Category Archives: Hotels

Accor is anchoring the upcoming Jewel of the Creek masterplan in Dubai, UAE, with a fully integrated urban Rixos resort focused on leisure, entertainment, sports and food & beverage. Earlier this year, Accor announced its strategic partnership with Dubai Developments to manage two properties, namely the Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan and Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Al Murooj; The upcoming Jewel of the Creek will illustrate the third property signed in less than a year. “The recent development witnessed in the nearby Bur Dubai and Deira districts, with major facelifts and redevelopments initiatives, are expected to further elevate the surroundings and will be incredibly beneficial to existing hotels in the respective areas”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor Middle East & Africa. “We are the largest hotel operator in Dubai and our partnership with Dubai Developments highlights our common goal to strategically develop tourism and meet the demand of today’s travellers in Dubai”. “We see this project as the ‘Jewel’ of the Jewel of the Creek development”, said H.E EngEssa Al Maidoor, General Director Dubai Developments, “Once our elaborated and strategic improvement plan is complete, the project will offer all elements to bring a true Rixos product to the Dubai Creek area, which will appeal to a larger target audience and vastly distinguish itself from the competition”. “We are very pleased to introduce this new property into Dubai, as we increase the presence of the Rixos brand in the UAE” adds Willis. “This revolutionary project is expected to transform the Port Saeed area of Deira into a destination with a vibrant urban centre featuring residential, commercial, hospitality, sports and recreational components.”

Hotelbeds announced a strategic partnership with Thomas Cook following the acquisition of the brand by Fosun Tourism Group. Thanks to this collaboration Thomas Cook will gain access to more than 180,000 unique hotel properties in 140 countries worldwide, many of which are contracted under exclusive terms and conditions by a team of over 1,000 contracting professionals located in the most popular leisure destinations around the world. Thomas Cook joins Hotelbeds’ existing 60,000 travel trade buyers – such as tour operators, travel agents, airlines and points redemption schemes – who typically book further in advance, pay more per room, stay for longer, have lower cancellation rates and spend more at the property. León Herce, Global Sales Director at Hotelbeds said, “All of us at Hotelbeds are immensely pleased to see Thomas Cook relaunching and we’re delighted to be able to support their new model. Hotelbeds has the experience, technology and hotelier relationships available to help Thomas Cook attract travellers with the best possible service and hotel product. We look forward to watching it grow once again into one of Europe’s leading holiday brands.” Emma King, Head of commercial product added, “When we were developing our new Thomas Cook we wanted to offer our customers the widest possible choice of hotel accommodation – and to be able to do that quickly without the need for direct contracting. Our relationship with Hotelbeds as a strategic bedbank partner, gives our customers access to a huge portfolio of exclusive and competitively priced hotels worldwide. We’re only selling holidays to destinations on the UK government’s travel corridor list, including Turkey, Italy and some parts of Greece. We will update that once travel restrictions change or are …

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) adds a new neighbourhood to its boutique and lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo, the brand’s first ever hotel in India, GCC and Africa. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa. Set to open in October 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall. Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination. For centuries, the Creek has been the city’s epicenter of trade. Visitors to the area can still see the hustle and bustle of this fascinating tradition, where the Dhows and Abras (wooden boats) are docked on the banks of the Creek. Boats still ferry throngs of people across the waterway, just like they did during the pearl boom of centuries ago. As the Creek winds its way through Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, vintage gives way to vogue, connecting the trading posts of old with modern architectural exuberance. In the distance sits D3, a nexus of art, design and innovation. “We are excited to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the GCC, India and Africa.” said Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai …

Nikki Beach Dubai started welcoming guests back to its Pearl Jumeirah location on Thursday, October 1. Following all government and industry standards for health, cleaning, sanitising and use of personal protective equipment, Nikki Beach Dubai will continue to update protocols as recommendations evolve. Utilising Nikki Beach’s ample and idyllic outdoor setting, tables and beds have been reconfigured in keeping with safe distancing guidelines. The location is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch paired with wide-open spaces, fresh air, sunshine and ocean views. Upon reopening, guests were invited to enjoy a menu of Nikki Beach’s globally inspired dishes prepared by Chef Kavish Chimajee and his team including the Saint Tropez Nicoise Salad, Nikki Beach’s Famous Chicken Satay, Blackened Salmon Tacos, the Marbella Spicy Tuna Roll and Angus Beef Sliders. Nikki Beach is the first and original luxury beach club concept that combines the elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art into one. Today, as Nikki Beach marks over 20 years in business, the brand has grown into a global, multifaceted lifestyle hospitality brand with locations spanning locations including but not limited to Miami, USA; Saint Tropez, France; Saint Barth, Caribbean; Marbella, Spain; Costa Smeralda, Italy and a Hotels & Resorts division with properties in Porto Heli, Greece; Dubai, UAE and Santorini, Greece to name a few.

Accor marked another milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after signing a management agreement to expand its premium portfolio with the launch of the first the Swissôtel Living in the Kingdom. The group has partnered with Al Raya Estate Group, a pioneer in the field of real estate development in KSA, Kuwait and the UK to operate the new Swissôtel Living Jeddah. With an opening date scheduled for 2021, the project will be attached to (J View) – an exemplary mixed-use development comprised of hospitality, office, food and beverage and retail components. Fahad Al-Alloush, CEO of Al Raya Real Estate said “Our core business is to develop and manage real estate in the hospitality, residential and commercial sector. This Project (J View) is offering a high standard mix of all with its primary component being the serviced apartments. We decided to proceed with the Accor Group to introduce the Swissotel Living Brand into the market of Jeddah due to its leadership and expertise in extended-stay brands. We believe Vision 2030 is definitely boosting the transformation of the Saudi tourism and hospitality market, and we are looking forward to explore more opportunities along with Accor in the kingdom”. “This is a project we are extremely excited to launch. The stature of the project and its strategic location amid a plethora of demand generators around the central business district of Jeddah, will allow the Swissôtel Living Jeddah to actively attract a variety of demand segments”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor Middle East and Africa. “Our extensive research in the Saudi market highlights the growing demand from KSA travellers to stay in serviced apartments and benefit from the additional space with …

Rixos Hotels in the UAE is to now offer its luxurious vacation packages to Israeli travel agencies. The agreement is the first in the tourism industry that welcomes Israeli tourists to the epitome of a luxurious Turkish-inspired sanctuary in the United Arab Emirates. Israeli tourists can now enjoy the perfect ultimate friends & family getaway across the immaculate shores of Al Marjan Island (Rixos Bab Al Bahr), Saadiyat Island (Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island), the vibrant shores of JBR (Rixos Premium Dubai) and the iconic Palm Jumeirah (Rixos the Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites). Set in these unrivalled locations across the emirates, the 4 Rixos beachfront resorts are ideal havens offering multi-generational experiences to suit all tastes, boasting 4-bedroom villas with private pools, premium a la carte restaurants, and Rixy Clubs to cater to children. As pioneers of the ultimate all-inclusive packages, Rixos allows guests to enjoy a full experience without the worry of their wallet. Available at 3 out of the 4 Rixos Hotels in the UAE, the All-Inclusive concept offers tourists endless fun in dining, leisure, wellness and entertainment – the best way to indulge and create perfect memories in the UAE with family and friends. “This marks a new chapter for the UAE but also for Rixos hotels. It reflects the changing geopolitics of the region and aligns with our vision – Rixos hotels have always strived to be pioneers in their market. Rixos Hotels are looking forward to welcoming Israeli guests in our 4 beachfront resorts and to having them enjoy our hospitality and all-inclusive concept – the first of its kind in the UAE,” says Ali Ozbay, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Rixos UAE …

CLYMB Abu Dhabi is bringing back its exciting Ladies’ Nights from Wednesday September 30 until October 28, 2020. CLYMB Abu Dhabi’s Ladies’ Nights will include unmissable packages for female guests looking to enjoy the award-winning indoor skydiving and climbing experiences with complete privacy. Ladies can start with a state-of-the-art climbing package, which includes 60-minute access to CLYMB Abu Dhabi’s Bouldering, Warm-Up and Intermediate walls, at a rate of AED120. Ladies can also experience 2 flights inside the World’s Biggest Indoor Skydiving Flight Chamber for a rate of AED235. Finally, female guests can opt for a special combo package, which includes the indoor skydiving and climbing options from the first two experiences at a rate of AED315.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts Abu Dhabi will be rebranded on October 1, 2020 following the signing of a management agreement between Hilton and H.H. Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. The property will be known as Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and be the first of Hilton’s luxury portfolio to operate in the UAE capital. Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, Hilton’s President for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said, “Abu Dhabi is a world leading destination and remains a historic city for Hilton as a location where we began welcoming guests in the UAE almost 50 years ago. We are proud to be working with H.H. Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan to bring this iconic hotel to our portfolio and look forward to providing luxury Conrad service at Etihad Towers.” H.H. Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nayhan commented, “Etihad Towers is the embodiment of modern and sophisticated luxury and I am delighted to be partnering with Hilton to open Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Abu Dhabi’s global reputation will be further enhanced with the presence of the luxury Conrad brand – a suitable addition to the world-class retail and dining options available at this landmark development.” Nils-Arne Schroeder, Global Head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said, “The debut of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers in the capital of the UAE marks a significant milestone for the brand as we grow our portfolio in iconic locations around the world to better meet the needs of discerning travellers everywhere. This hotel is perfectly placed to offer guests a truly inspired stay with personalised connections to the local cultural and artistic experiences for which Abu Dhabi is known, all anchored by Conrad’s signature intuitive …

Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem hotels have completed all reopening preparations and will start receiving Makkah visitors on October 1. The two hotels provide quality services with international standards and adopt the highest safety and preventive measures. Shafqaat Bukhari, Cluster General Manager, Millennium and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem, said, “Guests safety is our top priority and maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is paramount in the hospitality industry. We want every guest to feel safe and comfortable at our properties.” “We follow all standards and regulations of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to ensure the wellbeing of our guests with high precautionary measures being maintained in both properties as part of ‘We clean. We Care. We Welcome’ initiative that has been launched by Millennium Hotels & Resorts to combat the widespread pandemic. Through following these high standards and preventive procedures, we maintain hygiene and safety across the 1307 rooms and suites, and 4 Restaurants & lounges, while continuing to provide five-star hotel service”, he added. The two hotels are perfectly located at Makkah Al Mukarramah within walking distance from Aisha Al-Rajhi Mosque. In addition to easy access to the holy sites including Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah, free parking, a 24/ 7 free shuttle service to and from the haram, on-site recreational activities, entertainment, restaurants and business facilities are available within Al Rajhi complex for the guests to enjoy while staying in the hotels.

Nature enthusiasts, can once again find sanctuary in Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi’s, first of its kind, educational, nature and leisure destination on beautiful Jubail Island effective October 1, 2020. Abu Dhabi’s premier nature attraction, Jubail Mangrove Park, first opened in January with the aim of enhancing the awareness, appreciation and understanding of the delicate ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the UAE capital’s famed mangroves. The park was an instant success with residents and visitors alike, who flocked to explore the mangroves. The park temporarily ceased operations in March in accordance with safety precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors will once again be able to stroll down the sprawling boardwalk that runs through the mangroves, meander through 2.3 kilometres of Boardwalk and see a variety of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Specially trained rangers are on hand who can explain the history behind the mangroves and detail wildlife native to Abu Dhabi that can be spotted within the lush natural habitat and crystal waters. Educational tours led by rangers and other activities will also resume. Richard Russell, Chief Operations Officer of Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) said, “We have been working tirelessly with our partners in preparation for the reopening as the safety and health of our visitors and employees has – and remains – our top priority. As we resume operations, we have implemented policies designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we will monitor all aspects of this issue as we continue to co-ordinate with relevant entities and strive to meet the highest standards of safety. We urge the public to help us keep our treasured park open by also doing their part by …