InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Al Hokair Group, the leading Saudi-based company for developing hotels and amusement parks, today announced the signing of the first Staybridge Suites property in Saudi Arabia
Scheduled to open in February 2011, Staybridge Suites Riyadh Olaya will be located in Riyadh’s prime commercial area, Olaya District, close to prominent landmarks such as the Kingdom Centre, as well as a variety of shopping malls and restaurants.
Designed to meet the needs of upscale extended-stay guests, Staybridge Suites is an innovative all-suite hotel brand ideal for travellers seeking a residential-style hotel. With a modern, spacious interior, the suites are designed to create the ideal, homely residential environment for extended-stay travellers. All suites feature a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals, state-of-the-art entertainment and communications plus free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Upon completion, Staybridge Suites Riyadh Olaya will comprise 106 well-appointed suites, offering more space compared to conventional hotel rooms, making it suitable for business travellers and families alike. The property will also have a hub kitchen, where breakfast is served every morning and is also the venue for the signature after-work receptions hosted by the general manager. Held four nights a weeks, guests are served complimentary food and beverages, while having an opportunity to network with other guests staying at the hotel.
Present at the signing was John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa, Sami Al-Hokair, executive vice president Al Hokair Group; Michel Karam, advisor to executive VP; Nabil Hijazi, hotel division managing director, Al Hokair Group; and Rani Gharbié, director of development MEA, IHG.
“The extended stay concept, aimed at guests who usually stay for more than five nights, is a fast-growing segment within the hotel industry. It is also a concept convenient for business guests travelling on longer term project-based work by giving them the space, comfort and surroundings that are closer to home,” said John Bamsey, Chief Operating Office, IHG. “With over 22 hotels already established in the Kingdom, IHG is committed to building on its already strong presence in the Saudi market. The introduction of Staybridge Suites in Saudi Arabia will give our guests even more choice, with all the benefits of an upscale hotel.”
As owner and responsible for the development, operation and management of the first Staybridge Suites Riyadh Olaya in the Kingdom, Al Hokair Group has leveraged the value of the IHG brand.
Sami Al Hokair added: “This is one of the few extended stay hotel brands to enter Saudi Arabia. With the Saudi Government’s plans to grow the Kingdom’s tourism industry by 16% before 2020, we remain committed as partners to supporting this growth by offering competitive pricing, quality accommodation and excellent service. With the backing of an established name like IHG, we are confident that Staybridge Suites will be a major success.”
IHG and Al Hokair Group have launched three Holiday Inn hotels in Jeddah and Al Khobar over the past two years. In 2009, IHG announced the opening of its second Holiday Inn hotel in Al Khobar, the 180 room Holiday Inn Al Khobar Corniche. In Jeddah, the Holiday Inn Airport District is already under construction and due to open in December 2011. The Holiday Inn Jeddah Red Sea Palace is also currently undergoing a major refurbishment as part of the Holiday Inn brand’s $1billion re-launch investment across more than 3,200 hotels globally.
Mr Bamsey added: “Our continued partnership is testament to the maturity of the Saudi Arabian market. The introduction of the first Staybridge Suites hotel in Saudi Arabia further extends our brand portfolio, and illustrates our commitment to offering our guests even more choice and convenience in the Kingdom.”
