Capital re-investment for Al Sondos as profits create facilities

According to general manager Naif Zureikat, the decision was made to plough the money back into the Dubai property, to create three butler-serviced floors, as well as extending the terrace area outside the two restaurants.

Zureikat said: "Following unprecedented figures in 2003, where we finished ahead of budget, we have used the funds to invest in the future growth of Al Sondos Suites.

"Thanks to the support of our owner, Dr Ghassan A Al Khawaja, this centres around the upgrading of three floors with butler service, and premium facilities such as orthopaedic-quality mattresses and the finest bed-linen, as well as extensive in-room facilities.

"These floors are being converted gradually to minimise our day-to-day operations, and should be completed by June. Our butlers have already started their training in the hotel."

Overseeing operations at Al Sondos Suites and its sister property Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments, Zureikat has achieved 97 per cent occupancy to date in 2004, and he claims the signs are positive that these figures can be maintained for the rest of the year.

Zureikat said: "To anybody who says that there are too many hotels in Dubai, they should look at the occupancy levels of the hotels in the city. Most hotels are full on a regular basis, and the traditional summer drop seems to have eroded in the last year or two.

"Whether it is short-break tourism from the region, exhibition and conference business, corporate contracts or general visitor traffic, there seems to be no stopping Dubai now - and this is before the current crop of projects materialise."

"We have very high levels of repeat guests at our two city hotels, which indicates that Le Meridien is underscoring its top position in both the business and leisure sectors here," added.

Located just five minutes' from Dubai International Airport in the Deira shopping and business district, Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien offers accommodation ideally suited for the needs of GCC visitors and business sector, with 106 studio, one- and two-bedrooms suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities as well as large-screen televisions, Internet access, inter-active games and 24-hour concierge and room service.

Its sister property, the 144-suite Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien, is located in the busy Bur Dubai area of the city, providing a value-for-money alternative for executives and leisure travellers who seek accommodation in the heart of the action. The property was reflagged under the Le Meridien brand last year, following extensive refurbishment.