Ritz-Carlton enters Oman
Published: 28/06/2011 - Filed under: Home » News »
One of the Middle East's most iconic properties, the Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, will switch from InterContinental to Ritz-Carlton from July 1.
HE Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Minister of Tourism, said it reflects "our total commitment to preserve the position of Al Bustan Palace as one of the most esteemed and luxurious hotels in the region."
John Bamsey, IHG’s chief operating officer for Middle East and Africa, said its 25-year management contract had come to an end.
IHG will continue to run the InterContinental Muscat, Crowne Plaza Muscat, Crowne Plaza Sohar and Crowne Plaza Salalah.
"We’re committed to growth in Oman and have a further three hotels in the pipeline due to open in the next few years including the Holiday Inn Muscat opening next year," he said.
Ritz-Carlton President and Chief Operating Officer Herve Humler said the Omani capital has long been a key aspiration for The Ritz-Carlton, and it has been prepared to bide its time before the right opportunity came along.
To ensure the smooth transition of operations and service levels, all current employees will be retained by The Ritz-Carlton under the new management.
Noted architecturally for its 38m-high domed atrium lobby, Al Bustan Palace underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment two years ago.
Home to visiting heads of state and members of royalty, the hotel showcases new furnishings that artistically fuse elements from both local traditions and art deco influences, blending the richness of Arabian culture, art and history.
Intricate handcrafted wall coverings and original carvings bring an essential sense of place to the 26-year resort that was originally built to host the GCC Summit in 1985.
In addition to the 250 spacious rooms and suites, all of which feature their own private balcony, the hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities for up to 720 guests and 200 acres of landscaped gardens.
Recreational facilities include five pools, spa, water sports centre, and a Tennis Village with four floodlit courts.
Seven restaurants and bars are available including Al Marjan Bistro, featuring contemporary French cuisine; China Mood, the fine-dining Cantonese restaurant; Al Khiran Terrace restaurant with multiple-themed buffets and live cooking stations; and Al Maha Piano Bar, offering nightly live entertainment.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com
Report by Dominic Ellis
Read more about...
Bookmark with:
ADD A COMMENT »
Win a three-night stay at Ceylon Tea Trails with flights on flydubai 10/05/2012
In our May-June issue, we're offering two lucky people the chance to stay full board in a stunning Tea Trails bungalow in Sri Lanka, with seaplane transfers, and flights to Colombo on flydubai — full story »
Jet Airways charges for reprinting e-tickets 18/05/2012
The move has invited fierce criticism but the airline defends that the fee is necessary to cover the increased cost of providing the service — full story »
First look: Meliá Dubai 18/05/2012
Spanish group's first Middle Eastern property contains novel designs and two culinary showcases — full story »
View & subscribe to our RSS newsfeed.
