Features

Arabian Nights

30 Jun 2011

The Middle East hotel industry is experiencing interesting times – some hotel openings are delayed, others finally opening and a few lucky ones are on target to open in 2011. Vicki Williams takes a quick peek at what’s on the horizon

ABU DHABI

Hyatt Capital Gate (Opening Q4)

What’s the Buzz? A 189-room property within the iconic Capital Gate building, which has a lean of 18 degrees.

Business Pros Adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the largest conference and exhibition venue in the Middle East. The  hotel itself has meeting rooms and boardrooms for private meetings.

R&R Spa, infinity pool; six F&B outlets.

Drawcard Its location.

More Info www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas (Opening Q3)

What’s the Buzz? A 306-room property (including suites and villas).

Business Pros The residence – a multifunctional facility. Plus 1,220sqm of event and meeting space and a business centre.

R&R Four swimming pools, spa, tennis courts, fitness facilities, 9km natural beach and next to a pro designed 18-hole golf course.

Drawcard Situated on Saadiyat Island, it provides a city escape while still only minutes away from your next meeting. The island is forecast to be the new cultural district with plans in place for Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museums.

More Info www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

 

Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi (Opening Q4)

What’s the Buzz? European luxury hotel brand’s flagship property in the Middle East. The property will have 281 rooms including suites.

Business Pros Centrally located to both CBD and international airport, 24-hour business centre with seven meeting rooms and ballroom space. A dedicated events team.

R&R A 2,000sqm spa that includes gym, yoga/pilates studio and hair salon. Separate male and female spa facilities also allow access to the outdoor pool; six F&B outlets including a “sky bar”.

Drawcard Bespoke works by local artists, and Abu Dhabi’s largest hotel spa.

More Info www.roccofortehotel abudhabi.com

 

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (Opening Q4)

What’s the Buzz? The Venetian-themed waterfront property consists of 10 buildings arranged in a crescent shape, and features 447 guestrooms and suites, and 85 one- and two-bedroom villas.

Business Pros A flexible 2,040sqm space that can be converted into multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms.

R&R A 2,000sqm spa space consisting of 20 treatment rooms, a fitness centre, and outdoor tennis courts; seven F&B outlets including a rooftop terrace and two pool bars.

Drawcard Private beach, personalised butlers and a 1,600sqm outdoor pool.

More Info www.ritzcarlton.com

 

DOHA

Ramada Encore (open)

What’s the Buzz? Positioning itself as a modern business hotel with reasonable prices (QAR400/US$110 per night excl taxes/surcharge), the 111-room property is close to the airport and major attractions.

Business Pros A 24-hour business centre with meeting rooms.

R&R Indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre; two F&B outlets.

Drawcard Free wifi in public areas and free wired internet in rooms.

More Info www.ramadaencoredoha.com

 

InterContinental Doha West Bay (Opening October)

What’s the Buzz? The 536-unit property consists of 198 guestrooms, 63 club rooms, 99 suites, and 176 resident suites.

Business Pros Centrally located; business services and meeting rooms.

R&R health and fitness centre, spa, sports courts, pool; five restaurants.

Drawcard An emphasis on creating special menus for users of the meeting facilities, with local and world menus created using locally sourced ingredients where possible, will appeal to “green” business travellers.

More Info www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/dohwb

St Regis Doha (Opening November)

What’s the Buzz? A 336-room property includes 70 suites, it is designed as two 14-storey beachfront towers. The property is part of urban development that includes the hotel and residential apartments.

Business Pros 24-hour business centre, airport meet-and-assist service, conference/meeting facilities.

R&R Spa, water sports, fitness centre; three fine-dining restaurants including one by Gordon Ramsey.

Drawcard 24-hour butler service; free internet for rack paying guests (rack rate QAR2,000/US$550) as well as suite guests and SPG Platinum members.

More Info www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3080

 

DUBAI

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray (Open)

What’s the Buzz? The property is located on the western wing of Palm Jumeirah and features 405 rooms (including 42 suites and 38 villas).

Business Pros Five function rooms, complimentary wifi and broadband internet for guests.

R&R Enormous spa area that includes 42 treatment rooms, three Hammam, a gym, tennis courts, two saltwater pools and a beauty salon, plus a private cinema and 370-seat theatre; 10 F&B outlets including the C Club – cognac, cigars, chocolate.

Drawcard VIP spa area; the theatre and cinema can be used for creative meeting purposes.

More Info www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Jumeirah-Zabeel-Saray and for an in-depth review click here.

 

Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana (Opening Q4)

What’s the Buzz? Located in the heart of old Dubai (Deira) featuring 621 rooms.

Business Pros Six meeting rooms, large pre-function room and ballroom.

R&R A large wellness area that includes a health and fitness club, two pools, jacuzzi and sauna, plus a book shop; four F&B outlets.

Drawcard Close to the airport, close to a train station and linked to a shopping mall.

More Info www.rotana.com

 

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel (Opening Q4)

What’s the Buzz? Featuring 270 rooms and 22 suites.

Business Pros 26 meeting rooms, ballroom, complimentary wifi and broadband internet for guests.

R&R A spa with 14 treatment rooms, health club, tennis and squash courts, two outdoor pools, grooming salon; six F&B outlets including a rooftop bar.

Drawcard Centrally located; dedicated press centre room and screening room.

More Info www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Coming-Soon

 

RIYADH

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh (Opening Q4)

What’s the Buzz? The brand’s first hotel in Riyadh – 493 rooms, 49 two-bedroom royal suites (each 430sqm), and 50 two-bedroom executive suites (each 104sqm).

Business Pros Located within the Diplomatic Quarter and next to the city’s biggest conference centre – King Abdul Aziz Conference Centre. The hotel itself will have a 5,800sqm conference space, which includes two 1,970sqm ballrooms, two auditorium-styled theatres, and two restaurants. 

R&R The hotel is trying to create a relaxing oasis with the property set among 213,500sqm of landscaped gardens, featuring traditional water fountains, native palms and 600-year-old Lebanese olive trees. Plus, indoor pool health club, spa, tennis courts, and six restaurants.

Drawcard Private helipad, fully equipped Intensive Care Unit, six-lane bowling alley.

More Info www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Riyadh/Information/Default.htm

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