$150m Italian hotel for Bahrain
MILAN-BASED Domina Hotel & Resort Group will make its Bahrain debut at the Al Areen development in Sakhir.
The Domina Hotel Al Areen will comprise 342 rooms, including several junior suites and two presidential suites, 24 luxury villas, two conference buildings, three restaurants, a business centre and several boardrooms. The resort is set for completion by June next year to be fully operational for the 2008 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Up at the penthouse for Dh18,000
GROSVENOR House Dubai has released its penthouse suite to the market for short-term lease. Available for between Dh18,000 and 30,000 a night ($5-8,000), the 798 sqm penthouse covers the 45th floor of the contemporary five-star hotel, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a 360 degree view of Dubai. Only accessed by private lifts, it includes an office, boardroom and dining room and three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with en-suite Jacuzzi. It has a dedicated butler and personal chef.
Sweet dreams at Danat Jebel Dhanna
GETTING a proper eight-hour sleep needs no prompting at the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna where the evening turndown service includes camomile tea and a scented candle to help guests relax, and beds are made with crisp scented white linen. “It’s the little things that make the big difference between an overnight stay and a true break. Small touches make our service standards memorable,” says general manager, Manoj Kanwal.
ADNH net profit up 40pc
ABU Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) has announced a net profit of Dh332 million ($90.4 million) for 2005, compared to Dh237 million in 2004, an increase of 40 per cent. Total assets increased from Dh2.132 billion to Dh2.995 billion. Shareholders’ equity increased from Dh1.729 billion to Dh2.618 billion. Company chairman Khalifa Nasser bin Huwaileel Al Mansoori said several key factors had a positive impact on performance, including the overall growth of the domestic economy and Abu Dhabi’s growth as a key destination.
Smart deals from Traders
SHANGRI-LA Hotels and Resorts has launched Smart Deals at all of the group’s four-star Traders hotels. Developed on the back of the highly successful Shangri-La Value Rate concept, Smart Deals start at Dh600 per room per night. Guests paying Smart Deals rates automatically receive complimentary buffet breakfast and guaranteed late check-out to 3pm. In addition, the 250-room Traders Hotel, Dubai offers two additional benefits, namely complimentary laundry and internet access.
Mirfa documents local flora & fauna
MIRFA Hotel has issued two environmental books on the native bird and plant life surrounding the popular weekend resort. The hotel’s lush grounds are a natural haven for many indigenous species, and general manager Ali Salih has carefully documented the details of the seldom-seen varieties in a set of books for guests to enjoy during their visit to the property. Mirfa Hotel plans to expand upon their environmental cache with guided nature walks, interactive children’s activities and garden teas and more.
Beau-Rivage breaks
LAUSANNE: Springtime in the Lake Geneva area is an irresistible one for nature lovers, and the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, is offering special Easter rates from CHF375 (approx $289) per night for a double room including breakfast and free use of the hotel’s Cinq Mondes spa and tennis courts, available from April 13 to 18. Rooms for children begin at CHF235 (approx $180), and includes a special children’s Easter activity programme.
Easter walkaway in Berlin
BERLIN: Berlin is positioning itself as a quick getaway in the spring, and the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski, with its magnificent view over the Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, is serving up an Easter weekend package. It includes two overnight stays in a luxurious double room with breakfast (buffet or à la carte) and a cultural trip of one’s choice, but also an exclusive meal at the restaurant Quarré, overlooking the Pariser Platz. Guests are greeted by a fruit basket and a little welcome present.
New Marriott in Cologne
COLOGNE: Mere footsteps away from the city’s historic cathedral, Marriott International has announced the launch of the new Cologne Marriott Hotel. The hotel has 282 guest rooms and suites, and 12 conference and meeting spaces in different sizes. It is Marriott’s first new opening with rooms featuring the Marriott Revive beds. Travellers visiting Cologne this spring can benefit from the special opening rate of 139 euros, including breakfast, unlimited internet access and 1,000 Marriott Reward Points per person. An accompanying guest can overnight in the room for free.
Sheraton Knightsbridge goes Arabic
LONDON: The Sheraton Park Tower in Knightsbridge offers Middle Eastern guests from the Middle East specifically tailored enhanced services to put them at their ease. Front-of-house staff have been trained in Arabic culture and many of the concierges, porters and room service attendants are Arabic speaking. Guests are welcomed with cards written in both Arabic and English with specific amenities available, such as Arabic sweets, Arabic coffee and fresh fruit. In-room facilities include a choice of Arabic newspapers, eight different Arabic TV channels, combination DVD-video players, prayer mats and discreet compasses. From July to September the hotel employs a speciality chef preparing Lebanese specialities throughout the day and night. The hotel offers five-star service and quality in Knightsbridge, London, close to the major fashion areas.