Category Archives: Hotels

Hilton announced the signing of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Al Musbah Group – marking the debut of the lifestyle Tapestry Collection brand in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open later in 2025, the new signing reinforces Hilton’s continued expansion in the Kingdom and adds to its growing presence in one of the world’s most significant religious tourism destinations. With this addition, Hilton remains on track to reach its milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia. Strategically located north of the central Haram area in Madinah, Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will offer direct pedestrian access and views of Al Masjid Al Nabawi, providing guests with a convenient and comfortable stay. The property will benefit from strong transport links, including proximity to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and connectivity via the Haramain High-Speed Rail, which links Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Mohammed Almusbahi, Director, Al Musbah Group, commented: “We are proud to partner once again with Hilton to introduce the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the Kingdom. With its unique identity rooted in local heritage, this hotel will offer visitors and pilgrims an authentic and memorable stay in the heart of Madinah. Our continued collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision to support the Kingdom’s hospitality goals and deliver world-class offerings across key cities.” The hotel will offer 221 guest rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant, a café, and a fitness centre. The property’s design narrative will be inspired by the revered Ajwa date, grown exclusively in Madinah, adding a rich cultural touch to the guest experience. Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, …

Signature Cave Cappadocia is Wyndham’s latest addition in one of Türkiye’s most visited regions, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience with all spaces including guest rooms, restaurant and lobby- located within a cave complex. Each of the 27 suites of the hotel highlights the region’s architectural traditions through stone interiors, antique carpets, and handcrafted furnishings, enhanced with modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTVs, and, in select suites, private pools, hot tubs, or fireplaces. Nestled in the heart of Türkiye’s enchanting Cappadocia region, the newly opened Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham, marks the debut of the first cave hotel by a global hospitality brand. Blending centuries-old architecture with modern comfort, the 27-suite property is the latest example of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to creating one-of-a-kind, experience-led stays in the world’s most captivating destinations. With approximately 9,300 hotels across more than 95 countries, Wyndham continues to expand its global footprint while offering travellers something truly unique. The hotel offers diverse dining options through its 68-seat cave restaurant, breakfast room, and terrace bar. Guests can enjoy authentic local specialties such as Sineson Tava and St. Theodoros Köfte made with recipes exclusive to the Ürgüp region or take in panoramic views of Mustafapaşa from the bar’s terrace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its world-renowned fairy chimneys, awe-inspiring landscape, rock-cut churches and underground dwellings, Cappadocia has welcomed over 4 million visitors last year, including over 1 million staying guests. Owned and operated by Honest Holding, Signature Cave Cappadocia represents the group’s second Wyndham-branded property, following last year’s opening of Ramada Resort by Wyndham Pamukkale Thermal. “The Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham isn’t just another hotel opening, it’s a …

The growth of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) is redefining the hospitality industry by blending luxury, entertainment, and culture into immersive destination experiences, as reported by experts at Arabian Travel Market. Experts predict that annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the UAE could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the introduction of integrated resort developments. The upcoming launch in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to significantly boost tourism, with the emirate aiming to attract 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, generating thousands of employment opportunities. The highly anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027 marks a significant milestone for the region, reflecting a broader shift towards diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, the upcoming opening of a casino at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka signals a shift toward regulated gaming as part of a holistic resort offering. At ATM 2025, panellists from across the hospitality, research and technology sectors, including Judith Cartwright, Founding & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Darren Bishop, SVP, Market Research and Strategy Consultant, Heart+Mind Strategies; and Edward Batrouni, Founder and Executive Director, Zenitech discussed how these resorts are shifting perceptions and driving demand from key source markets, including India, China, the GCC and Europe. Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO, Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, also part of the expert panel, commented: “A sense of place is critical to making a successful integrated project and not making the casino the centre. You’ve got to really tap into the surrounding destination and not just centre yourself in the place you are. It makes the fabric, the texture, and …

The Ascott Limited announced the opening of Citadines Maslak Istanbul, marking a bold stride in the group’s ongoing expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye region. With 148 serviced units ranging from sleek studios to spacious four-bedroom apartments, the property is designed for short- and long-stay guests seeking flexibility without compromise. Strategically located in Istanbul’s bustling Maslak district, home to multinational headquarters, global financial institutions, and vibrant cultural venues, the new property exemplifies the Citadines brand promise of offering the freedom to live and work with flexibility and comfort. This launch further accelerates Citadines’ rapid ascent as Ascott’s fastest-growing brand, with around 200 properties both operating and in the pipeline across over 30 countries to date. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul’s captivating blend of heritage and modernity, Citadines Maslak Istanbul offers guests a stylish and private retreat amid the city’s dynamic energy. Whether travelling for business or leisure, guests are perfectly positioned at the epicentre of Istanbul’s key commercial, cultural, and recreational zones. Multinational corporations such as Ericsson, Cisco, and Ford, as well as leading educational institutions like Nisantasi University and Istanbul Technical University, are located nearby, making it ideal for corporate travellers and visiting academics alike. Holidaymakers can explore Istinye Mall, Emirgan Park, Rumeli Fortress, and Bebek Sahili, all within a 30-minute drive. The property is also easily accessible, located just 40 minutes from Istanbul International Airport. Each residence offers separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchenettes, and modern amenities tailored to the needs of urban explorers. On-site facilities include a gymnasium and sauna, business centre, guest lounge, meeting room, and a breakfast lounge and restaurant, catering to the active and sophisticated lifestyles of today’s travellers. …

According to Campbell Gray boutique hotels are the missing pieces in the hospitality sector in the GCC. Globally, the boutique hotel sector is gaining momentum, valued at US $25 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed US $40.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%, according to Grand View Research. Leisure travellers made up more than 70% of boutique hotel guests in 2023, underlining the continued demand for personalised, experience-led stays which could the GCC has made remarkable strides in tourism, establishing itself as a global hub for luxury and innovation. Yet, while the region is known for large-scale resorts and international hotel brands, there is a growing opportunity to introduce more individual, character-driven hospitality in the Gulf. Today’s travellers, from creatives to high-net-worth individuals, are increasingly drawn to places that feel personal and emotionally engaging. Boutique hotels tend to achieve higher Average Daily Rates (ADR) thanks to their uniqueness and personal appeal, and are especially well suited to emerging districts where large-scale development may be less feasible. Boutique hotels meet this demand by delivering human-centred experiences that prioritise intimacy, privacy, and connection. What was once a preference has now become an expectation, especially after the pandemic highlighted the need for comfort and low-contact environments. With fewer rooms, limited shared spaces, and a more considered scale, boutique properties offer a level of calm and personalisation that larger hotels often struggle to match. While most hospitality development in the region is led by major groups focused on building ever larger and more opulent hotels, the boutique segment remains relatively unexplored. A few examples are emerging in destinations such as Hatta, Al Ula and Ras Al Khaimah, but the concept of …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of two new hotels, Kimpton and EVEN Hotels Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City (KASC) – in partnership with Koushan Real Estate Development Company. Located within the masterplan of King Abdullah Sports City, a landmark district surrounding the stadium that will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the new properties are set to open in 2028, marking a significant milestone in IHG’s growth in the Kingdom’s fast-evolving hospitality landscape. The dual-branded development brings together Kimpton, IHG’s boutique luxury lifestyle brand, and EVEN Hotels, IHG’s premium lifestyle wellness-focused brands. Together, they will cater to a wide spectrum of guests, from international sports fans and athletes to wellness-conscious travelers and high-end business guests, while enhancing the Kingdom’s hospitality offering in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Strategically located in northern Jeddah, both hotels offer seamless access to major infrastructure, including the stadium, retail and leisure zones, as well as King Abdulaziz International Airport. This prime location ensures a dynamic, connected, and lifestyle-forward experience for all visitor segments. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Koushan Real Estate Development Company once again to bring Kimpton and EVEN Hotels to a location as iconic and strategically important as King Abdullah Sports City. This dual signing not only expands our luxury and lifestyle footprint in the Kingdom, but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to create world-class destinations ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Our Kimpton brand leads the way with individually designed boutique hotels and restaurants that focus on self-expression, world-class design, and genuinely warm service. With EVEN Hotels, we’re reimagining wellness hospitality by seamlessly …

Dubai’s short-term rental and boutique hospitality professionals gathered at Mama Shelter for the official launch of Short Stay Circle, a new industry-driven community initiative built to inspire collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation across the UAE’s growing STR sector. The launch event brought together operators, hosts, tech providers, consultants, and founders from across the hospitality ecosystem to explore the evolving landscape of guest experience, operations, and sustainable growth. From panel talks to breakout discussions, attendees gained insight into the real-time challenges and emerging trends shaping the future of short stays in the region. The event spotlighted key voices from the hospitality space, including Farida Ahmed, Co-Founder & General Manager, Frying Pan Adventures, Sandy Muirhead, Director, No More Bottles, Giulia Figliuzzi, Group Marketing Director, Hero Experiences and Lauren Hamilton, Founder & General Manager, Ride Skipper. From eco-conscious operations to cultural preservation, each speaker shared the tangible ways their businesses are embedding sustainability into both back-end systems and guest-facing experiences. Frying Pan Adventures emphasised a zero-waste food approach, alongside efforts to re-educate guests and teams on the value of “going back to basics.” Ride Skipper discussed how its salaried driver model supports consistency, care, and longer-term environmental thinking. No More Bottles championed the use of Purezza premium filtered water systems to reduce plastic dependency in hospitality venues. Hero Experiences Group shared its work with archaeologists and local authorities to create immersive, low-impact guest experiences that preserve the region’s heritage and protect fragile desert ecosystems. The conversation also explored how innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand, with speakers noting the growing importance of tracking eco-impact, encouraging mindful consumption, and using technology to reward sustainable behaviours. More than just a networking event, Short …

chatlyn recently opened its Dubai office to strengthen its presence in the Middle East. chatlyn, the AI communication hub transforming how hotels engage with guests across every touchpoint, announced it has secured €8 million in Series A funding led by Smedvig Ventures. With this investment, chatlyn aims to accelerate its mission to become “the AI brain for hotels”—an intelligent system that supports hotel operations (front desk, reservations, marketing, and guest services) and autonomously optimizes guest communications to maximize revenue and satisfaction. “Every day, hotels are missing revenue because a guest inquiry comes in at 2 AM and gets lost in the shuffle, or a staff member can’t quickly find the right response in the right language. In today’s world, you lose potential guests when you don’t respond immediately,” said Nicolas Vorsteher, CEO and Co-founder of chatlyn. “We want to bring back meaningful conversations to the hospitality industry and free up staff’s valuable time for in-person guest interactions. We’re building the AI brain for hotels – an AI that understands hospitality context, speaks 35+ languages fluently, and learns each property’s unique voice to deliver experiences that feel both personal and effortless.” “chatlyn has fundamentally transformed our guest experience from reactive to proactive,” said Garry Loefgen, Head of Commercial at InterContinental Vienna. “Our AI assistant handles over 70% of inquiries instantly in perfect German, English, Arabic, and many other languages, while our team focuses on creating magical moments. It’s like having a multilingual concierge that never sleeps and gets smarter every day.” The round included participation from AnyDesk founder Andreas Burike, Austrian transport leader Blaguss, business angel Mathias Hiebeler (former owner of Grob aircraft, acquired by Helsing), and strategic hospitality angels. The …

7 Management announced its partnership with Park Hyatt Dubai as the two companies work towards the relaunch of one of Dubai’s most iconic concepts, Seven Sisters. Set to open in Q4 of 2025, the brand-new space will be nestled in the heart of Dubai Creek Resort – one of the city’s hidden gems, and rapidly growing lifestyle destinations. The relaunch of Seven Sisters brings back its original essence, with a refreshed and elevated feel, set against the backdrop of the reflective Dubai Creek and the city skyline. An incredible space offering the perfect blend of waterfront serenity with urban energy, Park Hyatt Dubai and Seven Sisters promise guests an energetic experience with vibrant music, a dynamic crowd, and unforgettable nights – all within a more refined, and design-forward setting. “Seven Sisters has always been close to our hearts, as it was the very first brand we launched in Dubai, marking the beginning of our expansion in the region. So, bringing it back in such a beautiful and evolving part of the city feels just right,” said Rabih Fakhreddine, Founder and Group CEO of 7 Management. “Dubai Creek Resort is fast becoming one of the city’s prime lifestyle hubs, and Park Hyatt is the perfect partner to help us take this concept to the next level.” More than just a new opening, this partnership marks a significant milestone as the two renowned brands join forces for the rebirth of Seven Sisters, promising to bring a bold and elevated experience that reflects both 7 Management’s and Park Hyatt Dubai continued commitment to innovation, and delivering world-class experiences to Dubai’s everchanging night life scene. “We are delighted to welcome Seven Sisters to Dubai Creek …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its newest five-star resort: Wyndham Alanya. Nestled along Türkiye’s scenic Mediterranean coast, the newly built resort invites guests to experience a blend of modern luxury, family-friendly amenities, and authentic local charm. Located just 20 kilometers from Alanya’s vibrant city center, Wyndham Alanya is perfectly positioned for a peaceful retreat or a base to explore Antalya’s most beloved resort destination. The hotel features 188 beautifully appointed guest rooms, ranging from standard to deluxe, superior, accessible rooms, and a luxurious king suite all designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers. From leisure-seekers to adventure enthusiasts, every guest at Wyndham Alanya will find something to love. The resort offers: • A full-service spa complete with a salt room, steam room, and traditional Turkish bath • Indoor and outdoor pools ideal for both relaxation and recreation • A state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and basketball courts for active guests • Four on-site restaurants, showcasing both local and international cuisines An Ideal Stay for Families Wyndham Alanya embraces its role as a destination for travelers of all ages, making it an ideal choice for family getaways. Dedicated children’s play areas and baby cot options ensure younger guests are well taken care of. For a memorable experience, families can enjoy gondola tours around the property; a unique activity that combines fun, relaxation, and a touch of adventure. Helping to make travel seamless, the resort also offers convenient airport and beach shuttle services, reflecting Wyndham’s commitment to comfort and accessibility for every guest, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. “With Türkiye set to welcome over 70 million international visitors in 2025, we’re thrilled to introduce Wyndham …