INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Three new properties have joined the global hospitality scene, including the first Swissôtel in the United Arab Emirates and the first Embassy Suites in Toronto.
Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Living
Al Ghurair Properties has partnered with Swissôtel to open Swissôtel Al Ghurair as the first of the brand in Dubai. The luxury property, consisting of 428 rooms and 192 apartments, is located within the Al Ghurair Centre Complex.
Among the amenities is The Spa, a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility, as well as a fitness center, swimming pool and tennis courts. In addition, there are six meeting rooms in addition to the Al Khor Ballroom. The meeting and events facilities can cater to a diverse number of guests with spaces ranging from 450 sq. ft. to more than 3,000 sq. ft., accommodating up to 300 people.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport
The recently opened Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport is the first for the brand in the area.
Owned and managed by The Easton’s Group of Hotels, the renovation of the property is estimated at $18 million. The contemporary hotel is a 255 all-suite property consisting of 206 two-room suites and 49 studio suites. There are premium rooms on upper floors.
A free made-to-order breakfast is available in the morning, as well as complimentary drinks and appetizers daily at the Evening Reception at The Westside Social. Additional amenities include a 24-hour gym, 2,888 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet facilities with natural lighting, a 24-hour business center, a covered parking garage and a free airport shuttle.
Sakura Hotel Nippori
The Sakura Hotel Nippori recently opened in Tokyo.
The five-story building was formerly a dormitory for nurses. As a result, the rooms have tatami flooring and resemble ordinary apartments similar to those of area residents rather than the “touristy kitsch” of many ryokan, or traditional Japanese inns, according to the company.
The hotel can accommodate up to 300 guests, and has a 24-hour café that serves dishes from all over the world. Many guests leave recipes of their local dishes or even teach the staff how to make them, ensuring that the cafe is never out of ideas for new options, according to the company.
