Category Archives: Hotels

Following the success of the “Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba” which has been operating since July 2020, “Ayla ” and Kerten Hospitality agreed to manage another one-of-a-kind Hospitality Hub to further diversify the hospitality offering and continue to increase the footfall. “The Pulse”, a Cloud 7 Boutique Hotel, consists of 75 rooms located at the Marina Village, the heart of Ayla – a real estate leisure hub with the potential to be a second home destination. It is a tailored destination seeking to attract wanderlusters and exploration lovers and seeking to become an attractive Business Hub suited for short and extended stays that will constantly evolve throughout the seasons, attracting a diverse audience for a variety of immersive experiences along with dedicated workspaces for ‘bleisure’ travelers, guests, music and art lovers. Ayla’s Managing Director, Sahl Dudin, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with “Kerten Hospitality” following their great success in managing the ” Cloud 7 Residences” and we entrust the Group with the management of “The Pulse Hotel” whilst seeking to expand our hotel accommodation and entertainment offerings in Jordan in addition to the real estate development projects. Since its launch, Ayla has taken the initiative to work on promoting and diversifying the tourism offers in Aqaba. Our commitment to grow the hospitality and real estate facilities would not have been possible without the right partners.” Marloes Knippenberg CEO of Kerten Hospitality said: “Our vision and efforts have always been exerted to create local collaborations and bring projects to life with depth and purpose that allow to bring communities together. Our relationship with Ayla has developed where we share and motivate new ideas for development; we are truly …

Royal Central Hotel the Palm continues to attract the Russian market and expects to increase bookings from this segment by 25% for the first quarter of the year. The forecasted growth is based on the steady number of room nights booked during the last quarter of 2021 and at the beginning of 2022. There were more than 200% Russian guests who stayed an average of four nights during the trip, either booked by couples or families. Russia, France, Germany, The Netherlands, the UK, and the CIS markets are the top nationalities staying at Royal Central Hotel The Palm when holidaying in Dubai. The property has been a favorite for its exceptional location, with access to one of the best private beaches in the city. In addition, it offers unobstructed views of the vast Arabian Gulf. “We are expecting higher demands from the Russian market this year, and it’s an excellent indication that interests in international travels have re-sparked post-pandemic. The Russian travelers play an important role in the UAE’s travel sector because of their spending power, and we are glad that Royal Central Hotel The Palm has been one of their top choices. We also laud the UAE government for its relaxed visa process and health and safety protocols that attract many foreigners to the country,” said Hussein Gamaleldin, Group Director of Sales and Marketing. According to data released by Reed Exhibitions, ahead of the next edition of Arabian Travel Market, Russia has grown to become the second-largest source market for Dubai in 2021. It is also likely to retain its status as the preferred GCC destination for visitors from this segment over the longer term, accounting for more than …

The Kempinski Hotels portfolio is steadily growing in the Middle East: With the signing of a management agreement for a prestigious luxury hotel in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, another milestone in the expansion of the international hotel group has been set. The upcoming five-star Kempinski Al Qeshan Hotel is being built in a prime location in the heart of the Al Olaya business district on the famous King Fahad Road, which is home to banks, elegant restaurants and fine boutiques. The hotel with 150 elegant rooms and suites as well as ten serviced apartments is planned to be built and opened in approximately four years. With this luxury hotel, the owner is not only focusing on technical and structural sustainability, but also has included a full green façade in his plans. While one complete floor of the 35-storey building is reserved for an exclusive ladies’ spa and one for a men’s spa, guests can indulge in culinary delights in two high-class restaurants or admire the skyline of the metropolis from the rooftop lounge and terrace with pool of the luxury hotel. “With Sheikh Abdul Kareem Abdullah Al Qeshan, an extremely successful businessman in the cementitious and construction industry, we have found an ideal partner who, like us, places the highest demands on quality and relies on a prime location,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Board Kempinski AG. “The country’s financial capital signifies an important step in our growth plans in the Kingdom. Following other projects in our development pipeline in Al Madinah, Makkah and Yanbu, as well as our already successfully operating Kempinski Hotel Al Othman in Al …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …