INTERNATIONAL REPORT—There’s a set of firsts for hotel brands in the Middle East. Here’s some of the recent happenings overseas:
Jordan Gets First Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, Jordan’s first Hyatt Regency hotel and second Hyatt-branded property, joining Grand Hyatt Amman. Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort is the debut hotel to open within the Ayla development on the northern shores of Aqaba.
Located in Marina Village, between the city center and the international borders, Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort has 286 guestrooms and 37 suites, five dining outlets, 9,827 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, a 6,275-sq.-ft. ballroom, fitness center, spa and two pools.
Hyatt Place Enters Saudi Arabia
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania, marking the introduction of the Hyatt Place brand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Developed by Saudi Marhaba Hospitality & Tourism Company, Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania joins Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Park Hyatt Jeddah and Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, further strengthening Hyatt’s portfolio of brands in Saudi Arabia and overall brand footprint in the Middle East. Later this year, Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street is expected to open, marking the introduction of Hyatt’s extended-stay brand, Hyatt House, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The hotel has 88 guestrooms, including 10 suites, food and beverage outlets, more than 2,600 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, a gym and a rooftop swimming pool.
Hyatt Regency Brand to Re-enter Kuwait Following Renovation
A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with a Tamdeen Group subsidiary for Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall, which will reintroduce the Hyatt Regency brand into Kuwait. The move marks the second collaboration between Hyatt and Tamdeen Group, following the Grand Hyatt Kuwait, set to open in 2020. Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall is currently undergoing a major renovation and is set to debut in January 2019.
The property will be part of the Al Kout Development, Kuwait’s largest waterfront, retail and leisure destination that has retail, lifestyle, dining, entertainment and leisure experiences. The new Hyatt Regency Al Kout Mall will connect guests to the development’s additional offerings, including Al Kout Mall, Souq Al Kout, Al Kout Marina, Al Kout Fisherman’s Wharf and Al Kout seaside promenade, all close to Kuwait International Airport.
The hotel will also have food and beverage concepts, a new ballroom and expanded meeting facilities.
IHG Signs First Voco in the Middle East
IHG has signed a management agreement with ACICO Gulf Real Estate to rebrand Nassima Royal Hotel to Voco Dubai, marking the first signing of Voco, IHG’s new upscale hotel brand, in the Middle East.
Located close to Dubai International Airport, Voco Dubai has 471 guestrooms, a business center and 10,764 sq. ft. of meeting rooms as well as recreational facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and a spa. The hotel also has multiple dining options including an all-day dining, the lobby bar, a pool bar and three restaurants.
Hilton to Expand in the UAE
Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s global luxury hotel brand, has signed Conrad Marjan Island Resort, marking Hilton’s growing presence in the UAE. Expected to open in 2022, the Conrad property is located on Treasure Island, one of the five man-made islands that makes up the cluster of Marjan Islands located to the west of Ras Al Khaimah.
Conrad Marjan Island Resort will have 120 guestrooms including beach and over-water villas. There will also be a fitness center, salon, spa, outdoor pool, tennis courts and a kid’s club. The hotel will also have dining options including two signature restaurants, a pool bar and beach bar.