Malta-based hotel company signs 10-year management deal and other international hotel news

Malta-based hotel company signs 10-year management deal
Malta-based CHI Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of a 10-year technical and hotel management agreement with the investment house Mainland Investment LLC of Abu Dhabi. The agreement foresees the renovation, extension and operation of the current 120-room Mafraq Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The Mafraq hotel will be relaunched as the 250-room Ramada Abu Dhabi Mafraq hotel in early 2010.Construction work is set to begin later this year and when completed the hotel will feature a conference area, a business centre, an all-day diner, two speciality restaurants, an English-style pub, a pool, and a choice of boutique shops.

Rezidor continues growth into Africa
The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced its next project, the Radisson Resort and Spa Saidia in Morocco, in partnership with developer Property Logic. The property, featuring 384 rooms and 97 villas, is scheduled to open in 2010. Mediterrania-Saidia is located on Morocco's north east Mediterranean coast and will offer four restaurants, three bars, a Moroccan-themed spa and Thalasso centre, five outdoor pools and two fitness centres. Morocco is the third new African property for Rezidor to add to its portfolio this year, having previously announced new hotels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi, Kenya, to open in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Hilton Opens its first hotel in Mallorca
Hilton Hotels has announced the opening of its first hotel in Mallorca with the launch of the Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca. The hotel is the group's sixth hotel to open in Spain and will operate under a long-term franchise agreement with owning company Dracplus S.L, part of the Drac Group and Gestion T3 Hoteles SA, who will manage the property. The 90-bedroom hotel is housed in a traditional Mallorcan building, and will feature two outdoor pools, two tennis courts, and a spa and fitness club.

Starwood's Meridien brand continues to expand in Asia Pacific
Starwood hotels Le Meridien continues its expansion in Asia Pacific, and will add two new hotels to its portfolio: Le Meridien Taipei in Taiwan and Le Meridien Xiamen in China. Le Meridien Taipei marks the brand's first hotel in Taiwan and will open in early 2011 in Hsinyi. The hotel will feature 161 rooms, three restaurants, a lounge, health club and an indoor pool. Le Meridien Xiamen, will open in 2009 in Xianyue Hill and will comprise 345 rooms, three restaurants, a lounge, spa, indoor heated pool, and gym. Le Meridien currently operates 26 hotels in Asia Pacific.

By Gemma Sharkey

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