Luxury hotel operator Marriott International plans to open a new hotel in Kuwait next year.
The US-based group said the 34-story, 310-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is planned to open in Kuwait City in 2003. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Kuwait will be the first Courtyard hotel in the Middle East, making a landmark for Marriott International. The hotel will be part of a management agreement reached with Salhia Real Estate Company K.S.C., a commercial real estate development firm. The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel will be part of a multi-use project at the eastern entrance of Kuwait City that includes the Arraya Shopping Centre, the Arraya Convention Centre, the Arraya Office Tower, a Plaza of coffee shops and dining outlets, and a multi-story car park for 1,400 vehicles. Courtyard by Marriott hotels are aimed at business and leisure travellers who need consistent, high quality accommodations and services at moderate, affordable rates. "We are very excited to introduce our Courtyard brand in the Middle East and to be working with Salhia Real Estate Company," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. "We are equally delighted to be returning to Kuwait following an absence of more than 15 years." For dining and entertainment, the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel will offer a lobby lounge in an eight-story atrium, two cafes and a specialty restaurant. Other amenities will include a rooftop swimming pool, a health club, a 24-hour business centre with a private meeting room, satellite TV and Internet access and a prayer room. For conferences and social events, the hotel will have 900 sq m of meeting space on the third floor that will be comprised of five individual meeting rooms in varying configurations.