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Stage is set for luxury trinity

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The $3 billion Al Habtoor City with its three Starwood hotels, St Regis, W and Westin

Replacing the 34-year-old Metropolitan Hotel, one of Dubai’s oldest landmarks at the time, developer Al Habtoor Group announced an ambitious $3 billion, 8.5-million-square-foot tourism project in 2012.

Developed by the Al Habtoor Group, Al Habtoor City is a multi-billion dirham project set to be a brand new landmark in Dubai. This fully integrated urban resort in the heart of Sheikh Zayed Road comprises three hotels operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, three residential towers and a Las Vegas-style theatre operated by Dragone.

'The three hotels include the first St. Regis hotel in Dubai, the first W hotel in the UAE and the largest Westin hotel across Europe, Middle East and Africa,' Andreas Oberoi tells TTN in an exclusive. 'With close to 1,600 rooms, it is the largest luxury hotel complex for Starwood and Dubai’s largest cluster of luxury suites – 270 in all,' reveals the newly appointed complex general manager.

In short, Al Habtoor City is poised to be an iconic city within an iconic city.

'The St Regis Dubai will open in the last quarter of this year. W Dubai, Al Habtoor City and The Westin Dubai – Al Habtoor City are slated for opening in 2016.' Also, in 2016, the wider destination will open in phases, explains Oberoi. For instance, the Dragone theatre is expected to be operational by October next year.

The development is a stone’s throw away from the city’s financial hub, The Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is also within easy reach of Dubai’s two international airports and various quality educational institutions.

What’s more, Al Habtoor City is beautifully intertwined with the under-construction Dubai Water Canal, which will connect Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf. Apart from fabulous views of the marina, this also means that The Dubai Water Taxi will make regular stops at the Al Habtoor City marina as part of its marine transport route.

It’s no wonder that Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has signed up to the challenge of managing more than 1,600 rooms in Al Habtoor City alone, under three of its luxury and upper-upscale brands.


THE ST REGIS DUBAI

Each hotel offers a distinct experience, promises the general manager.

'In line with our brand promise, The St Regis Dubai will deliver service and experiences beyond expectation to bring a whole new level of decadence in hospitality to Dubai,' he says.

Inspired by the French beaux-arts architecture of the original 18th century St Regis New York, and John Jacob Astor’s vision of the finest hotel in the world, St Regis Dubai will feature a grand staircase and select artworks.

'Complementing its grandeur to relate to the modern-day luxury traveller, the hotel includes a private helipad. All guests at The St Regis Dubai will be extended the signature St Regis Butler Service ensuring every unique preference is known and understood and every guest’s desire is fulfilled as if it were second nature,' he promises.


W DUBAI

The opening of W Dubai – Al Habtoor City will unveil the W brand for the first time in the UAE.

Oberoi explains, 'The hotel promises a vibrant blend of fabulous design, cutting-edge technology and spectacular experiences that make relaxing easy. Featuring 356 guest rooms including an Extreme Wow suite, contemporary restaurant concepts and glamorous entertainment experiences, the hotel will also bring to Dubai the not-your-ordinary W Lounge, the W brand’s revolutionary take on the traditional lobby lounge concept.'


THE WESTIN DUBAI

The largest Westin hotel in the region, The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City stands tall on Sheikh Zayed Road with its 41-storey structure.

'The hotel’s refined interiors of stylised motifs influenced by the Art Deco movement and eco-sensitive colours and textures echo Westin’s commitment of providing relaxing environments in which guests can feel their very best,' says he.

The well-appointed 1,004 rooms, including 142 suites, featuring the Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath, are designed to deliver a truly revitalising experience to guests whether travelling for business or leisure.

'Elevating the stay experience for guests staying in Club rooms and above, The Westin Club Lounge on level 39 presents delightful inclusions while affording uninterrupted views of the colourful Sheikh Zayed Road.'

To energise, guests can choose from the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, a swim in the outdoor pool or time at the Heavenly Spa by Westin which spreads across two levels and features a hamman, 22 treatment rooms and separate wet areas for males and females.

The hotel will also be home to Westin KidsClub, accessible to guests of the St Regis and W Dubai as well.


By Rashi Sen

 

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