Category Archives: Hotels

Marriott International and Diriyah Gate Development Authority sign agreement for luxury hotels

Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to open two luxury hotels as part of the Diriyah Project in Saudi Arabia. Located in Diriyah around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the properties will bring modern and distinct views on luxury to the historic town of Diriyah, set to become one of the world’s most forthright cultural and heritage cities. “We are delighted to be working with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and look forward to elevating the luxury experience of the Diriyah Project with these two iconic and celebrated brands,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh – Renowned for its legendary service and refined design, the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is the epitome of modern luxury. Slated to open in 2025, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, Riyadh is expected to feature 195 guestrooms including 34 suites along with a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining venue, meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Ritz Kids, the brand’s signature kids club and programming is part of the vision, as is a signature spa and immersive guest programs. The Luxury Collection in Diriyah, Riyadh – The Luxury Collection offers global travelers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations, with each hotel serving as a unique and cherished expression of its location. Situated in the district of Samhan, the hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2022 with 141 guestrooms, including 27 suites. Design plans are slated to feature two signature restaurants, an all-day-dining restaurant, coffee and juice bar, fitness center, pool and spa. The property is also expected to offer meeting and event …

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Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi to open next autumn

This newly built 20+ storey hotel is located in the upscale residential and diplomatic district of Maadi with direct access to the Nile Corniche. Hotel guests will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the Nile river while sunbathing by the outdoor pool. Perfect for both leisure and business, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi will feature a large health club and spa, an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, an executive lounge, as well as fully-equipped meeting and event spaces.

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Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah to open in spring next year

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this upscale hotel’s beachfront location makes it a destination of choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway. After waking up to the sunrise reflecting over the serene waters of the Palm, guests can exercise on the mile-long promenade, take a dip on the property’s private beach, enjoy a treatment at the spacious eforea spa or have a bite at the hotel’s wide range of restaurants, bars and lounges – including Trader Vic’s, Barfly by Buddha Bar, and Claw BBQ.

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Waldorf Astoria Kuwait to open Q1 next year

The 200 luxury guest rooms at the new Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will be just feet away from world-class shopping and dining, thanks to its location in Avenues Mall — a destination with more than 1,100 shops and a movie theatre. The hotel will also be home to the award-winning Japanese restaurant concept ROKA and will feature an exclusive Club Lounge as well as an awe-inspiring 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa.  Kuwait City Centre, historical and cultural sites, and the Grand Mosque of Kuwait are just a short 15-minute drive away.

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Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town to open in early next year

Situated in the Old Salata district, Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town will feature 221 modern guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, juice bar, 24/7 snack bar, work zone and fitness centre. It will be conveniently located close to Doha attractions such as the corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, and the famous Souk Waqif. It will also be in close proximity to the banking district and the Emiri Diwan Palace, and just 12 kilometres from Hamad International Airport

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Over a third of UAE Hotel Guests seek a Homely Experience, according to Global Travel Survey

While travel restrictions continue for parts of the world, many of us are now able and willing to travel once again, with vaccine drives in many countries enabling open borders. As we become more open to taking vacations, a new global travel survey has found that UAE travelers seek a homely experience when staying in a hotel, with 36% saying they like to feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home.  Nearly a fifth (19%) said they are bothered when there aren’t personal touches in their hotel. Cleanliness and comfort were among the highest priorities for guests, with an uncomfortable bed rated the most disliked factor about a hotel stay (33%), while nice food and clean rooms or communal areas among the experiences most likely to make guests book again, at 49% and 43% respectively. On the dining front, 37% of those surveyed said they prefer it when there are a mix of cuisines on offer, while 36% would like more buffet or help yourself options.  And with an emphasis on feeling at home crucial to UAE hotel guests, it’s not surprising that 36% prefer when food is served for longer hours e.g. not just a two hour window for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  And with clean eating a key trend, 13% said they dislike it when there aren’t enough vegan or vegetarian options on hotel menus. Sustainability was also a key point of interest for UAE guests with nearly half (46%) keen to see hotels purchase more environmentally friendly products, for example, using glass instead of plastic, which 41% would support. However, the survey commissioned by voco hotels to launch their new Turn Up Service found guests’ experience with staff …

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LXR Hotels & Resorts to debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Hilton signed the latest property from LXR Hotels & Resorts, the company’s collection of independent luxury properties, in Diriyah, Riyadh, KSA. Projected to open by 2026, this captivating boutique resort represents the brand’s introduction to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will be located within Diriyah, an 11-square kilometre development that is set to redefine luxury living complete with high-end retail offerings, lavish restaurants, residential and administrative buildings, educational institutions, recreational spaces, and galleries and museums. Nestled in the historic Wadi Hanifah, the retreat is to house 80 immaculately designed guest rooms and enchanting villas. Offering a nearby lush escape of tranquillity and relaxation for those looking to explore the vibrant Diriyah development, guests will enjoy easy access to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the home of the first Saudi State. Moreover, the annual ‘Diriyah Season’ will create a sought-after destination, hosting a myriad of sports and entertainment events, bringing together local and internationally renowned figures during the month-long festival. “Bringing the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to Diriyah is yet another step in our ambitious growth plan Hilton has for the Kingdom. KSA is a strategic market for us within the Middle East, where we already have a strong presence and aim to further expand on it,” said Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “In the coming few years, we aim to have opened 75 hotels in the Kingdom, and we continue to look for more opportunities to expand our presence within the rapidly growing market of KSA.” Designed to be an oasis of serenity, the property will house more than 800sqm of spa for guests to rejuvenate through holistic healing and enjoy …

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Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin to open in 2025

Hilton announced the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin, as it continues its expansion in destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 176-guest room property will be developed in partnership with Ahmed Al Amoudi Group and is expected to open in 2025. Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin will be located on Prince Majid Road, offering ease of access to Jeddah International Airport and the City Centre.  The renowned commercial hub of Falastin Street will be a short walk away with its range of shopping malls, restaurants and commercial enterprises. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a major focus for us as we grow the Hilton Garden Inn portfolio in the Middle East.  The brand has the largest pipeline in Saudi Arabia according to a recent STR report and is an ideal fit for urban locations with strong commercial and business offerings.” Othman Al Amoudi of Ahmed Al Amoudi Group said: “We are proud to be partnering with Hilton in developing this new property, which will enhance the mid-market accommodation offering of this part of Jeddah.  Hilton Garden Inn is a renowned brand which is a great fit for the area and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in 2025.” Hilton Garden Inn Falastin guests will have access to fitness facilities and an indoor pool as well as an all-day dining F&B outlet and lobby juice bar. The property will also contain 314sqm of meeting space. Hilton currently operates 15 hotels in KSA, and already has another 46 under development. The company plans to expand its operations to more than 75 properties in the next few years …

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JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh to open in Q1 next year

Due to open in Q1 2022, the landmark hotel will stand as one of the tallest buildings in the city, spanning 66 floors, with 349 rooms and suites. The highly anticipated hotel is also expected to offer world-class dining outlets – including the renowned JW Steakhouse, along with exceptional facilities, spanning business, wellness and much more. Situated on King Fahad Road, a peaceful oasis amidst a dynamic city and just a 5-minute drive from King Abdullah Financial District, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh resides in one of the most desirable addresses in Riyadh.

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