Category Archives: Hotels

Marriott International has announced its transformation vision for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, the third largest brand in its portfolio. The company, which introduced its new Sheraton guestroom late last year, is showcasing its vision for Sheraton’s public spaces at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York, bringing to life for owners and investors the company’s brand strategy as well as its signature focus on guest experience, hotel operations and design philosophy. “From the moment we closed the Starwood merger in late 2016, the revitalization of Sheraton has been a top priority for our company,” said Arne Sorenson, President and CEO of Marriott International. “We knew that the way to restore this incredible brand was focus and collaboration with our hotel owners. We wanted to build on Sheraton’s rich legacy of sitting at the heart of communities across the globe, but also to create a differentiated positioning and compelling proposition for our owners. With our Sheraton transformation plan, we’ve put together all of the pieces of the equation to work cooperatively with our owners to set this iconic brand on a new, disciplined and successful path. We are ready, our vision is clear and the energy is robust for Sheraton.” Owners are already responding to the new vision with optimism and energy, committing an estimated half-a-billion dollars in renovations of hotels across the US. Globally, 25 per cent of Sheraton hotels have committed to renovations with some already underway.”

The second hotel in the Zabeel House by Jumeirah collection will open this week, bringing a loft-style vibe to the south banks of Dubai Creek, next door to the earlier opened Zabeel House MINI by Jumeirah. Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef promises to be the stylish older sibling of its next door neighbour, while still delivering on the collection’s ‘Upscale Casual’ promise of sharp design and smart service, with an informal approach and a moderate price point. With 200 rooms in 3 different sizes for solo travellers, couples or families; a welcoming vast lobby filled with a collection of contrasting art and design pieces and bookcases made for browsing; a destination restaurant that stretches out over the waters of Dubai Creek, and a rooftop bar and pool with views across both old and new Dubai, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef provides a completely new experience in this part of the city. Add ample creative spaces to work from as well as five meeting rooms for the corporates, and a design style that is perfectly groomed and stylishly accessorized with enough sophisticated quirks to keep snap-happy guests busy, and you have a hotel that is the perfect hangout for curious travelers with an intrepid spirit, whether they want to stay always on, or go off the grid.

Minor International (MINT)  has announced that it has reached an agreement with HNA Group to purchase an equity stake of 25.2 per cent (on a fully-diluted basis) in NH Hotel Group in a two-tranche transaction valued at EUR 619 million. The purchase follows MINT’s earlier purchase of a 9.5 per cent shareholding (on a fully-diluted basis) in NH Hotel Group. MINT also confirms that it will follow Spanish regulations as applicable to launch an all-cash public tender offer to acquire NH Hotel Group’s remaining shares. Such offer would be at a price not lower than MINT’s highest acquisition price in the last 12 month-period, currently EUR 6.40 per share (subject to fair price adjustments). MINT targets its shareholding in NH Hotel Group at around 51%-55% and intends to keep NH Hotel Group as a publicly-listed company on the Madrid Stock Exchange with strong corporate governance. Based on the target ownership level, the acquisition will be funded through debt instruments, while 2019E interest-bearing-debt to equity ratio is expected to be maintained at a comfortable level of 1.3x. “Today we are embarking on a new era, driving investment strategy to further cement our footprint in the European hospitality industry”, said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels. “We will be able to create a network of over 540 hotels with a reach across Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, all of which are important hospitality regions around the world. The business network will allow the two companies to capitalize on our leadership positions in key growth areas, highly complementary asset and brand portfolio, technology platform and talented employees.”

Marriott International has announced the re-launch of its Arabic website to enhance the online customer journey of the Arab traveller. With nearly 400 million Arabic speakers in 22 countries, the company is now providing an end-to-end solution for a seamless Arabic booking experience. The relaunch follows the recent announcement detailing the company’s ambitious growth plans for the Middle East and Africa region where it will expand its current portfolio by 50 per cent, and as a result add 30,000 jobs. With such an emphasis placed on the region, the relaunch of its Arabic website is the next step in an exciting growth story. To mark the occasion this Ramadan, Marriott International hosted a Majlis panel joined by Aida Al Busaidy, Director, C2C Marketing & Campaigns at DTCM, Talal Al Rashed, Co-founder Contourage and Hospitality Consultant and Vladimir Dabbah, Vice President, Global Sales MEA at Marriott International. The esteemed panel discussed the importance of catering to the Arab Traveler, who often have a fierce sense of pride and remaining true to their identity. Arab travellers generate more than double room revenue per stay compared to other travellers, and annual revenue per Arab customer is 38 per cent higher than other travelers. In order to cater to the traditional customs of the Arab travelers, symbols of Arab culture should be demonstrated in both communication and on hotel properties.

Majid Al Futtaim and Marriott International have announced the opening of Aloft City Centre Deira, the Aloft brand’s third property in Dubai. Owned and developed by Majid Al Futtaim, Aloft City Centre Deira is situated in the cultural heart of Dubai and is the first hotel in the region to offer movie-themed suites, alongside a VOX Cinemas’ OUTDOOR screen and the Aloft brand’s signature programming. Jalil Mekouar, Chief Executive Officer of Hotels at Majid Al Futtaim – Properties said, “I’m delighted to announce the opening of the Aloft City Centre Deira, which is our 13th hotel in the region. This is a milestone moment for Majid Al Futtaim as we integrate our VOX Cinemas brand into one of our hotels for the first time. This concept will provide a completely new offering within Dubai’s hospitality sector and will see us create even more authentic and personalised experiences that will delight guests in our home market. Aloft City Centre Deira is testament to our unique integrated destination offering, that brings together our award-winning hospitality, shopping, leisure and entertainment lifestyle excellences to create memorable experiences for our guests.” Aloft City Centre Deira delivers a fresh approach from the traditional hotel landscape with its emphasis on a lively, in-hotel social scene, modern design, innovative music programming, and thoughtful technology incorporated to enhance guest experience.

The Hotel Galleria, part of the Elaf Group has become the biggest hotel to be directly connected to a mall in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of the few hotels that combine architectural splendor with high-end services. With 364 rooms, the Hotel Galleria, which is inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy, offers a range of world-class services and modern facilities for its guests. The hotel is directly connected to the mall which hosts a range of world-class luxury brands, providing guests with an exceptional experience according to the highest standards. The hotel offers facilities for business meetings, events, and luxurious banquets, an executive lounge, and other recreational amenities such as fully equipped health club and spa, and fine dining restaurants such as The Kitchen, El-Vaquero, The Birdcage, Milano, and Aqua. Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, CEO, Elaf Group, said, “We are proud to have opened the biggest hotel connected to a mall in Saudi Arabia, which serves as a new addition to our journey of success and excellence. This achievement comes in line with the Group’s strategy to promote the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality, while providing the needed impetus to our expansion plans aimed at strengthening the Group’s strong market presence. The hotel has a sophisticated design that combines the magnificence and aesthetics of Italian architecture.”

Address Downtown, the flagship hotel under Emaar Hospitality Group’s premium lifestyle Address Hotels and Resorts brand, has opened its doors to hotel guests in Dubai with several innovative features including new restaurant concepts, additional rooms and suites, The Spa and a brand-new interior design. The hotel has 220 guest rooms and suites. Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said, “Address Downtown holds a very special place in the hearts of all discerning travellers and guests. Defined by its central location overlooking Burj Khalifa, the hotel has consistently secured the world’s leading tourism and hospitality awards. With the opening of Address Downtown, Emaar is bringing to life a crowning glory in its hotel assets. Working with world-leading designers and consultants, the all-new Address Downtown ushers in an exceptional lifestyle choice and set new standards in luxury hospitality. The hotel will continue to uphold its distinctive positioning of ‘where life happens’.” Towering high at 302 metres in 63 levels, Address Downtown is one of the world’s foremost references for luxury hospitality, only 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. Set in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the hotel is in walking distance of The Dubai Mall and directly overlooks Burj Khalifa. Guests have uninterrupted views of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest water-music spectacle.

FORM Hotel Dubai has announced the opening of its flagship property, located in the heart of Dubai’s cultural village, in the Al Jadaf neighbourhood.  The 15-storey hotel also represents the latest addition to the prestigious Design Hotels™ collection; the first Dubai-based member to be selected. The property merges an emphasis on well being with a carefully curated design concept, offering technology-driven and customised travel experiences to business and leisure travelers alike. As such, FORM Hotel Dubai is proud to bring a unique and unchartered concept to the UAE hotel market. The property, with its 136-rooms, presents four room configurations including the cozy, ideal, plus+ and the mega with starting room rates at AED 349 per night inclusive of breakfast, exclusive of taxes and 5 per cent VAT. The special opening rate during the Eid period guests can avail starting night rates of AED 224 per night inclusive of breakfast, exclusive of taxes and 5 per cent VAT. Conveniently positioned close to the Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), FORM Hotel Dubai is carved from an Architecture Studio-designed structure that relives the origins of Dubai’s heritage. Inside, art deco-inspired bespoke furniture — also by the Paris-based Architecture Studio — fills guestrooms alongside custom-crafted art and photography by Nina Dietzel, for an understated yet sharp interior that is at once timeless and contemporary.

IHG has announced opening of Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace in partnership with Dur Hospitality. The 304-room hotel adds to the growing portfolio of IHG hotels in Saudi Arabia. Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace is strategically located in the Ministries Quarter, a popular business district that is close to major Saudi financial institutions and government offices. The hotel is located 15 minutes from King Fahd Stadium and the King Fahd Cultural Centre, and is less than 30 minutes’ drive from King Khalid International Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors to the city. Productivity and rejuvenation go hand in hand at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, which is redefining the business travel experience and offering a comprehensive range of facilities to meet the needs of corporate and MICE travelers. For those in town on business, the hotel features five meeting rooms spanning 1,400 sqm and a dedicated team to execute seamless events. With free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, the guests can stay connected to their business or home. Additionally, the 24-hour business center is fully equipped with the latest technology and amenities, providing a great working space to the hotel guests. During downtime, guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool, Club Lounge or rejuvenate and relax at the spa. The guests staying at the hotel can keep their workouts on track at the well-equipped fitness centre.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has invited its guests around the globe to join its efforts to mark World Environment Day on June 5. From beach clean ups and tree planting to fun recycling projects and organic gardening, the hospitality firm’s hotel teams across the globe are embracing the United Nations initiative with a raft of events. Selected properties across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East have planned a vast range of activities in support of the UN initiative, which encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year’s theme is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’– a call to action to combat one of today’s greatest environmental challenges, with plastic pollution posing a significant threat to natural places, wildlife and human health. Mövenpick – the world’s most Green Globe certified hotel company – aims to raise awareness of this and other major environmental issues by staging a variety of educational and practical activities at several properties worldwide on June 5, with guests of all ages invited to join its hotel teams to take part.