Makkah Hilton & Towers, serving as the hub for Islamic tourism in the region for more than ten years by providing a destination to visitors from around the globe, has undergone massive renovation works recently to improve its look and facilities, and to enforce its leading position as a true Muslim landmark for visiting pilgrims.
The renovation process, estimated at a total cost of SR 57 million (US$ 15 million) to be completed by July 2007, is expected to enhance room revenues by 15% in addition to an increase in the number of guests staying at the hotel and towers. Hotel and towers’ guests have reached 860,000 in 2005 and the number is anticipated to mount up to 920,000 guests by the end of 2007.
“We are embracing modernity and technology in the truest sense, whilst also maintaining the traditions that lie at the heart of Hilton. Our intention is to reaffirm our property as the place to be when in Makkah,” said Shuja Zaidi, Makkah Hilton & Towers General Manager.
Work has started with renovation of half of hotel’s guest rooms. The other half is planned to be renovated right after Hajj season early next year. New accommodation has been introduced represented in Junior Suites and Premier Floors. “This will definitely add variety and will ensure meeting our valuable guests’ needs and expectations,” added Zaidi.
Extensive renovation process has taken place in towers three and six, both accommodating 450 units. Ongoing developments will witness an additional bathroom in towers large rooms, the transformation of kitchens into contemporary inviting kitchenettes, and the incorporation of a centralized welcoming reception desk & lobby for all towers. Additional decorative elements and convenience amenities will be incorporated into the development to enhance Hilton experience for residents and visitors alike. All rooms in hotel and in renovated towers have been equipped with high-speed internet access.
Guests will also be able to enjoy the ever-successful “Hilton Breakfast”, a service initiated by Hilton worldwide. Breakfast options include fresh juices and exquisite selection of low fat, low calorie and low cholesterol dishes, prepared by trained and experienced food and beverage team members who are well versed with the philosophy and origin of this service. Hilton breakfast is appropriately updated to ensure that guests are always provided with the healthiest options.
A new and exciting addition to Makkah Hilton & Towers is the launch of “Café Cino”; a high-street coffee shop concept developed by Hilton, and the first of its kind in the Kingdom. The high quality coffee shop will serve a wide selection of baked delicacies and soft drinks. The hotel has commissioned “Piazza D’oro”, the most renowned European coffee producer and a new comer to the region to supply the coffee in order to ensure a truly authentic experience. Caffe Cino will introduce the finest Arabica and Robusta beans by Piazza D’oro to present a full-bodied aromatic coffee experience.
Makkah Hilton & Towers is on the verge of introducing a fully functional Business Center that will include all businessmen basic needs. Business Center will also include high-speed internet access. Wi-Fi zones for wireless internet access is also available in lobby lounge and in main gathering areas throughout the property to ensure the needs for all pilgrims are met.
Renovations in Makkah Hilton & Towers will be reflected in the décor, services, and team members development through continuous training to ensure that every guest leaves the property with a memorable experience from the Holy City of Makkah. “Makkah Hilton & Towers accommodates the religious tourism industry of the Kingdom with absolute devotion, and we wish to deliver as the benchmark of hospitality in the Holy City,” concluded Zaidi.
