MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA: Marriott To Open 19 Properties In Middle East & Africa 2019

Marriott International today announced it expects to add 19 new properties and more than 3,000 rooms to its Middle East and Africa portfolio in 2019.

Underpinning a strong demand for its diverse brands, the new additions are in line with the company’s expansion plans to add more than 100 new properties and nearly 26,000 rooms across the region by the end of 2023.

Marriott estimates its development pipeline through 2023 represents up to $8 billion of investment from property owners and is expected to generate over 20,000 new jobs across the region.

Our growth across the Middle East and Africa is fuelled by a strong demand for our diverse range of well-established brands, each offering different attributes that cater to this region’s ever changing and evolving marketplace, said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

This region continues to present us with opportunities to further grow and enhance our portfolio across new and established markets. While the majority of our growth will be through new-builds, we are seeing an increasing number of conversion opportunities, especially in the luxury space.

Year-to-date, the company has opened five new properties in the region and is expected to add 14 more, bringing its portfolio across the Middle East and Africa to nearly 270 properties and over 60,000 rooms by the end of the year.

The company is poised to expand its luxury footprint in the region by more than 70 percent by the end of 2023, with more than 25 luxury properties under development.

The company expects to grow its luxury portfolio in 2019 with seven anticipated openings across four brands:

With the recent opening of W Dubai – The Palm and the anticipated openings of W Muscat and W Yas Island, W Hotels should double its portfolio in the region.

Regis anticipates debuting in Jordan and Egypt with the openings of The St. Regis Amman and The St. Regis Cairo.

The iconic North Island is expected to join The Luxury Collection’s portfolio of world-renowned hotels and resorts.

JW Marriott anticipates marking its entry into Oman with the opening of the JW Marriott Muscat Convention Center.

The growth of Marriott’s premium brands remains steady across the region with more than 30 hotels expected to be added to the portfolio by the end of 2023. By the end of 2019, the company expects to have added four new hotels under its premium portfolio for the region:

The Autograph Collection anticipates marking its debut in Kenya with the addition of Sankara Nairobi.

Marriott Hotels and Marriott Executive Apartments strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia with the recent openings in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh. Marriott Executive Apartments is also expected to open a new property in Madinah later this year.

Marriott Hotels is also planning to open its second property in Algeria, in the capital city of Algiers.

In addition to the openings in 2019, Marriott is also focused on the transformation journey of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, the company’s most global brand.

In the region, Sheraton Jeddah Hotel and Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai are currently undergoing renovations that represent the brand’s vision for the future.

Currently representing over 40 percent of the company’s development pipeline through 2023, select-serve brands continue their rapid growth trajectory across the Middle East and Africa.

Building on the momentum from 2018 with ten properties added across the region, including four Aloft hotels in the UAE – the company expects to add seven new properties by the end of this year:

Four Points by Sheraton anticipates expanding its portfolio with a total of four openings in 2019. The brand recently opened properties in Sharjah (UAE) and Setif (Algeria) and is on track to open two more properties this year including, Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam New Africa in Tanzania and Four Points by Sheraton Lahore in Pakistan.

Residence Inn by Marriott expects to make its debut in Algeria with the opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Algiers.

Protea Hotels by Marriott plans to expand the brand in Uganda with the opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott Naguru Skyz.

Element Hotels is set to launch its first property in Africa with the opening of Element Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.


Tourism Observer

PANAMA: 203 Guest Room W Panama Opens In Panama City

W Hotels Worldwide announced the opening of W Panama, the first W in Central America.

Located in one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in the region, Panama City, the new hotel towers above the heart of the business district within the ultra-modern, 50-floor Evolution Tower on Calle 50.

The bold and vibrant design of W Panama, under the ownership of Evolution Tower Corp., blends centuries of history and culture with the nearby tropical paradise and trendy metropolitan spirit of Panama City.

Panama City is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Central America, a fusion of new and old, east and west, business and hedonism.

Like our guests, W Hotels seeks destinations that are inspiring and multi-dimensional so Panama City is a natural fit, said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide.

W Panama embodies the spirit of Panama, showing off the style and energy of this diverse global hub with an intricate design that pays homage to both the history of the region and its bright future.

Designed by Studio Gaia and the award-winning internal design team of W Hotels, W Panama reconstructs the city's past and present with distinct hues and textural contrasts inspired by the international importance of the Panama Canal, while integrating Panama's history and colorful indigenous patterns.

The hotel is near Uruguay Street, known as the Zona Rosa of Panama, home to a bustling scene of trendy restaurants and nightclubs.

Guests enter W Panama on the 15th floor of the striking new skyscraper and are immediately greeted by playfully modern design.

W Panama transforms the industrial look of shipping containers, similar in look to those often found along the Panama Canal, with original graffiti painted by Diablos Rojos-inspired artist, Oscar Melgar.

Throughout the hotel, five containers become destinations themselves, setting the scene for connecting and mingling.

The shipping containers can be found in the hotel's Living Room, the brand's take on the traditional hotel lobby, the expansive, 6,835-square-foot WET Deck or pool deck and Cargo, the destination bar housed within its own shipping container which serves up handcrafted cocktails year-round.

With 203 guest rooms including 28 gorgeous suites, many featuring sweeping views of the nearby bay and Canal, W Panama is tailored for comfort and inspires a lust for exploring the city's local treasures.

Each room features modern twists of handmade Mola fabrics and patterns from the indigenous communities of Guna and Embera alongside expressive murals.

Floor-to-ceiling mirrors energize each crisp, white room, while creative, modular seating offers plenty of space to lounge.

Expansive modern bathrooms are outfitted with individually lit vanities and dressing areas for getting glamourous.

W Panama also caters to daring and indulgent tastes with a 1,600-square-foot Extreme Wow Suite - the brand's take on the Presidential suite.

The massive private suite comes equipped with a fully functional DJ booth, built-in foosball table, private lounge area, rainfall shower and sunken bathtub.

W Panama brings two distinct culinary experiences to Panama City, each featuring local ingredients from land and sea.

Moro offers signature dishes using exquisite local ingredients for a taste of local comfort food. For a quick bite, La Cajita is modeled after food truck service and style, open 24/7 for deliciously energizing smoothies, drinks and dishes influenced by street fare.

Adding to the guest experience, W Panama offers the W brand's signature Whatever/Whenever® service to bring guests whatever they want, whenever they want it and an in-the-know local expert.

The W Insider, who connects guests with the hottest events, attractions and adventures to suit any and every travel style.

Visitors seeking the ultimate setting for reinvigoration and relaxation can recharge at the 3,500-square-foot FIT the fitness center or indulge in one of the luxurious treatments at Away Spa.

When it comes time to get back to business, W Panama offers more than 21,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space across six meeting rooms, customizable for any occasion, from business meet ups to wedding receptions, and fashion shows to custom cocktails.

Breakouts get infused with the energy and culture of the Diablos Rojos-inspired piece, brought to life with large-scale artwork.

The eye-catching Great Room is the ideal setting for grand events, displaying the stunning cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows.


Tourism Observer

AUSTRALIA: W Hotels Opens 312 Guestroom W Brisbane

W Hotels re-enters Australia with the opening of W Brisbane. Owned by Shayher Group, W Brisbane is in a stellar location overlooking the Brisbane River.

Renowned Australian interior design agency, Nic Graham & Associates have brought their innovative design and custom furnishings to W Brisbane.

The hotel brings to life the theme of - A River Dreaming - an ode to its prime locale on the banks of the iconic Brisbane River and the visual connection to Brisbane’s famed arts precinct.

Modern manifestations of Brisbane’s river, which has in recent years become the buzzing epicentre of the city’s social scene, are featured prominently throughout the hotel, weaving in influences from Australia’s indigenous roots and colonial heritage.

Brisbane is among Australia’s fastest growing cities, an ideal destination for W to bring its new/next lifestyle.

Located riverside in the city’s Central Business District, W Brisbane celebrates the history of the famed region.

The hotel embraces Brisbane’s connection to the Australian identity and iconic elements of Queensland’s flora and fauna with a laid-back vibe and a playful nod to Brisvegas.

Brisbane is a dream destination – year-round sun and an outdoor lifestyle – it’s quickly evolving into one of the world’s greatest cities which is why W is kicking off the brand’s return to Australia here in the Sunshine State, said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide.

Brisbane’s bustling riverbank is a hotspot for travelers who can’t wait to explore this dynamic city and South East Queensland, a perfect match for W Hotels’ bold design and playful, contemporary approach to luxury.

W Brisbane boasts 312 guestrooms including 32 lux suites all brimming with river views and the latest in technology and entertainment.

The rooms prominently feature a white wall inspired by VJ wall panels found on traditional Queenslander homes; a cheeky nod to Australiana throughout and a 10-gallon drum “outback bath experience.

The penultimate Extreme Wow Suite, the brand’s modern interpretation of the traditional presidential suite on Level 33 showcases a limitless panoramic vista from the river to the mountains and beyond.

Guests can take a piece of their stay home from W The Store by Becker Minty, stocked with a treasure chest of hidden gems and collections including handbags, artwork, home decor and fine jewellery.

At W Brisbane, 1,100 square-metres of event space set the stage for electric and exhilarating meetings and events.

The 595-square-meter Great Room captivates on a grand scale as the sprawling venue celebrates the serpentine shape of the river and its ripple effect throughout the design.

The ceiling sparkles with 260 twinkling lights reminiscent of a clear Queensland outback starry night.

Cutting edge statement lighting and four-metre LED wall panels will help guests showcase captivating presentations and displays and W Brisbane stands as the sole hotel in Queensland to boast these world-class audio-visual facilities.

Additional meeting rooms include the versatile Studios and Strategy Room that showcase fab river views and glorious Queensland sunshine with floor to ceiling windows and private balconies.

Guests can detox, de-stress and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul at AWAY® Spa, featuring a sublime treatment menu of Sodashi™ and Skeyndor™ facials and massages in addition to perfectly pampering beauty treatments.

AWAY offers an escape from the outside world with vitality pools, relaxation pods, His and Hers salt inhalation chambers and aromatherapy steam rooms to enhance the spa experience.

AWAY Spa will be home to Edwards And Co. hair salon with the style-centric hair haven making their Brisbane debut.

Those wanting to take it up a notch can sweat it out at the hotel’s state-of-the-art FIT gym complete with Technogym® equipment and resident Personal Trainers.


Tourism Observer

NETHERLANDS: 12 New Hotels For Amsterdam

Every month, we tell you which hotel openings you need to know about (and which, inevitably, miss their deadlines). While we have a healthy list of arrivals around the world, there are a few places that are either consistently popular or having a bit of a hotel moment, so “new hotels for…” gives you a rundown of the openings you will want to know about for a particular destination.

Even on our Master List of Hotel Openings we highlighted Amsterdam as enjoying a bit of a renaissance – and so much has happened since then. Last year, Waldorf Astoria was the talk of the town, which followed the likes of Andaz and the Conservatorium. But in 2015, and the next few years, the Dutch capital is picking up steam, adding a range of interesting hotels. Tallying them up quickly took us to 12, and there will be more:

The Hoxton Amsterdam: It’s only fair we start with what is around the corner. About six weeks from now, the first international venture of Hoxton Hotels is here, with 111 rooms we have repeatedly called seriously good-looking, and rates that start at an excellent €89 ($100). We’re waiting for Hoxton to knock it out of the park with this one.


W Amsterdam: Having lost the Pulitzer, Starwood regains a city center property with the W, arriving in September in not one, but two buildings behind Dam Square. We encourage you to revisit the renderings as the last few months tick away before we can all explore the 238 rooms, not to mention the rooftop public spaces. Rates will start at a considerable €450 ($478) a night. While it’s at it, Starwood is bringing extended-stay concept Element a little further out of town – but not until February 2016.


Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol: Also due in September, we’ve looked at this hotel since it began its journey to replace its predecessor (a tipster just alerted us to a short video you can watch here). We will vote yes on anything that takes the experience of staying at an airport hotel away from that particular shade of gloom that for too long was par for the course. Reservations are open from September 10, with rates starting at a steep €279 ($306) for an atrium-facing room.

Jaz in the City Amsterdam: A new concept from German Steigenberger Hotels, we find the idea of building something around music intriguing, but on the long list of lifestyle brands this name is up there for “most questionable”. Combine that with quotes like “vibey environs” and we are a little on edge. The 247-room hotel (the first for Jaz) is in the southeast of Amsterdam, next to the Ziggo Dome concert hall and Arena sports stadium, which means a 10-minute public transport ride into the city. Opening is listed for October 1, but reservations are only possible from November 1, with an “In-Tune” room starting at €169 ($185) a night.

Generator Hostel: Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities around for hostels, and given what Generator pulled off in London and elsewhere, we’re hopeful that it will do the same here – clean, contemporary, and affordable accommodation with a friendly and upbeat environment. There will be 168 twin and quad rooms, a basement dining room and secret bar in a 1917 former university building near Oosterpark. If all goes well, this should open before the year is out.

ZOKU Hotel: Not just a hotel, but an entirely new concept, ZOKU is the next Dutch brand after citizenM that wants to make waves in the hotel industry. We loved the first visuals, showing a groovy living / working-focused space that in some ways doesn’t look like a hotel room at all (though the bed situation we had some practical concerns about). Best of all, the first Zoku should arrive in November already, and reservations will open in July. London, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Barcelona, Vienna and more are all on the future ZOKU list.

Pestana Amsterdam: Mixing the circa 1890 town hall and county seat of Nieuwer-Amstel with two modern wings, there is a lot of lovely architecture and detailing for the Portuguese group – and the architects it has hired – to work with. By next year, it should house 157 rooms and suites, restaurant and bar, spa with indoor pool (a rarity in Amsterdam) and winter garden.


Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: To say that Hyatt is reimagining the former children’s hospital on Sarphatistraat is an understatement – virtually nothing was left standing during demolition, save for bits of the façade. The 211-room hotel should be ready by next year, but given the work that needs to be done we’ll peg that for second half at least.


Sir Adam: The second Sir Hotel (we already introduced you to Albert), Sir Adam will open in the A’dam (formerly Shell) Tower in 2016. Easiest access to this north of central station location is by ferry, where the hotel will occupy four floors in the multi-purpose building.

Soho House, Amsterdam: This summer it’s Soho House Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, but in a few years’ time Soho House will go Dutch and open a bicycle storage with 79 rooms, library, roof terrace, gym, screening room, Cecconi’s restaurant, and spa. Above the 1930s Bungehuis which the hotel / members club will take over – a future neighbour of the W.


NH nhow RAI: Easily taking the cake for most ambitious architecture, the NH nhow RAI won’t be ready before 2018, but with 650 rooms over 25 cubist-style floors, it will be the largest hotel in Benelux when it is. The RAI is the city’s exhibition center, which puts the hotel just outside the historic core near lots of corporate offices and (if traffic-free) a short ride down the highway from the airport.


Palace of Justice: No, this particular project does not have a brand attached to it just yet, but we are including it anyway for a number of reasons. History, location, and architecture all come together here, in what is said to be the last major hotel conversion along Amsterdam’s beautiful canals. We are hopeful that someone does this justice (forgive us) – when it’s all formally announced, we’ll let you know.

Having assembled this list, very much like trawling through the 10 hotels we told you about for Bali, we are a little amazed at everything that’s making its way to Amsterdam. Is this a temporary spurt before hotel development will come to a complete halt, particularly in the city’s historic core? Or will we see yet more big brand names and new concepts find their way to the Dutch capital? Needless to say, expect more from us out of Amsterdam over the next years.