Boasting of 100 per cent occupancy throughout the month-long Dubai Shopping Festival, Al Sondos Suites by Le Méridien is winning guest loyalty for personal service as well as its unrivalled location, according to general manager, Naif Zureikat.
Opened last summer, the all-suite, 11-storey building located opposite the City Centre mall in Deira is revising its business mix to accommodate both long-stay corporate guests as well as visitors from the region on short city breaks and even honeymoon guests. "While the DSF is a busy time in Dubai, it was heartening to exceed 100 per cent occupancy at times during the month, particularly at rates that were often above those averaged by the beach hotels," said Zureikat. "During recent years, the Jumeirah beach properties have outstripped the city hotels in terms of rates and revenues, but Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien has proved that there is a market for a superior suite accommodation product within the city." With just 106 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, the hotel twins international management efficiencies with an intimate atmosphere, a combination that appeals to the local GCC visitor as well as guests staying for longer periods who look for a comfortable base in the centre of Dubai. "I personally know many of my customers now, and just by regularly talking to them, have been able to introduce many innovations such as mobile phone chargers in Al Mabsam restaurant, for instance," said Zureikat. "For corporate meetings, where we are getting many small groups coming to Al Sondos Suites by Le Méridien, we are converting some of the suites to twin beds which is the preferred option for this sector - and, in addition, I am negotiating to lease additional meeting space. " Apart from hosting the delegation from Dominican Republic, recently in Dubai to sign as agreement with Dubai Ports and Jebel Ali Free Zone for the development and management of port, free zone, and resort facilities in the Dominican Republic, the hotel has also accommodated groups from Unicef.