New properties open to meet rising demand

Hotel boom

New properties open to meet rising demand

Dubai’s hotel boom shows no signs of abating. Three properties will open this winter and, scheduled for completion in 2001, are the Grand Hyatt, Shangri-La, Holiday Inn, Sheraton Plaza and Golden Tulip.

Plans are also afoot for the first waterfront hotel at the inland end of Dubai Creek.

Hoteliers reported that rooms are being snapped up early in the season.

The Ritz Carlton Dubai is sold out until May 2001, and rates have risen by an average of 5% this winter.

The government’s Summer Surprises initiative kicks in from June to August. Rooms in five-star properties can be picked up cheaply, many on a par with UK bed and breakfast prices.

Dubai’s city hotels tend to be business oriented while Jumeira hotels are popular with leisure visitors.

Hotel update

&#42 The 370-room Rotana Tower and Dusit Hotel opened on October 25, featuring one, two and three-bedroom suites and the five-star Dusit Dubai, with its striking architecture, has its soft opening in December.

&#42 Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is the only new hotel in Jumeira this winter. The 389-room five star hotel overlooks the Westside Marina and Arabian Gulf.

&#42 The former Radisson SAS is now The Sheraton Beach Resort and Towers, and Le Meridien Jumeira Beach is now Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, following the opening of a new 154-room tower.

&#42 Dubai International Hotel, in the new $540 million Sheikh Rashid Terminal at the airport, opened this year. Thefive-star facilities are open to all passengers for a small fee.

&#42 The Sheraton Deira Hotel has undergone a major renovation programme. Vast en-suite bathrooms and a 24-hour butler service are features of the new tower suites.

Jumeira beach strip: many hotels overlook the bay