EVEN as existing hotels in Dubai struggle to maintain last year’s record occupancy and room rates, at least nine new properties will open for business this year.
While most are at the top end of the market in keeping with the emirate’s position as a luxury destination, there are also a few economy-class hotels aimed at the budget-conscious recession traveller.
At the very peak of the market is Emaar’s Armani Hotel. The first of four such properties to open worldwide, it is set for a December launch. Before then, however, the group opens two new The Address hotels, at Dubai Mall and at Dubai Marina. The Address Dubai Mall will feature 244 signature rooms and 449 serviced apartments, while The Address Dubai Marina will have 200 guestrooms including 28 suites, and 442 serviced residences. Both are set to open their doors early in the year’s fourth quarter.
Also at the five-star-plus end of the market is the new Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel. It offers direct access to the beach and has 450 sea-facing accommodation units as well as a variety of restaurants showcasing authentic French art and culture.
On the same stretch of beach are two other hotels. The 300-room Amwaj Rotana Resort is minutes away from Dubai Media City and Internet City and comes complete with club floor, fitness centre and restaurants, while the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach offers 294 rooms and three restaurants over 19 floors. Both are set to open before the end of the year, but exact dates were not available.
Away from the beach are several new openings at the value end of the market. Also in Media City is the new Media One Hotel, a four-star property with 260 guest rooms and a collection of cafes, bars and restaurants.
By Dubai International Airport’s new Terminal 3 is the three-star Premier Inn, with 281 rooms, restaurant, pool and coffee shop, while off Dhiyafah Road, in close proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Bur Dubai, is the four-star Gold Swiss-Belhotel Dubai, a 184-rooms offering with three food and beverage outlets as well as a fine range of conference facilities.
By Clark Kelly