Category Archives: Hotels

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai supported the Earth Hour initiative last 25th March 2023 by switching off the lights from 8:30PM to 9:30PM. The hotel went dark by turning off non-essential lights for one hour emphasizing on its commitment to addressing environmental issues and to raise awareness on the impact of energy savings. Several activities have implemented such as turned down the lights in the lobby, restaurants and other public areas and only used candle lights, encouraged guests to participate by placing letters in the guest rooms as a reminder to do the same lights off moments and the Human Resources team has prepared few activities at the colleague’s accommodation such as cake cutting, games, awarding for minimal consumption of water and electricity. Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai said, ” “It’s an honor for us to support Earth Hour movement because it echoes our Green Key strategy and ambition to be the driving force of a more sustainable hospitality industry. Earth Hour reflects our goal to practice and maintain sustainability & energy conservation every year.” Since beginnings in 2007, Earth Hour has been known from around the globe by switching off the lights for an hour to show symbolic support for the planet. But it is so much more than that. It is a symbol of unity. It is a symbol of hope. It is a demonstration of the power of collective action for our future and the planets. This year under the slogan of “The Greatest Hour for Earth”- give an Hour for Earth by spending 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet.

The Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai recently hosted a free medical checkup for its hotel colleagues led by the hotel’s Human Resources team and in support and collaboration with First Response Healthcare. The medical examination includes a check-up for blood pressure, sugar, BMI, optical and dental consultation. A free medical checkup has been carried out to help employees monitor themselves and remind them how vital the health in daily lives. Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, ““In order for us to take care our guests and achieve our goal of providing a good working and healthy environment, we always put our colleague’s health and safety as our priority as they play a significant role in the company success. We would like them to stay healthy, feel secure, and comfortable so our colleagues can productively fulfill their tasks.” The medical camp was held last 13th March 2023 at the hotel’s training room from 10am till 4pm. More than 100 hotel colleagues were checked and received health advice on how to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.  

Continent Worldwide Hotels announced the signing of a management agreement between Continent Worldwide Hotels and Bin Daajam Hotel Company to operate existing Al Ertiqaa Hotel Jeddah. The hotel will be upgraded and renamed as the Continent Al Ertiqaa Hotel, Jeddah, and will be a full-service hotel.  “This is the second agreement signed with Bin Daajam Hotel Company, as the Riyadh property is already being operated as the Continent Al Waha Hotel since December 2022” said Shady Boueiry, Managing Director MENA & Principal of Continent Arabia C/O S.H.S LTD, Lebanon, who holds the Exclusive Master Franchise rights of the Continent Hotels & Resorts brand in the region, said, “It is the proof of trust in our brands and services provided to our stakeholders in the region” The new Continent Al Ertiqaa Hotel Jeddah is located in the Hera Street district, just a 13-minute drive from King Abdulaziz airport. Guests can access Al Tayebat International City within 6 km from the hotel, while Mandarin Avenue is around 15 minutes’ walk away. The hotel is also 4.3 km from Billy beez and other main attractions of Jeddah. The hotel has 80 rooms with a mini-kitchen and a dressing room. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and wireless Internet along with a mini bar fridge and coffee/tea makers are provided. Self-catering facilities include a microwave oven and kitchenware. Offering comforts like hair dryers and shower caps, the bathrooms also feature a bidet, a roll-in shower and a sink. The hotel will have various dining options such as Continent’s trademark fine dining restaurant “People” and at the “Aromas Coffee Shop” including Turkish and Western Cuisine, open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner both buffet and a …

JW Marriott  announced the opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, marking the company’s highly anticipated debut in the luxury safari segment. Sitting within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions, the lodge is a sophisticated and thoughtful sanctuary from which to discover nature and breathtaking vistas in harmony. Exhilarating guided game drives offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros, and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is host to the annual great wildebeest migration, which sees more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania. “Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “Offering our guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with thoughtful opportunities to switch off and take it all in. We are excited to welcome travellers to a transformative and wellness-forward stay delivered with JW Marriott’s legacy of extraordinary hospitality.” The lodge’s elegant interiors, designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants, seamlessly blend the savannah inwards, drawing inspiration from the elements with soft, warm tones, natural materials and textures, and native colours thread through its design. Each of the lodge’s 20 private tents provide a peaceful sanctuary to recharge and reset, and feature terraces overlooking the River Talek, a water source and habitat for many wildlife. The tented honeymoon suite offers a private plunge …

With its prime position on the pristine northern Mediterranean coast, Rixos Alamein is pleased to announce its reopening this summer season 2023, and welcome guests with modernity and elegance while still associating the rich culture and heritage of El Alamein. This opulent resort provides guests with breathtaking panoramic views with a vibrant splash of colors of the desert with glittering blue sea and pristine white sands, perfected with lush gardens and green palm trees.  Apart from the relaxing scenery, Rixos Alamein offers an exquisite line-up of activities and leisure to bask in, sophisticated rooms and suites to loosen up, private cabanas, and commendable restaurants with top-class chefs creating flavors to take you on a spectacular gastronomic journey. Youngsters can have a blast too! As the Rixy Kids Club offers them a haven where they can create the best memories, make friendships, and wallow in endless hours of activities under the watchful eye of the specialist staff. Mr. Erkan Yildirim, Managing Director of Rixos Hotels Egypt, said, “We are thrilled to announce that one of our luxurious properties, Rixos Alamein is ready and looking forward to welcoming its guest once again with more state-of-the-art facilities and well-curated entertainment and activities awaiting ahead. And we always aim to serve our guests with world-class hospitality service and to be a curator of memorable experiences.”

Aloft Hotels announces plans to open Aloft Muscat in Spring 2023. The highly anticipated opening is expected to mark the brand’s debut in the Sultanate of Oman. Designed for the next generation of traveler the hotel will be a new vibrant destination and will feature eclectic spaces, distinctive design, live music programming, and 199 modern loft-style guestrooms complete with the brand’s signature amenities. The hotel is expected to feature three dining outlets, places for guests to come together, including a Californian style eatery, an international restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, and the brand’s signature bar W XYZ®.  Other facilities will include a rooftop pool and gym. Danny Al Chayeb will take the helm of the new hotel as General Manager. With more than two decades in hospitality across the MENA region, Al Chayeb brings a wealth of experience to Aloft Muscat, including a proven track record of creating new food and beverage concepts and providing the highest guest service standards. A hands-on GM, he aims to turn moments into memorable stays for guests, with a desire to lead by example while driving business. “We are thrilled to debut Aloft Hotels in Oman. A brand known for its design-driven and tech-savvy ethos, Aloft Muscat will bring a modern, friendly, and comfortable option for global travelers and a new hotspot for residents in the Sultanate,” said Danny Al Chayeb, General Manager. Aloft Muscat is located 10 minutes from Muscat International Airport and is nearby to the city’s attractions including The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat, Mall of Oman, Oman Avenues Mall, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, and three major golf courses.

London has long been known for its lavish five-star hotels and GCC travellers always seek for the ultimate luxury experience, and the city is set for a boom of new luxury accommodation openings in 2023. From international brands making their UK debut, to existing brands expanding their portfolio with new properties, there’s definitely no shortage of options for discerning GCC travellers. The latest additions to London’s luxury hotel scene promise to be truly spectacular. Visitors will be in awe of Europe’s art-inspired lifestyle hotel brand, Art’otel, which opened its first UK hotel in December 2022, right next to the revamped Battersea Power Station. Spring 2023 will see the opening of Britain’s first Raffles property in a Grade II listed landmark steeped in history, The OWO Residencies by Raffles. Also opening in spring is the much-anticipated 1 Hotel London Mayfair, which will debut overlooking Green Park as the brand’s flagship British hotel. In addition, Mandarin Oriental’s new Mayfair property and Britain’s first Peninsula Hotel will open in the heart of Belgravia. Later in the year, London will also open its doors to the UK’s first St. Regis hotel in Mayfair. Also adding to its luxury portfolio will be the Park Hyatt London River Thames and Six Senses London, which will mark the UK debut for the iconic wellness hotel brand. Finally, The BoTree Marylebone Lane is opening in summer 2023, within the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Legend Collection. Blending Marylebone flair and Mayfair chic, be immersed in an experience created through 199 bespoke guestrooms and suites, destination restaurants, bars, and nightlife. If you’re planning a visit to London in 2023, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting new …

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been selected by Red Sea Global to manage Rosewood Amaala in the Red Sea Region of Saudi Arabia. An area considered to be at the center of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, the Red Sea is situated along the country’s west coast and is home to some of the most diverse and delicate natural environments. Rosewood Amaala will be part of Red Sea Global’s Amaala destination, an integrated wellness haven.  Phase One of Amaala – focused on the Triple Bay masterplan – is well underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2024. It will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,200 hotel keys. Once complete, Amaala will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities. Sustainability will be at the cornerstone of the property’s entire design and the larger Amaala development has set meaningful targets toward zero impact. The entire destination will be powered by 100% renewable energy and aims to have zero-carbon footprint—with plans to be both zero waste to landfill. Additionally, the endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles have many nesting sites around the Rosewood Amaala beaches, meaning all construction and design work has been centered around ensuring the turtles are left uninterrupted. For instance, no construction will take place around the nesting areas, and the lighting strategies has been designed to ensure no bright lights shine in the area to avoid disruption. “We are deeply honored to partner with Red Sea Global on Rosewood Amaala and work together to offer a more regenerative model of …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Arabella Group to develop three new hotels in Egypt between 2023 and 2026. The hotels — InterContinental North Coast Direction White, voco Cairo Arabella Plaza Cairo, and Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse — will see IHG add over 500 keys to its Egypt portfolio in response to the growing demand for luxury resorts and premium hospitality options in the North African country. The agreement strengthens IHG’s presence in the luxury and premium sectors in the region as well as underlines the appeal of its high-end hospitality offering among owners and guests alike. The new-build hotel projects, currently under construction, are set to open in notable areas of Egypt. The incoming new voco Cairo Arabella Plaza is scheduled to open its doors in July 2023, with the Crowne Plaza Cairo Arabella Clubhouse slated for a January 2026 opening and the InterContinental North Coast Direction White for a September 2026 launch. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, commented: “Egypt offers a wealth of opportunity for the hospitality industry today with New Cairo and other attractive, high-end destinations attracting more visitors to the nation. The signing of three new hotels alongside Arabella Group will support the growth we are witnessing in the country by offering new and compelling luxury and premium hospitality experiences to satisfy the most discerning of travelers.” Mohamed Amin El Dokhmesy, president of Arabella Group added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to expand the footprint of three of its leading brands — InterContinental, voco and Crowne Plaza, in Egypt. IHG has delivered first class hospitality experiences to guests worldwide and in …

A homegrown Qatari brand with ambitions for international expansion, The Outpost Al Barari is designed to help preserve the natural heritage of its surroundings and is a self-proclaimed ode to the country’s history and culture. Recently opened, visitors can learn about local wildlife on a guided desert walk, or simply bask in the beautiful sunshine at one of the resort’s opulent tented villas. Commenting on one of the country’s most exciting and newest luxury hospitality openings, Co-founder of The Outpost Al Barari, Dr. Peter Van de Bunt said: “The Outpost Al Barari brings an entirely new, one-of-a-kind luxury hospitality concept to Qatar by integrating immersive nature experiences, and sustainability into a close-to-nature resort concept. The resort is all about celebrating the rich natural heritage of Qatar and will be an inspiring place for the domestic, regional, and international traveller to get a well-deserved break from the hectic, overworked world and to learn about Qatar’s stunning natural environment.” He added: “Beyond delivering high-end hospitality, our resort takes guests on an adventurous and thoughtful journey with insightful activities, signature wellness treatments and delectable gastronomic experiences. We are excited to welcome visitors and invite them to indulge in one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that they will love and will never forget.” Reflecting on the expansion of the hospitality landscape in Qatar, Haya Al-Noaimi, Head of Marketing and Promotions Sector, Qatar Tourism, said: “The Outpost Al Barari is sure to become one of Qatar’s most prized luxury leisure destinations. In what has already been a banner year for new hotel and entertainment venue openings, this has been one of the country’s most highly awaited new launches. Sustainability is of paramount importance to the tourism sector and …