MILLENNIUM Hotels and Resorts will open the doors to its second property and its first Grand Millennium in Abu Dhabi with the launch of the Grand Millennium Al Wahda later this month.
The massive 850-room property comprises 585 guest rooms and 265 residences and will be the largest hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Its rooms are elegantly outfitted for exceptional comfort and high-tech connectivity, with features such as multi-line telephones with data ports, wireless internet connection, 37-inch LCD televisions, Bose sound systems and heated towel racks.
In the lead up to opening the biggest hotel in Abu Dhabi, Costas Gavriel executive assistant manager says: “There is always a lot to do when opening a new hotel and the challenge is always to get the right team on board before opening. Putting the leadership team in place is always a critical step as these people must fit with the existing team and must embrace the goals and vision of the management.
“The property is positioned as an urban luxury hotel that will appeal to the corporate and group market locally, regionally and internationally. Our USP (unique selling points) are many, not least that the Grand Millennium Al Wahda is the largest hotel in Abu Dhabi and also will feature the largest spa and health club in the city spread over 2,700 sq m.”
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A range of exciting dining venues will be available at the new Grand Millennium from the Porterhouse Blues Bar and Grill and the Asian restaurant Toshi to the Portobello Italian eatery, the Al Wahda for all-day dining and Reflexions, the chic new city nightspot. The banquet and catering element of the operation is located in the office towers across from the main entrance of the hotel and comprises exhibition space, seven meeting rooms and a banquet hall which can accommodate up to 80 persons for a gala dinner.
The hotel will open its doors this month, which historically is one of the strongest months of the year, and Gavriel is upbeat that business on the books seems extremely positive. Opening rates will start at Dh850 ($231), room only for a limited period and subject to availability.
Gavriel is confident that Abu Dhabi will continue to push ahead with its tourism plan continuing to attract more visitors year on year.
“What makes the UAE so appealing is that it is continually investing in its future by upgrading its infrastructure, developing leisure and Mice facilities and increasing its marketing efforts to attract visitors, all of which increases the attraction of the destination,” he said.
“Keeping that in mind, our rate strategy is to offer value-for-money packages which we believe will attract new business to the hotel. I think the trend of last-minute booking and bargain hunting that we witnessed this summer will continue throughout 2010. Because travellers are still cautious with their spending, they know that there will be availability in hotels and so will hunt around for the best deal whenever possible.”
With more than 500 associates from 35 countries, the hotel is confident it stands out in terms of employees’ contribution to the smooth running of the operation. “The key to our success at The Grand Millennium Al Wahda will, undoubtedly, be the spirit of teamwork from our dedicated employees and the leadership team,” said Gavriel.