10 August 2010
MUSCAT: Cashing in on with the new concept of Islamic hotel worldwide, especially in the GCC, Oman yesterday announced the launch of first alcohol-free 5 star hotel. The Platinum, the first alcohol-free 5-
Star hotel in the country, will open for guests from August 25.
Addressing a press conference in Muscat yesterday, Shabbir Bhoriawala, the proprietor of The Platinum, said, "It is with pride we announce the launch of The Platinum, an iconic hotel in Al Khuwair -- iconic for its eco-services, design and architecture. And more importantly, our hotel will not be serving alcohol."
Shabbir believes that the availability of alcohol is not something a hotel depends on. Majority of guests, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, opt for hotels mainly because of its location, service, security, etc. He adds, "And Platinum hotel will provide that."
The formal launch of The Platinum will be done in mid-September. Says Shabbir, "But we will go ahead with soft opening on August 25. Luxury, eco-friendliness and aesthetics will be the hallmark of the hotel." To make his point the enterprising businessman avers, "We already have an alcohol-free hotel by the name Crystal Suites in Wadi Al Kabir and it is doing extremely good. I foresee business potential in this domain is quite good as people from the region are travelling more and more and would like to stay in hotels which respect their values and culture." He also cited the example of Taj Palace Hotel and other hotels in the neighbouring UAE which are shariah-compliant (following Islamic principles).
When asked if alcohol-free 5 star hotel can be profitable without serving alcohol, Shabbir noted that most of hotel's revenue emanates from its rooms division and beverage service often doesn't make much money because the margins are low and it is labour intensive.
After Taj in Dubai opened since then many have emerged with exclusively Islamic-branded hotels in the UAE. Among the big names in the UAE are Shaza Hotels, Tamani Hotels and Resorts, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), Flora Hotels, and Al Mmulla Hospitality.
Shabbir adds, "At the end of the day, customers are more attracted to a product that matches their needs."
Shariah-compliant hotels (no alcohol, halal food, no discos, etc) are catching up fast not only in the GCC, even markets in Europe are exploring the possibility of opening such hotels in a bid to grab the Arab market. They provide a culturally unique and relaxing atmosphere for travellers.
The number of Shariah-compliant hotels in the region is on the rise and in line with the growth in the number of Arab tourists. Travellers from the GCC spend about $15 billion annually on leisure travel, according to industry figures.
Says Shabbir, "Our intention is to target all customers and we believe that there are good number of customers among non-Muslims who find it extremely comfortable in alcohol-free hotels."
Shabbir is optimistic, ''We want to create a product that differentiates itself. This concept will become very common in the next few years." Also present at the press meet was S. A. Salman Rizvi, general manager, The Platinum.
Harmonious blend
He said, "The Platinum will be an harmonious blend of rich Islamic/Mughal heritage and ultra modern luxuries incorporating legendary Omani hospitality. With 85 tastefully done rooms and suites, the Platinum will epitomise luxury at its best.
"The hotel will offer diverse gourmet experiences and recreation for families, corporate entities and leisure travellers."
The hotel will encompass a wide gamut of in-room amenities including international direct dialling telephone (Internet Protocol telephony), high-speed Wi-fi internet facilities, television with IPTV, internet browsing on television, mini fridge with non-alcoholic drinks, etc.
As an introductory offer, the Platinum offers RO35 for executive room, RO40/50 for delux room-single/double, RO75/90 for royal suite - single/double and RO90/110 for presidential suite - single/double. All the rates are inclusive of complimentary breakfast. Details are available on www.theplatinumoman.com.
MUSCAT: Cashing in on with the new concept of Islamic hotel worldwide, especially in the GCC, Oman yesterday announced the launch of first alcohol-free 5 star hotel. The Platinum, the first alcohol-free 5-
Star hotel in the country, will open for guests from August 25.
Addressing a press conference in Muscat yesterday, Shabbir Bhoriawala, the proprietor of The Platinum, said, "It is with pride we announce the launch of The Platinum, an iconic hotel in Al Khuwair -- iconic for its eco-services, design and architecture. And more importantly, our hotel will not be serving alcohol."
Shabbir believes that the availability of alcohol is not something a hotel depends on. Majority of guests, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, opt for hotels mainly because of its location, service, security, etc. He adds, "And Platinum hotel will provide that."
The formal launch of The Platinum will be done in mid-September. Says Shabbir, "But we will go ahead with soft opening on August 25. Luxury, eco-friendliness and aesthetics will be the hallmark of the hotel." To make his point the enterprising businessman avers, "We already have an alcohol-free hotel by the name Crystal Suites in Wadi Al Kabir and it is doing extremely good. I foresee business potential in this domain is quite good as people from the region are travelling more and more and would like to stay in hotels which respect their values and culture." He also cited the example of Taj Palace Hotel and other hotels in the neighbouring UAE which are shariah-compliant (following Islamic principles).
When asked if alcohol-free 5 star hotel can be profitable without serving alcohol, Shabbir noted that most of hotel's revenue emanates from its rooms division and beverage service often doesn't make much money because the margins are low and it is labour intensive.
After Taj in Dubai opened since then many have emerged with exclusively Islamic-branded hotels in the UAE. Among the big names in the UAE are Shaza Hotels, Tamani Hotels and Resorts, Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), Flora Hotels, and Al Mmulla Hospitality.
Shabbir adds, "At the end of the day, customers are more attracted to a product that matches their needs."
Shariah-compliant hotels (no alcohol, halal food, no discos, etc) are catching up fast not only in the GCC, even markets in Europe are exploring the possibility of opening such hotels in a bid to grab the Arab market. They provide a culturally unique and relaxing atmosphere for travellers.
The number of Shariah-compliant hotels in the region is on the rise and in line with the growth in the number of Arab tourists. Travellers from the GCC spend about $15 billion annually on leisure travel, according to industry figures.
Says Shabbir, "Our intention is to target all customers and we believe that there are good number of customers among non-Muslims who find it extremely comfortable in alcohol-free hotels."
Shabbir is optimistic, ''We want to create a product that differentiates itself. This concept will become very common in the next few years." Also present at the press meet was S. A. Salman Rizvi, general manager, The Platinum.
Harmonious blend
He said, "The Platinum will be an harmonious blend of rich Islamic/Mughal heritage and ultra modern luxuries incorporating legendary Omani hospitality. With 85 tastefully done rooms and suites, the Platinum will epitomise luxury at its best.
"The hotel will offer diverse gourmet experiences and recreation for families, corporate entities and leisure travellers."
The hotel will encompass a wide gamut of in-room amenities including international direct dialling telephone (Internet Protocol telephony), high-speed Wi-fi internet facilities, television with IPTV, internet browsing on television, mini fridge with non-alcoholic drinks, etc.
As an introductory offer, the Platinum offers RO35 for executive room, RO40/50 for delux room-single/double, RO75/90 for royal suite - single/double and RO90/110 for presidential suite - single/double. All the rates are inclusive of complimentary breakfast. Details are available on www.theplatinumoman.com.
By Aftab H. Kola
© Times of Oman 2010
