Category Archives: Hotels

At a special interview with TravelTV Middle East Amir Golbarg Senior VP Operations MEA Region Minor Hotels shared that the travel trade partners are of paramount importance as they build destinations when opening hotels. “travel trade is of paramount importance to us and we like to be destination builders. We like to create and add new destinations onto the map, and that’s one thing we work very closely in terms of, in particular with our Anantara brand, which is all about being indigenous sustainable luxury. And when you go in and you want to penetrate and create a new destination on the map, you’ve got to work with the travel trade. You’ve got to work with the local governments and the entities. And for us, you know, it’s the whole geosystem of travel coming together. We are an anchor and an establisher that’s going to create the demand. But the demand needs to be known, and to be able to get that voice heard, that’s where the travel trade is key. And you need to bring the entire geosystem together, and one without the other cannot function. So for us, travel trade as a whole has many components that many, unfortunately, look at it in silos. And I think in today’s world, we’ve gone from global back to local. And when you go back to local, then you need to look at who do you need to work with domestically to build the destinations up or to rebuild the perception of the destinations. So for us, that’s a key component, and travel trade plays a significant role in us building destinations.”

Hilton announces the opening of two hotels in Dubai – Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay, marking the debut of the Embassy Suites by Hilton brand in the UAE, and Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay – both offering guests world-class hospitality in the heart of the city’s bustling Business Bay district. The highly anticipated Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay brings the brand’s upscale hospitality to the UAE for the first time. Features synonymous with Embassy by Hilton including spacious suites, complimentary made-to-order breakfast, flexible meetings and events space and a complimentary evening reception are all available for visitors to Dubai to enjoy. Next door, Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Business Bay offers affordable stays and an open, inviting atmosphere with warm service, ensuring guests have an easy and comfortable stay. An ideal base to explore the city, both properties are just minutes from Dubai’s iconic tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall and are well-connected to key business hubs like Dubai Design District, Emaar Square and Bay Square. Commenting on the openings, Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “These openings build on our footprint in the UAE, an incredibly dynamic market with great momentum. With the debut of Embassy Suites by Hilton – our first All-Suites brand in the UAE – we now have ten brands operating across the country. We look forward to welcoming guests to these properties, which are set to be a hub of hospitality excellence for leisure and business travellers alike.” Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai Business Bay With the majority of guest rooms offering views of the Burj Khalifa, the UAE’s first Embassy Suites by Hilton is …

Oravel Stays has launched its premium hotel brand SUNDAY in Dubai with the opening of SUNDAY Holiday International Hotel Dubai. Spread over 44000 square feet, it is at Bur Dubai next to Burjuman Mall and Metro Station on the western side of Dubai creek. There are over 200 rooms in different categories and multiple food and beverages outlets in the hotel to cater to different requirements of the guests. There are many popular tourist hotspots in proximity such as Dubai Creek, Dubai Dolphinarium and Dubai Frame. The initiative is a part of Oravel’s ongoing program to spread premium hotel footprint across the globe. It has identified popular tourist regions as Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Business Bay, and Al Barsha for the expansion of SUNDAY brand of hotels in Dubai. The brand SUNDAY has been conceptualised to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the new-age travelers and provide them a perfect getaway for a reset. SUNDAY will cater to the growing demand for premium stays, combining sophisticated design, top-notch amenities and services. It breaks away from the mold of traditional hotels and offers a unique proposition of modern-day luxury coupled with mindfully curated experiences that enable guests to unwind at their own pace. SUNDAY Hotels offer an immersive experience, designed to engage the local community, and showcase creativity. Each property has a dedicated team of highly trained hospitality professionals that ensure personalised services for every guest. From the moment of arrival, guests are treated to a seamless check-in process, with staff available around the clock to cater to their needs. One of the hallmarks of the SUNDAY brand is its luxurious amenities, designed …

Hyatt has chosen the Oracle OPERA Cloud hospitality platform as the property management system (PMS) for its global hotel portfolio. With OPERA Cloud, Hyatt properties will be able to standardize its operations and data management across more than 1,000 hotels and all-inclusive properties. With a modern data platform delivering a common user interface and processes across its properties, Hyatt colleagues will have the insights to operate more efficiently and provide an improved, more consistent experience for its guests, members and customers. “As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, Hyatt is committed to caring for people so they can be their best,” said Cameron Hammond, Senior Vice President of Global Field Technology Services at Hyatt. “In today’s evolving environment, technology plays a critical role in empowering our colleagues so they can continue to deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests. By moving to OPERA Cloud and extending our long-standing collaboration with Oracle, we will be able to provide our operators and colleagues with a modern, secure platform to deliver better data insights and elevate their roles with more ease and efficiency.” Built on the high performance and security of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), OPERA Cloud PMS will help centralize data at Hyatt’s global properties for better insights and operational planning, from a holistic perspective down to the individual property level. Hyatt will also benefit from having a better view into the unique preferences of its guests across properties they stay at to deliver more personalized touchpoints over time. With the ability to use OPERA Cloud on mobile devices, colleagues will also have the flexibility to help guests from anywhere and at any time. “With OPERA Cloud as the secure data and …

Rotana announces the opening of Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa, the first Edge by Rotana property in Abu Dhabi. Edge by Rotana is a collection of independent properties that maintain their individuality, while benefiting from Rotana’s extensive network and systems. The new property marks the seventh Edge by Rotana opening since the brand launch, with another six hotels in the pipeline across the MENAT region. The opening of Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa expands Rotana’s presence in Abu Dhabi to 4,768 keys across 17 properties. Located approximately 150 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, Mirfa is a serene coastal town nestled on the picturesque western coast of the Emirate. Complete with a private beach overlooking the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf, the serviced apartment hotel offers a perfect blend of convenience and comfort for business travel, a long-term stay, or a family vacation. The hotel features 76 serviced apartments, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. Each unit is seamlessly designed for modern living, providing stunning sea views and a tranquil escape from city life. Apartments are also fitted with a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: “We are proud to open the doors to Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa, delivering ‘Treasured Time’ to a fantastic new location in the UAE. This hotel marks a key addition to our growing portfolio and a reflection of our strategic expansion of Edge by Rotana brand in key markets across the region.” Beach Bay Hotel – Mirfa offers guests two attractive dining options to suit any mood, taste, and occasion. The property features two restaurants of …

Jannah Hotels & Resorts is ready to unveil its newest addition, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments (JEHA), in Q4 2024. Bringing together a blend of traditional Bedouin charm and contemporary chic design, this property is set to become a preferred destination for both travelers and residents in the heart of the capital. Strategically located in the vibrant heart of the city, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments features 230 elegantly designed apartments, including stylish studios, one-bedroom apartments, and spacious family suites. Guests can choose between stunning sea views and lively cityscapes, with each apartment fully equipped with modern kitchens, providing the flexibility of home-cooked meals and intimate gatherings. The property features an array of amenities designed to cater to diverse lifestyles. A rooftop pool provides a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy panoramic city views, while the gym and sauna provide spaces to recharge and maintain wellness routines. Dining options include a cozy café for a quick coffee fix and an all-day dining restaurant serving a variety of international and local flavors. Located just 10 minutes from the Corniche, 20 minutes from Saadiyat Island, and 25 minutes from Yas Island, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments offers easy access to Abu Dhabi’s key attractions and business hubs, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scenes. The launch of this property is part of Jannah Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing expansion across the UAE and to extend its presence in Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned! For more information or to make a reservation, contact Jannah Hotels & Resorts at book@jannah-hotels.com, visit www.jannah-hotels.com, or call 800-JANNAH (526624).

Taraf and Marriott International, Inc. announced a landmark project, W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island. This collaboration will mark the first branded residences of the renowned W Hotels brand in Abu Dhabi and represents an exciting milestone for both stakeholders, with Taraf expanding its impressive lineup of luxury property developments, and Marriott adding this project to its W Residences portfolio that continues to set new standards and offer the bold, unexpected design and luxury hospitality the hotel brand is known for. Located in Abu Dhabi, a city rapidly emerging as a global real estate powerhouse and the new destination for the world’s elite, The Residences will be located in Al Maryah Island, the city’s premium address and home to the international financial center. Recognized and celebrated for its dynamic community, visionary development, luxury retail and dining options, and an exciting project pipeline, Al Maryah is rapidly becoming the destination of choice for the world’s leading brands. The project’s design will not only add to Abu Dhabi’s iconic skyline but will also feature cutting-edge interiors, world-class amenities, and the signature W hotels Whatever/Whenever© concierge service, providing residence owners their personal oasis to retreat, relax and feel energized. Low Ping, Group CEO, Yas Holding commented: “The branded residence market continues to grow, internationally and locally, with Abu Dhabi’s real estate market a particular hotspot. Our collaboration with Marriott International aligns not only with our prime goal of continued growth within the UAE’s luxury real estate market, but also our commitment to partnering with top global luxury brands. W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island will also complement Taraf’s portfolio which also includes high-profile developments across Dubai, showcasing our commitment to …

Nikki Beach Hospitality Group announced the grand reopening of Nikki Beach Dubai on 1 October 2024. Situated on the exclusive Pearl Jumeira, Nikki Beach Dubai is a chic sanctuary that perfectly blends beachside relaxation, vibrant music, and gourmet dining. The recent refresh, led by award-winning Global Interior Design Architect Rémi Viale, will introduce a larger air-conditioned restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that open to the vibrant beach club. Upgraded bars, new murals, and refreshed daybeds will provide a more stylish and comfortable experience. The updated DJ booth stands out, now shaded by a wooden pergola in a new location closer to the restaurant for a cohesive energy throughout the property. The redesigned pool layout now provides both high-energy and serene zones, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, five new daybeds, elevated above the water, offer a sense of weightlessness as they seamlessly blend with the pool’s surface. The beach club is set to enhance its dining experience with an expanded restaurant, continuing to redefine Dubai’s beach club cuisine. This season, award-winning Executive Chef of Nikki Beach Dubai, Kavish Chimajee, and Nikki Beach Hospitality Group’s Corporate Executive Chef, Alessandro Pizza, will unveil new menu items for both poolside and restaurant dining. As part of Nikki Beach’s global philosophy to source locally whenever possible, the location will continue its long-standing relationships with regional suppliers like Al Ain Farm and Dibba Bay. The venue is renowned for its exceptional entertainment and this season will not disappoint. Upcoming Events at Nikki Beach Dubai include: ● Opening Day (October 1): The beach club unveils its stunningly refreshed property, setting the stage for a new chapter. ● Grand Reopening Party (October 12): A vibrant celebration with …

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Emaar Hospitality Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that Dubai remains at the forefront of global hospitality trends and continues to offer unparalleled services to guests. Underlining DET’s commitment to building relationships with homegrown and international hotel groups, and to foster growth and innovation within the hospitality sector, the MoU exemplifies the robust public-private partnerships that are pivotal to Dubai’s tourism success and instrumental in creating unique experiences that attract visitors from around the world. The MoU further strengthens the ongoing partnership between DET and Emaar Hospitality Group and aims to enhance marketing and promotional efforts, develop tourism products and experiences, provide training and capacity building. It was signed at DET’s headquarters by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Mark Kirby, Head of Emaar Hospitality Group. Increasing collaborative efforts between DET and Emaar Hospitality Group will further bolster Dubai’s tourism sector, in line with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, driving visitation growth and consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the goals of the D33 Agenda, this new MoU between DET and Emaar Hospitality Group marks another important milestone for Dubai’s tourism industry. Hospitality has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s journey towards becoming one of the most visited and most popular …

The Ritz-Carlton announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, debuting a palatial oasis of contemporary majesty in Morocco. Nestled within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens, just steps away from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, this opulent palace promises an unparalleled experience in the heart of Morocco’s capital. “The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam marks a significant milestone for the Ritz-Carlton brand as we expand our footprint on the African continent and celebrate our first property in Morocco,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Our guests can expect the brand’s legendary service, sumptuous interiors, and a stunning natural setting that together create a sanctuary of luxury and serenity in the heart of Rabat.” Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant capital of Morocco, Rabat, reflects the rich tapestry of the country’s influences. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the city is celebrated as the cultural capital of the country and offers a harmonious blend of historical and modern monuments, including architectural wonders and contemporary art galleries, embracing the Hispano-Moorish heritage. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the historic centre, The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam offers an ideal setting to create precious memories in this fascinating place. Upon arrival, guests will be enchanted by the hotel’s grandeur and majestic elegance. The high ceiling showcases meticulous craftsmanship, beautifully embellished with “muqarnas”, an iconic Arab-Andalusian architectural element from the Almoravid era. The richly decorated dome, with geometric and floral patterns, dominates the ceiling with colors of green, gold, and touches of red. At the heart of the lobby, majestic bonsai …