27 June 2007
Dubai: IFA Hotels & Resorts, a part of Kuwait-listed investment firm IFA and the majority-stake holder in London-based Yotel Limited, recently opened the first of its several planned Yotel brand hotels at London's Gatwick Airport.
A cross between Japan-ese pod hotels and business-class air travel, Yotel properties are targeted at travellers looking for affordable accommodation without frills. The Gatwick hotel is located in the South Terminal.
"The opening of Yotel in Gatwick Airport is the first step in an aggressive expansion plan for the brand. We foresee great interest from others in the hospitality industry and in the future hope to see a Yotel in the majority of international cities and airports," said Talal Jassem Al Bahar, chairman and managing director of IFA Hotels and Resorts.
Several locations have been identified, including Dubai, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, New York, Russia, India and South Africa. IFA will open 20 Yotel brand hotels in the Middle East.
The Yotel concept was originally developed by YO! founder Simon Woodroffe, whose idea was to create cabins that provide a flexible and convenient first class hotel experience at an affordable price.
By Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
