Shishas have taken on delicious new flavours and the internet has gone high-speed and wireless (wi-fi) at Al Sondos Suites in Dubai.
And plans are on hand to to boost premium facilities for upper floors at this Le Meridien property.
‘‘High-speed internet access is now available throughout Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien as part of the ongoing upgrading of the all-suite property,’’ explains general manager Amal Benzari.
‘‘The high-speed internet has been installed in all 106 suites at the property, as well as high-speed wireless in the property’s outlets, Al Mabsam and News Café. Over the past year, we have been conducting customer reviews, and one of the key preferences from our guests is for high-speed, “plug and play” internet. As a result, we have now installed it throughout the property.”
Moving on to the new shisha flavours, he says that more than 30 types of shisha are now available at the hotel, and specialists are on hand to advise beginners, or recommend new flavour combinations.
‘‘Newcomers to Arabia are often introduced to shisha, but few learn to appreciate the extent of the art of the hubbly-bubbly,’’ says Benzari.
‘‘Al Mabsam, the modern Arabic restaurant, has more than 30 flavours of shisha, to be smoked in the convivial atmosphere of the restaurant complete with flat-screen plasma television, or out on the terrace.
‘“While we have a team of specialists on hand to serve up the perfect pipe, we also teach newcomers the rudiments of smoking shisha.
“We are happy to suggest flavour combinations, as well as adding lemon or orange juice or mint to the water which can enhance the flavour of the shisha. Other tips include putting ice in the glass base of the shisha pipe, which makes for a smoother smoke.”
Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien has 106 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities as well as large-screen televisions, high speed internet access, inter-active games and 24-hour concierge and room service. It is located in the heart of the city’s shopping and business district and is within minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Its sister property, the 144-suite Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien is located in the busy Bur Dubai area of the city, providing a value-for-money alternative for executives and leisure travellers who seek accommodation in the heart of the action.
The property was reflagged under the Le Meridien brand last year, following extensive refurbishment.
Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of over 135 luxury and upscale hotels (36,000 rooms) in 56 countries worldwide. The majority of its properties are located in the world’s top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
The company also enjoys a strategic alliance with JAL-owned Nikko Hotels, providing loyal guests access to an additional 44 properties around the world. Headquartered in London, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Group was formed by the Principal Finance Group of Nomura International plc. The Principal Finance Group has since become independent and is now known as Terra Firma. The Terra Firma Group manages Le Méridien for Nomura International plc.