Ladies first
Grand Hyatt Muscat has introduced an initiative to take extra care of single female travellers.
The new service features special check-in and guest relations staff to accompany ladies to their rooms at all times. The rooms will be centrally located near the elevators and lobby, non-interconnecting and on high floors.
A selection of international magazines and special amenities will be available such as fresh fruit and flowers, plush bathrobes, bathsalts and a selection of toiletries.
As a special benefit, the hotel will also offer a complimentary upgrade to the next room category.
Group loan
Egypt’s Orascom Hotels & Development has raised CHF160 million ($154.9 million) in a syndicated loan to restructure short-term debt and to finance work on existing hotels.
Orascom Hotels is the Egypt subsidiary of Switzerland-based Orascom Development Holding whose shares trade in both Egypt and Switzerland. It has tourism projects in eight countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Switzerland and Oman
Travel style
Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel to open under the collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties, will be officially launched on March 18.
Exclusively housed in the distinctive Burj Khalifa tower, the world’s tallest building, the Armani Hotel Dubai is the first of a series of hotels, resorts and residences designed by Giorgio Armani to be opened around the globe and marks the fashion maestro’s debut in the world of hospitality.
Online bookings for the venue were due to go live at the end of January.
African agreement
Coral Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Sudanese Kuwaiti Hotels for two superb properties in Sudan. This marks Coral’s first move into North-East Africa.
Both hotels are already operational and occupy prime locations in Sudan’s capital Khartoum and the strategic town of Port Sudan.
Coral Khartoum features 285 rooms and offers its guests all five-star facilities including fabulous dining outlets and leisure options. Equally well-equipped to meet the needs of global travellers is Coral Port Sudan boasting 114 rooms.
Contract renewal
The Management of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Africa recently signed a renewal of the management contract of the Mövenpick Resort Pyramids for seven years as of January 2010.
The signing ceremony was between Josef Kufer, senior vice president, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Africa and General Fouad Sanad, CEO of the Tourism Urbanisation Company.
Management deal
Jinan Hotels and Resorts has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Minerva Travel to manage the Ein Shanda Hotel in Egypt.
The agreement will take effect after all development work on the hotel, which is located in Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s New Valley, is completed during the first quarter of 2010. This is Jinan’s first venture outside of the local arena and the GCC region.
New bar for UAE’s first Bonnington
The Bonnington five-star hotel and apartments, the landmark in the midst of Jumeirah Lakes Towers has opened a new entertainment venue.
Healey’s Bar with its striking décor and views over the skyline, promises to become a favourite with both travellers and locals with snack food and a wide selection of beverages in congenial surroundings.
It aims to be ‘the perfect venue to relax and unwind with friends or colleagues after a long day’.