Category Archives: Hotels

The Chedi Hegra officially opens its doors at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, inviting guests to experience an unparalleled fusion of history, luxury, and cultural immersion. The Chedi Hegra features 35 thoughtfully restored rooms, suites, and villas, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert including the necropolis and nature-carved rock formations. The limited number of rooms reflects the hotel’s commitment to preserving the original structures, with many rooms created from existing buildings on-site, incorporating original stone walls and historic architectural features. This approach maintains the integrity of the original structures, blending their timeless craftsmanship with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy private terraces, plunge pools, and interiors inspired by the rich heritage of the Nabataeans, seamlessly connecting with the surrounding natural landscape. Built out of the vestiges of the Hegra Train station and set amidst the ancient Nabataean city surrounded by several other ancient heritage sites, The Chedi Hegra promises an exceptional journey that connects travellers to the rich heritage and captivating beauty of AlUla. Hegra, located in Northwest Saudi Arabia, dates to the 1st century BCE and was once a major city along the historic Incense Road. The railway route, constructed in 1907 under the supervision of German engineer Heinrich Meissner, served as an important link from Medina to Damascus, facilitating the movement of pilgrims and goods. With 200,000 years of human history and its remarkable heritage, the AlUla region is a significant hub of cultural and historical discovery. The Chedi Hegra, preserves the original railway structures, seamlessly blending the past with a tranquil modern experience. The architecture and interiors of The Chedi Hegra, led by Milan based design and architecture studio, Gio Forma, harmonize historical elements with contemporary sophistication, …

Hilton announced the signing of an agreement with Al-Gharaa International for Real Estate Development to open three hotels in the Islamic World District of Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah. The agreement marks the debut of Hilton’s extended stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and reaffirms the global hospitality company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio to meet the increasing demand for hospitality offerings across the Kingdom. Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, we are committed to delivering developments that embody the spirit of Madinah as a global destination. Collaborating with Hilton allows us to partner with globally recognised brands that cater to the needs of our residents and visitors, reinforcing our commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and positioning Madinah as a hub for religious tourism.”The agreement was signed in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, representatives from Knowledge Economic City and Hilton. The properties will add 1,415 keys to Hilton’s growing portfolio in Saudi Arabia, offering guests access to short- and long-term accommodation and a wide range of value-added amenities and services, in line with the Kingdom’s vision of elevating the hospitality landscape in the Holy City as the country continues its plans of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, MEA, Hilton, said, “Saudi Arabia is our fastest-growing market in the region with more than 70 hotels in the pipeline. We are fully committed to meeting the growing demand for world-class hospitality across all price points …

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement with Knowledge Economic City (KEC) to open three hotels within the Holy City of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The anticipated openings will be part of the KEC master-development and feature over 1,200 rooms across three of the company’s brands – Courtyard by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott. “Under the leadership and guidance of His Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan, we remain committed to advancing the hospitality sector in Madinah by bringing the highest standards of accommodation, innovation and guest experiences to the Holy City,” said Amin Shaker, Chairman of KEC. “We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott International to set new hospitality benchmarks in Madinah and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework.” Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International commented, “We continue to see growth opportunities across the Holy Cities where there remains a strong demand for high-quality hotel accommodation. Knowledge Economic City is a pivotal project that will further help diversify Madinah’s economy and create a destination that provides a variety of experiences for travellers and celebrates the cultural and religious identity of the Holy City. We look forward to working with KEC to enhance the hospitality landscape in Madinah and support the ongoing transformation of the country’s tourism sector.” The planned properties include Courtyard by Marriott Knowledge Economic City, which is expected to comprise 456 thoughtfully designed guestrooms, two dining outlets, multiple meeting facilities, a fitness centre and public spaces for guests to connect and relax. Four Points by Sheraton Knowledge Economic City is anticipated to feature genuine service in a casual environment along with 558 modern guestrooms, multiple dining …

Hilton London Metropole is gearing up for winter in the capital of the UK and along with a wide variety of in-hotel celebrations along with competitive room rates and excellent connectivity for GCC travellers. For the festive period, the centrally located hotel will display 18 beautiful Christmas Trees decorated from a renowned high-street retailer and both Bow Bar and Tyburn Market will see their ceilings adorned with a collection of glistening baubles. Younger guests will be delighted to see that the property’s official mascot; Hugo the Hedgehog has created a special cozy house in the lobby to welcome his friends and guests, the pop-up photo opportunity will have a comfy armchair, souvenirs from his London jaunts and fireplace; creating the perfect setting for festive family snap. Whilst Hugo is out experiencing some of the capital’s traditional festive activities such as Winter Wonderland and the various Christmas pop-up markets, he’ll also be raising awareness about the decline of hedgehogs in the UK and their hibernation challenges as their habitat isn’t protected. Book a winter escape to enjoy London across the festive period as it’s under 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport on the Heathrow Express train into Paddington which is adjacent to the hotel. Located on Edgware Road in the heart of the English capital, Hilton London Metropole is within easy reach of many well-known attractions, including the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Madame Tussauds, Marble Arch, Hyde Park and a wealth of luxury retail stores and restaurants. Hilton London Metropole blends all the elements of a boutique set up with the benefits of a large-scale property including 24/7 room service and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Located in central London, the property has three …

Dan Company launched “Tuaja Luxury Resorts”, its new pioneering resorts brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aimed to further elevate the country’s tourism offering. Designed to provide unforgettable experiences that connect guests with the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and authentic hospitality of the Kingdom, Tuaja offers a unique blend of luxury, heritage, nature, and sustainability. Tuaja Luxury Resorts offer three distinct experiences to suit all guests, varying from luxury and exploration at Tuaja Premium Farm Resort, tranquility and contemplation at the eco-friendly Tuaja Resort, and adventure and excitement at the Tuaja Adventure Resort. At the heart of all lies sustainability, reflected in innovative practices designed to preserve nature, cultivating a greener future, and fostering a strong culture of environmental responsibility. TUAJA PREMIUM FARM RESORT offers an exceptional experience for guests to enjoy the beauty of nature amidst opulence and comfort. The resort will provide hands-on agricultural experiences and direct exploration of the land’s bounty, ranging from tasting fresh local produce to engaging in farm-to-table cooking experiences and much more. TUAJA ECO RESORT is an eco-conscious retreat for those seeking tranquility and relaxation away from life’s hustle, offering expansive relaxation spaces. It features experiences of meditative practices amidst water channels and stunning nature. Carefully designed health and beauty services are available, where treatments are carried out by a team of skilled specialists using natural products and innovative techniques for the best results. Moreover, the resort stands as a testament to the importance of sustainability and environmental preservation, striving to foster a robust culture of conserving the kingdom’s resources and the diversity of its nature for future generations. TUAJA ADVENTURE RESORT is designed for those seeking adventures and outdoor activities suitable for …

Bedsonline has unveiled its new loyalty programme, Bedsonline Rewards, designed to reward and recognise the hard work of travel agents around the world. This new reward programme, which will substitute the prior Star Rewards programme in some markets, will integrate seamlessly with Bedsonline’s existing booking engine and will allow agents to earn points for any of their purchases, whether it be accommodation, experiences or other products. Designed with travel agents in mind, Bedsonline Rewards is built on a tier-based structure. Starting at Bronze level, agents new to the programme will be awarded a 2,000-point welcome bonus. As agents earn more points through each booking, they can move up to higher tiers, each offering more valuable rewards. The higher the tier, the greater the benefits agents receive. Bedsonline has designed the programme to be easy for agents to join and use. They can quickly sign up through the booking engine and, once enrolled, can access their personal dashboard to track their points, view their current tier and explore the rewards available to them. The platform also provides regular updates to keep agents informed of their progress and new opportunities to earn more points. The programme offers a wide range of rewards designed to appeal to different preferences and needs. Agents can redeem Amazon vouchers or other gift vouchers depending on the market. They can also opt for Bedsonline vouchers for future bookings, allowing them to reinvest their rewards directly back into their business. Bertrand Sava, Managing Director of Bedsonline, said: ‘We are delighted to launch Bedsonline Rewards as a way of thanking our agents for their dedication and support. This pro- gramme has been created to be flexible and accessible, providing …

In a vibrant tribute to the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel – managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) will present the “TESLAM – UAE” art exhibition, a captivating showcase of artistry in collaboration with The Paintbrush Art Community and Ajman Department of Tourism Development. The exhibition celebrated the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and modern achievements through breathtaking artworks by 26 talented artists, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. “Our aim is to celebrate the spirit of UAE and provide a platform for artists to showcase their creative expressions,” said Mr. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel. “Hosting this exhibition until December 7 allows our community and guests to engage with the UAE’s radiant art scene at their own pace.” The initiative reflects Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel’s commitment to cultural enrichment and supporting local communities, aligning with its broader vision for responsible hospitality.

The game changing Wynn Resorts Limited offered an update on the construction progress of its newest resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates. Wynn Al Marjan Island is located 50 minutes from the Dubai International Airport in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Construction has proceeded as planned with 55% of the structural concrete now complete. The concrete structure is complete up to the 26th floor of the main resort tower, with walls extending to the 29th floor. The construction team is completing one floor per week, working toward a topping off in December 2025. In the last 100 days, the resort tower grew by 44 meters. Wynn Design and Development (WDD), employing more than 90 talented architects, designers, and creative visionaries, is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and development. Wynn Resorts is unique in that it maintains its own full-service design and architectural team. There are currently 9,100 construction team members onsite, and more than 100 concrete trucks in place on the site per day. The resort will offer 1,542 rooms and well-appointed suites. To-date, the tower structure has been completed for 1,121 guest rooms, or 73% of the total. Fit out is underway in approximately 820 rooms – including walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. The elevator and escalator installation also began this month. Wynn Al Marjan Island will create a new category of luxury in the region through its unique collection of experiences. The twenty-two restaurants, lounges, and bars will range from high-energy social destinations to fine dining. Contributing to the atmosphere, a nightclub featuring the legendary “Only At Wynn” line-up …

Diriyah Company annoucned that it has undertaken to open 7 Luxury Hotels, adding a total of 877 rooms. Diriyah Company has undertaken the official groundbreaking for seven world-class luxury hotels during the second edition of its annual event “Bashayer – Delivering our Future”. It marks the continued growing momentum in creating world-class properties that will eventually total more than 40 hotels and over 6500 rooms across the Diriyah and neighboring Wadi Safar development areas. These latest groundbreakings took place for Raffles Diriyah, Armani Diriyah, Orient Express Diriyah, Baccarat Diriyah, Corinthia Diriyah, Fauchon L’Hotel Diriyah and Rosewood Diriyah offering a total of 877 rooms across the seven hotels. The “Bashayer – Delivering our Future” event saw participation from global investors, hospitality companies, construction firms, infrastructure experts and representatives from the sports, arts, culture, tourism and retail sectors. Diriyah is anticipated to welcome 50 million visits a year in the future and the delivery and provision of a world-class range of hotels and hospitality option is an integral part of putting the right infrastructure in place to meet visitor demand from within the Kingdom, the region and worldwide. Commenting on the successful groundbreakings, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “At Diriyah we are committed to offering the highest world-class standards of hospitality and we are enormously proud to have broken ground on these seven prestigious properties. “We will be a destination where you can find every one of the best global hotel brands delivering unrivalled levels of luxury, experience and service as Diriyah welcomes increasing numbers of guests from inside Saudi Arabia and around the world. “This is the second Bashayer event where we have undertaken hotel groundbreakings and demonstrated the …

United Hospitality Management (UHM) has been appointed as the franchise operator of the voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers hotel in Dubai following the acquisition of the hotel by Arzan Investment Management (AIM). The appointment further strengthens UHM’s rapidly-expanding portfolio in the Middle East, positioning the company as a key player in luxury hospitality management in the region. voco Bonnington JLT, a distinguished premium property renowned for its exceptional service and prime location, was recently acquired by Arzan Investment Management from Dubai-based businessman Dennis McGettigan. UHM will operate the hotel under IHG Hotels & Resorts’ voco brand, ensuring a seamless continuation of the high standards that guests expect. Greg O’Stean, CEO of United Hospitality Management (UHM), said, “We are honoured to partner with Arzan Investment Management on this exciting project. This acquisition and appointment reflect UHM’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, and to expanding our presence in key global markets with premier hotels like the voco Bonnington JLT. We look forward to working with the existing hotel team and with IHG to ensure a seamless transition and to maintaining the outstanding service levels the hotel is known for.” Oliver Hogg, CEO and Board Member of Arzan Investment Management (AIM), added, “This acquisition of the voco Bonnington JLT represents an important milestone for Arzan as we expand our footprint in the Middle East. We are confident in UHM’s ability to operate the property to the highest standards and to deliver excellent returns for our investors. As a long-standing international investor to Dubai hospitality, this transaction marks a continuation of our commitment to investing in Dubai and is the first of many such investments under the AIM umbrella.” The hotel team will …