THE Al Bustan Centre and Residence in Dubai has revamped both its food and beverage and its room products in the buildup to a new project on its property.
General manager Moussa El Hayek told TTN that property will have expanded its facilities by the end of 2005. “We are currently in the process of tendering for a new atrium connecting the three buildings of our property as well as adding new F&B facilities,” he said.
The new extension will feature a vast new lobby, lounges and a business centre off the lobby as well as a majestic new entrance that will incorporate a relocation of the current main entrance. “Part of the redesign will be several new theme restaurants,” El Hayek said.
Decoration features in the lobby are set to include a glass skylight and beautiful upholstery. The Al Bustan Centre has also completely renovated or redesigned several of its products, notably its hotel rooms, where all the furniture has been re-upholstered. The hotel’s huge indoor-themed amusement park, Fantasy Kingdom, has been updated with new games and rides, including several computer games and the popular Teacup ride. Finally, it has also introduced a new product, the Al Nahda restaurant and banquet room, which is the perfect setting for serious business. The room can either be used as one unit or can be divided into two, with each able to seat around 100 people, depending on the seating plan.
Strategically located at the heart of a vibrant business, shopping and entertainment zone that stretches across Dubai and Sharjah, the luxurious residential, shopping and entertainment complex comprises 640 room units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments and a royal suite. Yet another residence option is the property’s Executive Club, complete with a dining room and lounge of its own as well as VIP service and personalised attention.
“The hotel apartments are positioned as a residence with the services of a five-star hotel. So whether guests want to stay in and cook or eat in the restaurants, or order from our 24-hour room service, it is our ability to meet all our guests’ demands that sets us apart from the competition,” said El Hayek. Other services offered to hotel guests include a business centre with a seminar room and four meeting rooms capable of seating 75, separate health clubs for men and women with massage, sauna and steam rooms, two tennis courts, a swimming pool, 24-hour taxi service, babysitting by trained staff and more.
The Al Bustan Centre shopping mall features over 80 outlets featuring top brands of premium clothing, cosmetics and jewellery, besides a food court, all an elevator ride away from the apartments.
The Al Bustan Centre and Residence has had a presence at WTM since 1988. “Being there regularly has definitely paid off. The first two years were difficult, but since then, business has picked up and our most recent participation was excellent, with several rewarding new contacts from England other European markets,” said El Hayek. “We will continue to participate in such trade fairs, whether ITB or MITT. We will also participate in the DTCM roadshows in Asia, India and the East European countries of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, targeting both frequent business travellers and leisure passengers, groups or individuals alike.”