Suite dreams

Frasers Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Frasers Centrepoint Group, has opened its fourth gold-standard serviced residence in the Middle East, the Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain.

The hospitality group plans to strengthen its Middle East footprint further with the opening of another five properties in Dubai, Doha and Saudi Arabia by 2017, bringing its portfolio in the region to over 1,400 units.

"The Middle East remains a very key market for our growth," says Choe Peng Sum, chief executive officer of Frasers Hospitality. "We have been experiencing steady demand for our serviced residences since launching in 2009 and our plans are to double our portfolio in the next two years.

"This reflects the confidence we have in the Middle East, which continues to be an attractive region for foreign investment, which is also evident in the speed of infrastructure development within Bahrain itself, that in the last year amounted to $10 billion."

Bahrain reported foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $989 million in 2013, an increase of 11 per cent from the year before, which outpaced global FDI flows at 9 per cent.

According to the 2014 FDI Report on global greenfield investment trends, the Middle East recorded the second largest increase in foreign direct investment in 2013 with $46.8 billion greenfield FDI, 43.68 per cent higher than the year before.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has projected that the region is expected to more than double its arrivals from 50 million to 134 million by 2030.

Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain is a 30-storey building located within Manama’s financial district where the World Trade Centre, Bahrain Financial Harbour, banks, investment firms, ministries prestigious designer stores and restaurants are set.

It enjoys easy access to the city’s attractions including Manama Souk, the Bahrain National Museum, Beit Al Quran and architectural marvels like the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, and is only a 10-minute drive from the airport.

Echoing the lively charm of the city where tradition and modernity are intertwined, Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area Bahrain’s Arabic-inspired architecture and design are complemented by the modern fittings, facilities and conveniences it provides.

Its luxurious 114 suites, which range from one-bedroom to two-bedroom apartments, feature defined living, dining and bedrooms areas, a stylish well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and state-of-the-art home entertainment system, with inspiring views of the city’s skyline.

Ideal for business travellers and families, it offers an impressive range of lifestyle and business facilities including traditional Moroccan Bath, spa, steam and sauna, 24-hour gym, indoor swimming pool, Kids Club and The Dining Room. Business executives can take advantage of its business centre services and boardroom that can host executive meetings with up to 14 guests.

Residents can take comfort in the 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance, reception and concierge services it provides, as well as daily housekeeping, laundry services, babysitting services, 24-hour room service and shuttle service to the Bahrain City Centre, which are in place to help them make the most of their stay.

Since its Middle East launch in 2009 with Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, Frasers Hospitality has staked its position as one of the top serviced residences providers in the region. This is reflected the strong demand it has been experiencing with its properties consistently charting high occupancy rates of more than 80 per cent and the numerous industry awards received.