Starwood signs first Aloft Resort in Middle East

Starwood has signed an agreement with Rashid Al Abbar to open a 192-room Aloft hotel on Dubai’s iconic man-made island – Palm Jumeirah.

Scheduled to open in 2017, Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the brand’s first resort in the Middle East.

Al Abbar said, “We are confident that Aloft Dubai, The Palm will create a new level of experience for guests by providing an international, mid-level, resort style hotel in Palm Jumeirah, at attractive rates.” Aloft Dubai, The Palm will have 192 guest rooms, including 10 suites, with plush platform beds, large walk-in showers and complimentary Bliss amenities.

The resort will offer guests access to a 500-metre stretch of beach, complete with sun beds and a gazebo for leisurely lounging.

The hotel will also feature SPG Keyless, a keyless entry system that enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key, and fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

The Aloft Dubai, The Palm will offer a bar, a grab and go eatery open 24 hours a day, an all-day dining outlet, a restaurant, fitness centre and swimming pool.

For events and conferences, the resort will offer four meeting rooms.

“Aloft hotels continues to gain momentum around the world and is expected to quadruple its portfolio in the Middle East by 2019,” said Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa and Middle East Senior Vice President Acquisitions and Development Neil George. “The signing of Aloft Dubai, The Palm marks a milestone for the brand as its first resort-style property in the Middle East in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, The Palm Jumeirah.”

Aloft Dubai, The Palm will be the third hotel on Palm Jumeirah that will be managed by Starwood, joining the W and St. Regis hotels when these open in 2017 and 2018 respectively.