Ground broken for Dubai Marina's first hotel

Ground has been broken at the first hotel complex on the Dubai Marina, to be named Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments, West Marina Beach Resort by Le Meridien. The new hotel and apartment project is scheduled to open to guests in late 2004.

The pioneering, multi-use, 45-storey complex is owned by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airline and President of Dubai Civil Aviation and is named Grosvenor House, after the legendary landmark Le Meridien Grosvenor House in Park Lane, one of London's most famous locations.

Just as its London namesake, Grosvenor House is aimed to be the exclusive address in the upcoming Dubai Marina, which has been earmarked by developers as 'the lifestyle hub of Dubai'.

"It is fitting that Sheikh Ahmed is behind the first hotel on the Marina," said Ali Al Mubarak Al Soori, head of the Chairman's Office and Facilities Management at Emirates Airline and the owner's representative of the Grosvenor House project. 

"His Highness was one of the first to appreciate the potential of tourism as a growth engine for Dubai, initiating the construction of the first new beach hotel for more than a decade with Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa some nine years ago."

The Grosvenor House will have 218 rooms and suites in the luxurious, self-contained hotel tower, as well as 206, one-, two- and three-bedroom butler-serviced apartments, All of the grand-deluxe accommodation will have sweeping views of the skyline, marina and the Arabian Gulf.

According to Ali Al Soori, Grosvenor House will stand among the most exclusive hotels around the world in terms of product and service offering. He explained: "Grosvenor House will be second-to-none, reflecting a position of sheer luxury and exclusivity in the hospitality sector."

Sami Zoghbi, regional managing director of luxury hotel group, Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts, agreed, saying : "This project is considered a  ground-breaker on the marina development - as well as in Dubai's burgeoning hospitality sector. Frankly, the project is set to stand its own among some of the world's most acclaimed hotels."

Pam Wilby, general manager of Grosvenor House, as well as the luxurious Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, said that the new project is set to create new dimensions in the industry, not just because of its stunning interiors but also in the quality and style of service. 

She explained: "From the foundations up, the stunning hotel will be custom-designed to reflect the essence of Arabia fused with the very latest in technology, design and luxury."

Wilby confirmed that the interiors of the hotel and apartments will be ultra-luxurious, distinguished by superb décor and outstanding amenities beyond the expected.

She continued: "What we are looking towards is establishing a whole new meaning to the words elegance and service. This will be visible in the grandeur of the interior décor and in services such as a 24-butler service for  both hotel and apartment guests.

"My aim is to ensure that the essence of the 'guest experience' will be present across the board. Aside from the tasteful design, this will be achieved by a service brigade who truly enjoy the very core of the hospitality industry which is, quite simply, making people happy by excellence in delivery."

On lifestyle, Grosvenor House will also comprise a mixed portfolio of fashionable restaurants and bars - designed to turn the Dubai restaurant scene on its head.

Wilby declined to expand on details of the restaurants - "we have to retain an element of surprise in a competitive marketplace," she explained - but confirmed they will all be new concepts ranging from hip to lively to formal dining.

She did state that the project team has also focused on creating innovative personal grooming, health and spa facilities exclusive to Grosvenor House residents.

"We have been fast to recognise that personal grooming, from top to toe and in between, is as important to today's lifestyle. So, we are aiming to ensure a  seamless lifestyle service, from valet parking to suit pressing to great restaurants, a tip-top manicure and more," said Wilby.

"This means that the Grosvenor House leisure and beauty facilities will be as upbeat, modern and efficient in service delivery as our restaurants and bars."