venue profiles: hotel venues: Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Where to stay: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) has no hotel offering as yet, but for delegates coming to the UAE capital later in the year an exciting launch is in the pipeline. The much anticipated new ‘lifestyle’ brand - aloft by Starwood - is to make its Middle East debut in October. Designed by the world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, aloft promises to shake things up in terms of what’s on offer for business travellers in the region, offering an urban-influenced design, accessible technology and sociable atmosphere. Stephan Vanden Auweele, general manager, aloft describes the new hotel as “cool and hip… it’s what everyone has been waiting for.”
Best feature: aloft is specifically targeted at executives in the 25 – 40 age bracket. The design incorporates a number of funky features to appeal to visiting delegates. Firstly, the hotel promises to offer free wi-fi throughout – an essential feature for those on business. There will also be fun communal places to relax and hang out post-conference (with additions such as pool tables), as well as a 24 hour ‘re:fuel’ centre where guests can grab a bite to eat at any time of the day.
Why choose it: Touted as the ‘coolest’ Starwood hotel brand, aloft certainly looks set to offer something delegates something different. “Aloft is a new approach to hospitality,” says Auweele. “It offers the best of what the next generation of travellers need and eliminates those services which they do not want or are not willing to pay for.”
Any other options? In 2011 Starwood will be bringing its Element hotel brand to ADNEC. This is an extended stay hotel offering serviced apartments for executives who intend to stay a little longer in the capital. Hyatt is also due to open at ADNEC’s Capital Centre in the not too distant future.
