ROTANA opened its second property under the Centro Hotels by Rotana brand in July with the Centro Barsha in Dubai.
The opening strengthens the company’s commitment to open 25 ‘Centro Hotels by Rotana’ across the Mena region by 2014.
The property is located close to the business districts of Media City and Internet City. It comprises 246 rooms and is designed to provide a number of informal zones for business gatherings and entertainment.
Other business facilities include high-speed Wi-Fi internet access in all rooms, business centre and two meeting rooms.
The hotel also offers a three-meal restaurant, bar, deli take-away, gymnasium and a swimming pool.
According to Centro by Rotana general manager Philippe Anric, there will always be a niche for a budget hotel brand in the region.
Centro, he added, was designed to cater to the budget-conscious executive and its cool design and features has made it popular among trendy travellers and the corporate segment.
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“Fortunately for us, when we launched Centro, the market was already aware of the offerings of a budget brand. Location, value for money and a comfortable, clean room are the driving factors that lead to the success of a budget hotel and both our properties offer just that,” said Anric.
“We are extremely pleased to see that the brand is also popular with Arab travellers and local residents. We have used all the best practices laid out by Rotana over the years and I believe the guest can experience this in a Centro property. On the other hand, with its different look, it offers a different product.”
Centro opened the Centro Yas on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi last year. According to Anric, following a fast-track opening for the inaugural Formula One and with many of the attractions on the island still under construction, the property made efforts to tap into the corporate traveller looking for affordable stays.
“However, looking ahead we see so much potential with the leisure business from GCC residents,” he said. “The opening of the Ferrari theme park and the beginning of the high-season at the Yas Links golf course will change the face of Yas Island and by the end of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, we are sure to witness more leisure business coming to the island.”
Rotana has signed 25 contracts to open new Centro properties across the Mena region. The next scheduled to open is the Centro Sharjah, which is expected by the end of 2010. Following that the Centro Abu Dhabi Airport Rd (located in downtown Abu Dhabi) is expected to launch in mid 2011. Centro Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi will follow in quarter four next year.
“Outside the UAE, we have some signed contracts which will be announced next year,” said Anric. “The GCC will continue to be the main market for the brand but we do hope to take it to other markets including Europe, one day!”