Tag Archives: hotels

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The captivating new address is the first private island to open in The Red Sea, one of the Kingdom’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations on the west coast of the country. Situated on the pristine Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon, the resort is a destination-defining oasis with its avant-garde architecture, sustainable design details and bespoke service. “One of the world’s unexplored treasures, The Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to become a coveted leisure destination,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “With The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, we are introducing an iconic island address that represents the pinnacle of timeless luxury and pioneering design. We are proud to welcome The St. Regis Red Sea Resort to our growing portfolio and look forward to inviting guests to immerse themselves in this emerging destination.” Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort features a collection of 90 lavishly appointed beachfront and overwater villas, offering one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower. The open and spacious villas seamlessly blend the outdoors inwards and capture unrivalled sea views from sunrise to sunset. Surrounded by swaying palm trees each deck is a peaceful place to star gaze at night. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma with interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants, the resort’s design echoes the surrounding coral reefs, marine life and sand dunes. Interior spaces and furnishings take on organic forms with …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche in Saudi Arabia, with 148 contemporary rooms and suites spanning six floors. The hotel is a vibrant & modern property launching on the picturesque coastal waterfront bordering the Red Sea. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts ‘Essentials Collection’, Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche will blend the warmth and modernity of the Holiday Inn brand as it welcomes business and leisure travellers, as well as residents, to its brand-new property on Jeddah’s beachfront. The hotel will house 148 contemporary rooms and suites spanning six floors, complete with spacious bathrooms, high-speed internet, and satellite television for increased comfort. Room categories comprise of 102 King Leisure Rooms, 35 Queen Rooms, 11 Twin Rooms, and 10 sea-facing Suites with the inclusion of two dedicated differently abled mobility rooms, ensuring that there is an extensive selection of stay options to anticipate diverse guest needs and preferences. Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche will feature three unique dining destinations: Roshan, a cosy, all-day dining restaurant with a wide array of fresh dishes; Moood Café, a charming coffee and sweet treat bar in the lobby that also includes Starbucks Coffee; and the trendy Ya Mal Café, which serves a selection of light snacks and freshly squeezed juice mocktails by the pool, with sweeping views of the nearby Red Sea. The hotel will also operate 24/7 Room Service, ideal for guests who prefer to enjoy their meals in the comfort and privacy of their lodgings. Catering to its corporate visitors, the hotel has an open lobby business area with two high-tech, sunlit meeting rooms, able to hold up to 65 delegates in total, as well as a sizable Al …

BEONx announced that it has become the first Revenue Management System (RMS) to incorporate a dedicated module for tour operation. The BEONx Tour Operation Module innovatively enables resort accommodations to optimize tour operation distribution. Vacation hotels play a vital role in the travel industry and rely primarily on tour operators to drive bookings. However, effectively managing is difficult due to the diverse budgetary and strategic requirements of each tour operator contract requirement and other segments pricing strategies. For this reason, hoteliers struggle with the lack of a comprehensive revenue management tool, resulting in the loss of inventory control, the possibility of human error from manual processes, significant time consumption due to manual reports, and profit erosion as a result of a limited focus on Total Revenue and reliance on legacy systems. These obstacles hinder the industry’s effectiveness and profitability. Cayetana Fernández, VP of Product at BEONx, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the BEONx Tour Operation Module, a revolutionary solution designed to resolve the unique challenges vacation hotels face in optimizing due to their heavy reliance on tour operators. Resorts face challenges in optimising distribution and outperforming tour operation competitors. With our new BEONx Tour Operation Module, hotels will effectively manage its inventory by leveraging advanced systems and AI algorithms, empowering resorts to attract direct reservations, increasing efficiency, and achieving long-term profitability in the dynamic hospitality industry.” BEONx’s TourOperation Module is poised to revolutionise the way vacation hotels manage their tour operations. This innovative solution addresses the intricate challenges faced by vacation hotels in managing tour operators (TOs) efficiently and profitably.   Simplicity in complex revenue management: Intuitive tools to optimize room pricing across different outlets and points of sale, …

RAK Properties announced its partnership with Nikki Beach Global luxury lifestyle resort, branded residences and beach club operator, to develop Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Ras Al Khaimah, a new branded resort at Mina Al Arab in Ras al Khaimah. The resort, developed in partnership with RAK Properties, will bring Nikki Beach’s Celebration of Life atmosphere to Mina Al Arab, a luxury lifestyle destination that offers the tranquillity of island life with beach access and panoramic views of the Gulf. Guests will have a vast array of rooms and villas to choose from in the 155-hotel key resort, as well as access to the brand’s signature Nikki Spa, Tone Gym, and restaurant concepts. While Nikki Beach is renowned for its lively luxury beach club and resorts destinations around the world, the brand has recently announced several new resorts worldwide where visitors can experience a more relaxed barefoot luxury environment. Further details of the hotel development and opening date will be announced in due course. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Ras Al Khaimah will be designed by Gensler, a unique global architecture, design, and planning firm that creates authentic and memorable experiences by integrating community, health, and lifestyle into their creations. Gensler, as industry leaders in driving sustainable change and net-zero buildings, align with RAK Properties’ own vision to integrate the resort with the beautiful natural environment of Mina Al Arab, while ensuring the new concept fits seamlessly into the Nikki Beach worldwide portfolio of barefoot luxury properties. Gensler will follow the Barjeel guidelines set by the RAK Municipality, integrating local products and natural materials in all aspects of the building and its interiors, connecting with local artists to highlight the …

Hilton announced the signing of a management agreement with Samrya Hospitality to welcome The Plaza Doha to LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Located in the heart of Doha and offering the highest standards of luxury, the hotel is set to redefine the hospitality experience in the city. Whether guests are seeking a luxurious getaway, a cultural exploration of the areas surrounding the hotel, or on business travel, the Plaza Doha will offer a memorable stay experience and the unparalleled bespoke services that LXR Hotels & Resorts is known for. The Plaza Doha brings a classic Parisian concept to the city, with its magnificent design, sophisticated interiors and attention to detail. The hotel offers 290 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each adorned with Parisian flourishes, inviting guests into a world of refined indulgence. Guests can enjoy a wide range of culinary options, including an American bakery, a juice bar and The Courtyard restaurant.  Several additional outlets are set to open, as well as a bespoke spa and wellness concept. In addition to offering an array of experiences for discerning travelers, The Plaza Doha takes immense pride in being one of Doha’s most magnificent wedding venues. It boasts an entire floor dedicated solely to a ballroom, meeting rooms and two board rooms luxuriously furnished for all business needs. The main highlight is The Grand Ballroom which features a high ceiling, extravagant chandeliers, wall designs and a private connection to a Bridal Suite. The elegant hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of Doha on C-ring road, adjacent to popular museums, Souk Waqif and a ten-minute drive from Hamad International Airport. Its unique location further enhances the allure of this luxury city hotel, …

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.

Ishraq Hospitality announced the signing of a Hospitality Management Agreement (HMA) with Rekan Group, marking a significant milestone in their strategic expansion plans. The agreement entails the management of an exceptional Crowne Plaza Hotel in the vibrant city of Batumi, Georgia, further solidifying Ishraq Hospitality’s commitment to delivering unique experiences worldwide. The new property, located by the beach promenade in Batumi and offering great views of the waters, boasts 150 smartly appointed rooms, two restaurants, meeting facilities, a fitness club and a pool, ensuring guests experience supreme comfort, convenience, and entertainment. In addition, Ishraq Hospitality will also oversee the hotel management of Batumi View Hotel Apartments, a 240-room hotel apartment. These developments are poised to enhance the hospitality landscape in Batumi and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a tourist destination. Rekan Group, a renowned investment company in the region, brings invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of the Batumi market to the partnership. The collaboration between Ishraq Hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts – owner of the Crowne Plaza brand and Rekan Group will lead to drive significant economic growth and provide new employment opportunities. A signing ceremony took place for these new properties at Crowne Plaza Jumeriah in Dubai on 20th July,2023 in the presence of chief guests and high profile delegations. Ahmed Ali Azeez Rekani, Co-Owner at Rekan Group said “We are delighted to join forces with Ishraq Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts. This partnership represents a momentous step forward for our organisation as we contribute to the development of Batumi’s hospitality sector. With Ishraq’s proven track record and our shared vision for excellence, we are confident that these new properties will become the preferred choice …

Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (“ARTIC”) and Element Hotels  announced the opening of Element West Bay by Westin. Element Hotels are designed for today’s healthy, active traveller who seeks to maintain the balance of their daily routine while away on the road. Offering many of the comforts of home, Element caters to those looking to stay for both the short and long-term. The hotel offers a fresh approach for the longer stay market with its thoughtfully designed accommodation and contemporary, nature-inspired spaces. Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with  a  design  philosophy  that encourages guests to recharge and find their focus. The hotel’s 180 spacious studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments offer views of both the city and the Arabian Gulf, while being exquisitely furnished with signature Westin Heavenly® beds, a large workstation, and a fully equipped modern and spacious kitchenette. The apartments also feature  spacious  living  and dining areas. An ideal place for business travelers, long stay guests, and holidaymakers, the hotel is five minutes walking distance from Doha’s best beach clubs and provides easy access to key business and financial districts. This includes destination hubs such as Doha Exhibition Convention Center and the City Center Mall. At Element West Bay, guests will be energized with a food and beverage menu that prioritizes fresh and healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise® breakfast starts the  day  by  offering morning staples as well as low-fat options and fruit smoothies, followed by all-day dining at Californian food culture concept ShiKiMiKi. In addition, the Restore Grab & Go menu, available 24/7, includes a wide variety of fresh ingredients and on-the-go meals, from wholesome salads and sandwiches to yoghurt and snacks and …

Courtyard by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 31 brands, today announced the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Jubail, the first for the brand in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Strategically located in Majd Square in Jubail City, Courtyard by Marriott Jubail is set to become the unparalleled destination of choice for both business and leisure travelers visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Courtyard by Marriott Jubail’s General Manager, Nabil Khamaiseh said, “We are delighted to see the opening of the new Courtyard by Marriott Jubail. The new hotel will bring comfort and convenience to the Eastern Province with our contemporary accommodations, exceptional dining options, and facilities.” CEO Majd Investment Co. – Hotel Owner, Ibrahim Ali Almajdouie added, “Through the highly acclaimed Courtyard by Marriott brand, we are looking forward to providing an outstanding experience for a broad audience of travelers and guests at Courtyard by Marriott Jubail.” Offering 165 guestrooms, including 34 suites, the new build property features contemporary design, lighting and a relaxing color palette. Courtyard by Marriott Jubail offers two dining outlets, the Kitchen and Barista provides an all-day dining selection of international cuisine curated and served through buffet-style and bespoke à la carte options. Whether seated indoors or enjoying the ambiance of the outdoor terrace, guests are treated to panoramic views of the cityscape and the bustling Majd Square. For those seeking a quick delight, the Coffee Bar serves specialty coffees and on-the-go bites throughout the day. Courtyard by Marriott Jubail offers three flexible meeting rooms, perfect for hosting business and social events. The versatile ballroom can effortlessly transform into two distinct spaces, ensuring unparalleled flexibility for any occasion. For those seeking wellness …

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) and 19th edition of Arabian Hotel Investment Conference will take place in Abu Dhabi as FHS-AHIC from 25-27 September 2023 with TravTalk Middle East as media partners. This will bring together senior hospitality leaders, owners and investors and  feature three days of dealmaking and impactful industry discussions under the theme ‘Focus on Investment’. Organised by The Bench, FHS brings together the Middle East and Africa’s industry leaders for discussions, deals and insight on the continued growth of the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Leaders from some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality brands who have confirmed to speak include Accor Chairman & CEO Sébastian Bazin, Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer of Accor; Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO of Rotana; Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer and President, Global Development for Hilton, and Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Global CEO of JLL Hotels & Hospitality. Among the names representing the real estate, asset management, consulting, banking and investment community are Mariam Al Musharekh, Executive Director of Human Resources at Miral Group; Raed Kuhail, Executive Director of Digital & Technology at Miral Group; Giuliano Gasparini, Head of Hospitality Asset Management at Wasl Group; Dale Qi Shen, Vice President, Director – Real Estate Structuring & Advisory of Mashreq Bank; Andrew Gilmore, Principal Economist at The Economist Group, and Nick van Marken, Managing Director van Marken Consulting. Stephen Sackur, Presenter of HARDTalk, will return to FHS as MC for the event. Technology will once again be at the forefront of the FHS 2023 programme with leaders discussing the future of the hospitality and travel tech stack. Confirmed speakers include Cenk Sidar, CEO and Co-Founder of Enquire IA. “We are excited to announce …