Category Archives: Hotels

Shangri-la Jeddah to debut on 22nd February on the waterfront

Shangri-La is making its brand debut in Saudi Arabia on 22nd February – the Kingdom’s inaugural Founding Day – with 220 new light-filled accommodations, three exceptional restaurants, extensive wellness facilities, and a dedicated kids’ club. The opening of Shangri-La Jeddah marks the dawn of a new era for Saudi Arabia as a leisure destination, welcoming discerning travellers in a location blessed by endless views of the Red Sea and set to become one of the city’s most vibrant lifestyle and dining destinations. The hotel is perfectly positioned within proximity of the city’s premier shopping areas and is just a stone’s throw from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, home to the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix – the fastest street circuit in Formula 1. Situated in the exclusive Burj Assila, a 64-storey architectural icon and Jeddah’s tallest building – a soaring 260 metres high tower – the hotel forms part of the two-billion Saudi Riyal, 60,015 square meter mixed-use development project which is also home to 116 state-of-the-art Burj Assila Residences available for sale. The 220 world-class accommodations, including 148 deluxe guestrooms and 55 suites, as well as 17 serviced apartments, feature views over the Red Sea and the Jeddah skyline from floor-to-ceiling windows which illuminate the light colour palette, with blue and beige accents awaiting guests. Providing remarkable sea views, the spacious balconies and sophisticated room design mimic the glistening serenity of the waterfront. Guaranteed to become one of the city’s most exciting dining addresses, Shangri-La Jeddah’s restaurants blend traditional flavours with local influences and modern techniques for a one-of-a-kind experience. The new outpost of award-winning restaurant Shang Palace, a new home in Jeddah for soulful modern Chinese cuisine, infuses traditional Chinese …

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Canal Central Hotel Business Bay Posts 157% Increase in RevPAR

Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, the luxurious 5-star Hotel along the famous Dubai Canal, recorded significant growth, entering 2022 with a 157 percent increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR), compared to the same period in 2021. The growth has been driven by the rise in the travel trade segment as the city hosted several key events and exhibitions last year, such as the opening of the Expo 2020, the UAE Golden Jubilee, and the recently concluded Dubai Shopping Festival. There is a growing preference for hotels in Business Bay because of its proximity to Dubai International Convention Centre and Exhibition Halls and the Dubai International Financial Centre. It is also a few minutes away from Dubai’s exciting tourist spots such as The Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain, and the soon-to-open The Museum of the Future. “Despite the previous year’s challenges, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay had a great start to 2022. We had record growth in our RevPAR, and we look forward to maintaining this throughout the year. We are confident that our strategic location, our diversified packages to cater to leisure and business travelers, and our excellent offerings will further boost the growth that we have already established. I would like to thank our loyal guests and the UAE government for their support of the hospitality industry,” said Gladvin Francké, Head of Hospitality. According to the latest Dubai Tourism Performance Report, the average length of stay in a hotel increased from 4.2 nights in 2020 to 4.6 in 2021. Average daily rates (ADR) went from AED343 to AED451, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) went from AED184 to AED301, indicating strong performance in the industry. The top sources …

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Swiss-Belhotel International announces De-branding of Swiss-Belhotel Doha

Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the de-branding of Swiss-Belhotel Doha owned by the Al Majid Family of Qatar. Effective from 1st February 2022, the hotel is no longer part of the Swiss-Belhotel International portfolio. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated, “Swiss-Belhotel Doha had joined our portfolio in 2009 and had remained as a franchised property for the past 5 years. But unfortunately, it no longer measures up to our brand standards which is detrimental to our image and brand promise. Hence, we were compelled to part ways based on a mutual understanding between the two parties.” Swiss-Belhotel International is well-positioned in Qatar and is known to deliver world-class service and memorable experiences with great value. “Moving forward”, Laurent stressed, “Qatar is an extremely important market for us and we will continue to serve our guests with our other hugely successful hotel, the Swiss-Belinn Doha. The hotel has recently expanded its facilities with the addition of The Swiss Sports Bar and Lounge. We are also negotiating some fantastic new projects in the country to expand our footprint in the country.” Laurent stressed, “Qatar is enjoying one of its best moments in history and tourism there has a lot of potential for growth. In preparation of the FIFA World Cup, we have seen a dramatic development of infrastructure projects in the country including the massive expansion of the airport all of which will positively contribute to the tourist experiences as well as create significant economic advantages. We are looking ahead with a great deal of optimism and eager to make most of the …

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Paramount Hotel Midtown Premieres in Dubai

Paramount Hotel Midtown opens adding pizzazz to the Business Bay skyline with its contemporary Hollywood-chic styles and impressive views. Situated at the heart of Dubai’s bustling commercial haven, the urban hotel offers a glamorous living experience with interiors that match the comforts and sophistication of tinseltown nestled in the neighborhood of some of Dubai’s most famous destinations, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and Sheikh Zayed Road. Retro artworks, marble floorings, plush interiors and a splash of gold décor welcomes guests at the lobby of the hotel. With 281 contemporary rooms and suites to choose from, patrons have a range of accommodation options to choose from. Individuals, couples and families can all enjoy the luxuries of state-of-the-art amenities and views of the Burj Khalifa to awe at. Across five bespoke restaurants, guests can enjoy an array of cuisines, whipped up by chefs of caliber. Paparazzi Tuscan offers authentic Italian charm with its open-plan kitchen and Chef’s table, while CineScope serves an international mix of multi-ethnic cuisine, compared to be as eclectic as the flamboyant city of Las Vegas. With a 25ft long bar and leather armchairs, Melrose Bar & Lounge provides for a comfortable evening in a fashionable, and urban ambience. Meanwhile, perched 235m up, the Malibu Sky Lounge and Pool Bar offers panoramic views of Dubai. In collaboration with French brand Château Berger, the hotel offers a relaxing and holistic experience at PAUSE Spa, offering a wide range of therapies as well as bath, body and beauty products for purchase. Furthermore, PAUSE Fitness Center offers a comprehensive range of fitness equipment for fitness enthusiasts. The Kids Studio Club offers a safe and fun place for children to be entertained …

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Sunset Hospitality Group Enters Egypt with a joint venture with Dex Squared Hospitality

Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), renowned for curating contemporary hospitality experiences around the world, and Dex Squared Hospitality, a hospitality management company, has signed a joint venture to bring SHG’s portfolio of brands to Egypt. The announcement coincides with the Group’s strategic expansion plans for 2022. It will see SHG’s hospitality and lifestyle concepts entering Egypt, the Arab world’s third-largest economy, and set to become a destination of choice for lifestyle experiences. Antonio Gonzalez, CEO, Sunset Hospitality Group, explains: “As we enter a promising 2022, we are glad to announce our joint venture with Dex Squared Hospitality to enter Egypt. Egypt offers a rich business environment. Being close to many European markets and a gateway to Africa, the country attracts tourists and investors alike. With its magnificent climate, sandy beaches, popular attractions like its historical monuments, and vibrant social life, our hospitality concepts will add value to the many experiences this country has to offer.” The partnership will see Sunset Dex Egypt use its knowledge and experience of the Egyptian market to operate healthy business investments that meet the specific objectives of Sunset Hospitality Group. This means Egypt will be home to brands like Azure Beach, Ammos, Black Tap, and Isola Ristorante Italiano, to name a few. Dex Squared is a hospitality management firm led by a highly experienced team with decades of engagement in developing hotel and restaurant brands and managing the portfolio of international hotel chains in MEA. Dex Squared Hospitality uses its diversified expertise to provide bespoke and relevant solutions ranging from franchised third party operated and stand-alone hotels, asset managed hotels and the development of innovative hotel and restaurant-related software. Kevork Deldelian, CEO & Founder, Dex Squared …

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Hyatt announces plans for Magma Resort in Santorini

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Thera Island Suites S.A., owners of Magma Resort Santorini, managed by Athens-based SWOT Hospitality. Expected to open in 2022 in time for the summer season, the hotel will join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt as the first Hyatt-affiliated resort in the Greek islands, featuring 59 guestrooms, including 24 suites. The signing underscores Hyatt’s strategy to grow its brand footprint in the leisure and independent collection segments across key European leisure destinations. Magma Resort Santorini will resemble a re-imagined traditional Cycladic dwelling by incorporating a sustainable yet modern exterior design that seamlessly integrates the lava-made and stone elements with the overall island’s ambience. All 59 guestrooms and suites, 46 of which will feature private pools and hot tubs, will enjoy unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea and Anafi Island. True to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand’s ethos, Magma Resort Santorini will offer one-of-a-kind, modern and personalized luxury guest experiences. Nestled among traditional old vineyards, the resort will be located on the lava-made slopes of Vourvoulos, in close proximity to picturesque lava sand beaches on the northeast part of the island and popular cosmopolitan destinations such as Fira and Oia, known for its Instagram-worthy sunsets. The resort’s culinary experience, Magma by Spondi, will be curated by a two-starred Michelin chef and honor local agriculture and seasonal ingredients in a contemporary and inventive interpretation. The restaurant’s menu will feature signature dishes and other fine dining options paired with renowned wines from the rich viticulture for which the island is known. “We are thrilled to work with SWOT Hospitality and are excited to announce The Unbound Collection by …

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UAE’s Aleph hospitality to add two hotels in Uganda

Leading independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has entered the Ugandan market with the signing of a management contract to operate two boutique hotels; Masheda Palms in Buyala and A’lure Hotel & Suites in Kampala. Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio now stretches across six countries on the African continent. Bani Haddad, Founder & Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said: “I am personally very excited to start operations in Uganda. This is a country that leaves an everlasting impression on visitors, a country with breath-taking scenery, exotic wildlife, kind-hearted people and cultural diversity. By welcoming Masheda Palms and A’lure Hotel & Suites to the Aleph family, we promise to share our regional knowledge and international best practices to help them reach their full potential and, at the same time, support the rebuilding of the tourism sector in Uganda.” The timing coincides with the Uganda Tourism Board’s launch of their new marketing strategy “Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa”. As Uganda is opening up again to international visitors, the country is focusing on rebuilding the tourism sector after the impact of the pandemic. Speaking at the launch, the country’s president, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged the world to explore Uganda and the uniqueness of her terrain. Uganda is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and her diverse landscape include the immense Lake Victoria, birthplace of the river Nile, the Murchison Falls, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, and the remote Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, sanctuary to the world’s last mountain gorillas. Located in a leafy residential area in the capital, Kampala, in proximity to the Rubaga Cathedral and the Uganda museum, A’lure Hotel & Suites opened its doors in November 2020. The boutique hotel features all …

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Radisson Hotel Group moves forward with focused resort expansion in the Middle East

Radisson Hotel Group is forging ahead with the expansion of its resort portfolio in some of the most exquisite leisure destinations in the Middle East. As international travel once again begins to accelerate globally, Radisson Hotel Group plans to debut at least five additional resort locations by 2025. Following the recent opening of its second resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan Island – Radisson Hotel Group had also announced its first beach resort property in Dubai – Radisson Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah – set to open on Palm Jumeirah Q2, 2022. The upscale hotel will have 389 rooms and is set to house five impressive Food & Beverage dining outlets and bars overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline and the Gulf. The resort is the Group’s first beach resort in Dubai and third Radisson branded hotel to open in the UAE. It is perfect for both leisure and business travelers and is ideally located on the trunk of the Palm providing travelers with easy access to the city and Dubai Media City, the region’s leading media hub, and a 30-minute drive from Dubai International airport. This opening will bring the Group’s total number of hotels in the UAE to 17 in operation and under development. The opening of the two UAE resorts, in addition to the existing Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, reaffirms Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to growing its resort portfolio in the region and globally, and aligns with the rising demand for beach resorts, catering to the ever-changing travel trends of guests opting for more laidback and retreat-style vacations. All properties offer access to top tourist destinations and serve …

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25hours Hotel One Central opens its doors in Dubai

The first ever 25hours Hotel in the Middle East has finally opened, overlooking the stunning Museum of the Future and just a stone’s throw away from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Relaxed, fun and packed full of things to do; guests of 25hours Hotel One Central will experience ancient traditions of the Bedouins brought back to a modern life. Boasting 434 rooms and suites, 25hours Hotel One Central seamlessly blends nomadic yet contemporary design, masterminded by world renowned interior design firm, Woods Bagot. Unapparelled gastronomy and eclectic experiences making it the perfect playground for travelers and residents of the city to enjoy and revel in. Commenting on the launch, Christoph Hoffman, CEO 25hours said, “We are thrilled to be finally opening doors to the 25hours Hotel One Central playground and welcoming the local community and travelers from all across the globe. All our experiences and offerings have been carefully curated to make this property truly multi-dimensional – a living room, a party paradise, a romantic getaway or simply the go to destination for creative business meetings and co-working. This is one of the most exciting projects I have worked on, and me along with our incredible team are looking forward to paving the way for a new hospitality experience standard in Dubai.” The urban tale starts in the 25hours Hotel One Central lobby where guests will be greeted by the ‘Fountain of Tales’, a colossal fountain with seating spaces and bookshelves featuring over 5,000 books. Adorning the top of the fountain is a rotating lit up globe showcasing artwork created by a number of local artists around the concept of modern nomadic lifestyle. As guest scan upwards, they will find …

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Swiss-Belhotel International gears up for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

With Qatar aiming to attract 1.2 million fans to FIFA World Cup 2022, Swiss-Belhotel International expects strong demand at its hotel in the capital Swiss-Belinn Doha. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated, “In the run up to FIFA World Cup 2022 and during the tournament, we expect an unprecedented level of demand at our properties in Qatar. We are already receiving an extraordinary interest from travellers and advance bookings for the Middle East’s first World Cup and look forward to welcoming the visitors many of whom will fly across the world to witness the event. Our goal is to ensure a comfortable and safe stay for all in the country.” Termed as the global festival of football, the FIFA World Cup will take place from November 21 to Dec 18, 2022. Organisers had expected to offer up to 130,000 rooms, however, not all hotel rooms are ready. The most recent figures from Qatar Tourism Authority show there are 33,208 rooms in Qatar but that number is likely to go up significantly with the high-pace of construction in the country. Swiss-Belhotel International is well-positioned in Qatar and is known to deliver world-class service and memorable experiences with great value. Laurent stressed, “The World Cup will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting long-term impact on Qatar’s hospitality and tourism industry. The country is enjoying one of its best moments in history and has a lot of potential for growth. We have seen a dramatic development of infrastructure projects including the massive expansion of the airport all of which will positively contribute to …

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