Accor Hospitality Middle East's expansion drive gathers momentum with the opening of its first hotel in Kuwait

'Ibis Salmiya is a part of our continuing drive to expand economy hotels in the region. While we are committed to strengthening our position in the region, Ibis Salmiya opening is of paramount importance, as it will also be the first Accor hotel development in Kuwait', said Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Hospitality Middle East, who also disclosed that the construction of a second Ibis hotel in Kuwait Sharq district is already underway and due to open early 2009. 'We currently have a range of Ibis hotels under development and plan to have a critical mass of 22 opened Ibis hotels by 2011 throughout the Middle East.'

Ibis Salmiya is one of a kind hotel in Kuwait and compliments Salmiya district area which holds prime commercial and residential areas.

The new Ibis Salmiya hotel holds 7 floors and accommodates 175 rooms of which will include double and twin standard rooms with 56 connecting rooms and will feature high speed internet and Wifi throughout. The 'Olivo' restaurant will offers a scrumptious international buffet with Mediterranean, Spanish, Moroccan, Italian, French and Oriental dishes. Guests are also given an option 24 hours a day with ''Moka Café'' which is the hotels informal lounge bar, and there is the sizzling La Terrazzo which offers BBQ and shisha pipes, all in a French ambience.

Satisfying the meeting needs of a business clientele, Ibis Salmiya comprises of 3 soundproofed meeting and board meeting rooms which include advanced high technology communication equipment along with a pre-function area (50 sqm). The hotel also has an internet and business center located in the lobby.

The hotel is conveniently located 20 minutes away from Kuwait International Airport and resides in a core business area. Ibis Salmiya is also a short distance away from tourist's spots such as the Kuwait Zoo, Marine Museum, and Shaab Leisure Park.

Ibis is Europe's leading budget hotel network and is designed to meet the needs and expectations of a broad spectrum of customers who travel regularly on business or leisure. With round-the-clock service and budget prices, Ibis has over 800 hotels worldwide and are always conveniently located in business districts, tourist spots and near airports.

As leading developer of all hotel market segments, from budget to upscale, Accor continues to expand its regional portfolio of four brands - Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Mercure, Novotel and Ibis. With 45 new properties under construction, Accor fully aims to reach its ambitious target of 70 hotels opened within 4 years in the Middle East.