Speaking exclusively to Tatiana Tsierkezou, general manager, Towers Rotana, Dubai, Karim Nahas shares his property’s exciting updates and explains why 2016 is turning out to be a game-changing year.
TTG: What is new in the world of Towers Rotana?
2016 is expected to be a milestone year for Towers Rotana. Originally built in 2001, we have multiple projects that are close to completion with the main objective to meet the hospitality requirements of today’s modern travellers.
We are happily celebrating the completion of a comprehensive renovation and reconstruction project of forty new luxurious apartments, which are now available.
Guests choosing to stay a longer term in Dubai can now stay in the new, exhilarating and chic urban furnished hotel apartments that are generously proportioned in various configurations from 53m2 to 180m2, including studios, one-bedroom, one-bedroom premium, two-bedroom and three-bedroom.
The new luxury apartments were completely overhauled and include the latest technology and comfort to impress even the most discerning guests. The respective apartment corridors were also renovated and redesigned. Guests will notice the new distinctive and refreshing designs upon entering the hallways where sand-coloured wood now accompanies visual art murals that make the corridors brighter and more inviting.
Equally exciting developments in the pipeline are the upgrades for all our F&B outlets and our wellness and fitness centre, Bodylines, all to meet the hospitality requirements of today’s modern travellers.
TTG: How does your property stand out in Dubai’s competitive landscape?
In an ever-changing and dynamic Dubai market, Towers Rotana’s 15 years in business is an impressive feat. Being located in a prime location such as in the heart of the Financial Centre and on Sheikh Zayed Road, Towers Rotana is no stranger to the pressure of having to continuously improve and market itself. We are proud to say that despite the introduction of new hotels in the vicinity, we were still able to successfully launch our 40 new luxury hotel apartments and perform very well.
The hotel also houses two of the area’s most popular outlets, including the multi-award winning fusion fine dining restaurant, Teatro, the longest bar in the Middle East, Long’s Bar, which are also nominated each year for various industry awards.
Loyalty is another way we position ourselves with the award-winning loyalty programme – Rotana Rewards – where members of each of the programme enjoy countless benefits and privileges. For example, exclusive programme members do not only earn and redeem points but also enjoy discounts on their stays and dining, which can be up to 50 per cent off when they dine with one partner.
TTG: As the general manager, what is your vision for the hotel?
I’d like to see the hotel continue to maintain its position as one of the most preferred hotels in this area. The key to achieving this is consistency and the modifications projects that we have in the pipeline.
These refurbishments are scheduled to begin in the summer months for enhancements to our existing range of dining and entertainment outlets.
The fusion fine dining restaurant, Teatro, will see a full renovation of its East and West kitchens that also includes brand new appliances, an enhancement of the bar and its famed sushi counter.
Plans to enhance Long’s Bar also includes an uplift to its existing outdoor side entrance with a fresh new look, an enhancement to the hardwood floors, an upholstering of all its existing furniture and a full renovation of the male and female bathrooms.
The all-day dining restaurant, Flavours on Two will also unveil a new look from the moment guests enter its existing entrance on the second floor. The uplifting will include replacing its existing floors and new window coverings.
TTG: What visitor trends have you picked up on this year?
We’ve picked up on the increased growth and interest around the new business and leisure trend, known as ‘bleisure travel’.
We have witnessed a number of significant factors that are growing and that include our corporate partners extending their stays into the weekend, along with their partners and families. Another factor that we have witnessed is the strength of group bookings that travel to Dubai for annual conferences that include team building activities that are organised by our sales teams. These new trends have encouraged us to provide additional services found in the hotel that now include complimentary shuttle bus service to Mirdif City Centre Mall and Kite beach and a tour desk, allowing our guests to simply book their excursions and enjoy a wide variety of attractions Dubai has to offer.
In particular, Towers Rotana has been often recognised to many as a ‘bleisure travel’ hotel, favoured due to its location, adjacent to the Financial Centre Metro Station, a mere four kilometres away from Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), eight kilometres from the golden sands of the Jumeirah Beach front and 10km from Dubai International Airport.
TTG: On a more personal note, what was it that made you choose hospitality as a career?
My hospitality career started for my love for education, where I graduated from Alexandria University with a Bachelor degree in hotel management. I continue to happily serve in my 20-year career in hospitality.
One of the most defining moments of my career was my move to Rotana Hotels and Resorts back in 2009, where I had the privilege to manage the Grand Rotana Hotel & Resort, Sharm El-Sheikh for four years and then Rose Rayhaan Dubai, for three years.
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