Category Archives: Hotels

Valor Hospitality Middle East signed an agreement with owning company Ezz Asass International to manage the Four Points by Sheraton branded property. This agreement also marks the second collaboration between Valor Hospitalty Middle East and Marriott International in Oman. Scheduled to open in 2024, the 85 room hotel is in the city of Duqm, on the southern coast of Oman. The hotel is strategically located within the Special Economic Zone of Duqm (SEZAD), and within minutes from the SEZAD Headquarters and opposite the Police Training centre. With recent projects announced in Duqm, the hotel will offer a convenient choice for corporate travellers and a slowly growing leisure segment are being drawn by stunning beaches. The Four Points by Sheraton Duqm is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road. A timeless style coupled with comfort and genuine service allows guests to kick back and relax.  The  hotel will feature guest rooms with abundant daylight, an airy atrium lobby, two dining venues, indoor pool and gym, meeting rooms and private car parking space. “Since announcing our first property in Oman last year, we are so pleased to grow our presence with a second Four Points by Sheraton, in Duqm this time”, said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East. “We are fortunate to have a trusted and reliable businesses owner in Ezz Asass International. We’re naturally excited to partner with Marriott once again. With 300+ keys confirmed in Oman we hope to establish a base here in the coming months” Bergue continued. Hamad Abdullah Al Harthy, Chairman of Ezz Asass International, said, “We are …

In a move that redefines luxury hospitality, Address Hotels and Resorts has launched ‘Nuha’, a pioneering virtual hospitality concierge. This cutting-edge AI system, conceptualized and developed in-house, made its grand debut at the iconic Address Downtown Hotel in Dubai, the week commencing 4th September 2023. This visionary step makes Address Hotels and Resorts the UAE’s first luxury Hospitality Group to leverage AI specifically crafted for the hospitality domain. ‘Nuha’, or “نُهى” in Arabic, translates to guidance and self-restraint, capturing its essence of offering knowledgeable assistance to guests while upholding unparalleled service excellence. Where many virtual assistants lack the nuance of human interaction, Nuha, powered by ChatGPT technology, offers guests a conversation that’s natural, intuitive, and deeply personal. This ensures guests are not just assisted, but genuinely understood and valued. Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group, commented, “At Address Hotels, we merge technology with the heart. ChatGPT’s conversational capability combined with human warmth makes our guests feel truly seen and heard. This meld of technology and personal touch places Address Downtown Hotel at the forefront of hospitality innovation.” Nuha’s comprehensive services include: Hotel Inside-Out: Beyond a mere directory, Nuha offers an in-depth tour of Address Downtown Hotel, highlighting everything from luxurious rooms to gourmet dining and tranquil spa sanctuaries. Emaar’s Expanse: Nuha isn’t limited to a single location. It’s the passport to Emaar’s vast and opulent collection, giving a panoramic view of their splendid offerings. Dubai Unveiled: Whether it’s iconic marvels or Dubai’s best-kept secrets, Nuha is the aficionado, guiding guests on an unmatched journey through the city. Stay Current, Stay Connected: With Nuha, guests have their fingers on the pulse of Dubai, from vibrant events to cultural celebrations …

Ennismore and Banyan Tree Group and part of the Accor Group, have inked a landmark deal with Dubai Holding, to open Banyan Tree Dubai in November 2023. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Accor, signed the agreement with Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding. Banyan Tree Dubai will replace the existing Caesars Palace Dubai and following a phased stage of brand related upscaling improvements, the repositioned resort will feature 179 rooms, including 30 suites and a brand-new four-bedroom villa with its own private entrance, pool and beach. A key focal point of the resort will be its wellness offering with the signature Banyan Tree Spa featuring its own reception, relaxation area, gym, indoor and outdoor yoga spaces, dedicated F&B space, private mini rainforests, hydrotherapy pools and treatment rooms. The resort will have five restaurants and bars, each carefully curated through a collaboration between Ennismore’s in-house F&B concept studio, Carte Blanched, and Banyan Tree Group, to offer guests a diverse culinary experience. Banyan Tree Dubai will also include 96 private residences comprising one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units with a dedicated lobby, outdoor swimming pool and access to the hotel’s facilities. As part of a long-term strategic partnership agreement between Accor and Banyan Tree Group signed in 2016, Banyan Tree Dubai will be co-operated by Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore, following a similar operational model applied in Banyan Tree La Cigale Doha, Qatar and Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Accor, said: “We are thrilled to be at the beginning of a promising development partnership between Accor and Dubai Holding, and the announcement of the opening of a stunning Banyan Tree …

Wirgan for Hotels Services has announced the opening of Wirgan Makkah Al Noor which represents a distinctive luxurious getaway close to all Makkah historical places. This distinguished 4-star hotel redefines comfort with 1386 furnished rooms and suites offering stylish and comfortable accommodation to Umrah and Hajj guests, as well as business travellers. Following the recent opening of Wirgan Makkah Al Azizieh, Wirgan Makkah Al Noor is the second property of Wirgan for Hotels Services, raising the Wirgan inventory to around 2,000 rooms. Strategically located in Al Hajj road, Wirgan Makkah Al Noor caters to the needs of both business travellers and pilgrims with modern amenities and amazing views of Jabal Al Noor and the surrounding mountains. Murad Alsabah, Cluster General Manager of Wirgan Makkah Al Azizieh and Wirgan Makkah Al Noor, said, “We are delighted to introduce Wirgan Makkah Al Noor that provides unparalleled hospitality experience to guests. We look forward to provide an exceptional gateway with utmost comfort and attention to detail to create unforgettable memories for all our esteemed guests.” “With an unwavering commitment to excellence, serenity, and modesty, Wirgan for Hotels Services is committed to delivering an authentic and elegant hospitality experience fusing grace and spirituality in an exceptional journey across all aspects of the hotel”, he added. Wirgan Makkah Al Noor features a wide range of rooms and suites with superior rooms that are designed with relaxing areas, comfortable workspaces and exquisitely designed bathrooms. The junior suites overlook Jabal Al Noor (Mount of Light) and include a relaxing sitting area, comfortable workspace, and a private bathroom. The family suites are generously designed with style and comfort including spacious king bedrooms, sitting areas, workspaces, dining areas, equipped …

AlUla Development Company (UDC), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) signed an agreement with Marriott International to open an Autograph Collection property in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open in 2025, the hotel will be located in the heart of downtown AlUla. Spanning across 22,635 square meters, the Autograph Collection hotel will be situated in central AlUla, adjacent to the AlUla Museum and opposite the Farmer’s Market. Plans for the hotel include 250 rooms and suites, and extensive recreational and entertainment offerings including four dining venues, a spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a business center, meeting facilities and retail space. The agreement was signed by Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of UDC, and Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International in the Saudi capital city of Riyadh. Naif AlHamdan, Managing Director of AlUla Development Company, commented on the agreement. “we are thrilled to partner with Marriott International to open an Autograph Collection hotel in AlUla. This collaboration aligns with our objective of enhancing the hospitality, tourism and real estate sectors in AlUla and ensuring an unforgettable experience for our visitors. AlUla Development Company is committed to building on AlUla’s extraordinary heritage, history and natural beauty through sustainable development and will contribute to the economic diversification and tourism goals of the Kingdom, in line with PIF’s strategy and Vision 2030 – and this is just another step in that direction.” “We are delighted to work with AlUla Development Company to bring Autograph Collection Hotels to an exciting destination for global travelers to discover in Saudi Arabia,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “We look forward to building this relationship with UDC and continuing to …

Rove Hotels announced that it’s bringing its exciting residential concept, Rove Home, to Dubai, signifying an important step in the brand’s journey. The project features 348 fully-furnished studios, one and two-bedroom apartments designed to embody Rove’s unique look and feel, as well as an impressive list of amenities to keep residents engaged from dusk to dawn. Its first project in the city, Rove Home Downtown is located within the Burj Khalifa District and merges Rove’s vibrant spirit with an enviable location and a playlist of amenities to create a unique living proposition at the heart of Dubai. Rove Home’s debut in the city represents a significant milestone for the brand, with further growth planned in the coming years. Rove Home Downtown represents a significant milestone for the Rove brand, solidifying its stance in the residential property market and showcasing its commitment to offering practical, convenient, and comfortable living experiences. The project will offer thoughtfully designed fully-furnished studios, 1, and 2-bedroom apartments featuring contemporary finishes and state-of-the-art smart home features. Key consultants on the project include architect Archcorp, landscape architect SCLA, interior design by Zebra, and art by Studio Feel to infuse this new development with the brand’s unique look and feel and create captivating living spaces that blend aesthetics with functionality. The building will feature one of the highest ratios of amenities to living space in the Downtown Dubai area, designed to keep residents engaged from dusk to dawn. Facilities will include an outdoor infinity pool and a lap pool, co-working spaces, basketball and padel courts, a jogging track, a Rove café, a rooftop deck with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and more! Rove Home Downtown will be situated …

Amadeus’ Demand360® subscribers using the BEONx Revenue Management System (RMS) can now gain access to the in-depth, forward-looking market insights provided by Amadeus’ business intelligence solution in their RMS. Fluctuating demand and economic conditions brought on by the pandemic have highlighted the importance of revenue management systems and business intelligence within the hospitality industry. Having access to both historical and forward-looking data has become critical in enabling hoteliers to develop smarter, more informed business strategies. Going beyond the existing integration with iHotelier®, Amadeus, a global provider of hospitality technology solutions, and BEONx, a leading hospitality revenue management service provider, announce an extension of their partnership to bring comprehensive business intelligence to BEONx customers that subscribe to Demand360®. The integration will allow hoteliers using BEONx to gain access to Amadeus’ Demand360® business intelligence insights within their RMS. This will significantly improve a hotelier’s ability to understand market demand, historical and forward-looking business performance, and track results against their competitive set to best optimize revenue. BEONx hotels will also able to join Amadeus’ Demand360 network, strengthening the data available in that solution. “Expanding our partnership with Amadeus will better serve the interests of common clients,” said Rubén Sánchez, CEO and Founder at BEONx. “The two-way data exchange will enhance the revenue insights and competitiveness of hotels connected to BEONx and Amadeus by giving them improved visibility into market trends. It will also improve the BEONx algorithms that provide forecasting and inventory control systems capabilities to their participating hotels.” “With fiercer competition and leaner teams, revenue managers are often managing multiple properties now, rather than a single hotel,” said Michael Yeomans, Senior Vice President, Business Intelligence & Data Solutions, Hospitality, Amadeus. “This kind …

The First Group announced the successful completion of another remarkable project – The First Collection Waterfront Dubai. Located on the Canal Boardwalk in Business Bay, the new property will be the third in the collection and is scheduled to open its doors in Q4 2023. The First Collection Waterfront will feature 327 rooms and suites. Its rooftop pool will offer panoramic vistas of Dubai’s renowned landmarks, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and the picturesque Dubai Canal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in expanding The First Group Hotels portfolio and underscores the continuous growth of its homegrown hotel brand, The First Collection. Within The First Collection brand, there are already two established hotels – The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle and The First Collection Business Bay. Together, these hotels welcome approximately 850,000 guests annually, hailing from diverse countries including KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UK, Russia, France, USA, and Italy. In 2022, The First Collection hotels achieved a remarkable feat by being the only Dubai establishment to be recognized among the world’s finest hotels by Trip Advisor. Furthermore, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle has secured an impressive position within the coveted ‘Top 10 Hotels in Dubai’ on Trip Advisor’s esteemed list, specifically claiming the noteworthy #5 spot. “We are thrilled to introduce The First Collection Waterfront, a remarkable addition to our portfolio. This milestone not only signifies our unwavering dedication in providing unparalleled hospitality experiences, but also mirrors our determination to elevate the reach of our brand. At The First Group, our mission is to optimize the performance of each property under our care, seamlessly adapting to changing market trends, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests,” …

Marriott International, Inc. reinforced its long-term commitment to Türkiye with the announcement of 13 deal signings comprising over 2,000 rooms.  The signings are expected to further enhance the company’s footprint in the country where it currently has a portfolio of 48 properties and nearly 8,000 rooms across 21 brands. “As one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, Türkiye continues to provide the company with opportunities to further diversify its portfolio across primary, secondary, and tertiary markets in the country,” said Marriott International Chief Development Officer – Europe, Middle East & Africa Jerome Briet. “These deal signings are a testament to the trust owners and franchisees have in Marriott International and the strong demand for our captivating portfolio of brands in the Turkish market.” The projects announced by Marriott International include the introduction of Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Türkiye with the signing of the 192-room Fairfield by Marriott Istanbul Yenibosna. Plans for the property include an effortlessly relaxed and efficient hotel design paired with a contemporary aesthetic.  The project will be a part of a mixed-use development in the Yenibosna district, which will also feature the 90-room Residence Inn by Marriott Istanbul Yenibosna.  Both properties are projected to open in 2025. Residence Inn by Marriott continues to meet demand for longer-stay accommodation in the country.  The company also signed Residence Inn by Marriott Istanbul Piyalepasa, which will form part of Piyalepaşa Istanbul, a 450,000sqm mixed-use development in downtown Istanbul.  Plans for the development also include the Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul Piyalepasa.  Both properties combined will offer 329 rooms when they open in 2026. Following the recent debut of Marriott Executive Apartments in Türkiye with Marriott Executive Apartments …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa to its portfolio of resorts in KSA, and debuting its first urban luxury resort and spa in Riyadh. After a 45 million SAR refurbishment, the stunning property is now the first InterContinental Resort in Riyadh, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle collection. Located at the northern gate of Riyadh, the resort resides on 154,000 sqm of a lush green oasis with a lagoon and exclusive cascades for guests to unwind and relax. The resort offers 162 extensive guestrooms, suites and stately private villas each with a private outdoor swimming pool, six dining outlets and exclusive Club InterContinental privileges and lounge access. “Durrat al Riyadh’s heritage as a place to escape to has been reimagined with an array of ways to unwind, celebrate and retreat. We look forward to welcome our guests from both near and far to experience the resort and our service,” says General Manager Marc Reissinger. “InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa will set the tone for unbounded adventure in the area, marrying deep knowledge of the destination with an understanding of what luxury means to the discerning modern-day traveller.” Award-winning interior design studio Kristina Zanic Consultants was appointed for the refurbishment of the property, including all rooms, suites, villas, dining venues, and public areas. The new interior scheme creates a vibrant resort ambiance that reflects the oasis-like setting, while also referencing the property’s Arabian architecture and the local heritage in a contemporary way. The design adds layers of warm tones, natural materials, textured finishes, and organic patterns – creating an inviting desert retreat away from the urban bustle.