Category Archives: Hotels

FORM Hotel, the upscale hotel brand in Smartotels Hospitality International’s portfolio, was launched at GIOHIS 2017 (Gulf & Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit) in the UAE. A pioneering ‘concept hotel’ brand, FORM offers business and leisure travelers accessible premium hotel fundamentals with the flexibility of add-on service and amenity features in a technologically-advanced, design-forward and socially-responsible environment. FORM Hotel’s 143-key flagship property is being developed by Dubai Contracting Company (DCC), a world-class UAE-based contracting and development company with significant long-standing experience in hotel real estate, and designed with inimitable timeless elements and custom-designed furniture by Paris-based global architectural firm, Architecture-Studio, known for creating global landmarks such as the Arab World Institute in France and the National Theatre of Bahrain. FORM Hotel Dubai’s facilities will include an all-day dining lifestyle restaurant, a rooftop infinity pool, a fully-equipped rooftop gym, a specialized design boutique, and a technology-focused boardroom. The hotel is situated by the newly-extended Dubai creek in Al Jaddaf, a location rooted in tradition and evolving with the urban landscape of Dubai. FORM Hotel Dubai is located within close proximity and favourable accessibility to some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks and business and leisure destinations. Currently under construction, the hotel is expected to open in Q1 2018. Smartotels Hospitality International LLC’s Founder and Managing Partner, Tarek M. Daouk said: “By offering a core hospitality experience with the flexibility of add-on service and amenity features, FORM Hotel will empower its guests to customize their journey. The hotel will benefit from an operating model that is engineered to drive strong returns to investors through an increased ability to control operating expenses by compressing fixed costs and exploiting variable costs”. FORM Hotel has designed …

The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences is currently been constructed next to the Atlantis resort on the Palm by Kerzner International.  The expected completion date of the 43-storey resort complex is the third quarter of 2019, according to reports. When completed, The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will offer 231 residences and 795 new guest rooms and suites. Prices for the luxury apartments start at approximately AED7.65m ($2m). The Royal Atlantis Residences will have views of the Arabian Sea or across the waters of The Palm towards the Dubai city skyline.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the signing of two new Radisson Blu hotels in International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) and Dubai Studio City, United Arab Emirates. The new signings made in partnership with renowned, Dubai-based, Bin Haider Group, follow Rezidor’s recent announcement that it will open 14 new hotels in the UAE by 2019, and part of expansion plans to have 100 hotels & 20,000 rooms in operation by 2020, across the Middle East. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, The Rezidor Hotel Group, said: “We are progressing our growth journey in the UAE where Dubai is a key primary market and welcome the Bin Haider Group to our business family. We believe the brand promise – iconic, sophisticated and stylish – of Radisson Blu perfectly complements the unique needs of the international media production industry that will be based in these two locations”. The two new Radisson Blu hotels are set to open in two upcoming media zones in Dubai, designed to support corporate travelers and media professionals visiting and working in the Emirates. Both properties will further enhance the Radisson Blu brand presence, which already has strong association with media zones in Dubai. Radisson Blu Hotel, International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), Dubai will feature 356 rooms, and, with construction already underway, has an anticipated opening date in Q1 2019. The hotel will hold a prominent location on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, close to the newly opened Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central). The hotel’s interior design will incorporate the brand’s new “Blu Print” design scheme and facilities include two restaurants, a bar and significant meeting facilities to support the free zone’s businesses. …

Central Hotels has announced aggressive expansion plans with 3 new hotels lined up for opening in Dubai in 2017. Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Alansaari, Chairman of Central Hotels, stated, “2017 is a very exciting year for us with three exceptional properties opening in quick succession. This massive expansion will double our existing inventory of rooms from 524 to 1220 keys and reflects our commitment to serve the needs of our guests with great value in iconic locations such as The Palm and Business Bay. In addition to the existing development, our aim is to add another five hotels to our outstanding portfolio of properties by 2018 creating greater choice and opportunities for our guests, associates and stakeholders. We are in the midst of advanced negotiations for three fabulous projects in KSA as well as two hotels in the UAE. These accomplishments are designed to position Central Hotels for continued success in the years ahead.” Giving details about the new projects opening in 2017, Ammar Kanaan, General Manager of Central Hotels, said, “Bay Central located at The Burj Khalifa district features 284 keys and is expected to welcome its first guests in the third quarter of 2017 followed by two other hotels of 208 and 204 keys each in The Palm. All three properties are in the 4-stars category and progressing well towards completion. Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Featuring 524 apartments equipped with top-notch facilities, it offers travelers the best of Arabian hospitality in the heart of Dubai. Building up on this …

Ashiana made its re-launch debut at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers on January 25 in celebration of Indian Republic Day which fell on the 26th day of the month. One of the first Indian restaurants in Dubai, Ashiana is well-known for authentic Indian cuisine from various regions of India and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ashiana’s relaunch focused on food and entertainment with creative nitrogen presentations of delicious canapés and the live sounds of Ajmal Ali’s beautifully sung ghazals. The relaunch comes along under the direction of a new chef, Vipin Kala and a new menu featuring traditional Indian fine dining with a modern twist. Hotel Manager Hector Ladeveze had this to say about the reopening of the restaurant: “First-time visitors and return guests alike will be thrilled by the new Ashiana. We have a delectable menu lined up by talented Chef Vipin Kala and artful performances for special and new experiences with every visit.” Founded in 1978, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers was one of the first 5-star hotels to arrive to Dubai. The iconic property offers great views of Dubai Creek and the Dubai skyline. Sheraton Dubai Creek is in close proximity to some of the most exciting offerings in the area including Grand Mosque and the historical Al Bastakiya district. The hotel’s five dining establishments include Creekside Japanese, Hatta All-Day Dining, Chelsea Arms Pub, Vivaldi By Alfredo Russo and Ashiana.  

Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, the four-star property, has reopened its doors after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus. Situated in a new location, in the heart of the city, on Sheikh Zayed Road near Exit 41 (Al Thanya Street), the elevated Metropolitan Hotel Dubai features 320 contemporary rooms including 18 suites and state of the art leisure facilities including a well-equipped gym, a rooftop swimming pool and a beautifully appointed spa. The elegant rooms feature modern amenities that are ideal for guests seeking contemporary comfort in the heart of the city.  Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman, Al Habtoor Group, said: “Today, I have kept and fulfilled my promise of rebuilding the Metropolitan Hotel to continue its legacy. The old Metropolitan had a very strong, loyal customer base. We look forward to welcoming them back at the new premises, where they will see the return of some of the best-loved outlets, and we look forward to welcoming new guests.” The original Metropolitan Hotel, which was built in 1979, was demolished in May 2013 to make way for Al Habtoor City, an urban resort incorporating three hotels and luxury residential towers on The Dubai Water Canal. The demolition of the Metropolitan also saw the closure of The Red Lion English pub, one of the oldest English pubs in Dubai and Don Corleone Italian Restaurant, another popular destination for residents of Dubai. Both The Red Lion and Don Corleone have been revived and incorporated into the new hotel.  Sanjay Luthra, General Manager, Metropolitan Hotel, said, “The Metropolitan and some of its establishments are part of the history of Dubai. When we closed The Red Lion English pub many of our customers were upset because it had played a …

Rove Healthcare City, the third property under Rove Hotels, has opened its doors following Rove Downtown Dubai and Rove City Centre. Dubai Healthcare City, the hub for medical enterprises, healthcare facilities and medical education, now has a new design-influenced, value-lifestyle hotel adjacent to it, which will appeal in equal measure to business and leisure guests as well as wellness tourists. The 286-room hotel, 30 percent of the rooms interconnected for the convenience of families, will also serve as a stimulating cultural hub, where the young and trendy can get together for a social evening, and for families to enjoy quality time with friends and loved ones. The unique selling proposition of Rove Healthcare City is its location, which is only 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai and DIFC. In close proximity to the established neighbourhoods of Karama, Satwa, Bur Dubai and Deira, the hotel offers guests effortless access to a wide range of shopping and leisure options that are conventionally part of the tourist itinerary. Like all Rove Hotels, Rove Healthcare City’s elegant design and central location is further highlighted by hyper-connectivity – walking distance from Dubai Metro, easy access to the main motorway and a hop stop away from cinemas, Wafi Mall and Lamcy Plaza, and leisure attractions. The unique character of the location, away from the bustle of the city, yet centrally placed near major business headquarters, cultural clubs, hospitals, educational institutions and residential neighbourhoods makes Rove Healthcare City a destination of choice for tourists and for an evening out for local residents. Rove Healthcare City also serves as a venue of choice for business events and Continuing Medical Education (CME) training …

Dubai-based developer Nakheel and Thailand’s Minor Hotels have signed a management agreement for a new 372-room AVANI hotel to be constructed at Ibn Battuta Mall. Under the agreement, signed in Bangkok by Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah and William E. Heinecke, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Minor International, the hotel will be managed under the vibrant AVANI Hotels & Resorts brand, which offers guests relaxed comfort and contemporary style in city and resort destinations. The 18-storey hotel is the second Nakheel hotel at Ibn Battuta and one of 16 in the developer’s hospitality project portfolio. Adjacent to the recently-opened Ibn Battuta Metro Link, which is directly connected to the mall, the hotel will feature a pool, spa, gym, all-day dining restaurant, coffee shop and parking. Minor Hotels’ portfolio currently comprises more than 20,000 rooms across 156 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in 24 countries under the Anantara, AVANI, PER AQUUM, Oaks, Tivoli, Elewana, Four Seasons, Marriott, St Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International brands. Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Today marks yet another key milestone in our commitment to enhancing and diversifying Dubai’s hotel offering by bringing new, reputable international hospitality brands to the emirate in line with the Government’s vision. We are delighted to welcome Minor and the AVANI brand to Ibn Battuta Mall, which, with over 20 million visitors a year, is one of Dubai’s leading tourist destinations.” William E. Heinecke commented: “We are very pleased to be partnering with Nakheel for the new AVANI hotel at Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai. Having launched our upscale AVANI brand in the region last year, we are delighted to continue the brand’s expansion in the UAE with this new hotel …

The city’s first and only Bvlgari branded hotels is to open in the fourth quarter of the year followed by a select number of apartments and mansions shortly thereafter at the man-made Jumeirah Bay Island being built by Meraas. Having a hotel and residential element attached to it is now a proven business model, according to a senior official. “Financially this works out faster — with the super-long payback you have with the hotel, residential helps,” said Silvio Ursini, Executive Vice-President. The six, seven-storey apartment buildings will be clustered around a marina. There will be 165 apartments and eight penthouses plus 15 mansions. Private sales of the residences have started, but the property prices have not been officially announced. The project will also encompass a 50-berth marina and a yacht club. “In the 15 years since Bvlgari Hotels was created, we’ve only had three hotels — London, Milan and Bali,” said Ursini. “We have been extremely selective with the cities we want to be a part of. And we certainly didn’t want to be a brand associated with launching hundreds of properties. There will not be a second Bvlgari property in Dubai … nor do we have any plans for Abu Dhabi.”

First Central Hotel Suites, managed by Dubai-based Central Hotels group, has been awarded Green Key Certification 2016-2017 for its green practices that include a host of environment-friendly energy, water and waste management initiatives. Green Key is a sustainability certification program for hotels and accommodation that was developed by the Foundation for Environment Education. As non-governmental, non-profit and independent program, Green Key is recognized by the World Tourism Organisation and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and is the largest global eco-label relating to accommodation. Since 2013, Emirates Green Building Council acts as Green Key National Operator in the United Arab Emirates. Commenting on the achievement, Wael El Behi, General Manager, First Central Hotel Suites, said, “We believe in responsible and sustainable practices without compromising on guest comfort, personal service, or value. In line with the commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, we are delighted to receive the Green Key Certification that is recognised worldwide. It is a great environmental initiative that has been instrumental in mobilizing global action on raising awareness about the need to conserve our environment and we are proud to be part of it. We have had an overwhelming response from our staff and guests who are enthusiastically participating and engaging in green initiatives. From conserving water to recycling materials and saving energy, they are keen to assert their green credentials. Our energy efficiency best practices helped us to reduce the energy bill by 4 per cent in 2016 compared to 2015. We are now using LED lights all over the hotel with over 5000 bulbs changed last year to meet Green Key objectives. By changing day to day habits we could all make the world a better …