Mandarin Oriental to manage luxury palace hotel in Abu Dhabi

Mandarin Oriental has announced that it has signed a management contract to manage, and ultimately brand, the iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Group will take over management of the property from 1 January 2020. It will be Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in the United Arab Emirates following the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019. The hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property, following a phased renovation over two years, during which time the hotel will remain open. The work will encompass significant upgrades to guestrooms and recreational amenities, as well as new food and beverage facilities. The Emirates Palace hotel sits on a 1.3-kilometre private beachfront, featuring 394 guestrooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, 40 meeting rooms, a concert grade auditorium and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Leisure facilities include a marina, two swimming pools, a spa and two fitness centres. “This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region. We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “The partnership with Mandarin Oriental represents an important milestone and aims to propel the property’s profile into a new era,” said His Excellency Sultan Dhahi Sultan Al Humairi, Managing Director of Emirates Palace Company (EPCO). “We look forward to a mutually prosperous and fruitful relationship with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,” he added. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is centrally located in the heart of the city, conveniently situated for both leisure and business travellers. The Grand Mosque and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are a short drive away. The Marina Mall is nearby and the commercial centre of the city is also easily accessed. The hotel is 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 90 minutes from Dubai Airport.

Hyatt to add 20 new luxury hotels and resorts by the End of 2020

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that more than 20 new luxury hotels and resorts are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2020, boosting Hyatt’s luxury portfolio. The additions include new properties under the Park Hyatt, Andaz, Alila, Grand Hyatt, Miraval and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brands. As part of this global expansion, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is seeing its strongest growth to date in Europe. The brand is known for an exceptional portfolio of true historic gems as well as contemporary properties with a fascinating past. Each hotel within the collection provides one-of-a-kind experiences attracting independently minded travelers looking for the extraordinary. Upcoming hotels include distinctive properties like Great Scotland Yard, the location of London’s former metropolitan police headquarters, expected to open December 9; and the majestic Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, the former imperial residence of Napoleon III, which is due to reopen in June 2020 after an extensive renovation. “With our growth acceleration in the luxury segment, we will have the opportunity to care for more travelers around the globe through a range of differentiated high-end experiences,” said Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer, Hyatt. “We’re excited to expand into new markets and enhance the global footprint of our brands, giving our guests and members additional ways to connect with our luxury offerings in places where they want to be.” Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, the Park Hyatt brand is also a key contributor to Hyatt’s luxury portfolio growth, with five Park Hyatt hotels expected to open by 2020 in Doha, Qatar; Jakarta, Indonesia; Niseko, Japan; Suzhou, China; and Auckland, New Zealand. With its world-renowned artwork, sophisticated design, and sought-after dining experiences – with several Michelin-starred restaurants, now totaling three in Europe – the brand caters to discerning travelers who appreciate understated luxury and an intimate, residential stay. Throughout the decades, Park Hyatt hotels have delivered immersive experiences, creating a refined home away from home for guests. “Across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, as well as Southwest Asia, luxury properties account for over a third (35 percent) of our portfolio,” said Peter Fulton, group president – EAME SWA, Hyatt. “Europe in particular, with its unique and historic architecture, represents a natural home for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, and as we expand with our lifestyle and independent brands, we are confident our new offerings will cater to high-end travelers who are seeking an unprecedented stay.” Other announcements include the expansion of the Alila brand, which delivers world-class service and crafts rare and intimate experiences for its guests, with three luxury resorts expected to open in Switzerland, Malaysia and Oman. In addition, six Andaz branded luxury lifestyle properties are due to open in Dubai, UAE; Prague, Czech Republic; Bali, Indonesia; Shenzhen and Xiamen in China; and Palm Springs, California, offering distinctively local experiences and creative design within open, barrier-free spaces. The Grand Hyatt brand is also set to continue to steadily grow with new openings in Hefei and the Shenzhou Peninsula in China, Kuwait, Gurgaon in India, Jeju in South Korea, and Nashville, Tennessee, along with the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Known for its bold and vibrant architecture and welcoming service, Hyatt’s largest luxury brand, Grand Hyatt, celebrates the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Planned Alila openings Alila Dalit Bay in Malaysia (2020) Alila Hinu Bay in Oman (2020) Alila La Gruyère in Switzerland (2023) Planned/Recent Andaz openings Andaz Dubai The Palm (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into Dubai Andaz Bali (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Indonesia Andaz Shenzhen in China (2020) Andaz Xiamen in China (2020) Andaz Palm Springs in the U.S. (2020) Andaz Prague (2022)–will mark first Hyatt hotel in the Czech Republic Andaz Seoul Gangnam in South Korea (opened 2019) Planned/Recent Grand Hyatt openings Grand Hyatt Hefei in China (2019) Grand Hyatt Al Khobar (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Grand Hyatt Kuwait (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Kuwait Grand Hyatt Gurgaon in India (2020) Grand Hyatt Jeju in South Korea (2020)–will mark largest Grand Hyatt hotel in Asia Pacific Grand Hyatt Nashville in the US (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Tennessee Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula in China (2020) Grand Hyatt at SFO–only on-airport hotel at SFO (opened 2019) Planned/Recent Park Hyatt openings Park Hyatt Doha (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into Qatar Park Hyatt Auckland (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into New Zealand Park Hyatt Jakarta (2020)–will mark the brand’s entry into Indonesia Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono in Japan (2020) Park Hyatt Suzhou in China (2020) Park Hyatt Kyoto in Japan (opened 2019) Planned The Unbound Collection by Hyatt openings Great Scotland Yard (2019)–will mark the brand’s entry into the UK Hotel du Palais Biarritz in France (2020) Planned Miraval openings Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa in the US (2020)—will mark the brand’s entry into Massachusetts

KT’s AI Robot Debuts in Seoul Hotel

South Korean operator KT has launched its AI-enabled hotel service robot in Seoul. The AI hotel robot, dubbed ‘N bot’, started its official service at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences, to serve guests in 100 rooms, Yonhap news agency reports, citing a company statement. KT used 3D location mapping, autonomous driving and AI camera capabilities to develop the robot. Guests can request items through voice command or touch screen of KT's GiGa Genie device in a room, and N bot will identify the location to deliver the items, SK said. With help of its autonomous driving technology, the robot can take an elevator to move from one floor to another and stop or pass by oncoming people to avoid collisions. Back in February, KT opened a robot cafe in the main venue of MWC Barcelona to serve free coffee to visitors. The barista robot served 47 kinds of drinks at the GSMA Innovation City exhibition hall. In October this year, KT announced it will start selling its hotel service offering artificial intelligence-based features to hotels in the Philippines. The service will be gradually expanded to hotels in Singapore, Dubai and Guam. KT recently announced plans to invest KRW 300 billion (approximately USD 256.9 million) in the next four years to develop advanced AI-based services. KT will develop AI technology in the areas of language, image, analysis and problem solving, in an attempt to increase the number of AI-enabled devices to 100 million by 2025.

Damac tops out Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences

Property features one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools on the 64th level, at 235 metres high Damac Properties’ has topped out its Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences, a 64-storey mixed-use development property on Sheikh Zayed Road. The project, features one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools on the 64th level. Currently, more than 80% of the tower’s external façade and casting work of the infinity pool has been completed. The design and décor of the hotel rooms comprises features such as in-room home theatre systems and access to a library of Paramount films. The residences feature multiple bedrooms and spacious interiors with separate dining and living areas. Speaking about the topping out, Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president, DAMAC Properties, said, “The topping out of Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences with one of Dubai’s highest infinity pools overlooking Downtown Dubai is testament to our commitment to bringing the most differentiated living experiences to the region. We are thrilled with the progress on this project, which stands tall as a distinctive addition to Dubai’s iconic skyline. Our vision resonates with Dubai’s growing relevance as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.” In addition to the infinity pool, Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences features multiple floors of amenities such as restaurants and lounges, a rooftop terrace fitness and wellness centres, and a business centre, among others.

Oyo Hotels & Homes to invest in machine learning intelligence technology

Through the acquisition the company is aiming to drive “top-line growth by leveraging dynamic pricing across all its brands” ndia’s Oyo Hotels & Homes has acquired Danamica, a Copenhagen-based data science company, with machine learning and business intelligence capabilities, specialising in dynamic pricing. With this acquisition Oyo is aiming to drive “top-line growth by leveraging dynamic pricing across all its brands”. Commenting on the development, Maninder Gulati, global head, oyo vacation and urban homes, & chief strategy officer, Oyo Hotels & Homes, said, “Danamica, a Europe based, machine learning and business intelligence company specialised in dynamic pricing will help us be more accurate with pricing, leading to higher efficiencies and yield for our real estate owners and value for money for our millions of global guests, both everyday travellers and city dwellers, that choose an Oyo Vacation Homes as their abode.” Last month, the company said it would invest €300 million in the vacation homes business in Europe. The company also signed a partnership valued at Dh18 billion (US$5 billion) with UAE-based IBC Group’s Gallery Suites Vacation Rentals to manage 10,000 premier holiday homes in Dubai.

Nearly 200 hotels at design stage in the GCC

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the field in the development of new hotels There are close to 200 hotels at the design stage in the GCC, according to statistics revealed by intelligence platform ProTenders. Data up to 1 July, 2019, shows there are 196 hotels at the design stage across the Gulf, insight from construction intelligence business ProTenders revealed. The total value of the GCC hotel market, which includes projects at the planning, design, tender and construction stage, is $501.8bn (AED1.8tn), sister publication Commercial Interior Design revealed. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the field in the development of new hotels, as both countries continue to prioritise tourism as a means of supporting economic diversification. It was revealed in August that five hotel chains are due to be selected by the Qiddiya Investment Company as part of the hospitality offering of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment gigaproject Qiddiya. The announcement came when the company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, unveiled details of the Six Flags theme park that will be built in 2023. In the UAE, a significant number of hotels are being developed in the run-up to Expo 2020 Dubai, which opens its doors in approximately 13 months.

Al Bustan Centre & Residence hosts employee training programme to promote sustainability

Initiative educated associates on eco-friendly practices, methods to cut down on energy and water usage in hotels l Bustan Centre & Residence organised training programmes for its employees to create awareness and promote sustainable environmental approaches. During the training, green initiatives and knowledge in supply chain sustainability were discussed to identify critical risks to improve long-term profitability. The programme focussed on educating its associates on eco-friendly practices and methods to save energy and water in hotels. The initiative also encouraged staff participation so that they can educate and encourage guests about these sustainable practices. \Speaking about the programme, Moussa El Hayek, chief operating officer of Al Bustan Centre and Residence said: “Through our sustainability training programmes, we aim to create awareness among our team through continuous engagement. We can achieve our mission by being committed environmental stewards as tourists and travellers these days are eco-conscious with their options in choosing hotels, it’s no longer only about comfort but sustainability as well. “Ultimately our goal is to create a sustainable environment supporting the initiatives of Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST),” he added.

Address Fountain Views all set to open for business The property comprises 193 rooms

 Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address Fountain Views is all set to open for business, officials have announced. Bookings for the seventh Address hotel in Dubai, are open for stays from October 2019 onwards. Located in Downtown Dubai, the hotel has 193 guestrooms. peaking about the hotel, Chris Newman, chief operating officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Address Hotels + Resorts has raised the benchmark in service excellence. Our new addition – Address Fountain Views – assures the same personally enriching experience while defining its own individuality, which is the hallmark of every Address hotel.” He added that the property will appeal to both leisure and business visitors. Guests staying on the Club Rooms will be able to access the Club Lounge. The restaurant at the property interprets a luxury apartment and guests can choose from the dining room, the closet, a library or the outdoor terrace. The restaurant will serve authentic Mediterranean cuisine combined with Arabian inspired flavours.

Hilton to open most luxury hotels in company history

Group’s luxury pipeline also includes more than 30 properties, 25 of which will open through 2025 HOSPITALITY group Hilton has announced that it will be launching more luxury properties in 2019 than in “any previous year of its 100- year history”. The group’s president and CEO Chris Nassetta said that seven hotels are expected to open by the end of 2019. This is in addition to four that have already been launched this year. Hilton’s current and projected luxury openings in 2019, which join the existing luxury properties include: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. The list also includes LXR and Conrad properties across the world. Hilton’s luxury pipeline also includes more than 30 properties, approximately 25 of which are expected to open through 2025, the group announced.

Accor to open first Raffles in Bahrain

Accor has announced plans to debut its luxury Raffles brand in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It will see the conversion of the luxury Al Areen Palace and Spa, pictured above, though a timeline has not been given. Accor and hotel operators GFH Financial Group said that property alterations would include the refurbishment of 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas. Two more dining options will be added to the current four and the 10,000 sqm spa will be renovated. Nearby venues include the Bahrain International F1 Circuit and the new Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre. Raffles currently has two properties in the Middle East, in Dubai and Mecca. Another is set to open in 2021, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Its other hotels are in the Cambodian cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; the Chinese cities of Hainan and Shenzen; the Indonesian capital Jakarta; the Philippine capital Manila; Praslin in the Seychelles; Meradhoo Island in the Maldives; and Paris, Warsaw and Istanbul in Europe. The original Raffles hotel in Singapore, which opened in 1887, is set to reopen on August 1 following a two-year renovation. Eight new destinations are scheduled to join the brand’s portfolio in the coming years, including Udaipur in India and Boston in the US. “We are delighted to partner with GFH Financial Group, one of the leading investment houses in the Gulf region, to debut the Raffles brand in Bahrain, a destination which has emerged as a sophisticated option for discerning travellers from the Gulf and all over the world,” said Mark Willis, Accor’s CEO for the Middle East and Africa. “This continued growth signals a remarkable new chapter in the success story of Raffles, a revered global luxury brand with an illustrious history and a reputation for extraordinary properties in the world’s best cities and most sought after resort locales; the Kingdom is a natural fit for the exclusive Arabia-meets-Asia palatial retreat experience that we have planned.”

Hotel Waldorf Astoria Residence: located in the International Financial Center of Dubai

The UAE’s first Waldorf Astoria city hotel gears up for opening

Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s main entrance Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a 275-room property, is getting ready for a summer 2019 opening. The first Waldorf Astoria city hotel to open in the UAE comprises of 201 guest rooms, 46 suites and 28 residential apartments, and features views of the Dubai skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Evoking an early 1960’s New York jet-set era style, Waldorf Astoria DIFC promises an urban retreat. Moreover, culinary experiences to be found within Waldorf Astoria DIFC will include three distinct dining options and bars. Bull and Bear restaurant is the hotel’s signature dining destination, while the rooftop lounge, St. Trop and the brand’s iconic Peacock Alley Lounge and Bar, will serve as meeting points for different occasions. In addition to a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre facilities, the hotel offers meeting spaces, connected at lobby level for guest convenience. The hotel also features a dedicated business centre, ballroom and library. Waldorf Astoria DIFC is located at Burj Daman on Happiness Street, a stone’s throw from The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, and 12 minutes from Dubai International Airport.