DUBAI – The Arabian Hotel Investment Conference award for the Best New Hotel Development 2008 has been taken out by the 248-room Raffles Dubai.
Raffles Dubai’s pyramidal structure takes inspiration from the great pyramids of Egypt. It stands almost as tall as the original pyramids, soaring 100 metres, with a glass capstone perched at the pinnacle forming the top three levels of the hotel.
Raffles beat off its competitors for “its visually stunning design, wealth of food and beverage outlets, spacious rooms, all with balconies and butler service, and its one hectare botanical garden”.
Other short-listed nominees were InterContinental Hotel at Festival City, Dubai, and the Movenpick Resort & Spa Al Bida’a in Kuwait.
The first AHIC Innovation Award was presented to Ecos Hotels of Dubai.
The eco-friendly, budget chain was launched last year by Coral International and the group has announced plans to expand with a network of 150 properties throughout the Middle East.
