Category Archives: Hotels

Sonder Holdings to expand in Middle East; Downtown Dubai

In order to offer both leisure and business travelers to Dubai a new experience two additional buildings will be added in downtown area overlooking Burj Khalifa by hospitality group Sonder. The two and three bedroomed apartments will be especially designed for the families that will spend bleisure stays and long stay business travellers. “We’re pleased to continue to partner with Sonder, whose innovative and guest-centric approach to hospitality addresses the preferences of the modern, urban, family and business travelers that frequents Dubai,” said Soby Joseph, executive director of Al Fattan Properties LLC. “Sonder is a well-capitalized operator that provides peace of mind and fixed income for real estate assets. They continue to be one of our preferred partners for developments in Dubai.” “We remain bullish on expansion in Dubai as it is one of the most visited cities in the world, renowned for its beautiful design and architecture and is a global real estate hub. These are all attributes that fit perfectly with the Sonder brand and mission and we plan to continue developing Sonder’s footprint in the region,” said Martin Picard, Global Head of Real Estate for Sonder. “We’ve seen very strong performance from our inaugural Dubai property, JBR Suites. We are extremely pleased to be partnering again with Al Fattan to take on operations of what will be Sonder’s fourth largest signing in terms of units. Sonder Holdings Inc. (“Sonder”), a leading next-generation hospitality company that is redefining the guest experience through technology and design, will add two additional buildings to its growing portfolio in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Through an agreement with Al Fattan Properties LLC, Sonder will manage and operate two of the three Al Fattan …

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Hyatt announces plans to debut Hyatt house brand in Johannesburg

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Millat Properties for Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton. The planned opening of the property will mark the introduction of Hyatt’s select service and extended stay brand, Hyatt House, to the continent and the third Hyatt-branded hotel in South Africa. The Hyatt House brand offers a flexible, elevated approach to extended stay and helps guests enjoy the comforts of home when they are away from theirs. Built on guest insights, Hyatt House hotels drive satisfaction and loyalty by allowing guests to maintain familiar routines, with spacious suites and studios featuring full kitchens, comfortable living rooms, large bedrooms and stylish bathrooms. Slated to open in October 2021, the hotel will be situated in the well-established Sandton area, where business and leisure tourism blends together in Africa’s economical hub. Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton will boast 43 studio guestrooms and 19 apartment-style suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas reminding guests of the conveniences of home. Additional amenities will include a unique concept for an alternative dining experience in the Treehouse, H Market offering grab-and-go snacks and drinks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool in which guests can unwind and enjoy themselves. “We’re delighted to announce plans to introduce the Hyatt House brand to Africa, which will be Hyatt’s second hotel in collaboration with an affiliate of Millat Properties,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “We are proud to hold such strong relationships with exceptional owners who share our ambition and values. They are essential to powering Hyatt’s brand growth.” “We are very pleased …

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Efendi Hotel in Akko Israel to reopen on 24th Aug 2021

Efendi Hotel, a 12-room luxury boutique property that is the living testament to the ancient city of Akko’s 5,300-year history, today announces it will officially reopen to receive guests on August 24, 2021. Efendi Hotel will offer bookings of its enchanted rooms and suites, all of which are furnished and equipped to the highest standards and have a unique character and style. Several of the rooms’ ceilings feature restored motifs and frescos, while others are made from preserved wood. Most of the windows offer Mediterranean sea views, while others look out over the ancient city of Akko and the scenic mountains of the Western Galilee. Guests will also be permitted use of the hotel’s rooftop, with sweeping views of the sea and Old City of Akko, and will receive in-room breakfast and wine and cheese upon request. Nestled in the picturesque narrow lanes of the Old City of Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Crusader Kingdom, Efendi Hotel holds the highest level of architectural preservation and restoration out of any private building in Israel. The property officially opened in February 2012 following a meticulous eight-year restoration process of the original buildings overseen by tourism innovator, chef and entrepreneur Uri Jeremias along with archaeologists and antiquities experts who were hired to restore the Byzantine and Crusader-era cellar. Jeremias oversaw the restoration of the two original Ottoman buildings and hand-painted motifs and frescos along the walls and ceilings, including a fresco of an ancient Istanbul. The unique structure of Efendi Hotel begins in the property’s wine cellar, which in itself is based upon bricks from the Byzantine era of Akko, more than 1,500 years ago. Ascending …

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Marjan welcomes AED 450 million new hotel project: the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton hotel in Al Marjan Island

Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah has welcomed the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton to Al Marjan Island, its flagship mega-development and one of the region’s preferred tourism and investment destinations. Marking its debut in Ras Al Khaimah, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island has opened doors to guests offering spectacular sea and island views across its 515 rooms. The fourth global hotel brand to open in Al Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton has a development value of AED 450 million which will further increase the hospitality offering of the island and support Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development strategy. Named the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ras Al Khaimah is recognised as the world’s first ‘safe’ city, certified by Bureau Veritas, and the first Emirate to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp. Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said: “With the new Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island opening doors to guests, visitors to Ras Al Khaimah have an added hospitality destination to choose, assuring them world-class service and a relaxed beach lifestyle. This will further add to the appeal of Al Marjan Island to visitors, both from within the UAE and abroad, for staycations and longer holidays.” Eng. Mohamed Hanafy, Owner Representative at MR Properties, the owner of the hotel, said: “We are delighted to open doors to a spectacular new hospitality experience in Al Marjan Island with the new Hampton by Hilton, the world’s largest under the brand. We chose Al Marjan Island for its location given the potential the development has and being inspired by its strong performance in welcoming tourists from across the world.” Hampton by Hilton Marjan …

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94 roomed Premier 3 star S19 hotel opens in Al Jaddaf

  The fourth property under the SGroup S19 hotel opened with 94 rooms in Al Jaddaf just 200 meters from the metro station overlooking the Dubai creek, burj khalifa and Dubai mall for both leisure and corporate guests. The group started off in 2018 with their first property in Dubai Science Park titles S Hotel which was their first midscale brand. General Manager Sameh El Amri shared, “S Hotel Group, when we launched our first property in 2018 we decided to tackle different market segments for different customer profiles so we dedicated luxury brands, upscale and midscale brands and hotel apartments and budget hotels. So we opened the midscale brand in Al Barsha in Science Park, S Holiday Homes which are luxury apartment and villas and today we celebrate the opening of S19 the first in the midscale segment.” Their unique as they combine traditional hospitality with contemporary amenities to ensure that all guests will have a memorable experience during their stay. At a time when details and experience are pivotal to all guests, the hotel focuses on ensuring that all boxes are ticked when it comes to providing the best in service standard to all the guests both corporate and leisure. As borders open they are hopeful of source markets coming in to Dubai and their unique location to both business and leisure precincts is another reason to drive in the traffic. Some of the rooms face the creek which is an excellent view. The fusion restaurant is an all-day dining area that could also be accessed by the pool and the terrace. All other regular amenities such as pool, gym, prayer rooms etc are available to all guests. …

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Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis opens in Tanzania

Mantis has opened its newest property in Tanzania: the Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis. The mobile camp moves every few months to follow the wildebeest herds, zebra, Thomson’s gazelles, and the predators that the Great Migration attracts within the Serengeti National Park. Mantis, a leading conservation-focused hotel group with luxury hotels, eco-lodges, waterways and impact experiences located across the globe has opened its newest property in Tanzania: the Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis. Paul Gardiner, CEO of the Mantis group comments: “The Great Migration is known as one of the greatest shows on earth and is on the wish-list of many international travellers. The Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis returns to the roots of safari: where sustainable, intimate, mobile camps move in symbiosis with wildlife. The unique shape of the tents – octagonal with transparent sides – is designed to dissolve the division between indoors and outdoors, allowing guests to be closer to nature. We look forward to welcoming guests and offering them the chance to witness nature at its best.” The Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis opens in the Kogatende region (Northern Serengeti) where it will remain until 15 November 2021. The camp will then move to the Ndutu region (Southern Serengeti) reopening on 15 December 2021, where it will remain until 31 March 2022, which is when the herds start their migration North again. Both locations have their own private airstrip for guest arrivals and departures. There are daily scheduled flights from Arusha or Seronera to Kogatende, and the airstrip is only a short 10-minute game drive direct to the camp. The Bedouin style camp has eight luxury guest tents, positioned on raised platforms to provide guests with …

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The Coolest Summer Staycation at Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection

Make the most of this summer by booking an escape on the shores of the Arabian Gulf with the beach at your doorstep and nature as your backdrop.  Embrace the urban escapade of its unparalleled beachfront location mixed with a touch of tradition leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated this summer! Summers are made much cooler as the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection has put together an incredible value-added staycation deal for the UAE Residents. Those looking for a staycation can now experience breathtaking views of the Arabian ocean from their modern chic rooms with guaranteed room upgrades while enjoying an extensive F&B credit starting at AED 150 in the resort’s delicious managed outlets. What’s more! Rejuvenate at the Elixir Spa with a 30% discount on selected treatments or take a dip into the resort’s one of the sparkling pools. The resort boasts a private beach, ideal for those who want an uninterrupted and secluded experience. Families with kids can make themselves comfortable and enjoy privacy at the spacious connecting rooms that the resort has to offer. That’s not it, the family resort has a unique kids pool section which is equipped with water slides for the kids to bounce and splash while the adults take a plunge in the main pool. The adventure is not over yet you get 2 bronze tickets to the amazing La Perle show when you book the UAE Residents Summer Staycation Offer. All this can be yours at prices starting at AED 700 per night. This bumper offer is valid till 31st August 2021. What: UAE Residents Summer Staycation Offer When: Valid till 30th September Where: Habtoor Grand Autograph Resort, Autograph Collection, Marriott Lifestyle Resort …

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Staybridge Suites opens in Dubai Internet City

Located on Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road at the heart of the city’s technology, media, and creative free zone, this iconic 46 story tower’s is surrounded by business towers and hubs which are home to top-tier regional and international Fortune 500 companies. A plethora of nearby leisure destinations await guests, including the world-famous architectural icon of Palm Jumeirah, along with many  local attractions, pristine beaches, and dining destinations. The metro station is only a few steps away, for guests to conveniently connect to the rest of the city, t the airport or to venue for the highly anticipated Expo 2020. IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has further expanded its Staybridge Suites footprint in the region with the opening of Staybridge Suites Dubai Internet City, on 1 August 2021. Renowned globally since 1997, Staybridge Suites is IHG’s upper-upscale extended stay hotel brand that offers an elevated, residential-style hotel designed for multi-night business and leisure travellers looking to break from the travel norm while on the road, be it for days or even months at a time. Guests will have a choice between studios, one- and two-bedroom suites. All 225 suites feature spacious and comfortable living, working, and dining spaces and a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line home appliances including a dishwasher and washer/dryer. Every detail from the Nordic-style furniture to the elegantly designed kitchen utensils is there to make guests feel right at home. Many of the apartments feature their own balcony to enjoy some spectacular views of the cityscape and the Arabian gulf. Several interconnecting units offer greater flexibility for families or small groups traveling together. Guests can start the day with a …

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Minor Hotels to debut in Bahrain by 2024

Scheduled to open in 2024, Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort and Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort will be part of Bilaj Al Jazayer, a new waterfront leisure mixed-use masterplan owned by Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. The new development will offer resorts, residential villas and apartments, food and beverage outlets, retail, offices and entertainment. Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 527 hotels and resorts in 54 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce its strategic entrance into Bahrain with the upcoming debut of its Avani and Tivoli brands. Bilaj Al Jazayer is located on the south-west coast of Bahrain and encompasses 1.3 million square metres of land with a three-kilometre beachfront. Manama, the capital and main city of Bahrain, is a 25-minute drive and Bahrain International F1 Circuit and Dilmun Waterpark are in close proximity. The new Avani and Tivoli hotels, each with 110 keys, will be located along the main boulevard of Bilaj Al Jazayer on the waterfront. Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer will offer a selection of guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, an Avani Pantry and a pool bar, in addition to an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and meeting space. Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer’s facilities will include guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars and a café, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, plus spa and wellness facilities. In addition, the hotels will share a beach club within the Bilaj Al Jazayer development. William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder, Minor International, commented, “Minor Hotels’ entry into Bahrain …

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Double Tree by Hilton to launch in Bahrain in 2022

Hilton announced plans to bring its DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Kingdom of Bahrain. DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sayh Residences has been signed together with Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate and is due to open its doors in 2022. Board Member of Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate and CEO of Mabanee Kuwait, Mr. Waleed Alsharian said: “We believe this is a great partnership that will add a valuable offering to the area. We are very pleased to be working with Hilton and bringing DoubleTree by Hilton to the Kingdom of Bahrain and look forward to further partnerships with Hilton in the Kingdom and the region.” Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “Following the recent opening of our first hotel in the country, Hilton Garden Inn Bahrain Bay, this signing brings us to four properties trading or in the pipeline in the market.  It sees us continue to expand our offering in the serviced apartment segment, which is an area of the market where we see growing demand from long stay visitors.” Featuring 113 serviced apartments, 61 one-bedroom and 52 two-bedroom apartments, DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sayh Residences will be located just a short drive from Bahrain International Airport. Situated close to Bahrain Bay, a waterfront business district and mixed use community with unique offerings of dining,, and nearby several other attractions including The Avenues Bahrain mall which holds 120 stores and F&B outlets at its seafront location. Guests will be able to enjoy uninterrupted ocean views in a number of apartments, an all-day dining restaurant and a sophisticated rooftop café and outdoor pool with views across Bahrain.  The hotel will be located …

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