Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat has announced today its official reopening, following extensive renovations to the entire property.
The scope of the hotel’s restoration work encompassed a comprehensive upgrade of the property which included the lobby, beach and garden area, sports facilities and the majority of its guest rooms and suites. In addition, the hotel will house an international concept restaurant VUE by Shannon Bennett, the first restaurant outside Australia for the worldwide acclaimed chef.
“This is the result of a great deal of hard work, incredible craftsmanship and fastidious planning. Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat is an icon in luxury accommodation and this reopening is a major milestone in the hotels 23 year history,” said Tony Zamora Director of Operations IHG Oman and General Manager, Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat. “Each aspect of this reformation has been carefully coordinated and observed to ensure guests are in-awe from the moment they walk through the door.”
Over 97 percent of the original employees have returned to the hotel after fulfilling roles at other IHG properties throughout the Middle East, Asia and Europe during the renovation period. An additional 278 jobs have also been created, providing employment to over 24 nationalities, the majority of these Omani nationals.
“Our staff is our most valuable asset. From the outset their wellbeing during the renewal has been our first priority. Where possible we reassigned staff across IHG’s extensive worldwide hotel network. It is incredible to see that so many of our staff has now returned a testament to our strong company culture and work environment,” said Zamora.
A main feature of the hotel has to be the bespoke, cascading crystal chandelier unique in its design and created to set-off the intricate and elaborate detailing of the newly designed atrium.
“InterContinental Al Bustan Palace Muscat has over the years become a national landmark that complements the country’s heritage. Its unique design and culturally rich atmosphere has created an authentic experience for guests, a characteristic that the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts brand is world famous for. The extensive work performed on the property emphasises the group’s commitment to provide guests with premium hotels and luxury accommodation that is second to none,” said John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa.
Every facet of the hotel has been carefully remodelled with the smallest detail receiving attention. Of the time and commitment required to transform this incredible hotel the lead design architect leading the project Aiman Sadek, Design Principal, Heitz Parsons Sadek, said, “This has been both a challenging and exciting project for myself and my team. Tasked with implementing the design for Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat we are confident that we have created a visual masterpiece and that guests will be able to enjoy the grandeur of this iconic property from every perspective.”
Owned by the Government of Oman, the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat’s design offers a distinctive blend of historical Oman fused with contemporary concepts, creating a holiday destination that reflects the individual culture of the country.
Only the finest materials have been selected in the renovation and design of Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat, sourced from premium local and international suppliers. Materials sourced include; mother of pearl, gold leaf, Thai silk, glass, coloured stones, marble, crystal and hand carved wood.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,000 hotels and more than 590,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel Indigo®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards with over 39 million members worldwide.
IHG's portfolio within Oman numbered five properties as of 30 June 2008, comprising two InterContinental, two Crowne Plaza and one Holiday Inn hotels
IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 150,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
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