Category Archives: Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its second Staybridge Suites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in Al Khobar, on Olaya Street. Located at the heart of Al Khobar’s corporate and shopping centers, it is the only IHG hotel to offer long-term accommodation, making it the ideal place for corporate visitors to the Eastern Province. With its extensive expertise in hospitality, constant quest to satisfy experienced travelers, as well as its signature suites, Staybridge Suites offers premium accommodation experiences for all its guests, allowing them to feel comfortable, connected, and at home at all times. Situated on Olaya Street, Staybridge Suites Al Khobar City provides easy access to the city’s most happening places, enabling guests to enjoy exceptional shopping experiences, such as at Al Rashid Mall and Dhahran Mall, both of which are located only a few steps away from the hotel. The hotel is also close to Al Khobar’s corporate district, which is just 5 minutes away, and Saudi Aramco – only 15 minutes from the hotel. Moreover, its proximity to King Abdulaziz Air Base makes it an ideal choice for Aramco visitors, armed forces officials, and entrepreneurs on short or long visits, at attractive daily rates. The hotel offers prime accommodation, with a choice of three spacious suites – 68 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom – all of which are fully equipped with fully fitted kitchenettes, comfortable living space, modern facilities, a well-lit workplace, free high-speed Internet, exceptional bed furnishings, a velvet sofa and plenty of storage spaces. The rooms, further enhanced with panoramic views of Al Khobar, have been designed in a manner to offer unrivalled comfort, making them the perfect place for both long …

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has partnered with Discover Qatar to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view one of the largest congregations of whale sharks that can be found on the planet.  A dedicated high-speed catamaran takes guests of Discover Qatar and Banana Island on the newly launched, unique, excursion to view the biggest fish in the ocean. From April to September, the cooler waters off the north-east coast of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of whale sharks that gather to feed close to the surface. Upon arrival in the area where the sharks are found, the slow-moving gentle giants can be viewed for two hours from the front and back deck of the catamaran, before the cruise back to the shore. A whale shark expert is provided by Discover Qatar, to help educate guests about these majestic creatures through an interactive lecture, with a professional photographer also on board to capture guests’ experiences on camera. During the trip, a continental breakfast and sandwich buffet lunch are served, along with other snacks and a selection of hot and cold drinks. Discover Qatar is collaborating with Banana Island to offer this unique experience for residents and travellers to Qatar. The resort’s luxurious catamarans are spacious and comfortable and are equipped with wall mounted TVs and WiFi, providing guests with exclusive services and exceptional and memorable experiences. The new whale shark excursions depart five times a week from Al Ruwais Port in the north of Qatar and can be booked by visiting www.whalesharksofqatar.com In addition, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara announces the reopening of its surf pool. After a full renovation, the surf pool once again …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of the Wyndham Garden brand in Turkey with the opening of the 346-room Wyndham Garden Lara, a stylish property located in one of the country’s most desired seaside destinations. The brand is set to further expand with an additional Wyndham Garden opening in Diyarbakır, the largest city in South East Turkey, expected next month. With amenities that are designed for ultimate comfort and convenience, cosy lounges, abundant natural light and flexible meeting spaces, Wyndham Garden takes care of all the little details to give guests peace of mind. The latest addition marks the ninth brand entry by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in Turkey and further cements the company’s position as the largest international hotel company by number of properties in the country, with over 90 operational hotels. Wyndham Garden Lara offers a wide range of amenities including well-appointed guest rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre with a tennis courts, access to the nearby Lara Beach and all-inclusive dining. The new hotel opened in April and is conveniently located to explore many attractions in Antalya, also offering easy reach of the international airport. Slated to open later this month, Wyndham Garden Diyarbakır will boast 182 guest rooms, a terrace with  beautiful views of the city,  a Turkish bath, a fitness centre with a spa and outdoor pool. The hotel will be located within walking distance from the city’s attractions such as the historic city walls and Ulu Mosque, while also providing convenient access to Diyarbakır Airport. Dimitris Manikis, President Europe Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA, said: “With the debut of our ninth brand in Turkey, …

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is celebrating 6,000 open hotels by unveiling the ‘6,000 Club’ and announcing partnerships with major sports and entertainment events. The 6,000 Club features a collection of stunning newly opened hotels from IHG’s iconic portfolio, showcasing the global reach of its 17 brands and the many ways its hotel teams delight owners and guests by delivering True Hospitality for Good, every day. The milestone was commemorated by IHG CEO, Keith Barr, at the New York Stock Exchange on June 7 when he rang the bell to signal the close of trading, alongside local hotel General Managers and colleagues. In the past five years, IHG has broadened its appeal to owners and guests by acquiring or launching six exciting brands to take the portfolio to 17 – providing more choice and amazing experiences than ever before. The new additions include Luxury & Lifestyle brands Six Senses, Regent and Vignette Collection; Premium brand, voco hotels; Essentials brand, avid hotels; and Suites brand, Atwell Suites. IHG is set to grow its portfolio by a further 30 percent, with more than 1,800 hotels already signed in its development pipeline, illustrating how much owners value the strength of IHG’s scale and brands. To thank guests, the company recently reinvented its loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards, to offer members more choice, value and richer rewards than ever before – all powered by leading technology on a new mobile app. The company is also announcing a series of exciting multi-year sports and entertainment partnerships for IHG One Rewards members that will connect travellers at events around the world, including Major League Soccer, European Professional Club Rugby and music festivals across the US and …

With the aim of expanding their presence in Iraqi Kurdistan’s thriving hospitality sector, Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100  properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, announced today the soft opening of Slemani Rotana in the heart of Sulaymaniyah. The new 5-star property marks the company’s fourth hotel in the country after Erbil Rotana, Erbil Arjaan by Rotana and Babylon Rotana, Baghdad. Slemani Rotana features 240 spacious rooms and suites with a convenient location on Salim Street in the bustling heart of the city, just steps away from the area’s main attractions, making it the ideal destination for luxury stays inside the city. The hotel boasts stunning views of the cityscape and surrounding mountains as well as a wide range of services, amenities, wellness, and business facilities including one-bedroom spacious suites, a presidential suite, a state-of-the-art gym, spa, and a piano bar to ensure an enjoyable stay. Commenting on the soft opening, Hussein Hachem, General Manager of Slemani Rotana said: “We could not be prouder of this new project, Slemani Rotana represents a new level of hospitality and luxury in the city of Sulaymaniyah and as our third property in Kurdistan, we look forward to extending our reputation for quality and service in the region.” Hachem continued: “The hotel is set to incorporate a number of elegant, modern features, showcasing the latest developments in technology coupled with a dedicated and hardworking staff to offer guests an unmatched and memorable experience.” Tawfeeq Taeyb Hasan, President of the owning company, Qaiwan Group, said: “The Rotana brand is world-renowned and we have been privileged to work with the company to manage our …

Brown Hotels announced an official partnership with Israir Airlines. The partnership is based around an investment worth approximately €40million for Brown Hotels and Israir to co-purchase and co-own properties throughout mainland Greece and the Greek Islands, as well as the launch of new packages combining hotel stays and flights at attractive rates. As part of the new partnership, Brown Hotels will provide unique vacation packages in Greece combining direct flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport to Athens International Airport via Israir Airlines with stays at Brown Hotel’s new collection of properties in Greece. Israir will also have airline exclusivity over the sale of vacation packages and Brown Hotels rooms. After the crisis that the global tourism industry endured during the Coronavirus pandemic, with Greece particularly hard-hit, both sides are anticipating that the rapid recovery of the industry will help promote the Brown Hotels collection and Israir through strategic marketing and sales initiatives by both sides. The hotels are located in strategic tourist destinations throughout Greece, with various facilities for guests, including restaurants and bars, all in the modern design aesthetic of the Brown Hotels brand. The partnership marks the first time that a real estate investment collaboration has taken place between Israir and a hotel brand. The joint investment will include the purchase, renovation, improvement, operation and marketing of the properties that will be operated by Brown Hotels. Amongst the first property to be opened under the partnership is a new Brown Hotel in Chania, Crete, one of the most coveted and sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. The hotel, aptly named “Isla Brown Chania,” will open at the end of 2022 under the Brown Hotels Resorts label, and …

To coincide with World Environment Day, Anantara announced its signing of all its resorts and hotels with the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge. Launched in 2019 in Thailand, The UNESCO Pledge in partnership with Expedia has since expanded to create a globe-spanning travel ecosystem which supports sustainable tourism. An award-winning luxury hotel brand developed by Minor Hotels, Anantara has focused its efforts on social, economic and environmental areas of priority since the brand’s foundation in 2001, changing the definition of purposeful travel for generations of holidaymakers along the way. By signing up to the pledge, Anantara is adding a portfolio of over 45 hotels across the world to the roster of over 4,200 properties committed to concrete, transparent and achievable climate action. “As the world moves towards climate resilience, the role of inclusive partnerships, such as Expedia Group and UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge, will only grow,” said John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability and Conservation for Anantara. “At every Anantara property sustainable tourism drives our choices, and over the years we have compiled a blueprint of best practices that we now hope to share in a streamlined manner with other pledge signatories to encourage the adoption of an ever-more sustainable business model.” “The UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge aims to promote sustainable travel, community resilience and heritage conservation globally,” said Ernesto Ottone R., UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture. “By signing the Pledge, we are pleased that Anantara Hotels and Resorts publicly commit to actions that will reduce the environmental impact of their businesses, raising awareness to travelers and helping them make more sustainable travel choices.” In each country where the brand operates, Anantara teams and guests contribute to social and environmental projects …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a leadership change positioning Hyatt for continued strategic growth in the Europe, Africa & Middle East (EAME) region. Javier Águila has been appointed incoming group president EAME, following the planned retirement of Peter Fulton who looks back on an impressive 39-year career at Hyatt. Águila and Fulton will work together through a smooth and thoughtful transition and Águila will officially assume the role in the next several months. “The Hyatt family is grateful for Peter’s leadership and impact throughout a career that spans almost four decades and three global regions. In his latest role as group president, EAME/SWA, which Peter assumed in 2013, he has presided over operational excellence and unprecedented growth for the region,” said Chuck Floyd, global president of operations, Hyatt. Águila is an internal successor, hailing from Apple Leisure Group (ALG), which Hyatt acquired in 2021. He most recently served as ALG’s group president, AMResorts Europe and Global Strategy. Águila joined ALG in 2019 as part of the acquisition of Alua Hotels & Resorts, which Águila founded and led as chief executive officer. Águila brings a broad set of experiences and perspectives informed by more than 20 years in hospitality, tourism, private equity and strategic consulting. “Javier’s appointment is yet another milestone in bringing Hyatt and ALG’s joint vision to life,” continues Floyd. “Adding ALG to our portfolio increased Hyatt’s European brand footprint by 60% and I am confident Javier is the ideal candidate to continue the region’s positive trajectory and lead the team to new heights.” This transition comes with a planned geographic realignment for the region, moving oversight of the Indian subcontinent under the leadership of David Udell, group president Asia …

With a significant shift in what tourists are seeking from international travel post-pandemic, more and more individuals are yearning for holiday travel that guarantees meaningful, off-the-beaten path, sustainable and wellness-focussed experiences.  There are also vacationers who are looking to make up for lost time due to the pandemic such as multi-generational family travellers, in addition to ‘bleisure’ tourists or business travellers seeking to extend their stay beyond participating at a business event to enjoy the destination’s leisure offering.  Another category of travellers that Dubai continues to welcome are the remote workers or ‘digital nomads’. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is working closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure Dubai’s tourism ecosystem is aligning with and adapting to these trends, especially by highlighting and providing an opportunity for UAE residents and international travellers to enjoy the ever-growing diversity of the destination offering, further reinforcing the city’s position as the global travel destination of choice. Holiday-makers are planning longer vacations as they come out of a prolonged period of travel restrictions and catching up on lost time following postponed celebrations such as weddings, honeymoons and family vacations, Located within the turtle lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro  is the perfect destination for some of the finest Tuscan cuisine in Dubai. With ingredients including organic honey, olive oil and vegetables sourced directly from the Il Borro estate in Tuscany, the restaurant celebrates seasonal Italian cuisine. Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the large wooden terrace overlooking the water surrounded by olive trees lit up by twinkling lights, complemented by the gentle breeze from the water. A uniquely exclusive and multi-sensory dining experience awaits diners at Sublimotion …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall, bringing its Middle East portfolio to 74 hotels in operation and under development. With construction already under way, the hotel is scheduled to open by the summer of 2023. Amman is Jordan’s capital and largest city as well as the country’s economic, political, and cultural center. The newly built hotel will be located inside the Galleria Mall, which is one of the biggest shopping malls in Jordan, located in the heart of Amman, and only a 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. “We thank the partners of Al Yaqout Real Estate for their trust in Radisson Hotel Group in Jordan, an important destination in our expansion strategy. The presence of the Radisson Blu brand in the country’s capital will be a steppingstone for further development in key cities and locations in Jordan, says Elie Milky, Vice President Development for the Middle East, Pakistan, Cyprus and Greece. “The signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall showcases our faith in the Radisson Hotel Group and Jordan’s bright future. It is an important partnership with countless benefits to all stakeholders in the most strategic commercial district of Amman. The hotel will be a state-of-the-art hotel concept that is perfectly designed to complement our corner stone property “The Galleria Mall””, said H.E. Samer Al-Tawil, Chairman and CEO of Amwaj Properties, the holding company of Al-Yaqout Real Estate Company. Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall will perfectly complement Radisson Hotel Group’s growing portfolio by introducing the core, upper-upscale brand to the country. The hotel will consist of 178 keys across various room types, including one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom apartments offering …