81pc occupancy in Abu Dhabi
THE average occupancy of hotels, including serviced apartments, in Abu Dhabi was nearly 81 per cent during second quarter 2006, according to ADTA figures released to the media.
Serviced apartments achieved the highest average occupancy rate of over 90 per cent during second quarter, followed by three-star and four-star hotels, which recorded 88 per cent. Five-star hotels achieved a 77.5 per cent occupancy rate. Abu Dhabi plans to add over 4,500 rooms during the next three years to meet growing demand, enhancing capacity by 45 per cent, taking the total number of rooms from 10,000 currently to 14,500. The capital's hotels and serviced apartments received some two million guests in 2005, registering a 25 per cent growth over the previous year. A recent independent report by audit firm Deloitte and Touche said Abu Dhabi was among top destinations with an average occupancy rate of 84.4 per cent in 2005.
Service charges in Abu Dhabi hotels
HOTELS and serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi will need to pay six per cent of their service charges to the tourism authority from 2007, acccording to media reports. Hotels impose a 16 per cent service charge on all bills but at present they pay no fees to the municipality, whereas hotels in Dubai pay 10 per cent of bills to the municipality.
DSF package from JW Marriott Dubai
THE JW Marriott Dubai has launched a special all-inclusive package for the Dubai Shopping Festival called Shopaholics Escape. Package rates range from Dh1400 ($380) to Dh1600 and are valid between December 1, 2006 and to February 28, 2007. Included are deluxe guestroom accommodation and full buffet breakfast faily for two, complimentary Dh100 Harvey Nichols store voucher, private transportation to a preferred shopping centre, a 30-minute reflexology massage in the guestroom or at JW’s Health Club and private to and fro airport transfers.
Kempinski Dubai rates top 500
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has been included in the list of best 500 hotels in the world by Focus magazine. The elite listing is highly anticipated in the industry as it is one of the more respected hotel rankings conducted by an independent and esteemed publication, says a hotel spokesperson.
Raffles Dubai topped out
DUBAI has gotten closer to getting its first Raffles hotel with Khansaheb Civil Engineering at Wafi City having finished the concrete structure for the hotel. Set to be the first Raffles hotel in the Middle East, the property is being built in the form of a pyramidal structure with 248 luxury rooms and suites and nine distinctive food and beverage outlets, first-class conference and meeting facilities, Amirta Spa and a unique ‘botanical sky garden’ to enthral all visitors.
New package at Domina El Sultan
AS of September, the management of Domina Coral Bay Hotel, Resort & Casino has added new value to Domina El Sultan Hotel & Resort with all-inclusive billing, specially tailored to make the guests’ stay memorable. The existing accommodation packages, i.e. bed and breakfast, half board and/or full board will be kept until the end of the year. Domina Coral Bay is now operating two all inclusive hotels, Domina Harem Hotel & Resort as well as Domina El Sultan Hotel & Resort.
Grand Hyatt Amman’s new lounge
THE new Lounge and Terrace at the Grand Hyatt Amman welcomed its first guests this October after several months of renovations. Billed as vintage, classy and chic, the Lounge features luxurious Italian furniture by Rubelli, large open fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views make it the ideal venue to see and be seen in an imposingly fashionable ambience. A selection of fine beverages, speciality coffees and teas and a premium viennoiserie is available all day.
Raffles Dubai topped out
DUBAI has gotten closer to getting its first Raffles hotel with Khansaheb Civil Engineering at Wafi City having finished the concrete structure for the hotel. Set to be the first Raffles hotel in the Middle East, the property is being built in the form of a pyramidal structure with 248 luxury rooms and suites and nine distinctive food and beverage outlets, first-class conference and meeting facilities, Amirta Spa and a unique ‘botanical sky garden’.
Jumeirah for third London Hotel
JUMEIRAH has signed a deal to manage its third London hotel, part of a 600 million pound tower on the south bank of the river Thames, the company said. The hotel, being planned by British developer Beetham Organisation, will have 261 rooms when the tower is complete in 2011.
Final renovations at Semiramis
THE final phase of a multi-million renovation of the iconic Semiramis InterContinental hotel at the heart of Cairo's city centre has begun. A sense of grandeur will be achieved through a complete upgrade of the main lobby and reception areas, while the Tea Garden and Night and Day Restaurant will be subject to an overhaul designed to create two unique dining venues in the city. The hotel has 727 rooms and suites, more than 11 restaurants and the largest banqueting facilities in town.