Millennium Hotels and Resorts is in an expansion mode with two new hotels to open this year, two more the next and a property in Turkey in 2004.
The first Millennium hotel in the region opened earlier this year in Abu Dhabi and the group aims to create brand awareness at this month's MTF. "The main aim is to create brand awareness for Millennium Hotels and Resorts by maximising on the networking opportunities," said regional director for marketing communications, Min Min Wong, explaining the group's presence at the Cairo event. She said a second Millennium property in the UAE will open in Sharjah in November this year, followed by the Millennium Hotel Agadir in Morocco the following month. Next year will see the opening of the hotels in Marrakech in September and Ankara in Turkey later that winter followed by a property in Istanbul in the spring of 2004, Wong said. The Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi which opened in March this year, offers 325 luxurious guestrooms including 64 suites and 16 studios, three food and beverage outlets, extensive meetings and events facilities, Le Club Health & Fitness featuring outdoor pool, gym, sauna & steam baths. Currently under construction, both the Millennium Hotel Agadir and Millennium Hotel Marrakech are located in prime spots in Morocco. Situated on the beautiful sandy beach in Baie des Palmiers, the 5-star Millennium Hotel Agadir aims to become the newest relaxation abode in the city. Taking cue from regional Islamic architecture and the characteristics of Morocco, the Hotel's Kasbah-like façade will have 291 guestrooms - of which 6 are Diplomatic Suites and one Royal Suite - a grand ballroom and a diverse range of culinary options. All guest rooms are traditionally furnished with comprehensive facilities. Elegantly furnished, the Royal Suite features its own private pool. Complemented by beach and an outdoor swimming pool, the hotel will also feature two tennis courts and a health and fitness club. Other guest facilities include a crèche and several shops. Behind the launch of this new property is Swiss born Bruno Simeoni, who has been appointed general manager. He was previously vice president of operations for Caesar Hotels and Resorts in Taiwan. In Marrakech, the new 5-star deluxe Millennium property promises to be exclusive, yet intimate, offering discretion, style, sophistication and elegance. Located in Quartier Hivernage, the hotel is organised around the concept of an exterior courtyard. The design incorporates the use of natural light and water features in a variety of ways. Whilst upper facades are simple, elegant and understated in their expression and detail, the ground floor features more decorative elements with articulated doors, columns and archways. Each of the 40 suites mix the past and present and feature luxurious appointments with state of the art electronics and a private Jacuzzi. Dining-wise, an elegant one of a kind 6-star restaurant will create a contemporary Marrakech atmosphere. In Sharjah, the new Millennium property will feature 263 guestrooms and suites, four food and beverage outlets, extensive meetings and events facilities and a health and fitness club offering two gyms, three outdoor pools, squash court, sauna and steam baths.