APRIL 2025 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 3 In this issue April 2025 22 38 26 Forging a new partnership Global Hotel Alliance welcomes Rotana, expanding its presence in the region 22 Goodnight, sleep tight With people struggling to sleep, hotels are primed to create the optimum sleep environment 26 Housekeeping Power List 2025 The powerlist highlights the housekeeping superstars taking care of your hotels 38 Features HOT_2404_3-4_CONTENTS_13555446.indd 3HOT_2404_3-4_CONTENTS_13555446.indd 327/03/2025 16:3927/03/2025 16:394 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2025 In this issue “Laughter is the best medicine for your sanity” “It’s important to think out of the box” James Berry, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Aynur Mamedova, Rosewood Abu Dhabi Page 50 Page 18 18 14 50 Regulars Checking in 6 Andaz Doha Trending 8 The latest news from the region Careers 10 Appointments, interviews and more Checking out 48 Fairmont La Hacienda Costa Del Sol Seven lessons 50 James Berry shares his insights HOT_2404_3-4_CONTENTS_13555446.indd 4HOT_2404_3-4_CONTENTS_13555446.indd 427/03/2025 18:1127/03/2025 18:11JUNE 2023 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 5 Clean, crisp bedding is something I’m sure everyone looks forward to. For many travellers, the allure of a well-prepared room is reason enough to seek solace in a hotel. One of life’s simple pleasures – the clean smell and smooth feel of the fresh linen is both satisfying and comforting for guests. We have housekeeping to thank for that. But the department is responsible for so much more, from budgeting to protecting heritage, streamlining processes and reducing the use of products with harm- ful chemicals. To celebrate the superstars behind the scenes, we reveal Hotelier’s Housekeeping Power List 2025 in this issue, highlighting the ways these leaders have been improving guest experiences and driving business over the past year. Elsewhere, we dive into how hotels are creating the optimum environment for restful slumber. Guided by extensive research, hotels like SIRO One Za’abeel, Four Seasons Marrakech and Premier Inns are strategically designing everything down to the last detail – simulated sunrises, scents and soundscapes included. We also explore more about the psychology of guests. Director of communications at Rosewood Abu Dhabi Aynur Mamedova shares her method for creating marketing campaigns that engage audiences on an emotional level, while the cluster GM at InterCon- tinental Residences and Crowne Plaza Business Bay discusses the mentality of long-term patrons and how to forge a deeper connection with the brand. What’s clear is there’s no room to snooze on the job. To stay ahead in the accommodation game, more often than not the early bird catches the worm. ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Chief Content Offi cer Holly Sands Editorial Group Editor Paul Cliff ord Tel: +971 4 444 3777 email: paul.cliff ord@itp.com Editor Emily D’Silva Tel: +971 4 444 3672 email: emily.dsilva@itp.com Associate Editor Misbaah Mansuri Tel: +971 4 444 3358 email: misbaah.mansuri@itp.com Editor, Hospitality & Design, Saudi Safa Hassan Tel: +966 11 512 2611 email: safa.hassan@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Offi cer Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Commercial Director Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 email: richard.mobbs@itp.com Commercial Manager Adam Rawcliff e Tel: +971 4 444 3615 email: adam.rawcliff e@itp.com Advertising Manager Jack Nicolle Tel: +971 4 444 3590 email: jack.nicolle@itp.com Senior Commercial Admin Executive Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com Administrative Manager Siti Sumarsono Email: siti.sumarsono@itp.com Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Farah Roshdy Videographer Karan Sumadari Production & Distribution Production Manager Anand Sundaram Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Marketing Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Events Manager Beverly Stanforth Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager Maria Trishina Events Executive Ella Johnson Events Sales Executive Jan Mokoala Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario events@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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Published by and © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC From the editor Emily D’Silva, Editor HOT_2404_05_EDS LETTER_13552046.indd 5HOT_2404_05_EDS LETTER_13552046.indd 527/03/2025 16:4027/03/2025 16:406 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2025 Checking in Andaz Doha Hyatt opens its fourth brand in Doha, marking Andaz’s debut in Qatar Hyatt has announced the opening of Andaz Doha, marking the debut of the lifestyle brand in Qatar. The hotel features 256 guestrooms, including 32 suites and 4 royal suites, as well as 56 residences for guests seeking long-term stays, varying from one to three bedrooms. The property will have three distinctive dining concepts – The Salt Road Doha, which is now offi cially open, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Hawker and Mumble Jungle, which are set to open in the coming months. Stephen Ansell, managing director, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt, commented, “We are delighted by the debut of one of our lifestyle brands in Qatar with the opening of Andaz Doha. The property marks an exciting milestone for Hyatt’s growing brand portfolio as it represents the third Andaz branded property in the Middle East.” “We are thrilled to debut the Andaz brand in Doha in one of the country’s most sought-after destinations”, said Jafar Abu Baji, general manager at Andaz Doha. “Through collaborations with local artists, Andaz Doha pays homage to the country’s rich culture, and we look forward to welcoming guests to a new level of luxury lifestyle hospitality in the city.” Design that represents local culture Andaz Doha represents Qatari culture, celebrat- ing the city’s authenticity through unique luxury touchpoints. A colour palette of gold, rose gold and bronze throughout represents the region’s wealth and incredible contributions to art, while the maroon colour honours the Qatari fl ag. Designed by Brime Robbins, Andaz Doha off ers awe-inspiring ‘airlock’ entrance; an immersive space featuring a sea of kaleidoscopic lights referencing the multi-faceted landscape of Doha. The canopy takes centre stage in the hotel’s elegant lobby, alluding to Qatar’s traditional craft of Sadu weaving design. Guests will also encounter a replica of a traditional “Katara pigeon tower”, paying tribute to Qatar’s historic use of messenger birds. Ornate wooden doorways with custom handles shaped like Arab walking sticks are a nod to the region’s Bedouin past, while custom water-inspired carpets weaving through the corridors are inspired by Doha’s coastline. The journey of discovery continues throughout the hotel with details found in every corner including geometric mosaic tiles, traditional woven textiles, calligraphy work, and disruptive art. The hotel’s rooms, suites and residences have been designed with modern interpretations of Qatari traditions and heritage. Sea or city views are available, and all rooms include a mini bar as well as eco-friendly amenities. Guests will encounter patterned cushions designed with the Qatari weaving technique, ‘Al Sadu’, iridescent orbs, locally sourced stone and kaleidoscopic shapes. With four studio spaces within Andaz Doha, each represents diff erent aspects of Doha’s rich cultural heritage. The Calligra- pher Studio showcases the graceful form of writing, blending the old and new scripts through design. The Weaving Studio was inspired by the traditional ‘Al Sadu’ technique, an ancient art form in which raw materials, such as sheep wool, cotton, camel hair and goat hair, are spun or knit into fabrics. The Architecture HOT_2404_6-7_CHECKING IN_13555440.indd 6HOT_2404_6-7_CHECKING IN_13555440.indd 627/03/2025 16:4027/03/2025 16:40APRIL 2025 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 7 Checking in Studio draws on elegant artifacts with cultural references and provides a feeling of ‘open workspace’ through its neutral colour palette. Finally, The Navigator Studio takes inspiration from traditional fi shing techniques, with its wooden fl oors designed to represent the Jalboot used for navigating the high seas to seek pearls. What the hotel has to off er Andaz Doha features 56 spacious residences including 34 one-bedroom residences, 12 two-bedroom residences and 10 three-bedroom residences; off ering all the comforts of home in a hotel space. The residences are complete with dedicated parking spaces and resident-only elevators, designed to provide privacy and accessibility. Residents have access to the hotel’s amenities including the gym, pool and spa with personalised hotel benefi ts available to long-term guests. Andaz Doha’s culinary offerings draw inspiration from across the globe, ranging from South African cooking-inspired concepts to Asian fare. The Salt Road Doha is open now and located in the lobby, the third fl oor Mr. & Mrs. Hawker will open in the coming months, and Mumble Jungle will open later this year. The Alara Spa, meaning ‘water fairy’ in Arabic, is focused on the hammam bathing ritual. Featuring six treatment rooms with separate male and female areas, a herbal sauna, steam rooms and multi-sensory showers, Alara Spa’s menu features a selection of wellness rituals, face treatments, body scrubs and soothing massages, all of which incorporate ancient customs with contemporary practices. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the fi tness centre, a fully equipped, 24-hour studio with cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. An outdoor pool will open soon. The property also off ers various facilities for business and leisure travel. On the ground fl oor sits the Andaz Lounge, a space for productive workfl ow or private meetings. The hotel also features 1,600 sq m of meeting and event spaces, including a 750-sq m ballroom. The opening of Andaz Doha represents Hyatt’s growing lifestyle portfolio in the region and becomes the third Andaz hotel in Middle East. The property joins Andaz hotels across leading destinations, including London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Tokyo. HOT_2404_6-7_CHECKING IN_13555440.indd 7HOT_2404_6-7_CHECKING IN_13555440.indd 727/03/2025 16:4027/03/2025 16:408 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2025 The Ascott Limited accelerates growth in North Africa The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a global hospitality operator and leader in apart’hotels and hotels, is accelerating its expansion across North Africa with new partnerships and openings. Its ambitious expansion includes a portfolio of six hotels with a total of over 600 rooms across three global brands. Morocco is at the centre of Ascott’s North Africa growth strategy, with new signing of Citadines Bab Tangier and recent opening of Citadines Almaz Casablanca as key milestones. Ascott’s Morocco pipeline also includes several highly anticipated openings across Casablanca and Marrakech. Citadines Racine Casablanca, a 23-unit serviced residence in the Racine business district, is due to open in Q3 this year. Next year in Q4, 90-room lifestyle The Unlimited Collection Marrakech will open in Gueliz. Also expected to open in Q4 2026 is Ascott Hivernage Marrakech – a 100-unit serviced residence in the Hivernage district. News Minor Hotels to launch NH Collection Hotel on Al Marjan Island Minor Hotels is bringing its NH Collection brand to Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. The new the 156-key property is set to launch in early 2028. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented, “We are excited to announce the continued expansion of our NH Collection brand, both within the Middle East region and also as part of the brand’s overall growth beyond its traditional areas of operation in Europe and the Americas. RRS International Development have a deep understanding of the nuances of real estate within the region and we look forward to working with them as valued partners during the development of this exciting new property.” HOT_2404_8-9_NEWS_13555438.indd 8HOT_2404_8-9_NEWS_13555438.indd 827/03/2025 16:4127/03/2025 16:41Next >