Landmark to launch Citymax Hotels in UAE

Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010

Gulf News

Dubai Retail conglomerate Landmark Group yesterday announced plans to launch Citymax Hotels, targeting the mid-market hospitality segment.

Micky Jagtiani, Chairman of Landmark Group, told Gulf News that his company will invest in the three-star hotel chain from the company's resources. The move is expected to reduce pressure on the three-star and budget hotel segment and help the UAE attract more budget travellers.

"We will invest in the hotel chain and the properties. We are planning to roll out 12 hotels in the next three to five years although we have the resources to build at least 15 to 20 hotels," he said.

Jagtiani, however, could not give an indication of the investment outlay.

The company has just hired a CEO and plans to recruit hundreds of hotel professionals to manage the properties.

"We are soon going to start recruiting hotel professionals prior to the opening," he said.

Landmark plans to open three hotels in the UAE this year with the first Citymax Hotel scheduled to open in Al Barsha on May 3. The two other hotels will open in Bur Dubai and Sharjah later in the year. Each Citymax Hotel will be conveniently located to malls and other prominent locations in Dubai and Sharjah.

Targets

Jagtiani said his company aims for an average of 200 rooms per hotel. "The first three hotels will have 1,200 rooms, but we are looking at an average size of 200 rooms per hotel."

"The success of Landmark is mainly hinged on delivering exceptional value to our customers — it is about offering the best products at the most affordable prices. It is the same principle that will distinguish Citymax Hotels as the first choice among its contemporaries in the UAE."

Once operational, the Citymax Hotels will be ideal for a variety of guests, ranging from groups of business travellers, families, or just a group of friends dropping in for an exciting dining experience.

Michael Weyland, General Manager of Citymax Hotels, said: "The luxury end of the hospitality industry is saturated in Dubai, but the options for top quality, yet affordable mid-market hotels are limited.

Well-positioned

"Due to the economic downturn, mid-market hotels are gaining increasing importance and popularity.

"We strongly believe Citymax Hotels is well positioned to offer a more cost-effective option, without compromising on comfort and customer satisfaction."

Landmark has successful brands like Home Centre, Babyshop, Splash, Emax and Centrepoint in its portfolio.

The group recently announced a plan to invest about $150 million in expansion over the next three years.

Founded in 1973 in Bahrain, the Landmark Group has grown into one of the largest and most successful retail organisations in the Middle East and India.

The group operates over 900 stores encompassing over 13 million square feet in the Middle East, India, Egypt, Turkey, Yemen and Pakistan (franchise operation).

Landmark employs more than 31,000 employees.

The group recently opened 21 stores and three restaurants in the Mirdif City Centre in Dubai, encompassing a retail area of over 300,000 square feet.

opening

378 rooms in al barsha

The Citymax Hotel in Al Barsha will offer 378 rooms, comprising 294 double rooms, 56 single rooms, 2 rooms for the disabled, 14 interconnecting double rooms and 12 interconnecting twin rooms.

The hotel comes with a stylish and cosmopolitan lounge bar in the lobby and an all-day buffet restaurant serving international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There is also a 24-hour coffee shop with a convenience store, in addition to a music bar and grill with live music and DJs to keep guests entertained.

For guests looking for recreation, Citymax Hotels offers a fully equipped gym and a roof top swimming pool with magnificent view of the city.

Gulf News Report