate the Mercure brand within the United Arab Emirates with the largest Mercure hotel in our global network. The project presents AccorHotels with an unrivalled opportunity to further expand our portfolio at an iconic business and leisure destination while cementing our presence across the growing midmarket segment within the region.” N.A. Aliyev, Board Director, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with AccorHotels to launch the world’s largest Mercure in Dubai. The Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights Hotel Suites & Apartments is an important hotel that we have established with the Group in …

AccorHotels has signed a new agreement with R Hotels for one of the first MGallery hotels in the Middle East. The 255-room The Retreat Palm Dubai, MGallery by Sofitel is part of AccorHotels’ distinctive collection of contemporary and thought-provoking boutique hotels. Scheduled for soft opening in summer 2017, The Retreat Palm Dubai is situated along the iconic coastline of Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, offering beachfront access and skyline views. The resort will feature a world-class holistic wellness center, designed to answer to the demands of the today’s burgeoning wellness tourism market. Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East, said: “Today’s announcement in collaboration with our trusted partner – R Hotels, signals the much anticipated launch of our flagship MGallery in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel will soon bring a truly unique wellness hospitality experience to Dubai, building on the Emirate’s unique ability to expand its offering to attract visitors from around the globe.” Sumair Tariq, Managing Director, R Hotels, commented: “Our group is excited to introduce the first of its kind holistic health and wellness resort in the UAE, located at the iconic Palm Jumeirah. We are happy to again collaborate with AccorHotels in bringing in a new luxury brand into the region. Catering to the growing demand for wellness tourism, we are confident that its distinctive concept will stand out within the region’s competitive hospitality scene.” The 255-room upscale resort will offer a range of guestrooms and suites, as well as an array of wellness facilities including a gym, yoga room, tennis court and swimming pool. Guests will also enjoy access to world-class wellness consultants and wellbeing treatments, in addition to bespoke nutritional programs …

Hilton has signed a management agreement with Sharjah’s Al Marwan Group to open the emirate’s debut DoubleTree by Hilton property opposite Al Majaz Waterfront in the centre of the city. The $43 million (AED 158m) development will be called the DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites and will offer 254 suites and serviced apartments. The new hotel, which is expected to open in 2020, will be Hilton’s second property in the emirate after the Hilton Sharjah on the nearby Corniche Road. Sharjah offers visitors more than 100 hotels and hotel apartment properties and occupancy rates recently beat regional averages, growing by 5.5 percent during January compared to the same month in 2016 (according to global analyst STR). Some of the leading hotel groups in the world operate properties in Sharjah, including Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, GHM, Louvre Hotels Group, Premier Inn Hotels, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, and Wyndham Worldwide Sharjah currently has a variety of new hotel and resort developments under development, including the construction of a new $100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort; a 4-star, 200-room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Sheraton Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel. In addition, Al Bait Hotel, a new 5-star hotel being built by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in the Heart of Sharjah, is expected to open later in 2017.

Real estate developer Nakheel’s signed a construction contract worth Dh136 million ($37 million) with Al Ghurair Contracting and Engineering Works for its second hotel at Dubai’s Dragon City. With a total project value of Dh176 million ($48 million), the 304-room Premier Inn is one of 16 hotels in Nakheel’s Dh3 billion hospitality portfolio and part of a huge new master plan that is transforming Dragon City into a giant retail, residential and recreational complex of more than 11 million sq ft, said a statement. Set for delivery in 2019, Premier Inn Dragon City will have a restaurant, Costa Coffee shop and gym. The hotel will span 178,000 sq ft in built-up area, over eight floors. Premier Inn Dragon City is one of two Nakheel hotels managed by the UK’s Premier Inn. The first, a 372-room hotel at Ibn Battuta Mall, opened last October. Nakheel’s expanding Dragon City mixed-use community comprises four million sq ft of retail space, a twin-tower residential complex with 1,120 apartments and two hotels with 516 rooms between them. It is currently best known for Dragon Mart – the world’s largest Chinese trading hub outside China – featuring the globally-renowned Dragon Mart 1 and its sister mall, Dragon Mart 2, which opened in February last year. The two malls welcome 40 million visitors a year. Dragon City’s retail expansion includes a 375,000 sq ft showroom complex, currently under construction. Nakheel’s expansion into the hospitality industry is bringing 16 new hotels and serviced apartment complexes, with over 5,300 rooms between them, to Dubai.  Two are open and operational and last month the company awarded a construction contract for a second hotel at Ibn Battuta Mall. Others are at …