IHG will introduce its Staybridge Suites extended-stay brand in Kuwait City having signed an agreement with Bukhamseen Group Holding Company.
Staybridge Suites Salmiya is scheduled to open in November next year and will comprise 120 suites ” with a choice between studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom layouts - in the capital”s prime commercial and residential area.
All suites have separate living and working areas with state-of-the-art entertainment systems and free WiFi internet connection, plus fully equipped kitchens.
IHG hopes the properties ” with their blend of the domestic environment and traditional hotel services ” will appeal to business travellers looking for something ”more home than hotel.” They offer a ”hub” kitchen where all guests can breakfast, and ”after-work receptions” held four nights a week where complimentary drinks and snacks are served.
An outdoor terrace with barbecue is also available for use, and other amenities include an exercise and laundry room.
And Staybridge Suites Farnawiya will be an extension to the existing Crowne Plaza Kuwait - near the city”s international airport - offering 150 suites, and scheduled for January 2010.
”Building on the brand”s US success, IHG is bringing its upscale extended-stay brand to the Middle East, where we aim to lead the market by setting new standards and clearly differentiating ourselves from the apartment-style concepts currently on offer,” said IHG chief operating officer Middle East and Africa John Bamsey. ”We have a longstanding relationship with Bukhamseen Group following our initial cooperation in launching the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza brands, and we are happy to be partnering with them again to introduce Staybridge Suites to the Kuwaiti market.”
Bukhamseen Group Holding chairman Jawad Bukhamseen added: ”The government is investing heavily in Kuwait”s travel and tourism industry, and during the next 20 years we will witness substantial growth, especially in business tourism development. Partnering with IHG in introducing Staybridge Suites to Kuwait is in line with the country”s direction to offer a diversified hospitality environment to cater for all types of travellers.”