ABU Dhabi’s Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers is set for two renovation projects in 2007: adding a new spa and a new Indian fusion restaurant.
“The first project for 2007 is the building of a new, unique spa with 12 treatment rooms (six for ladies, four for men and two VIP lounges), comprising of 1,000sqm of space. It will be the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, and should be opening in July 2007,” says Freddy Farid, general manager of the hotel and area vice president for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Rotana Hotels.
“In addition, we will be unveiling a new Indian fusion restaurant in May next year by changing one of the current outlets. This restaurant, which will also boast a spacious outdoor eating area, will specialise in south Indian cuisine, with various fusion elements included from bordering areas,” he says.
Renovations exceed $4 million on average, he says.
Last year, the hotel finished the extension of its Club Rotana rooms and lounge, which provides business travellers with exclusive privileges, while offering a high level of personalised services and care.
“We are known for our personalised service and strive to make sure our exemplary service and high standards always exceed our guests’ expectations. My 1,000 member team and I hope to make all the difference to your clients’ stay at the Beach Rotana, as that is what keeps our discerning guests coming back time and time again to experience the height of luxurious comfort,” says Freddy, an Irishman of Egyptian origin who has been managing this property for more than 14 months.
Set on its own stretch of pristine white beach, the opulent hotel features 414 sea-facing rooms, executive, royal and presidential suites, 10 food and beverage venues and a private beach, along with extensive banquet and conference facilities, including 3,700sqm of indoor conference space.
“It is highly likely that with the future opening of the new convention centre in February 2007, Abu Dhabi will open the door for new markets for us,” he says.
Home to the prestigious Abu Dhabi Trade Centre complex, this property is directly linked to the one-million-sqft-plus Abu Dhabi Mall.
The four largest source markets for the hotel are Germany and Russia (‘the largest’), as well as the GCC and local markets, but Farid says he wants to reach out to new markets. “We would like to attract the Scandinavian market, which is an emerging one, and we are sure the Abu Dhabi Tourism Board is looking into more ways to bring them in,” says Freddy, who believes the city, however, is in need of more rooms.
“The current rooms’ inventory is 6,300 plus in Abu Dhabi compared to 18,000 rooms in Dubai. There is a huge disparity there, yet the Beach Rotana welcomes the addition of more hotels in this city, as competition is healthy. The opportunity for Abu Dhabi to grow and develop its infrastructure is immense and I reckon within three to five years, it will hopefully be an encouraging time for us,” he adds.
Four additional and announced properties are in the works, including two new Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi – one in Khalifa Park and a resort by Khalidiyah Beach. The other two properties will be budget hotels under the new brand name Centro.
by Dina Fakhro