Category Archives: Hotels

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai, a cherished establishment in Garhoud since its inception in 1997, has stood witness to numerous historical events and joyous celebrations throughout the years. Conveniently located near the Dubai International Airport, this five-star property offers 279 luxurious rooms and suites, providing guests with a comfortable and indulgent experience. From its pristine pool to its rejuvenating spa facilities, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel offers a range of amenities designed to cater to the needs of its guests. The hotel also prides itself on its exceptional dining options, including Makan All Day Dining Restaurant, Roda Grill & Bar, Bambooda Thai Restaurant, Hibachi Sushi & Teppanyaki, Taky Pool Lounge, and Gazebo Lounge. With 13 elegant venues for meetings and events, including the grand Rashidiya Grand Ballroom, the hotel is well-equipped to host weddings, conventions, and conferences. Under the leadership of Christopher Kramer, Hotel Manager, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan embarked on a significant renovation journey in 2023. Divided into three phases, the renovation project aimed to enhance the hotel’s offerings while maintaining a minimalistic yet beautiful aesthetic. Phase 1 of the renovation, which commenced in August 2023 and concluded in November of the same year, marked the beginning of a transformative process. Despite the challenges posed by the redesigning process, relocation, and meeting architectural requirements, the hotel successfully completed Phase 1, making a significant impact on the market. As Phase 2 of the renovation nears completion, and with Phase 3 set to commence in July, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel remains committed to its vision of uplifting and enhancing the guest experience. Plans are underway to further enhance the lobby and all restaurants by next year, …

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA)  to include luxury serviced apartments in London, Edinburgh and Dubai with Cheval Collection. Once integrated later this year, Cheval Collection will offer the 26 million members of GHA DISCOVERY benefits such as member rates and room upgrades along with the ability to earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) – a transparent rewards currency that is spent like cash. Each Cheval Collection residence brings a unique personality, offering apartments for any length of stay, from brief business trips to extended holidays. Cheval Collection opened its first property in 1981, in Knightsbridge, London and currently owns and operates a portfolio of more than 800 apartments across nine locations in central London, three in Edinburgh and one in Dubai, all of which are well appointed within key neighbourhoods. With an ambitious pipeline for future growth, Cheval Collection remains dedicated to providing its guests with superior service at all its destinations worldwide. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Cheval Collection to our alliance, marking our first venture into serviced apartments. Travellers are seeking larger accommodation options and now they can enjoy recognition and rewards across a greater selection of properties and destinations, including Edinburgh which we are excited to add”, said Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA. Mohammed Alawadhi, Managing Director of Cheval Collection adds “Guests increasingly expect a loyalty programme as part of their stay and, as we expand around the world, Global Hotel Alliance offers the potential to raise our profile, while also gaining valued guest feedback. GHA DISCOVERY is the only loyalty scheme run by hotels, for hotels, encouraging direct bookings as well as providing additional marketing support and access to new markets. Our goal is to …

Rotana announced the soft opening of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana, Al Khobar, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The opening is in line with Rotana’s ambitious goal of launching eight properties in the Kingdom over the next four years, bringing the total key count to 4,400 across 16 properties. The new property also increases Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts’ key count to 2,080 keys currently in operation across six hotels – a significant milestone for Rotana’s modern-design hospitality brand. Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, Rotana CEO, said: “The Kingdom’s emphasis on diversifying its economy and welcoming tourism has generated extensive opportunities for growth and development. The inauguration of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana in Al Khobar marks a significant milestone and holds a crucial role in supporting the Kingdom’s growth strategy. The four-star property caters to the evolving travel preferences of our guests within this important market segment, reinforcing our dedication to delivering ‘Treasured Time’ for all. As we continue with our expansion strategy, we are thrilled about the prospect of enhancing our array of offerings in the Kingdom and contributing to the development of this dynamic market.” Located only 30 minutes from King Fahd International Airport, Dar Rayhaan by Rotana offers 133 keys, including 113 rooms and 20 suites, each meticulously crafted for the utmost convenience. Equipped with modern fittings and furnishings, each room affords guests beautiful views of the city. The property offers a range of versatile recreational amenities, including a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, complimentary private parking, and a 24-hour gymnasium. The hotel also boasts three well-appointed meeting rooms, each equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Catering to business travellers, one meeting room also has a spacious pre-function area …

Pulse Hotels & Resorts recently hosted an exhilarating late night Suhoor football tournament for its esteemed GCC travel trade partners. This unique event, held at the Al Rowad playground in Riyadh, sponsored by The Nautilus Maldives, Nova Maldives, Kandima Maldives and Manta Air – the domestic airline of Maldives, served as a platform for fostering camaraderie and strengthening relationships within the travel industry during the holy month of Ramadan. The matches, held amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Riyadh, showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and unity as participants from various GCC travel agencies competed in an action-packed tournament. Divided into two groups of four teams each, the tournament kicked off earlier this week with qualifiers, leading up to the semi-finals and finals. The event provided an opportunity for networking, friendly competition, and sharing moments of goodwill, reflecting the ethos of the 3 resorts under the Pulse Hotels & Resorts umbrella in creating memorable experiences for its partners and guests. The Nautilus Team 2 which included members from Al Sarh Travel and Tourism, Booking Express, TBO.com, Almatar, RezLive.com, Golden Vacation, Wosol Concierge and Lamar Travel emerged as winners and were awarded with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the game-changing active lifestyle resort, Kandima Maldives, known for its genuine hospitality with a human touch and innovative solutions that make use of the latest technology. Sharing his thoughts on organising the event, Mr Althaf Mohamed Ali, COO, Pulse Hotels & Resorts, said,” We are thrilled to have organised this special Suhoor football tournament for our esteemed GCC Travel Trade Partners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each partner for their participation and offer heartfelt congratulations to The Nautilus Team 2 for clinching …

Atlantis Dubai announces that Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal have earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification marks the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to achieve this status. It reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences to guests with diverse needs and ensuring an inclusive environment. IBCCES awards the CAC™ designation to organisations that complete a training and review process to understand better and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and other persons of determination. This designation ensures that at least 80% (an IBCCES minimum requirement) of colleagues are trained in autism and sensory awareness and are fully equipped to provide service to people on the autism spectrum. In collaboration with IBCCES, Atlantis Dubai staff underwent extensive training to understand the range of potential guest needs. More than 90% of guest-facing colleagues across both resorts took training in Autism & Sensory Awareness (ASA). In addition, the Learning & Development team developed a Weekly Briefing Topic on Autism and Sensory Awareness, which an additional 1,500 colleagues completed across Atlantis Dubai. In addition to training, further achievements include: ● The Atlantis Dubai website hosts an accessibility tab that provides guests with downloadable sensory guides. Outlined for rooms and restaurants at Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, as well as experiences across Atlantis Aquaventure, these guides provide a sensory rating, allowing people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to pre-plan their visit to the destination. ● Allocated quiet zones are available across both resorts in case people need a moment of respite from sensory stimulation. Locations include the concierge lounge, outdoor cabanas, Imperial Club lounge, and the Explorers Club …

Sabre Corporation announced the renewal of the longstanding technology partnership between HotelREZ dedicated to connecting independent properties with bookers worldwide, and Sabre Hospitality. This renewal reaffirms HotelREZ and Sabre’s mutual commitment to leveraging both companies’ strengths, combining Sabre Hospitality’s cutting-edge technology with HotelREZ’s unparalleled representation services. The agreement marks the continuation of the partnership, utilizing Sabre Hospitality’s comprehensive suite of products, including Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS), SynXis Booking Engine, and Channel Connect, to enhance HotelREZ’s extensive range of hospitality solutions across more than 2500 customers. Both companies’ broad portfolio of hospitality solutions empower hoteliers to create and deliver a unique and differentiating guest experience based on their specific brand. “It’s essential to deliver both exceptional technology to our hotel customers to enhance revenue generation opportunities for their properties, whilst optimizing their use and potential through global representation and demand generation,” said Mark Lewis, CEO and founder of HotelREZ. “Sabre’s advanced technology and customer-centric approach aligns seamlessly with HotelREZ’s vision and roadmap solidifying our collaborative partnership.” By leveraging Sabre’s technology solutions, HotelREZ customers will benefit from Sabre Hospitality’s SynXis Platform and distribution technology to promote their content to hundreds of thousands of travel agents globally. In addition, HotelREZ customers will have access to Sabre’s SynXis Booking Engine, which offers a simple booking process to help hotels convert shoppers into guests while maintaining full control of their customer relationships and upselling with merchandising. This collaboration provides hoteliers with solutions that enable them to maximize revenue and operate more efficiently. “Global hospitality providers, such as HotelREZ, require access to robust technology solutions coupled with an expansive network of distribution channels to effectively reach customers and drive conversions,” said Frank Trampert, senior vice president, …

At a special interview with TTME on the sidelines of Saudi Travel Mart it was revealed that Hdb Hotels is on the way constructing the highest hotel in the Kingdom. The project has just started off and is slated to be completed within the next two years. A new brand in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hdb hotels have their presence in Riyadh and Al Khobar. In Riyadh, they are located in the financial district as a business hotel whereas in Al Khobar it is a resort with all key features especially for leisure guests. Speaking with TravelTV Mohamed Morsi – Revenue Manager – Hdb Hotels and Resorts reiterated, “We are a new group in Saudi Arabia, its called Hdb and we have now 2 hotels and one resort. One in the financial district and another in Safa district, they are four star hotels. Our owner is looking at making Hdb – local group of hospitality a popular one and also build the highest tower in the region with 700 rooms offering luxury and unique experiences for the guests.”

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project. With 38 custom suites carved into sandstone mountains, comprehensive wellness facilities, family-friendly amenities, diverse dining options, and unique panoramic views, the resort embodies tranquillity, luxury, and an immersive engagement with AlUla’s unparalleled beauty. The initial excavation symbolises the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues’ engineering expertise. This milestone is an important step forward in AlUla’s evolution into a premier destination for sustainable luxury tourism. Nestled within the ancient geological wonders of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, the Sharaan Resort will offer an experience unlike any other. RCU and its contractor partners have developed construction techniques that take the ancient Nabataean practice of creating spaces within rock, and then apply modern engineering methods to create habitable spaces that are more aligned to modern-day expectations. Part of the project’s uniqueness lies in having excavated areas one on top of the other. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the AlUla Sustainability Charter, this project represents RCU’s dedication to pioneering sustainable development practices. It serves as a model for visionary planning, innovative construction techniques, and operational strategies designed to minimise environmental impact while enhancing the luxury tourism experience in north-west Arabia. Furthermore, the collaborative effort between RCU’s strategic direction and French expertise, particularly through the contributions of Jean Nouvel and Bouygues Construction, underscores the value of international cooperation in the sustainable development of AlUla. RCU’s commitment to this project underlines its resolve to safeguard AlUla’s natural beauty and historical importance for generations to come. It also cements RCU’s ambition to transform …

Virgin Limited Edition is to open six brand new Riads at Sir Richard Branson’s magical Moroccan retreat, Kasbah Tamadot, from 1 July 2024. Furthermore, the hotel, synonymous for its incredible Berber hospitality, will re-open in its entirety on 15th October 2024, following a period of partial closure and restorations in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that occurred in the region last year. Riad and hotel bookings are now open for the award-winning Kasbah Tamadot, meaning ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, nestled in the Atlas Mountains, with stunning views over the majestic Mount Toubkal. Newly designed image renderings offer a sneak peak of the six new expansive three-bedroom Riads – featuring one further bedroom than originally planned – that can sleep up to 10 guests. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom, lounge area and terrace, with the latest unique addition – a showstopping Rooftop Tented Suite – comprising of two seamlessly connected tents and also featuring a hot tub on the spacious roof terrace, in a spectacular and modern take on a traditional Riad rooftop. Each Riad will also provide guests with their own private pool area, with all the luxuries and renowned-Berber hospitality of the main hotel equally available on their doorstep. Individually decorated in traditional Moroccan style, the interiors will feature soft-furnishings hand-made by artisans from the local Berber community supported by Kasbah Tamadot’s charitable arm, The Eve Branson Foundation. The Riad rooms and suites are available to book both individually and collectively, by booking an entire Riad for exclusive use and will make a welcome addition for families or groups looking for privacy, with all the benefits of staying at one of Morocco’s most authentic hotels – …

NEOM’s Board of Directors unveiled Treyam, a premier 250-room luxury resort positioned where the spectacular desert landscape meets the sea. Boasting an audacious design with minimal land intervention, Treyam offers guests an elevated haven in which to unwind, re-energize and enjoy majestic natural surroundings. The resort is the latest addition to NEOM, the evolving regional development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia. Strategically located across the opening of one of the most beautiful, azure lagoons at the southern end of the Gulf of Aqaba, Treyam stands as a luxury gateway inviting guests to experiment with active lifestyles. Its striking bridge-like architecture connects the northern and southern shores, hosting a 250-room luxury resort. The innovative façade of the bridge creates a sunset-like illusion from a distance. Its upper and lower floors offer panoramic views of the tidal lagoon below and vast skies above, merging into the landscape whilst maintaining the natural integrity of the shoreline. The visual splendor of Treyam extends further, with a 450-meter-long rooftop infinity pool. From this elevated vantage point 36 meters above the sea, guests are treated to an awe-inspiring experience, seemingly floating, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lagoon, the vibrant corals and the tranquil, uninterrupted waters extending to the horizon. Treyam is designed for adventure and endeavor. The resort boasts a variety of exhilarating pursuits, such as sailing, diving and other water sports, along a range of exciting land-based activities. Guests will also enjoy extensive technology-enhanced health and wellness offerings and fitness amenities, alongside luxury spa treatments accompanied by a selection of epicurean cuisines and fine dining options. Treyam’s fusion of futuristic architecture with the region’s natural beauty delivers an unparalleled visitor experience, just …