Jewel of the sultanate in final stages of muti-million dollar renovation
Dubai - InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is pleased to announce that the world-renowned Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat will reopen this November, following extensive renovations.
This iconic property, set amidst a rugged mountain landscape overlooking the Gulf of Oman, has undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment to both the interior and exterior. Requiring the skills of the world's finest craftsman, interior designers and landscapers the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat will provide guests across the globe with an authentic and enriching experience upon every stay and further enhance its reputation as the 'Jewel of the Sultanate'.
Owned by the Government of Oman, the extensive and multi-faceted renovations to this prestigious property include the addition of several new high-profile facilities designed to indulge guests and highlight its position as one of the finest hotels in the world and the most revered in Oman.
Commenting on the renovation, John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG, Middle East & Africa said, "The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat has long been the pinnacle of luxury across the Middle East, attracting a wealth of guests from international dignitaries, royalty and celebrities to the discerning business and leisure traveller. Significant investment, time and attention have gone into recapturing the essence and grandeur of this property and we are delighted with the progress of the renovations."
Throughout the renovation project, the property's owners have been working closely with both the hotel's management team and InterContinental Hotels Group Divisional Head Office for Middle East and Africa to ensure that set global brand standards are maintained.
Tony Zamora, Director of Operations, Oman, IHG and General Manager, Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat said, "The renovation of the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat is a colossal project and one that has not been undertaken lightly. Every measure has been taken to preserve the hotel's long celebrated history and majestic splendour whilst heralding a new era for Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat. With our reopening scheduled for November we are confident that this exciting renovation will reaffirm the property as the preferred place to stay in Oman."
The scope of the hotel's restoration work encompassed a complete upgrade of the entire property including; lobby, beach and garden area, sports facilities and most of the property's guest rooms and suites. In addition, all bars and restaurants are being completely refreshed to offer a new and diverse array of dining concepts, second to none in the Sultanate of Oman.
While the hotel has undergone an extensive overhaul, there have also been several new additions designed to enhance the property's product offering, including a 50-metre infinity pool, four lagoon pools and children's pool. Landscaping throughout the palatial property will provide guests with a one-of-a-kind environment; incorporating lush vegetation and striking water features that will offer guests secluded hideaways and complete serenity.
Meticulously designed for comfort and convenience, the 200 rooms and 50 suites have been uniquely appointed to reflect both local traditions and art deco designs, which exude the richness of Arabian culture, art and history. All have private balconies, many with spectacular views of the exclusive bay, and are fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including the latest in-room entertainment technology - high speed internet access, video-on-demand and flat screen televisions.
The Al Bustan Lagoon Access Room epitomises luxury, offering guests the ultimate in private indulgence with direct and exclusive access to the stunning lagoon pools from an astounding 16 square metre deck. Complete with personal chaises longues located on the spacious outdoor decking, these rooms will ensure that guests feel relaxed and pampered during their stay.
For those who like to indulge in a little activity on their holiday the Al Bustan Beach Club is being completely refurbished with the latest in high tech fitness equipment, to keep guests energised and revitalised. In addition, the hotel will continue to offer complimentary use of water sports equipment including; laser and catamaran sail boats, surfboards, snorkelling and kayaking for guests keen to explore the sea life, rich in the Gulf of Oman.
Unrivalled in elegance and beauty the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat will reaffirm its global stature as a leading luxury hotel when it reopens its door to guests this November.
The Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat's reservations department can be contacted on reservations@albustanpalace.com or +968 24799666.
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About IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, almost 4,000 hotels and more than 585,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. IHG owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel Indigo®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards with over 37 million members worldwide.
The company pioneered the travel industry's first collaborative response to environmental issues as founder of the International Hotels and Environment Initiative (IHEI). The IHEI formed the foundations of the Tourism Partnership launched by the International Business Leaders Forum in 2004, of which IHG is still a member today. The environment and local communities remain at the heart of IHG's global corporate responsibility focus.
InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com/ and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com/.
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For more information, please contact:
Impact Porter Novelli
PO Box 19791
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact: Anna Donnison, Consultant
Tel: 9714 3304030 Ext: 428
Fax: 9714 3304031
Email: a.donnison@ipn.ae
© Press Release 2008