With a rush of new five-star hotels about to open in Abu Dhabi, Mark Atkinson looks at the strengths of the newcomers and sees which ones offer the best deals for visiting business travellers
Abu Dhabi’s hospitality scene has entered a new commercial stratosphere with a slew of new hotel openings since late last year. The first five out of the blocks were Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (both November 1), Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi (November 7), St Regis Saadiyat Island (November 20) and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas (December 1).
There has not been much slowdown moving into 2012. The gravity-defying Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, has just opened, as well as the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. The opulent Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal and Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara are also gearing up for their debut. The Rotana chain, which established its presence in the city with the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi in 1993, is adding two more properties to its 11-strong Abu Dhabi portfolio this year, the Capital Centre Rotana and Centro Capital Centre (its affordable business hotel brand).
I’d have to dust down my ‘boomtime diary’, but I’m not sure even Dubai, at its crane-crazed peak, opened 13 hotels in under a year. Jones Lang LaSalle has gone to the trouble of counting the upcoming inventory, and reckons Abu Dhabi will see at least an additional 6,700 rooms by 2013.
It’s a brave commitment from Abu Dhabi, particularly with continued malaise in Europe and the US, and forecasts for a global recovery now appearing more remote than in 2008.
“I do not see much use in over-speculating on ADRs and occupancy rates in the short to medium term,” said Chiheb Ben Mahmoud, Jones Lang LaSalle’s executive VP – head of hotel advisory Middle East and Africa.
“It is, and will be, a bumpy ride. However, focusing on these short-term performance indicators might be a very risky strategy, as it might induce a pressure to just put heads on beds.” He added that Abu Dhabi remains a destination in the making, and hotel supply is but one piece of a much larger jigsaw to promote and grow the Emirate – it’s not as if the city doesn’t already have plenty going for it, what with plentiful mangroves a stone’s throw away from state-of-the-art business offices, museums, pristine beaches, golf courses, a Ferrari theme park and Formula 1 racetrack.
The new wave-shaped Rocco Forte hotel, which contains 281 rooms, is located between the city’s airport and downtown areas, close to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Yas Island.
General manager Hagop Doghramadjian said unlike Dubai, very few new hotels have opened in Abu Dhabi over the past few years, so there is strong demand for the entry of new brands, facilities, restaurants and bars.
“Naturally when more room availability comes onto the market, there might be some adjustment to rates,” concedes Doghramadjian. “Some hotels that are not truly five-star, but have charged five-star at high season, will no longer be able to do so.”
In addition to the 20 per cent rates drop from 2010 to 2011, there is a chance of a further 10-15 per cent decrease, adds Doghramadjian.
“It is possible that the demand in the city might be enough for everyone, or that some of the older existing hotels will be put at a disadvantage,” he continues. “In terms of traditional offerings, as people become more mobile-based, business centres as we now know them will disappear and be replaced by facilities and ways to enhance the relaxation and well-being of the business traveller.”
The Arab Spring has also unwittingly bolstered the prospects of Middle East countries perceived as politically stable. “The current political uncertainty in Syria, Egypt and Bahrain has led to increased inbound traffic to the UAE from the GCC countries,” says Jean-Philippe Bittencourt, General Manager, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, targeted to open in February 2012. “There have also been increases in both business and leisure travellers from China, India and Russia. The world’s centre of gravity is shifting east. Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE are perfectly positioned geographically to capitalise on this.”
Doris Greif, GM, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers considers the new competition in Abu Dhabi as a positive. “I’m a great believer that intense competition within the hospitality industry always bodes well for the particular city, its image overseas, its visitors, level of services – and indeed the strength, quality and resilience of the local hospitality industry as a whole.”
Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Location Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Why stay? You want to combine business with pleasure in a more relaxing, out-of-city environment (all rooms have balconies facing the course). There’s a decent meetings offering and if you’re a golfer, you’ll want to squeeze in as many rounds before or after work. Hosts the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship every winter. Basic package is Dhs 1,070 (US$291) per night, including buffet breakfast.
Drawbacks It’s a bit of a drive to the downtown area if you have appointments, and you may yearn for more dynamism once you’ve had your dose of tranquillity.
Contact Tel: +971 2616 9999 ; email: [email protected]; www.westinabudhabigolfresort.com
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
Location Saadiyat Island
Why stay? It’s located in the city’s Cultural District on the northern part of Saadiyat Island, surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, and fronting onto almost nine kilometres of coastline. The 270 guestrooms have a minimum size of 55 sqm and on site are 44 villas, several restaurants (Park Bar & Grill, The Café and Beach House) and conference/events facilities. The Atarmia Spa spreads over three levels and the day spa features an extensive range of treatments. Camp Hyatt (5-12s) will keep the kids occupied. For a Tried and Tested of the property, click here.
Drawbacks It’s a half-hour drive from the airport.
Contact Tel: +971 2407 1234; email: [email protected]; http://abudhabi.park.hyatt.com
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Location Centre of the city, part of a five-tower complex overlooking the green waterfront of the Corniche and the wide expanse of the
Gulf beyond.
Why stay? It’s a major new landmark, with 382 rooms, 199 serviced residences, a dedicated executive lounge, large conference centre and the Talise Spa. Each room and suite is equipped with designer bathroom amenities, user-friendly technology and free high-speed wifi. For a Tried and Tested of the property, click here.
Drawbacks You’ll need a head for heights with venues spanning the beach to the 63rd floor.
Contact tel: +971 2811 5888; email: [email protected]; www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/destinations/abu-dhabi/jumeirah-at-etihad-towers
St Regis Saadiyat Island
Location Saadiyat Island
Why stay? While the 380-room Saadiyat Island Beach Resort will be ostensibly leisure focused, the resort’s location, not far from the airport and 10 minutes from the Corniche, presents clear opportunities for corporate and MICE business. In keeping with other St Regis properties, a butler service will be present throughout the
hotel and a “sophisticated” cocktail bar will be a lobby feature, while F&B options will include steakhouse, Southeast Asian and seafood restaurants.
Drawbacks There will eventually be nine hotels along this 9km beach and they’re all targeting the top end.
Contact Tel: +971 2498 8888; email: [email protected]; www.stregissaadiyatisland.com
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
Location Next to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Why stay? Treat yourself to some Venice-inspired, crescent-shaped luxury. Club guests have a private floor offering five free food and beverage presentations throughout the day with dedicated concierge service. The centrally located pool area looks impressive.
Drawbacks One of those grandiose, new-wave properties that wholeheartedly targets business and leisure – but will it appease both camps? It’s 25 minutes from the airport.
Contact Tel: +971 2491 7658; email: [email protected]; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/abudhabi
