Category Archives: Hotels

Ethiopian Airlines has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art passenger terminal and its Skylight Hotel in the presence of FDRE Prime Minister H E Dr Abiy Ahmed, African Union Chairperson H E Moussa Faki, ministers, high level government officials, Ethiopian Airlines’ Board Members, Ethiopian Airlines’ Group CEO Tewolde GebreMariam, Executive Management Members and invited guests. After presiding over the ribbon-cutting event at the new Skylight Hotel, the largest in Ethiopia, Dr Ahmed, accompanied by AU Chairperson and other dignitaries, toured the hotel’s facilities including the spacious executive suites. At the passenger terminal inaugural event that ensued, Ahmed remarked, “Ethiopian Airlines is our national pride and a special icon among our companies as it carries our common name Ethiopia and our national flag. We would like all employees of the airline here and elsewhere to know that we speak of you with pride. The new hotel will enable us to attract tourists, and the airline’s offer for employees to own shares of the hotel is important as it boosts sense of ownership among staff, and will serve as a model for other companies to emulate.” Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, GebreMariam said, “This grand terminal building is further evidence of the development of Bole Airport as one of the largest and most convenient global aviation hubs. Ethiopian Skylight Hotel will enable the airline to offer packaged tour and travel programmes. Moreover, the hotel will enable Ethiopian Airlines to attract around a third of tourists out of the 6 million passengers transiting through Bole Airport to visit Ethiopia.” The new passenger terminal features the latest technology security systems, self-check-in machines, self-boarding system, comfortable lounges, duty free shops and other amenities. Ethiopian Skylight Hotel has 373 …

OYO Hotels has announced partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. OYO will provide the ministry access to its technology suite, which includes OYO OS and Krypton technologies, to enable them to deliver an enhanced hospitality experience in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. With this initiative, the company has affirmed its commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s vision in 2030 to increase the number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to 30 million annually, and leverage technology to help ensure that thousands of pilgrims have access to quality, affordable accommodations during their visit to the holy shrine. The MoU was signed in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO, OYO Hotels and Homes. OYO’s signature OS technology suite is an operating system that will assist the ministry in managing inventory, procurement, as well as, provide for express check-ins and check-outs in the accommodations under its purview. The OS further offers apps for housekeeping and audits while introducing solutions for multiple accommodation management aspects like expense management, staff training and engagement along with performance management for the hotel staff. All these facets come together to deliver technology-driven efficiency for living spaces. Krypton is OYO’s mobile audit app that enables the timely audit of properties while assuring an excellent guest experience. Under the MoU, OYO will work with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in enhancing, implementing and auditing the aspirational standards for affordable and quality accommodations in existing buildings in the holy city of Makkah, through the use of technology and proprietary applications. In the process, OYO’s technology …

IHG has signed a management agreement with Bougary Holding to develop Crowne Plaza® Makkah Beban. Scheduled to open in December 2019, the new hotel comprising 1200 rooms will be world’s largest Crowne Plaza and a landmark hotel for IHG. Located in close proximity to the Holy Mosque, the hotel will join the existing InterContinental® and Holiday Inn® in the city and cater to the influx of pilgrim visits expected as part of Vision 2030. IHG is the largest international hotel group in Saudi Arabia, both by number of hotels and number of rooms, and the latest signing is aligned with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in the kingdom. Crowne Plaza® Makkah Beban boasts a host of facilities including two restaurants and a coffee shop, a business centre and three meeting rooms (3323 sqm in total) to cater to a range of meetings and events. Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said, “Saudi Arabia offers great opportunities both in terms of domestic and inbound tourism and is central to our expansion strategy in the Middle East. We have a strong legacy in the Kingdom and are proud to collaborate with Bougary Holding, represented by Mr Loay Bougary, CEO, Bougary Holding, to bring the world’s largest Crowne Plaza to the country. This is a milestone signing for us in the Middle East and is testament to our commitment to the market. Crowne Plaza® brand is loved by travellers across the globe and is known to offer world-class amenities and excellent service to the guest; we are confident Crowne Plaza® Makkah Beban will be a popular choice amongst travellers visiting the holy city.” Loay Bougary, CEO, Bougary …

Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a 275-room property nestled in the heart of Sharjah’s financial district will be opening in Spring 2019. The first Waldorf Astoria city hotel to open in the UAE comprises 201 guest rooms, 46 suites and 28 residential apartments, and offers breathtaking scenes across Dubai’s skyline, facilitated by floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Besides, elevated culinary experiences can be found within Waldorf Astoria DIFC, where three distinct dining options and bars are available. Bull and Bear restaurant is the hotel’s signature restaurant, while the rooftop lounge, St Trop and the brand’s iconic Peacock Alley Lounge and Bar will serve as meeting points for different occasions. Boasting a retreat through its state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre facilities, the hotel offers re-imagined meeting spaces, connected at lobby level for guest convenience. Featuring a dedicated Business Centre, Ballroom and Library among 3 other flexible meeting spaces, Waldorf Astoria DIFC provides an all-encompassing experience for the discerning business or leisure traveller. Waldorf Astoria DIFC combines an iconic environment and a bespoke anticipatory ‘True Waldorf Service’, supporting the guests’ desire to live in the moment and ‘Live Unforgettable’. Waldorf Astoria DIFC is located at Burj Daman on Happiness Street, just a stone’s throw from Dubai’s most iconic attractions, The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, and 12 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

IHG has signed a management agreement with Arab International Tourism Investment Company to debut the voco™ brand in Egypt, with the development of voco Giza Pyramids. Part of a mixed-use development, including a high-end mall, the 17,000 sqm hotel is scheduled to open in 2022. Debuting in the Middle East in December 2018, the voco™ brand combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. To cater to both business and leisure travellers, the 230-room voco Giza Pyramids will be situated in the prime locale of Pyramids Gardens in Giza, besides the Grand Egyptian Museum and the main entrance of the Pyramids. A 15-minute drive from the newly opened Sphinx International Airport, the hotel is conveniently located 30-minutes from the city centre, with easy access to the ring road connection to the New Administrative Capital, that is expected to become the new administrative and financial capital of Egypt. The new-build hotel will offer features that include an outdoor pool, a health club and spa, as well as 861 sqm of meeting space. There will also be multiple dining options available for guests to enjoy, from the pool bar to the hotel’s speciality restaurant. Commenting on the partnership, Ibrahim El Adawy, Managing Director, Arab International Tourism Investment Company, said, “We are proud to partner with a global player such as IHG®, to introduce their latest upscale offering to the Egyptian market. We are confident the brand’s freshness, combined with the world-class experience of IHG and the fantastic location, will make voco™ Giza Pyramids a popular choice amongst business and leisure travellers alike.” Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & …

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have signed an AED 1.6bn loan facility agreement, which will provide ADNH with the financing capability to acquire Dubai-based hotels. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Sultan Suroor Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman, ADNH and André Sayegh, Deputy Group CEO and Group Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, FAB. Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Sultan Suroor Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman, ADNH, said, “This landmark agreement reflects our ambition to ensure sustainable growth through strategic acquisitions in our core markets. Our continued expansion across the UAE allows us to contribute to economic prosperity throughout the country, which is an important aspect of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.” André Sayegh, Deputy Group CEO and Group Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, FAB, said: “Supporting the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and contributing to growth throughout the UAE are key pillars of FAB’s lending model. This agreement supports this mandate and highlights our reputation as the bank of choice for large corporates in the UAE and beyond. We are delighted to have concluded this loan facility with ADNH (being a prime UAE Corporate Institution) and to support the development of the hospitality sector.”

To mark the launch of its new Luxury Suite Collection, Rixos The Palm Dubai has received a new name, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel and Suites. The rebranded Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel and Suites will expand its offering on February 25 to launch an exquisite selection of suites, bringing the total number of rooms and suites in property to 316. The expansion builds on its renowned success in the region as the UAE’s first luxury multi-concept resort by further diversifying its offering. The Luxury Suite Collection will comprise 82 suites, providing the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience by combining the homely comforts of a private residence, alongside the unparalleled service and amenities that Rixos The Palm Dubai is known for. Conveniently located in a dedicated building adjacent to the existing hotel, guests looking for exclusivity and privacy can choose from a collection of two, three, four and five bedroom family suites. Luxury features include spacious living and dining areas, private balconies offering sea views and Dubai skyline vistas, exquisite marble bathrooms with deep-soak tubs, separate butler or maid’s rooms and sumptuous décor that reflects the look and feel of luxury residences. Furthermore, generous outdoor areas range from large private balconies and verandas, to garden areas complete with BBQ areas, sun loungers and playgrounds. The Luxury Suite Collection also extends exclusive benefits to its guests including private check-in, special spa treatments, VIP amenities on arrival, in-suite breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea, a private BBQ dinner experience, a complimentary local tour and two-hour use of non-motorised watersports, plus much more. In addition to dedicated amenities, which include private pools, a dedicated beach bar and an authentic Turkish all-day dining restaurant, guests staying in …

Hilton has signed an agreement with AW Rostamani Group to develop an upscale DoubleTree by Hilton property in Bur Dubai. DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Mankhool will join 11 hotels operating currently, or in the pipeline for the brand in the UAE. The construction for the property is already underway on the mixed-use development, which will house the property. Nestled within the portion of Dubai commonly referred to as the city’s ‘Old Town’, guests will be ideally located to enjoy attractions such as Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Creek and the range of lively souqs which characterise the area’s heritage. The hotel itself will contain 327 guestrooms with 131 serviced apartments. It will include five food and beverage outlets and two outdoor pools, and fitness and business centers situated on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, within close proximity to two metro stations and Burjuman Shopping Mall. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President of Development — Middle East & North Africa, Hilton, said, “Since we introduced DoubleTree by Hilton to the UAE four years ago, the brand has been a real success story, and is now one of the fastest growing in the market. It offers the versatility to create a hospitality experience that fits an owner’s personal vision, supported by the established standards and global reach of an established brand. We look forward to working with AW Rostamani Group to bring about a new and unique offering for travellers looking to experience staying in the heart of Dubai’s traditional, cultural district.” Khalid Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, Chairman, AW Rostamani Group, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Mankhool represents the expansion of the AWR Properties portfolio, whilst also supporting the leadership’s Dubai Plan 2021 …

Master developer Nakheel has started constructing the rooftop infinity swimming pool at The Palm Tower, its 52-storey, luxury hotel and residential complex at the heart of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Perched 210 metres above the ground and covering 775 square metres, the infinity pool – one of the highest in the world – borders all four sides of the building, boasting unrivalled, panoramic views across Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline. The pool – which will hold 930,000 litres of water – is on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower. Above the pool will be a podium housing a 51st level speciality restaurant and a 52nd storey public viewing deck, 240 metres high. Construction of the rooftop dining viewing deck complex will begin soon. Located at the heart of the world-famous, award winning Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower comprises a 289-room St Regis hotel, 432 luxury residences and an array of dining and leisure facilities. The hotel occupies the first 18 floors, with fully-furnished studios and one, two and three bedroom apartments on the upper floors. The Palm Tower is directly connected to the under-construction Nakheel Mall – the access point for the public viewing deck – and its 350 shops, restaurants and attractions.

Four Points by Sheraton is all set to open its doors for guests in Sharjah during mid-January. With 225 contemporary guest rooms, the hotel offers views of the traditional Blue Souq and Water Lagoon from higher floors. With a sizeable inventory of inter-connecting and twin rooms to accommodate families and large groups, this will be the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate complementing the existing sister brand, the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Ideally located in the centre of Sharjah on King Faisal Street close to Al Ittihad Square, the newest city hotel will have easy access for leisure with Al Majaz Waterfront in the south and for business in the north with the Bank Street. The Four Points hotel is directly connected with one of the most prestigious business towers in Sharjah and an upmarket shopping mall within the same premises. Furthermore, the hotel stands at the end of the famous Sharjah Buhairah Corniche offering many options for dining and family entertainment. The hotel presents a range of Food and Beverage options with the Mediterranean styled all-day dining restaurant – Yasmina and casual dining with Cheeky Chan offering Asian-fusion favourites. Signature Coffee brews with savoury snacks at the Library Café and a pool-side Tea Garden caters to the in-between needs of the guests. Six modern and well-designed meeting spaces in the hotel are enhanced with natural daylight and latest technology to facilitate business discussions, team building activities and social gatherings. Recreational services at the hotel includes an open-air swimming pool and a kid’s pool on the 8th floor with a stunning view of the sunset over Sharjah. The Four Points by Sheraton will be the second hotel by …