A new resort is promising to take hospitality to greater heights amidst the cool green surrounds of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain.

Perched at 3,000 feet, the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet is getting ready for a full opening soon.

Although 30 rooms and two executive suites are operating after the hotel's soft opening in July, the Accor group managed property is not yet "100 per cent operational".

"Some facilities such as the swimming pool and services like room service are not yet available. But we'll be ready to welcome our guests in a few weeks," says general manager Bruno De Bray.

Once completed the hotel will offer 115 connecting rooms and nine suites.

The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet is offering opening rates of Dh250 ($68) for single or double room on weekdays and Dh340 on weekends from Wednesday to Friday inclusive of taxes and service charges.

There is also a special family rate of Dh450 for one double room and a single room including breakfast.

The opening promotional rates are valid until March 31, 2003.

De Bray said the property is the first Mercure hotel in the UAE and the fifth in the Middle East region.

He said the hotel was aiming for a wide of mix of market including leisure and business travellers, weekenders as well as group and conference/seminar sectors.

The five-storey hotel is set amidst landscaped gardens and will offer a choice of four dining options.

Leisure facilities will include a squash court, a fitness centre, two hammams and sauna, swimming pool and a playground as well as a mini-golf course.

Mercure Grand will also offer extensive meetings and banqueting facilities including a ballroom and meeting rooms and boardrooms capable of accommodating up to 250 people.