Marriott To Operate New Dubai Theme Park Hotel

Marriott International is to operate the new family centric hotel, Lapita, at Dubai Parks as part of the major theme park project in Dubai.

The Polynesian themed, Lapital Hotel will operate 503 keys under Marriott’s Autograph Collection and is due to open in 2016, in line with other developments. This hotel is Marriott’s first independent hotel collection in the Middle East.

The hotel is a key component of the Dubai Parks and Resorts which is strategically located in Jebel Ali, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is set to open in 2016 as part of the first phase of the project, which also features Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai and Motiongate Dubai. Dubai Parks and Resorts LLC, a Meraas Holding company is developing the project and began construction on the Hotel in February.

The Lapita hotel is named after the pre-historic Pacific Ocean people who were considered nautical experts and ancestors of the Polynesian race. It will draw inspiration from the exotic Polynesian tropical landscapes, featuring Polynesian flowers, lagoon-style pools, themed activities and dining options. An in-house entertainment component will serve as another key attraction and Lapita will also feature relaxation zones.

Alex Kyriakidis, president and MD of Marriott International, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are delighted to bring the much-anticipated Autograph Collection brand to the Middle East. We are confident that given the ambition, drive and commitment of our partners, Dubai Parks and Resorts will emerge as the premier theme park destination in the Middle East, and provide a perfect fit for our debut Autograph Collection hotel in the region.”

Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah To Get New $1.5 billion Royal Atlantis Resort

Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the construction of a new Resort on the Palm Jumeirah Island by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD).

ICD unveiled a plan for a US $1.4 billion Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences with a design that is set to dominate the Palm skyline.

Located on the crescent of the Palm Jumeirah and next to Atlantis Resort, the Royal Atlantis Resort will stand 46 stories tall, consisting of 800 rooms, suites, 250 luxury hotel apartments, retail area, infinity pool and private gardens. The hotel which is scheduled to open by 2018 will be developed in association with Kerzner International and will also house recreational and entertainment facilities.

Sheikh Mohammed said that the resort will develop and diversify UAE’s economy.

The announcement of the second Atlantis Hotel comes after US Hotel Operator Marriott announces that it will take over the management of the Atlantis hotel in Bahamas from the end of 2014.

ICD bought a 46% stake in Kerzner International in April this year, while Istithmar World, a subsidiary of DP World owns another 25% stake. ICD is also developing another Atlantis hotel in Sanya, China, that will be the third largest resort in the World on 60 hectares.

Dubai’s largest Atlantis resort had the highest inventory of 1569 rooms when it opened in 2008 but it was replaced by JW Marriott Marquis this year with a room count of 1608.

World’s Tallest Hotel Launches New Technology – Mobile Check In

Hotel guests can now check into JW Marriott Marquis from anywhere, anytime using their mobile application

JW Marriott Marquis has announced the launch of mobile Check-in and Check-out services which allows visitors to download a mobile application and have their room key arranged in advance on arrival.

The mobile application is user friendly as it allows Marriott rewards members to receive push notifications on their Apple iphones or Android devices after 4 pm of the day before their arrival alerting them that they can check-in. Post receipt of the push notification, the guests receive an automatic notifications when their room is ready, communicating in advance that the hotel is prepared for their arrival. As Member’s payment information Is stored within the member profiles, guest’s can simply walk up to the mobile check-in desk and collect their pre-arranged key. At the end of their stay, guests receive another notification alerting them mobile check out is available. Upon completion, guests will then be prompted to provide an email address where the bill will be sent, allowing them to bypass the front desk.

Bill Keffer, General Manager of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai said “As a leading business hotel with a huge focus on the meetings incentives conferences and events sector (MICE), the majority of our guests are international travellers with demanding schedules therefore we are always looking for ways to make their lives easier. The introduction of the mobile check-in service allows visitors to save time and access their hotel room quicker than ever before. It also simplifies the process for our international guests as the application is available in English, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin reducing the chance of any language barrier. ”

The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai strives to be a leader within the technology field and all rooms are equipped with modern technology, including LCD TV’s, ipods stations, high speed Wi-Fi, and a master room control tablet. The conferencing equipment at the hotel includes state of the art LCD screens, the biggest in Dubai, making them ideal for hosting large conferences and events.

Globally, the Marriott Mobile Check-in is available across ten additional brands – The Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Renaissance Hotels, Autograph collection, Courtyard, Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, TownPlace Suites and Marriott Executive apartments. The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai joins a list of 1200 properties worldwide where the service is available.

To download the app please log onto http://mobileapp.marriott.com/. To register to become a Marriott Rewards member and take advantage of this service at please log onto http://www.marriott.com/rewards/rewards-program.mi