Dhaka - Hotels and Resorts

[clearsky]

Pretty much the best shots I have seen so far about Radisson. Definitely the work of a DSLR with HQ lens.

[manbil777]

I concur. Definitely DSLR -- and a full-frame one at that. However the lighting in the last interior images (post 499) has been very, very well-controlled.

Without veering too off-topic, I'd say monoblock strobes behind large softboxes were used after extensive metering. We're probably talking about $10,000 worth of equipment with the camera (which itself is about $5000 if it is a full-frame DSLR+HQ lens)

I say HQ lens for sure because one notices the lack of barrel/keystone distortion and vignetting.

[nayeem007]

[QUOTE=amar11372;19972146]LOBBY

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2435135533_5cef5442c6_b.jpg

WOW! Amazing..

[manbil777]

I'm guessing this tele-shot was taken from the roof of the Military hospital across the street.

[clearsky]

We're probably talking about $10,000 worth of equipment with the camera (which itself is about $5000 if it is a full-frame DSLR+HQ lens)
.

I can't comment on the price but can tell you that you can buy pretty good DSLR, both Nikon and Canon band for 1000-2000 USD, including starter lens.

Now, the ability of the photographer to manipulate various matters of the camera pertaining to the atmosphere the picture is taken of can bring noticeable difference in the final outcome.

So, high-priced gear won't necessarily produce HQ resultS.

[clearsky]

Not sure if these have been posted already or not....

Westin Dhaka.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin1.jpg

Exterior

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin2.jpg

Lobby

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin3.jpg

Suite bathroom


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin4.jpg

Suite

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin5.jpg

Restaurant

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin6.jpg

Pool

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin7.jpg

Rooftop Fitness Center

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/westin8.jpg

Ballroom seating

[g0101]

^^ Nice pics, Clearsky.

[manbil777]

Thanks for the pics from me as well Clearsky...

Checking the recent prices for full-frame sensor DSLR's -- I can see that one can get a Canon 5D body for about $2200 in NYC --which is the cheapest full frame DSLR available. So you are right in a way.

I'd agree with your comments about photographer skill -- however that's more or less a given for people who have to make money with their cameras. The point I was trying to make is that there is a minimum standard for resolution needed to submit one's professional work to ad-agencies and magazines in the West and that means you can't typically have images from your APS-C sensored DSLR accepted. This is the verdict from my instructor from a local photo course I took (he happens to be a pro landscape photog working locally). Analog medium format images (mamiya, hasselblad) are still accepted especially for travel and calendar work.

There are higher-priced Full frame DSLR's such as Nikon D3 and Canon's own top-of-the-line 1DS-MarkIII -- both of which boast prices in the $9k to $10k range. One needs to use full frame analog type lenses with these bodies and most pro-sumer cropped factor lenses will not suffice --causing vignetting.

10 megapixel from a tiny aps-c sensor (in a prosumer DSLR) is not the equivalent of 10 megapixels from a full-frame sensor (in something like the Canon 1DS MkIII). If you look at the images from the same scene -- the digital noise-factor and tone-latitude from a full-frame sensor is completely different.

Just my $.02.

[mirzazeehan]

Nice pics Clearsky!Westin is looking good.Cant wait for work to resume on the Doreen hotel.

[clearsky]

Thanks for the pics from me as well Clearsky...

Just my $.02.

Thanks. Boy, you are talking about pretty much top notch gear. For people like me a 1000 dollar camera is a very hard sell (and I don't have one).

However, those pics definitely look like from a well renowned travel magazine. The quality is that good, I think.

Nice pics Clearsky!Westin is looking good.Cant wait for work to resume on the Doreen hotel.

Thanks Mirza. Yeah, what's happening with Doreen? I sure hope that they partner up with some well renowned hotel chain like Embassy suites, Sheraton, Hilton etc. Otherwise they don't have much chance of being successful in hotel business, in my view. Look at 'Sarena' that is close by. Hardly any one knows about it.

[sas]

Well to be honest Sarina could have performed considerably better had they marketed themselves well enough. They're not on a single international travel site (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz) and therefore, those that are (i.e. the foreign chains Westin, Radisson, Sheraton, Sonargaon and La Vinci) end up getting a bulk of the customers.

Yes some info on Doreen would be extremely helpful.

[tanzirian]

^^ Construction seems completely stalled like many other towers...I don't think they ever had a client, and given that progress on the building is in limbo, plus general economic slowdown...am not sure they can find a high-profile chain at this time. But, they certainly do have the right location...which might serve them well when things finally pick up.

[snoq]

I dont know if you guys noticed iron rod price has gone up from around tk 35-40k/ton to tk 75K/ton. 100% increase in price has caused many of the construction project to a virtual halt. Apartment price has almost doubled.
Until price of iron rod comes down many of these project will be on hold or go on at snail speed.

[manbil777]

I don't think the price will come down in a long long time.

Witness all the construction going on in China, India, Dubai. Demand of rod is very high now.

However we may see a small drop once the big Steel complex in Chittagong comes on line.

There are billet factories in the pipeline in nearby Orissa and other east-coast places in India. Once these start producing then there will be another drop.

We just have to wait a year or two before prices stabilize due to these factors.

[sas]

^^ Construction seems completely stalled like many other towers...I don't think they ever had a client, and given that progress on the building is in limbo, plus general economic slowdown...am not sure they can find a high-profile chain at this time. But, they certainly do have the right location...which might serve them well when things finally pick up.

This is a valid question - Despite the fact that it is a prime location, there is a luxury resort virtually next door (The Westin). Is it a feasible option for Doreen Tower to manage another international property at the site?

[mirzazeehan]

This is a valid question - Despite the fact that it is a prime location, there is a luxury resort virtually next door (The Westin). Is it a feasible option for Doreen Tower to manage another international property at the site?

I think Gulshan/Banani area can support another 5 star hotel,given most foreginers prefer to stay in this part of the city.Also,Sheraton and Dhaka Regency may not be able to compete with the new Doreen hotel in terms of standards.

[TIslam]

I think Gulshan/Banani area can support another 5 star hotel,given most foreginers prefer to stay in this part of the city.Also,Sheraton and Dhaka Regency may not be able to compete with the new Doreen hotel in terms of standards.

Why not the assumption that like most major cities, the demand for all types of first class accomodation shall continue to rise in Dhaka, as more business folks descend upon Bangladesh, over time?

[mirzazeehan]

Why not the assumption that like most major cities, the demand for all types of first class accomodation shall continue to rise in Dhaka, as more business folks descend upon Bangladesh, over time?

Definitely,with garments exports expected to double in 3 years,plans of increasing foreign investment by over 4 times in 5 years,the demand for first class accomodation is sure to increase.However,I think theres already enough demand for another 5 star at Gulshan.

[tanzirian]

This is a valid question - Despite the fact that it is a prime location, there is a luxury resort virtually next door (The Westin). Is it a feasible option for Doreen Tower to manage another international property at the site?

All major world cities have many big hotels right next to each other. So no reason Dhaka can't do the same, if the location is right...which in this case it is.

[sas]

Easier said than done. Occupancy rates in Westin are not as favorable as they are at the Radisson. But then again, this isn't quite peak season and The Westin is yet to complete it's first 'full' year in operations. They only had a soft launch last May and it wasn't until about six months ago that the Westin became fully operational. The question for these hotels would be whether or not they can replicate the revenues generated by Radisson.

With regards to foreigners/tourists coming in - it is only for business that people come on - a negligible percentage come in for leisure. So FDI needs to increase dramatically for more hotels to come up.

There's an empty plot roughly opposite Pizza Hut and next to United House/HSBC on Gulshan Avenue called Dreamland Resorts - Mirza knows about it, but none of us know actually what is going to be there in a couple of year's time. The plot is owned by United Group.

[TIslam]

Easier said than done. Occupancy rates in Westin are not as favorable as they are at the Radisson. But then again, this isn't quite peak season and The Westin is yet to complete it's first 'full' year in operations. They only had a soft launch last May and it wasn't until about six months ago that the Westin became fully operational. The question for these hotels would be whether or not they can replicate the revenues generated by Radisson.

With regards to foreigners/tourists coming in - it is only for business that people come on - a negligible percentage come in for leisure. So FDI needs to increase dramatically for more hotels to come up.

There's an empty plot roughly opposite Pizza Hut and next to United House/HSBC on Gulshan Avenue called Dreamland Resorts - Mirza knows about it, but none of us know actually what is going to be there in a couple of year's time. The plot is owned by United Group.

Of course it is easier said than done. It will take time and is directly tied to FDI inflow rate for more hotels to come up and be successful, that much is certain. I do not see Dhaka as a tourist town, so the hotels incomes shall be tied to businesses.

[b0gtrotter]

I would love to see Shangri-la hotel or mandarin oriental in Dhaka

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/Tarikpix/sonargaonlogo2.jpg 5 star Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel56.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel60.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel61.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel57.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel55.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel54.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel58.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel59.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel50.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel51.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel52.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel53.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel62.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/sonargaonhotel63.jpg

[TIslam]

^^
Nice pictures,Tmac. This is the newly renovated Sonargaon, I presume?

[sas]

Nope. Renovation has been halted to the best of my knowledge.

[TIslam]

Nope. Renovation has been halted to the best of my knowledge.

Well then, doesn't appear to be run down (to me at least). So what's all the fuss about?

[Tmac]

Nope. Renovation has been halted to the best of my knowledge.

I am not sure who started the rumor that the renovations is halted. There is work going on daily. I recently saw a photo of the swimming pool area and it's progressing well. Even in the Hatirjheel project photos you can see Sonargaon hotel construction workers.

[Tmac]

by the way, above photos were taken by some Korean travellers from May 7th-May12th, 2008.

[tanzirian]

Well then, doesn't appear to be run down (to me at least). So what's all the fuss about?

By five star standards it is run down. The pool area is closed off. The restaurant that looked onto it has wallpaper on the windows...and the food is nothing to justify the prices. The east lobby...which I guess is for special events...sits without any furniture, looking like an empty warehouse with shabby carpets. Maybe I am thinking back with rose-tinted glasses but the west (main) lobby looks stale to me. Originally when the hotel opened (1981 or so?) there was a Bengali-Mughal inspired decor...very elegant (and keeping with the architectural theme), though perhaps not practical for seating larger number of people. This got remodeled some time around 1990 which added more furniture, sculpture etc making the area more homely. Then sometime later the current, somewhat spartan arangement came along...and hasn't been refreshed or updated in a while. I was underwhelmed when I last visited December '07. I can't comment on the rooms.

[dopekhor]

By five star standards it is run down. The pool area is closed off. The restaurant that looked onto it has wallpaper on the windows...and the food is nothing to justify the prices. The east lobby...which I guess is for special events...sits without any furniture, looking like an empty warehouse with shabby carpets. Maybe I am thinking back with rose-tinted glasses but the west (main) lobby looks stale to me. Originally when the hotel opened (1981 or so?) there was a Bengali-Mughal inspired decor...very elegant (and keeping with the architectural theme), though perhaps not practical for seating larger number of people. This got remodeled some time around 1990 which added more furniture, sculpture etc making the area more homely. Then sometime later the current, somewhat spartan arangement came along...and hasn't been refreshed or updated in a while. I was underwhelmed when I last visited December '07. I can't comment on the rooms.
now think about it if prince talal had got his hands on it

[clearsky]

now think about it if prince talal had got his hands on it

He couldn't do it because he refused to please the committee members of the committee that made the decision against selling it to him.

[dopekhor]

He couldn't do it because he refused to please the committee members of the committee that made the decision against selling it to him.
the current government should try to sell it to him

[TIslam]

the current government should try to sell it to him

Or any other interested party (hopefully a multi-national hotelier).

[dopekhor]

Or any other interested party (hopefully a multi-national hotelier).
auction it off i say

[clearsky]

^^ I don't think the govt can auction it off. If it was a foreclosed property, there may have been a slight chance of that. But they can float international tender for its sale and the highest bidder may be considered for the sale. Definitely some renowned financially strong company could make the best out this outstanding infrastructure.

As I frequently say, BD govt. should get out of all kinds of business projects. The govt. officials are seriously incompetent and too corrupt to take any company to the positive direction.

[dopekhor]

^^ I don't think the govt can auction it off. If it was a foreclosed property, there may have been a slight chance of that. But they can float international tender for its sale and the highest bidder may be considered for the sale. Definitely some renowned financially strong company could make the best out this outstanding infrastructure.

As I frequently say, BD govt. should get out of all kinds of business projects. The govt. officials are seriously incompetent and too corrupt to take any company to the positive direction.
word

[sas]

I am not sure who started the rumor that the renovations is halted. There is work going on daily. I recently saw a photo of the swimming pool area and it's progressing well. Even in the Hatirjheel project photos you can see Sonargaon hotel construction workers.

I work in the Panthapath area, so I get to see the work quite often - hasn't struck me as a project that is making too much progress.

Re-iterating Tanzirian's comments, I ate at Jharna Grill last month, on a weekend at a prime hour, but yet we were the only customers at the restaurant. This compared to how some of the restaurants at Westin and Radisson are running.

What news of the Sheraton getting a new buyer/brand? Maybe some might have some latest info. What about Doreen?

[Tmac]

5 star Dhaka Sheraton Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakasheraton67.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/dhakasheraton65.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik6/dhakasheraton73.jpg

[amar11372]

Starwood's conditional offer to manage Dhaka Sheraton

Naim-Ul-Karim

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, one of the top global hotel chains, has assented to manage the state-owned Dhaka Sheraton Hotel for another term on condition of its complete renovation, a senior official said.

In a recent letter to the state-controlled Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), owner of the hotel, Starwood has imposed the condition to renovate Sheraton for maintaining its worldwide brand standard. It said renovation within one year is a must, as the hotel is rapidly losing its market because of failure to woo more guests.

However, the BSL officials hinted that the state body is not at all interested to renew its agreement with Starwood this time, as the US-based company has already signed a management deal with Westin Hotel at Gulshan. Besides, complete renovation of the hotel will cost a huge expenditure.

Starwood's condition came as its 25-year agreement with BSL to manage and operate Dhaka Sheraton is set to expire by December this year.

Earlier in April, Starwood expressed its reluctance to renew agreement with BSL to manage the state-owned hotel for another period, as the owner had refused to renovate the hotel in line with its demand.

Against the backdrop, the BSL board is holding a meeting tomorrow (Monday) to discuss Starwood's conditional offer with BSL Chairman and Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Syed Md Jubair in the chair.

Officials said the board meeting would also discuss the proposals made by at least four top five-star hotel chains with presence all over the world to manage Dhaka Sheraton, the country's first international five-star hotel.

Famous hotel chains including Hyatt Regency of USA, Novotel of France, Marriott and Shangri-La have already contacted BSL to take over its management.

The BSL board might discuss time frame for floating international bid to appoint new operator for the hotel, if there is no consensus to start negotiation with Starwood, a senior official said.

"In the meeting, we will discuss whether the BSL will start negotiation with Starwood or not, as complete renovation of the hotel will cost a huge expenditure," he added.

Officials also said it is not true that Dhaka Sheraton Hotel is loosing its market share and failing to impress more guests. Sheraton's revenue grew six per cent to $11.27 million in 2007, with an operating profit of $4.16 million, and a market share of 27.5 per cent.

The United States-based Starwood was assigned to operate Dhaka Sheraton in 1984 for a twenty-year period. It renewed the deal for a further five years until December this year.

Prior to Starwood, the US-based Hotel Intercontinental managed the hotel between 1966 and 1983, which was then known as Dhaka Intercontinental.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.info/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=34674

[amar11372]

Sonargaon renovation nears end
Botched facelift cost Tk60 crore in lost revenue
Sayeda Akter

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2008/05/25/2008-05-25__b05.jpg
The renovation of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel is almost complete. The hotel officials are optimistic that the hotel will return to full service by August. Photo: Amran Hossain

The botched renovation of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel, has cost more than Tk 60 crore in lost revenue according to the hotel's management, who are however optimistic that the hotel will return to full service by August.

Officials of Sonargaon, the country's oldest five star hotel, and Hotels International Limited (HIL), the parent company of the hotel, said the renovation that began in 2005, is now almost complete and already they are seeing signs of an improvement in earnings.

According to HIL, a government owned company under the Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism, in 2005 the Sonargaon earned revenue of Tk 80 crore, which declined to Tk 60 crore in 2006 and Tk 40 crore in 2007.

The occupancy rate of the hotel dropped by 60 percent last year, as 100 rooms, the swimming pool and health club were not in service due to the incomplete renovation work.

Sonargaon hotel started its renovation work in 2005, with the financial scam-ridden Orion Group's sister concern Accom Engineering Ltd, awarded the contract with a price tag of Tk 180 crore, inflating the real cost by at least Tk 100 crore due to political influence on the process.

Accom was responsible for the renovation works including 100 rooms, the swimming pool, tennis club, kitchen, poolside restaurant, pool deck and the health club.

But after the caretaker government took over in January 2007, the Orion group chairman Obaidul Karim left the country and was later sentenced to life imprisonment for embezzlement. Renovation work on the hotel was abandoned with only 10 percent completed.

Shawkat Hasan, secretary of HIL, said the contract with Orion was cancelled in June 2007. “Now we have employed several small groups for different purposes to finish the renovation quickly,” he said.

“The major renovation work including the third floor of the hotel, swimming pool, pool deck, kitchen and tennis club have already been completed,” Shawkat said, adding that rest of the work will take two more months to be finished.

Since October, the Sonargaon has started regaining its business as the third floor was opened for guests, said MA Awal, director of sales at the Sonargaon.

“We have to fight with the difficulties of delayed renovation and also to compete with new hotels opened in recent years, but still the Sonargaon is a premier and bigger hotel in terms of its accommodation and services,” he said.

Sonargaon's main competitors are Radisson Water Garden Hotel, Westin, and Regency, which can attract more people, especially garment businessmen from abroad, because those are close to the international airport in Dhaka.

According to Awal, Sonargaon now looks forward to attracting foreign tour companies, international event managers and big business delegations.

He said, the hotel gained an average occupancy rate of 80 percent during the last peak season and sets a target of revenue earning of Tk 700 million for the current year.

“We have achieved more than 30 percent of our target in the last four months and after the re-launch we hope to be able to reach the target by introducing new services and improving older services,” he said.

sayeda@thedailystar.net

[tanzirian]

^^ Almost hard to believe but great if true. This is the first pic I have seen of the swimming pool, so that's a good sign.

[sas]

Both Daily Star and FE writeups are extremely encouraging. Would be great if BSL is privatized and an initiative is really taken up to upgrade all amenities to a level close to those at Radisson and Westin. Also having a Hyatt Regency at the site would be simply great!

[amar11372]

Decision on Sheraton's new management by end of next month
Sayeda Akter

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2008/05/26/2008-05-26__b40.jpg

Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), the owning company of Dhaka Sheraton hotel, intends to take decision on appointment of a new company to manage and operate the hotel by the end of the next month.

Starwood, the present management company of Dhaka Sheraton, said in a letter last week that it would renew its agreement with the BSL to manage and operate Dhaka Sheraton, on condition that BSL immediately starts renovating the hotel for maintaining its international standard.

A team of BSL will visit Singapore next week to discuss the issue with the officials of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, said Shams Mahbub, communication manager of Sheraton.

Mahbub said the BSL team would discuss the terms and conditions that Starwood offered in its letter, and if the discussion succeeds the contract would be renewed for the next five years.

BSL board will hold a meeting today to discuss Starwood's conditional offer with the officials of BSL and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

“It will be a regular meeting at which whether we should accept the conditions or to look for new management partners will also be discussed,” Lutfor Rahman, managing director of BSL, said.

Starwood had signed an agreement with Westin Dhaka to manage the hotel last year, and in January of this year expressed its unwillingness to renew agreement with BSL to manage Sheraton for another term.

Starwood's 25-year agreement with BSL to manage and operate Dhaka Sheraton is set to expire in December this year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=38182

[clearsky]

Sonargaon renovation nears end
Botched facelift cost Tk60 crore in lost revenue
Sayeda Akter


This is what they were aiming for. I don't know how much they were able to accomplish. At least few rooms should look like this, to say the least. If this is what they have achieved, then they should be on the top or close to the top spot of the competition.

If I am not mistaken, this should be a regular room.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/greenvillege/Hotel/sonargaon.jpg

[sas]

Wow! Where did you get this picture from btw? The section 'titled world-class 5-star renovation' on the Sonargaon website?

[tanzirian]

^^ This pic has been around for a while. It was one of a number of pics released by the hotel prior to the start of the renovation, showing what the end result would be.

[sas]

Well from the looks of the picture, I'm totally stunned. Even regular rooms at Westin aren't this nice - even though they do have LCD TVs, but this room in Sonargaon beats everything! Will be interesting as to whether the rooms have actually been renovated.

Also this should exert some degree of pressure on Sheraton to renovate their aging property.

[amar11372]

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/2527907550_e767cb426d_o.jpg

The picture was taken recently. The Hilton Billboard is still up. Any further updates anyone?

[mirzazeehan]

Maybe things will stay the same for six months,and then some changes would be visible

[Tmac]

5 star http://www.swimmanitoba.mb.ca/RADISSON%20LOGO.gif Dhaka Radisson

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson79.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson80.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson78.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson81.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson85.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson84.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson83.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson82.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson76.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson75.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson74.jpg

[Tmac]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson70.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson71.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson72.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson73.jpg

[meghnarmajhi]

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/amar11372/2527907550_e767cb426d_o.jpg



Anybody else has noticed the blurry rectangles on the picture? Just curious - what are they?

[amar11372]

^^ I actually blurred them out myself because there were pictures of people and they might have not wanted their face to be posted on the internet. -just worried about their privacy. :)

[TIslam]

Great photos of the hotel, Tmac! How recent are they? While they made record profits, the place does not appear to be that busy.

[mirzazeehan]

Nice pics Tmac

[amar11372]

Begunbari Canal
Rajuk demolishes 75 illegal structures
Staff Correspondent

The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) yesterday demolished about 75 illegal structures including site offices of the yet-to-be-constructed Hilton Hotel in Begunbari canal on Tongi Diversion Road.

A Rajuk team led by Magistrate Emdadul Dastagir started tearing down the structures around 11:30am to implement the Hatirjheel-Begunbari Integrated Development Project.

A least 50 workers and a bulldozer took part in the drive that continued till 5:00pm.

About 10 structures at the construction site of Hilton Hotel, which lost its land allotment recently, were torn down, an official of Rajuk said.

"We have pulled down illegal structures constructed on Bangladesh Railway land in Begunbari canal as the Railway handed over today about 9.8 acres of land to Rajuk out of its 20 acres of land in Begunbari-Hatirjheel area," Dastagir said yesterday.

The Rajuk team bulldozed about 65 other concrete and semi-concrete structures including 55 shops constructed on the Bagunbari canal.

He said all illegal structures on Hatirjheel and Begunbari canal will be demolished gradually.

The drive was conducted without giving any prior notice to the residents of the area.

"We did not get any prior notice about the drive… that is why we had no time at all to move our goods," said Abul Hossain who has four shops there.

"It is our legal property and the drive left me emptied," he claimed.

Rajuk so far pulled down over 600 illegal structures in Hatirjheel-Begunbari area since March to implement the project.

On February 7, the government under the Tk 1,473.59 crore project started building a road along the canal.

The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Dhaka Wasa), Armed Forces Division alongside city development agencies are implementing the project.

The government and Japan Debt Cancellation Fund are jointly financing the project. The government has already allocated Tk 50 crore for the project in the current fiscal year, an official of Rajuk said.

Rajuk is to spend Tk 1,218.69 crore, LGED Tk 175 crore and Dhaka Wasa Tk 77.98 crore for their part in the project. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology will spend Tk 1.92 for conducting a survey there.

[snoq]

Here goes fate of Hilton hotel.......

http://www.amardeshbd.com/detail_news_index.php?NewsID=178926&NewsType=bistarito&SectionID=home

[dopekhor]

last i heard that their plot was relocated to nikunjo

[amar11372]

last i heard that their plot was relocated to nikunjo

Hope you are right bro. A Hilton in Dhaka would definitely be awesome.

[dopekhor]

Hope you are right bro. A Hilton in Dhaka would definitely be awesome.
yeap hilton, intercontinental and holiday inn..

i repeat again we need more 2-3 star hotels of international standards in dhaka, chitagoan and coxs bazar to entice tourists and the modern budget tourists

[dopekhor]

btw any one heard the news that easy brand would be expanding to south asia ??

[mirzazeehan]

last i heard that their plot was relocated to nikunjo

Did you hear that from a reliable source?I really hope they relocate to Nikunjo..their towers would be great additions to the Nikunjo skyline

[dopekhor]

Did you hear that from a reliable source?I really hope they relocate to Nikunjo..their towers would be great additions to the Nikunjo skyline
well no news is trust worth in bd unless it comes sealed and signed

i heard from a friend who read it in the daily prothom alo

[sas]

well no news is trust worth in bd unless it comes sealed and signed

i heard from a friend who read it in the daily prothom alo

Well even the earlier Hilton deal was 'sealed and signed' dope! And did anything come out of it? Pissing off these global brands is never a great idea - I just hope things re-locate to Nikunjo, also partially because the hotel would probably have been more profitable in that location since there are two other luxury hotels close to Maghbazar + La Vinci.

[dopekhor]

Well even the earlier Hilton deal was 'sealed and signed' dope! And did anything come out of it? Pissing off these global brands is never a great idea - I just hope things re-locate to Nikunjo, also partially because the hotel would probably have been more profitable in that location since there are two other luxury hotels close to Maghbazar + La Vinci.
well these international brands shouldnt have gotten themselves involved into something like this, just doesnt make up for the ethics they promote

[dopekhor]

Well even the earlier Hilton deal was 'sealed and signed' dope! And did anything come out of it? Pissing off these global brands is never a great idea - I just hope things re-locate to Nikunjo, also partially because the hotel would probably have been more profitable in that location since there are two other luxury hotels close to Maghbazar + La Vinci.
la vinci is not a luxary hotel, its a 3 star hotel

[dopekhor]

btw la vinci is not a luxary hotel its a 3 star hotel

[TIslam]

^^
I think it is a non-issue. International hotel chains, which are nothing more than (hospitality) management companies, shall come forward regardless of past problems, if there's business to be had.

[sas]

la vinci is not a luxary hotel, its a 3 star hotel

Yes Dopekhor - I said two luxury hotels (i.e. Sonargaon and Sheraton) + La Vinci...

[sas]

Yes Dopekhor - I said two luxury hotels (i.e. Sonargaon and Sheraton) + La Vinci...

[dopekhor]

Yes Dopekhor - I said two luxury hotels (i.e. Sonargaon and Sheraton) + La Vinci...
my bad!

[dopekhor]

^^
I think it is a non-issue. International hotel chains, which are nothing more than (hospitality) management companies, shall come forward regardless of past problems, if there's business to be had.
word! i just hope hilton abandons its ties with millennium and buys a property

[amar11372]

Dhaka Regency, Siam Entertainment sign deal to set up largest spa in city

FE Report

Dhaka Regency, the city's latest luxury hotel, and Siam Entertainment Company Limited signed an agreement recently to set up the largest spa in the city built on over 6,500 square feet of space.

Dhaka Regency Managing Director (MD) Arif Motahar and Siam Entertainment Company Limited MD Somyoth Chaopaknam signed the agreement in the city on behalf of their respective organisations.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Thai Ambassador in Bangladesh Chalermpol Thanchitt, minister-councillor of Thai Trade Centre and president of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and others.

The hotel has been in soft operation for the last one year and is gradually completing all works towards its grand opening, which is expected to occur in September.

In a bid to continuously improve and add to its product package, the hotel is venturing to provide its clients means of indulging in stress and relaxation therapy in a serene environment with a combination of various categories of spa treatments that would relieve not only the body but also the mind.

The hotel promises that its spa outlet will contain all the amenities of true Thai traditions such as aroma therapy, hydrotherapy in the form of wave spray Jacuzzi, herbal sauna, hot compress and mineral baths but with the hygienic quality of Europe.

Moreover, a wide range of body and facial treatments with high quality Thai ingredient products enriched with enzymes and proteins will be available to relax and tone the skin for sustained youth and beauty.

[dopekhor]

is it me or amars post is invisible

[manbil777]

I can see it fine...

[dopekhor]

I can see it fine...
i can now too i guess my firefox was messed up :\

[tanzirian]

Didn't know that there were spas in Dhaka...where are the other ones?

[tanzirian]

The site is behaving funny again...can't see a couple of my posts. This place needs a good debugging

[dopekhor]

The site is behaving funny again...can't see a couple of my posts. This place needs a good debugging
well the db is overloaded i presume..

[manbil777]

SQL or MySQL whatever they're using is partially hosed...

[meghnarmajhi]

They are using PHP scripts with MySQL database. Generally the combination is pretty stable. I think the Server Error 500 is due to the bandwidth limitation. Rememeber this is a very busy site.

[manbil777]

I'm predicting a limit on the size of the images or auto-resize Majhi Bhai. Picture-loading is a major bandwidth killer.

Plus playing Youtube videos through linked objects may have affected the bandwidth some.

In any case its business-as-usual unless we hear otherwise.

The site was completely down the whole morning today.

[TIslam]

Didn't know that there were spas in Dhaka...where are the other ones?

Oh yes, very much so. While I do not know how many or any of their names, I've seen pictures of one recently opened spa (sometime last year) in Gulshan, owned by a "high society" woman. The pictures were in a new society magazine, the name of which eludes me at this time. Very glitzy, on high gloss paper and lots of color pictures. My sister (and her family) brought back a copy last December when they visited Dhaka.

[manbil777]

I've seen the magazine too Towhid Bhai -- full of ads for womens boutiques and services.

There was a place in Gulshan I took my wife to get her hair done once (NILO's) -- I won't say how much I paid (a LOT!) but I think the ladies see it as 'keeping up with the Jones's' and money is irrelevant.

Dhaka is full of these kinda places now...the 'yuppie glamour' factor has hit hard.

[TIslam]

I'm predicting a limit on the size of the images or auto-resize Majhi Bhai. Picture-loading is a major bandwidth killer.

Plus playing Youtube videos through linked objects may have affected the bandwidth some.

In any case its business-as-usual unless we hear otherwise.

The site was completely down the whole morning today.

Bandwidth is rather affordable these days. If SSC operates on a shoestring budget, it's a different story altogether. :)

[TIslam]

I've seen the magazine too Towhid Bhai -- full of ads for womens boutiques and services.

Yup that's the one. Know the name?

Dhaka is full of these kinda places now...the 'yuppie glamour' factor has hit hard.

While I wonder where all these 'yuppie glamour' is going to lead Bangladesh to, at least such things are providing much needed employment to many who otherwise would be hard pressed to earn a decent living.

[dopekhor]

Yup that's the one. Know the name?



While I wonder where all these 'yuppie glamour' is going to lead Bangladesh to, at least such things are providing much needed employment to many who otherwise would be hard pressed to earn a decent living.
lol dont expect on bengalis to pay high :P

[dopekhor]

Yup that's the one. Know the name?



While I wonder where all these 'yuppie glamour' is going to lead Bangladesh to, at least such things are providing much needed employment to many who otherwise would be hard pressed to earn a decent living.
lol dont expect on bengalis to pay high :P

[manbil777]

Yup that's the one. Know the name?

This (http://mirrorfashionmagazine.com/message.html) may be it. I'm not sure right now -- I'll try to get back with you on that. Fashion isn't exactly my cup of tea :)

[TIslam]

This (http://mirrorfashionmagazine.com/message.html) may be it. I'm not sure right now -- I'll try to get back with you on that. Fashion isn't exactly my cup of tea :)

It could be. I can verify come July 4 weekend as I'm supposed to visit my sister's and provided it hasn't been recycled yet.

Hey, I'm no fashion connoisseur either.

[nayeem007]

Regency Hotel, Dhaka

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/nayeem007/DSC00719.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/nayeem007/DSC00718.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

Radisson Water Garden

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2008/09/09/08/28/976884_1024x768.JPG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2008/09/10/02/27/978554_1024x768.JPG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2008/09/09/08/27/976879_1024x768.JPG

[sas]

Radisson Water Garden

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2008/09/09/08/28/976884_1024x768.JPG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2008/09/10/02/27/978554_1024x768.JPG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2008/09/09/08/27/976879_1024x768.JPG

Top pics as usual mirza. Taken off your mobile?

[amar11372]

^^ Great pics Mirza.

[tislam84]

^^ Very nice pictures of the Radisson Mirza.

I was wondering, what happened to the construction of Holiday Inn/InterContinental Hotel near ZIA? Has that project been permanently stalled?

[mirzazeehan]

Thanks everybody

Top pics as usual mirza. Taken off your mobile?

Yep..you guessed it

[mirzazeehan]

^^ Very nice pictures of the Radisson Mirza.

I was wondering, what happened to the construction of Holiday Inn/InterContinental Hotel near ZIA? Has that project been permanently stalled?

From what I know,its been stalled but not permanently.Apparently,the original investors,"Ipco",subsidiary of Bengal Group, can no longer complete the project due to unknown reasons,and the project will probably stay stalled until some other company invests in it.Given the amount of money already invested in the project,and the lucrative location it sits on,I think its very likely that we will see someone investing in it sooner or later.

[sas]

From what I know,its been stalled but not permanently.Apparently,the original investors,"Ipco",subsidiary of Bengal Group, can no longer complete the project due to unknown reasons,and the project will probably stay stalled until some other company invests in it.Given the amount of money already invested in the project,and the lucrative location it sits on,I think its very likely that we will see someone investing in it sooner or later.

Sad to see these projects in such a messy state. Hilton and Doreen seem to have suffered a similar fate.

[tanzirian]

Sad to see these projects in such a messy state. Hilton and Doreen seem to have suffered a similar fate.

City Center too. I think Jamuna Future Park is the only project which seems to have gone on at reasonable pace these past two years. I am hopeful that these unfinished eyesores start back up in 2009. If they are still in this state a year from now, I'll be depressed. I'd rather tear them down and build something else in their places, rather than leave them as hollow and unfinished concrete shells.

[tislam84]

^^ I agree. I really think the Intercontinental/Holiday Inn should be given priority by CAAB (I think they own that land and building) and completed as soon as possible. An eyesore in front of an international airport is not a good thing.....

[clearsky]

^^ Owners of Westing or Radisson should purchase the Intercontinental/Holiday Inn and finish the project. As far as I know, these two hotels are doing well and they should expand their business. Dhaka can easily accommodate few more 5/4 star hotels.

I stayed in few Holiday Inns in the states and was quite pleased with the quality. It would compete with Westin/Radisson/Sheraton quite well.

As for Doreen, personally I didn't have high hopes for it. In order to be successful they needed to affiliate themselves with renowned hotel chains. After all, if you want foreign customers, you need a brand that foreigners can recognize as reliable.

[dopekhor]

^^ Owners of Westing or Radisson should purchase the Intercontinental/Holiday Inn and finish the project. As far as I know, these two hotels are doing well and they should expand their business. Dhaka can easily accommodate few more 5/4 star hotels.

I stayed in few Holiday Inns in the states and was quite pleased with the quality. It would compete with Westin/Radisson/Sheraton quite well.

As for Doreen, personally I didn't have high hopes for it. In order to be successful they needed to affiliate themselves with renowned hotel chains. After all, if you want foreign customers, you need a brand that foreigners can recognize as reliable.
i guess the projects wont continue at all, the civil aviation authority owns them they should give one to biman.

[clearsky]

i guess the projects wont continue at all, the civil aviation authority owns them they should give one to biman.

If they give it to Biman then that would mean that the hotel's star ratings would have to be downgraded to zero. :lol:

[tislam84]

^^ Good one clearsky! I heard that Biman is planning to build a hotel at Farmgate, Lord knows what kind of service that hotel will have!!

[Dhakaiya]

If they give it to Biman then that would mean that the hotel's star ratings would have to be downgraded to zero.

Do they have negative rating for hotels? Zero is an overestimation!

[sas]

Yes heard about that hotel project! What are these people think... like seriously? They have enough problems of their own (apart from making decent revenues and putting an end to taking bribes). To think they own something like a poultry farm of some sorts on Kazi Islam Avenue!

[TIslam]

Yes heard about that hotel project! What are these people think... like seriously? They have enough problems of their own (apart from making decent revenues and putting an end to taking bribes). To think they own something like a poultry farm of some sorts on Kazi Islam Avenue!

The poultry (& dairy?) farm apparently is (was) an asset that never lost money. I doubt Biman has the funds to build a hotel. They would probably farm it out and merely put their label on it. At least that is the way they ought to proceed if they are hell bent on getting into hospitality business.

[sas]

The poultry (& dairy?) farm apparently is (was) an asset that never lost money. I doubt Biman has the funds to build a hotel. They would probably farm it out and merely put their label on it. At least that is the way they ought to proceed if they are hell bent on getting into hospitality business.

Well if they have been involved in poultry business, regardless whether profitable or not, it clearly gives you an indication of why the company in the broader sense is struggling both with respect to reputation as well as financially. You need to set your priorities right. Then buy up Kazi Farms or something, why do you brand yourself as an airliner?

[tanzirian]

Well if they have been involved in poultry business, regardless whether profitable or not, it clearly gives you an indication of why the company in the broader sense is struggling both with respect to reputation as well as financially. You need to set your priorities right. Then buy up Kazi Farms or something, why do you brand yourself as an airliner?

Well, some chickens can almost fly...Biman can almost fly...I see similarities.

[sas]

Well, some chickens can almost fly...Biman can almost fly...I see similarities.

Lol you're hilarious tan!

[dopekhor]

If they give it to Biman then that would mean that the hotel's star ratings would have to be downgraded to zero. :lol:
just the ownership not management dawg!



that would be more scary then the political feuds

[Silv3r]

so whats new name for the sheraton hotel ... since the contact coming to an end at the ed of this year!

[tislam84]

Sheltech opens Tk 25cr hotel in Jan
Refayet Ullah Mirdha


Sheltech, one of the real estate leaders in Bangladesh, is set to inaugurate a Tk 25 crore hotel in Dhaka, as the company now eyes the hospitality sector and targets foreigners.

“The Platinum Suite will be a state-of-the-art hotel and we mainly aim to attract foreign guests, buyers, consultants and delegates,” Sheltech Managing Director Toufiq M Seraj told The Daily Star.

He said the number of foreign guests visiting our country is ever increasing on the rise in the volume of international trade and the number of meetings and seminars organised by local and international office and NGOs.

"Existing hotels in Dhaka can hardly accommodate the number of foreign visitors and officials, especially the long-term foreign travellers. This is why Sheltech is going to enter a new avenue of business, the hospitality and tourism management sector," Seraj said.

The six-floor Platinum Suite with 24 rooms will be opened in Banani in January.

Four entrepreneurs--former adviser to the caretaker government Tapan Chowdhury, his brother Samuel Chowdhury, former BGMEA president Kutubuddin Ahmed and Taufiq M Seraj-- started Sheltech in 1988.

Seraj said recently two managing partners left the ownership of the company.

"Tapan Chowdhury and Samuel Chowdhury sold a third of the shares of Sheltech to the other two partners in April this year,” Seraj said.

Without revealing the amount of the deal, he said the founding partners of Sheltech have sold their shares as they already have a very big family business, one of the local industrial conglomerates 'Square Group'.

He said Sheltech has already bought four bighas of land at Mirpur Mazar Road to build 'Sheltech Bithika', a structure consisting of 250 apartments having all amenities, mainly for middle class people.

"Our target is the customers who plan to buy an apartment availing of the loans offered from the Bangladesh Bank Housing Scheme," he said.

Source: The Daily Star: http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=63824

[sas]

Well Sheltech was supposed to have built a full-fledge five-star hotel in the Panthapath area a while back. Then they changed there plans and built Square Hospitals at the site.

From the look of things this will be a small boutique hotel in Banani. Curious as to what the exact location is. Should definitely be in or around Kemal Ataturk Avenue or Road 11.

[sas]

Some kind of construction work has started on the plot (owned by United Group), opposite Pizza Hut and next to United House (which has the offices for IFC-BICF, DFID and United Group headquarters) on Gulshan Avenue. The place had a sign called Dreamland Resorts. I clearly remember having a discussion with Mirza about this a few months ago. Any idea anyone as to what this might be?

[mirzazeehan]

Some kind of construction work has started on the plot (owned by United Group), opposite Pizza Hut and next to United House (which has the offices for IFC-BICF, DFID and United Group headquarters) on Gulshan Avenue. The place had a sign called Dreamland Resorts. I clearly remember having a discussion with Mirza about this a few months ago. Any idea anyone as to what this might be?

Today there was a big board at the construction site with a big "?" ,yes,with a big "Question Mark".I guess the company behind it wants to keep us guessing

[sas]

Today there was a big board at the construction site with a big "?" ,yes,with a big "Question Mark".I guess the company behind it wants to keep us guessing

Yup I saw the big question mark as well. Is it going to be a hotel though?

[mirzazeehan]

Yup I saw the big question mark as well. Is it going to be a hotel though?

I am not sure bro..but given they had earlier put up sign there saying "Dreamland Hotel and Resort",I would say its likely to be a hotel.It will be nice to have in Gulshan Avenue a 3 star hotel thats managed by some international hotel chain

[dopekhor]

I am not sure bro..but given they had earlier put up sign there saying "Dreamland Hotel and Resort",I would say its likely to be a hotel.It will be nice to have in Gulshan Avenue a 3 star hotel thats managed by some international hotel chain
another hotel three star or five star in that area will not be very profitable, we dont have that many people visiting hotels, some people i know did a feasibility report the results werent great, i mean you'd have to wait atleast 7-8 years to recover your investment and anything that takes more then 3-4 years to recover your investment requires a huge political link and if you are known to be inclined to one party you are screwed!

[sas]

another hotel three star or five star in that area will not be very profitable, we dont have that many people visiting hotels, some people i know did a feasibility report the results werent great, i mean you'd have to wait atleast 7-8 years to recover your investment and anything that takes more then 3-4 years to recover your investment requires a huge political link and if you are known to be inclined to one party you are screwed!

Agree with dopey. From what I've heard, Radisson is by far the most profitable hotel in the country. It has the added advantage of being within close proximity to the airport and hence, gets a majority of passengers from transit/delayed flights. We can definitely have some more hotels, particularly in the Gulshan area, but we need to develop our tourism before that. It is a shame that more than 99% of foreigners in the country still come here for business-related purposes.

[TIslam]

Govt refuses to renovate the oldest 5-star hotel; ranking may go down
Sayeda Akter

Reluctant to renovate the country's first five-star hotel, Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL) is pushing Dhaka Sheraton into a franchise arrangement away from the existing management contract system, which is likely to downgrade the hotel's status to a three-star one.

Now instead of having a world-class company like Sheraton to run the business, the hotel may be operated by a local entrepreneur under a franchise from a second-grade international hotel operator.

Situated in a prime location, close to the downtown business district and the Prime Minister's Office, Sheraton last year earned revenues of around $13 million, up from $11.27 million in 2007.

The hotel made an operating profit of around $4.79 million in 2008, a 10 percent rise from a year earlier, amid intense competition from its new rivals in the hospitality sector.

Despite such profitability, Sheraton is now leaving the hotel management because of BSL's refusal to renovate the hotel.

Since last June, at least seven international hotel chains including InterContinental, Hilton, Carlson, Marriott and Wyndham expressed interest to take over the hotel management following Sheraton's exit.

But all of them except Wyndham demanded immediate renovation of the hotel by the government, saying the hotel building and its other setups are too old.

Wyndham is likely to strike the franchise deal under the name of Ramada Plaza in mid-February, said a BSL official, asking not to be named. Ramada is a three-star hotel chain owned by US-based Wyndham Worldwide.

Industry insiders said the main reason behind going for franchise is the government's reluctance to renovate the hotel, which means failure to appoint an international hotel chain to operate it.

But the government denied the need to renovate the hotel saying the proposal is 'unacceptable'.

“The condition of the hotel is not as bad as being told by some international chains. We are even making profit with its present condition,” said Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Syed Mohammad Zubair.

“The decision over the necessity to refurbish it would be determined by the government's own observation, not by any company's unacceptable demand,” he added.

The official said the renovation will cost around $20 million and the government does not have enough money to bear the cost, while the hotel can make profit with its present condition.

At the same time, the government has refused to even renovate the hotel in the next 15 years, as interested chains proposed to keep the hotel closed for a year for renovation.

According to Zubair, renovations will leave 600 Sheraton employees jobless during the period.

According to the job contract, the employees are part of BSL, which will have to take responsibility for all employees. In 1983, when InterContinental left, BSL paid salaries and other facilities to all the staff for five months until Sheraton started its operation in 1984.

Finally, early this month BSL ran an advertisement seeking a franchise company, which was supposed to submit a technical proposal and a financial offer. Four companies turned in proposals by January 31.

“We have failed to find a company to operate the hotel, which forced us to look for an alternative option, such as appointing a company to manage the hotel under a franchise arrangement,” said Zubair, also chairman of the state-owned hotel's Board of Directors.

Franchise, an authorisation to sell a company's goods or services in a particular place, is a new idea in the country's hospitality sector.

In line with the system, the government will appoint a franchisee, which will have a deal with an international chain and will be authorised to use the brand name in managing the hotel.

The decision to appoint a franchisee for managing the venture is instilling fear into industry people. They feel the hotel may fail to keep up its reputation or remain profitable, as a franchise arrangement is still an unfamiliar idea in the sector.

Meanwhile, several BSL officials hinted that the government has reached an understanding with Ramada over operating the hotel.

They also said the government has almost selected a company, American Property Management International (APMI), to get the franchise contract.

A BSL official requesting anonymity said a group of BSL staff is working in favour of Ramada, which lacks experience to manage any five-star hotel.

“Ramada desperately wants to operate the hotel and manage it through a franchisee, even after knowing that BSL is not ready to renovate the hotel,” he said.

Earlier, among the other international chains, only Ramada Plaza agreed to run the hotel while renovating it.

This same BSL group is pushing the government to undermine the necessity to go for renovation, making the government reluctant over the issue and finally paving the way for hiring a franchise company, the official said.

The group is now working for APMI, an inexperienced franchise company to manage any five-star hotel, and so APMI is likely to win the contract to use the name of Ramada and manage the hotel, said the BSL official.

However, Zubair denied the accusation and said: “This is the government's duty and responsibility to finalise any decision about appointing any company.”

“Let the government do its job,” he added.

WHAT SHERATON SAYS

Trevor MacDonald, general manager of Dhaka Sheraton, said the hotel can gain much revenue if it goes into renovation, including modernisation of rooms, kitchen, conference rooms, bathrooms, lobby and bar.

“It's urgent to renovate the hotel to attract more corporate business, now being captured by the Westin and Radisson,” he said, pointing to the fact that Sheraton has already been losing corporate business for the last two years.

“The government should have a long term plan for the hotel. The hotel may seem profitable now, but after 10-15 years the profit won't be the same with the present condition of the hotel,” he added.

“The nature of hospitality business has already started changing and it will completely change in the next 5-7 years. Then the hotel won't be able to generate such a growing revenue and make profit without refurbishment,” added the Sheraton GM.

He also said the government should have an 'opportunity cost analysis' which is an integral part of any company's decision-making process.

The quest for hiring an international hotel chain started in May 2008, after Starwood, the parent company of Sheraton, sent a letter to BSL saying that it will renew the contract if the government immediately goes for renovation.

Starwood's 25-year-deal with BSL expired on December 31, 2008 and the company later extended its contract with the government up to March 31.

sayeda@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=74463

[tislam84]

^^ This news just shows the stupidity and the shortsightness of the bureaucrats! Just because a hotel is earning profits does not mean that it should not be renovated! You have to look at the long term profitability and then invest accordingly. That is why the public sector should be as far away as possible when it comes to running manufacturing and service related companies.

And now, instead of Sheraton, we will have Ramada (seriously!) as the hotel where foreign dignitaries will be staying when visiting Bangladesh!

[manbil777]

^^ And now, instead of Sheraton, we will have Ramada (seriously!) as the hotel where foreign dignitaries will be staying when visiting Bangladesh!

Ramada is (for the uninitiated) a very middle grade hotel. In fact they're IMHO only a couple of notches above Motel 6 (which should be called roach motel).

This is the new landmark in our city??

[TIslam]

^^
I'm sure you folks probably have an idea as to why that hotel is going downhill? Most people from the ministry down, probably do not stand to make much money, if any, if it is simply contracted out for management through a bid. If you read carefully, that is is going to be a "local" franchise that has partnered with an international hospitality chain. Which means the local guys are free to offer any/every kind of inducements and a kickback arrangement.

[sas]

I feel they should simply privatize BSL into a firm with some sort of a long term vision. It's sad to see such a nice property go down like this. The Sheraton dates way back. I guess the future lies with Radisson, Westin and whatever new hotels are built northwards.

Radisson profit up
Sayeda Akter

Radisson Water Garden Hotel posted an 8.92 percent rise in gross operating profit to $7.33 million year-on-year in 2008, driven by a high occupancy rate.

The jump in profits, a record for a five-star hotel in Bangladesh, came despite intense competition in the sector, with two new rivals, the Westin and Regency, arriving on the scene.

Radisson earned $14.71 million in revenue in 2008, a 10 percent rise from a year ago, the hotel said in a statement yesterday.

The hotel gained a 40 percent share of the total market of five-star hotels in the capital and achieved an occupancy rate of more than 80 percent in 2008.

Industry insiders say part of the reason that drives revenues for the hotel is its location in the north of the city, exploiting better access to Zia International Airport and the garment belt in Ashulia-Savar.

Radisson's main competitors in Dhaka are Sonargaon and Sheraton hotels, located at the heart of the city, and the Westin in Gulshan.

Total foreign currency revenue earned in 2008 was $9.95 million (cash and credit cards).

Radisson was inaugurated in February 2006 with partial operation. The hotel went into full operation in 2007.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=74584

[manbil777]

The Sheraton dates way back. I guess the future lies with Radisson, Westin and whatever new hotels are built northwards...

I hate to give away my age like this but I was around when the Intercontinental was the only game in town. Used to see the PIA and BOAC B707's and Constellations fly overhead on top of the Intercon before landing at Tejgaon. Way before Sonargaon was built -- and yes there was Purbani in a distant second spot...I'm sure Majhi Bhai remembers :)

[tanzirian]

I guess the future lies with Radisson, Westin and whatever new hotels are built northwards.

It is a shame, though, that in a city this size, we cannot have a single world class facility in the southern 3/4 of the metro. Now when I visit BD it is usually coordinated with my parents and I stay with one of my dad's siblings. But in decades to come that may not be an option and at any rate sometimes a hotel might be preferable, but now there is no good place anywhere nearby to where I would like to be.

[sas]

It is a shame, though, that in a city this size, we cannot have a single world class facility in the southern 3/4 of the metro. Now when I visit BD it is usually coordinated with my parents and I stay with one of my dad's siblings. But in decades to come that may not be an option and at any rate sometimes a hotel might be preferable, but now there is no good place anywhere nearby to where I would like to be.

And the sad part is there aren't any hotel projects (to look forward to) that are in progress at this point in time.

[TIslam]

And the sad part is there aren't any hotel projects (to look forward to) that are in progress at this point in time.

Perhaps the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn near the airport will be revived? Didn't I read somewhere that the Sheltec folks are coming up with a hotel project?

[tanzirian]

Perhaps the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn near the airport will be revived? Didn't I read somewhere that the Sheltec folks are coming up with a hotel project?

Still, nothing south of Gulshan besides a Pan Pacific in renovation limbo and a Sheraton now becoming a second-rate Ramada.

[manbil777]

Still, nothing south of Gulshan besides a Pan Pacific in renovation limbo and a Sheraton now becoming a second-rate Ramada.

How 'bout Rajmoni Isha Khan? Naah :)

Perish the thought...

[tislam84]

I remember back in the mid-1990s Beximco wanted to build a Hyatt Hotel on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue right opposite to Sheraton Hotel. However, they gave the land to Bangabandhu Medical University and the project never materialized.

Someone should remind Salman F Rahman to undertake the project again somewhere in Dhaka! I know he is a big AL fan, so he should not have any trouble getting the required permission and all.

[tanzirian]

I remember back in the mid-1990s Beximco wanted to build a Hyatt Hotel on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue right opposite to Sheraton Hotel. However, they gave the land to Bangabandhu Medical University and the project never materialized.

Someone should remind Salman F Rahman to undertake the project again somewhere in Dhaka! I know he is a big AL fan, so he should not have any trouble getting the required permission and all.

Do you guys remember, in the 1980s, for the same plot of land, they had a 27-storey Rajanigandha Holiday Inn proposed? They had a billboard with the render out front. It was supposed to Dhaka's most luxurious hotel at the time and would also have been the city's tallest building (Bangladesh Bank hadn't been built yet). In the end I heard it was some sort of hoax. Does anyone know who owns the land? GOB? I don't think Mirza was around back then (:D)...otherwise I am sure he would have taken a photo of that billboard.

[TIslam]

^^
Who does Purbani belong to? If it is in private hands, I think they should redevelop the hotel.

I think Holiday Inn Express style hotels would do well in the Motijheel, Purana Paltan area.

[manbil777]

^^
Who does Purbani belong to? If it is in private hands, I think they should redevelop the hotel.

I think Holiday Inn Express style hotels would do well in the Motijheel, Purana Paltan area.

Purbani should be demolished and rebuilt. The way they do it in busy spots in most western downtowns is section off one half, keep business going on and build the new building in halves (switching later).

There should ideally be a mid-grade hotel in Motijheel for business people. The lustre of the old Purbani is long-gone and they need to build a new Purbani on the same spot.

[tanzirian]

^^ The bigger problem is decision to transfer the financial center to Nikunja, it removes a big part of Motijheel's raison d'etre, other than being a concentration of govt offices. The latter do not stimulate the need for hotel rooms. This area of the city is being allowed to stagnate, just like the Old Town...it seems to be the trend in Dhaka to keep pushing ever further north, without revitalising the older secitons of town.

[sas]

^^ The bigger problem is decision to transfer the financial center to Nikunja, it removes a big part of Motijheel's raison d'etre, other than being a concentration of govt offices. The latter do not stimulate the need for hotel rooms. This area of the city is being allowed to stagnate, just like the Old Town...it seems to be the trend in Dhaka to keep pushing ever further north, without revitalising the older secitons of town.

Brother how much of the financial center is really being moved to Nikunjo apart from the DSE building? Citigroud, Standard Chartered, City Bank, UCBL are all moving their offices to Gulshan. So it seems that these companies will have their headquarters in different places, rather than one financial district.

[sas]

I remember back in the mid-1990s Beximco wanted to build a Hyatt Hotel on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue right opposite to Sheraton Hotel. However, they gave the land to Bangabandhu Medical University and the project never materialized.

Someone should remind Salman F Rahman to undertake the project again somewhere in Dhaka! I know he is a big AL fan, so he should not have any trouble getting the required permission and all.

Well I remember that plot - it was roughly opposite Sheraton and next to Sakura. But that land is interestingly still unoccupied. It is currently not being deployed for anything. To think land is by far our scarcest resource and it's going completely to waste there.

[sas]

^^
Who does Purbani belong to? If it is in private hands, I think they should redevelop the hotel.

I think Holiday Inn Express style hotels would do well in the Motijheel, Purana Paltan area.

It is in the hands of the government and in absolute shambles to be honest. There were talks of specific units of Parjatan being handed over to the private sector. So why not all these state-run hotels? Purbani is absolutely rotting to the best of my knowledge. I can't even think of people who'd go there for a meal, unlike plenty of local people who go for meals at Westin, Radisson, Sonargaon, Sheraton and even Sarina. See the location is not particularly convenient for most people, the management is poor and the hotel needs renovation. These three are enough reasons for it to not do well.

[sas]

Perhaps the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn near the airport will be revived? Didn't I read somewhere that the Sheltec folks are coming up with a hotel project?

Sheltech is building a small boutique hotel with a handful of rooms in Banani. While it should definitely be something to look forward to, it's not of the same size of a full fledged luxury property.

As for the IC and Holiday Inn project, I have seen it in the limbo for almost forever and I can't see any light there. Quite sad though, because we were all hoping for a lot from that.

[tanzirian]

Brother how much of the financial center is really being moved to Nikunjo apart from the DSE building? Citigroud, Standard Chartered, City Bank, UCBL are all moving their offices to Gulshan. So it seems that these companies will have their headquarters in different places, rather than one financial district.

In the past all the banks were headquartered around Motijheel. If one wants to revatalise the area...and again make it the chief financial district...then having the Stock Exchange there would give the banks an incentive to remain the vicinity, or to come back there, whatever the case may be. Nikunja and Gulshan are in close proximity, so I would not really agree that the banks and stock exchange are now going to be in separate places. They only seem far in the sense that our traffic is atrocious...as the bird flies they are practically adjacent. And of course the main reason Nikunja is being created is so that institutions like the stock exchange migrate toward the current centers of wealth, rather than the other way around, which is what I would prefer.

[tanzirian]

As for the IC and Holiday Inn project, I have seen it in the limbo for almost forever and I can't see any light there. Quite sad though, because we were all hoping for a lot from that.

I don't expect any movement on these until the global economy starts to recover. Long term I think these have greater prospect some of the other stalled projects...simply because a proper airport hotel is no-brainer profit maker.

[dopekhor]

i just hope the sheraton doesnt turn into a ramada motel fuck!

may be the goverment loves its new hotel baby i.e the raddison hence doesnt want to improve the sheraton

[TIslam]

i just hope the sheraton doesnt turn into a ramada motel fuck!

may be the goverment loves its new hotel baby i.e the raddison hence doesnt want to improve the sheraton

I don't think the government has that much direct say so (input/control) over Raddison since it is a joint venture of Sena Kalyan, as opposed to BSL. For these folks, it's all about wheeling and dealing.

We all hope that better judgment shall prevail in regards to Sheraton, in the end.

[sas]

I don't think the government has that much direct say so (input/control) over Raddison since it is a joint venture of Sena Kalyan, as opposed to BSL. For these folks, it's all about wheeling and dealing.

We all hope that better judgment shall prevail in regards to Sheraton, in the end.

The Sena Kalyan Welfare Trust is owned and managed by the Army, who are doing a wonderful job with respect to managing Radisson as a property, than say Sheraton and Sonargaon. So it isn't much of a comparison.

I too am personally quite disappointed with this Wyndham/Ramada two-star service. We really needed better properties in town.

[dopekhor]

I don't think the government has that much direct say so (input/control) over Raddison since it is a joint venture of Sena Kalyan, as opposed to BSL. For these folks, it's all about wheeling and dealing.

We all hope that better judgment shall prevail in regards to Sheraton, in the end.
the govt owns it indirectly, because the sena kalyan sanghsta can not own that land and i am sure they have lobbyists in pm office

[dopekhor]

The Sena Kalyan Welfare Trust is owned and managed by the Army, who are doing a wonderful job with respect to managing Radisson as a property, than say Sheraton and Sonargaon. So it isn't much of a comparison.

I too am personally quite disappointed with this Wyndham/Ramada two-star service. We really needed better properties in town.
in my personal opinion dhaka needs more three star hotels of international repute.

[mirzazeehan]

I don't think the government has that much direct say so (input/control) over Raddison since it is a joint venture of Sena Kalyan, as opposed to BSL. For these folks, it's all about wheeling and dealing.

We all hope that better judgment shall prevail in regards to Sheraton, in the end.

Now thats the downside of corruption...I suspect BSL is reluctant to renovate the Sheraton hotel as those behind the new private five star properties might have influenced them.

[TIslam]

Now thats the downside of corruption...I suspect BSL is reluctant to renovate the Sheraton hotel as those behind the new private five star properties might have influenced them.

You mean the folks behind Raddison? That is entirely possible. If that is the case, what fate awaits Sonargoan when Pan Pacific's contract/lease is up? Will become the Red Roof Inn in Dhaka?

Furthermore, as I questioned earlier, if Purbani is government owned, how come no government since Zia's never put forth any recommendation to refurbish/upgrade the hotel? If it has turned into a dump with very low occupancy, then it is just wasting the real estate it sits on.

[sas]

You mean the folks behind Raddison? That is entirely possible. If that is the case, what fate awaits Sonargoan when Pan Pacific's contract/lease is up? Will become the Red Roof Inn in Dhaka?

Furthermore, as I questioned earlier, if Purbani is government owned, how come no government since Zia's never put forth any recommendation to refurbish/upgrade the hotel? If it has turned into a dump with very low occupancy, then it is just wasting the real estate it sits on.

To answer your question, it is simply because despite being owned by the government, both Sonargaon and Sheraton are managed by foreign brands, i.e. (Sheraton-Starwood and Sonargaon-Pan Pacific) and they must adhere to certain global standards. And that is exactly why Starwood hasn't renewed its contract with BSL as it feels that Sheraton isn't quite up to the mark.

[tislam84]

Is there any bar for the private sector to go for joint venture with foreign hotel chains? There are quite a few successful guest-houses and small-scale hotels operating in Dhaka. I don't understand why they don't tie up with a local conglomerate and then go for a joint venture with Marriott, Intercontinental, or even Taj or Oberoi?

[mirzazeehan]

You mean the folks behind Raddison? That is entirely possible. If that is the case, what fate awaits Sonargoan when Pan Pacific's contract/lease is up? Will become the Red Roof Inn in Dhaka?


Dont forget the Westin and Regency guys..the private sector,lol.The good thing is,even if it does become the Red roof Inn,then I am sure some other hotel like Four Seaons or Hyatt will pop up to replace it.I am still not ready to give up on Holiday Inn and Intercontinental Hotel project in the airport area,cause too huge an amount has already been invested so say goodbye to the project.

[Saif Kamal]

Hi The Holiday Inn near the Airport is not kicking in! the Chain has problems with the investor However there is one comign up at a new location.

[TIslam]

Hi The Holiday Inn near the Airport is not kicking in! the Chain has problems with the investor However there is one comign up at a new location.

Welcome to the forum.

Could you please provide us a little more details (where, when, who)? Thanks.

[Saif Kamal]

Welcome to the forum.

Could you please provide us a little more details (where, when, who)? Thanks.
well. its under process now.. and its confidential
I am in touch with all the chains.. so i know the developments. I am a global Head hunter.. so my work is related to all emerging economies. jsut a little intro of myself as m nu here..

I work for one of the global leaders in executive search, Heidrick and Struggles; my company specializes in placing maximum board of directors and CEOs in fortune 500. I work for the industry and Market intelligence for ASEAN and Emerging Markets across all industries.
I am a Bangladeshi by birth though living at different places since last 17 years. MY parents are back in Bangladesh and I am building a Hotel ( of an international Chain) for them. So I for that reason I am closely in touch with chains, the hotel finances, Analysts, etc.

Thats is the source. However the Holiday Inn by the Airport is up for Sale, so anyone can contact the IHG group's regional headquarter in Delhi.

[amar11372]

well. its under process now.. and its confidential
I am in touch with all the chains.. so i know the developments. I am a global Head hunter.. so my work is related to all emerging economies. jsut a little intro of myself as m nu here..

I work for one of the global leaders in executive search, Heidrick and Struggles; my company specializes in placing maximum board of directors and CEOs in fortune 500. I work for the industry and Market intelligence for ASEAN and Emerging Markets across all industries.
I am a Bangladeshi by birth though living at different places since last 17 years. MY parents are back in Bangladesh and I am building a Hotel ( of an international Chain) for them. So I for that reason I am closely in touch with chains, the hotel finances, Analysts, etc.

Thats is the source. However the Holiday Inn by the Airport is up for Sale, so anyone can contact the IHG group's regional headquarter in Delhi.

You said "Holiday Inn by the Airport is up for Sale" and that "one coming up at a new location" ...so there will be Two Holiday Inns?

[TIslam]

well. its under process now.. and its confidential
I am in touch with all the chains.. so i know the developments. I am a global Head hunter.. so my work is related to all emerging economies. jsut a little intro of myself as m nu here..

I work for one of the global leaders in executive search, Heidrick and Struggles; my company specializes in placing maximum board of directors and CEOs in fortune 500. I work for the industry and Market intelligence for ASEAN and Emerging Markets across all industries.
I am a Bangladeshi by birth though living at different places since last 17 years. MY parents are back in Bangladesh and I am building a Hotel ( of an international Chain) for them. So I for that reason I am closely in touch with chains, the hotel finances, Analysts, etc.

Thats is the source. However the Holiday Inn by the Airport is up for Sale, so anyone can contact the IHG group's regional headquarter in Delhi.

Than you for the information. Which chain is the hotel that you're building for your parents, is going to belong? Or is that confidential? Did they post any for sale signage at the construction site (near the airport)? What about the other one that was supposed to be Intercontinental? What is its fate?

[tislam84]

Thanks a lot for the info Saif! I hope the hotel materializes fast!

[sas]

Sajjadur Rahman

Banks moved to exploit tourism business potential at the world's longest sea beach in Cox's Bazar.

Three private commercial banks (PCBs) Prime, Pubali and Mutual Trust have tied up to embark upon a Tk 50 crore worth 5-star hotel project on the beach.

“The hotel business has a bright prospect there. The present capacity does not meet the demands and there is no 5-star hotel there,” said Habibur Rahman, entrepreneur of the project and chairman of Configure Engineers and Construction Company.

The hotel would be named after Crown Palace, a London-based 5-star chain, Rahman said. It is expected to start commercial operations in December next year.

The three banks altogether have arranged a syndicated loan worth Tk 15 crore for the hotel project. Prime Bank is the lead arranger and agent of the syndication deal.

Banks generally invest in trade and conventional industrial sectors. Very few banks here have diversified their credit portfolio to avert risks and workload, bankers said.

Cox's Bazar has been highly ranked on the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World because of its natural beauty and climate. More tourists are projected to visit in forthcoming years, said Touhidul Alam Khan, head of syndication and structured finance unit of Prime Bank, quoting a study.

“Considering all these points and also for diversification the bank's credit portfolio, we have decided to fund this project,” Khan said. There has been little investment from banks in the tourism sector despite immense potential, he added.

In recent years, the arrivals of tourists, both local and foreign, are on rapid rise in Cox's Bazar.

A Prime Bank sponsored study shows the annual average number of foreign tourists arrival is projected at 317,000 for the 2008-2011 period, while local tourists are also rushing to Cox's Bazar on occasions like Eid, Durga Puja, other holidays and to host picnic parties.

“Some 16.5 lakh locals usually visit the scenic Cox's Bazar annually,” Khan said, quoting the study conducted in January 2008.

In addition, the study found a further five lakh local and foreign visitors from business houses, including garment buyers, traders, investors, wage earners, foreign and local government officials, NGO and embassy people occasionally holiday on the beach.

The Prime Bank study shows 60 hotels in operation by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and the private sector at Cox's Bazar. The combined accommodation capacity of these hotels is 2,625 rooms, including 1,074 air-conditioned ones.

A good number of large and small-scale hotels have been built in 2008. The total number now stands around 150.

Investors are sensing a good number of tourists, both foreign and domestic, would visit Cox's Bazar in the years to come, as the beach is highly ranked on the global survey of The New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sujit Barua, manager of a Parjatan Corporation-owned hotel, also admitted to the rush of tourists in Cox's Bazar.

“There is no vacancy in any hotel during February 19-22 because of the holidays centering 21st February,” Barua said.

sajjad@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=76404

[sas]

Sajjadur Rahman

Banks moved to exploit tourism business potential at the world's longest sea beach in Cox's Bazar.

Three private commercial banks (PCBs) Prime, Pubali and Mutual Trust have tied up to embark upon a Tk 50 crore worth 5-star hotel project on the beach.

“The hotel business has a bright prospect there. The present capacity does not meet the demands and there is no 5-star hotel there,” said Habibur Rahman, entrepreneur of the project and chairman of Configure Engineers and Construction Company.

The hotel would be named after Crown Palace, a London-based 5-star chain, Rahman said. It is expected to start commercial operations in December next year.

The three banks altogether have arranged a syndicated loan worth Tk 15 crore for the hotel project. Prime Bank is the lead arranger and agent of the syndication deal.

Banks generally invest in trade and conventional industrial sectors. Very few banks here have diversified their credit portfolio to avert risks and workload, bankers said.

Cox's Bazar has been highly ranked on the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World because of its natural beauty and climate. More tourists are projected to visit in forthcoming years, said Touhidul Alam Khan, head of syndication and structured finance unit of Prime Bank, quoting a study.

“Considering all these points and also for diversification the bank's credit portfolio, we have decided to fund this project,” Khan said. There has been little investment from banks in the tourism sector despite immense potential, he added.

In recent years, the arrivals of tourists, both local and foreign, are on rapid rise in Cox's Bazar.

A Prime Bank sponsored study shows the annual average number of foreign tourists arrival is projected at 317,000 for the 2008-2011 period, while local tourists are also rushing to Cox's Bazar on occasions like Eid, Durga Puja, other holidays and to host picnic parties.

“Some 16.5 lakh locals usually visit the scenic Cox's Bazar annually,” Khan said, quoting the study conducted in January 2008.

In addition, the study found a further five lakh local and foreign visitors from business houses, including garment buyers, traders, investors, wage earners, foreign and local government officials, NGO and embassy people occasionally holiday on the beach.

The Prime Bank study shows 60 hotels in operation by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and the private sector at Cox's Bazar. The combined accommodation capacity of these hotels is 2,625 rooms, including 1,074 air-conditioned ones.

A good number of large and small-scale hotels have been built in 2008. The total number now stands around 150.

Investors are sensing a good number of tourists, both foreign and domestic, would visit Cox's Bazar in the years to come, as the beach is highly ranked on the global survey of The New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sujit Barua, manager of a Parjatan Corporation-owned hotel, also admitted to the rush of tourists in Cox's Bazar.

“There is no vacancy in any hotel during February 19-22 because of the holidays centering 21st February,” Barua said.

sajjad@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=76404

Anyone heard of this Crown Palace chain?

[Dhakaiya]

Not until I read the newspaper today.

[dopekhor]

i think they ment crown plaza. sp. mistake :D

[sas]

i think they ment crown plaza. sp. mistake :D

Nope it isn't Crown Plaza for sure as I also saw a billboard (notice the one opposite the Westin at the entrance of the Gulshan 2 market) with the same name. Crowne Plaza (owned by InterContinental Hotels) would have been nice though :s

[dopekhor]

Nope it isn't Crown Plaza for sure as I also saw a billboard (notice the one opposite the Westin at the entrance of the Gulshan 2 market) with the same name. Crowne Plaza (owned by InterContinental Hotels) would have been nice though :s
just another rip off like the regency dhaka then

[tislam84]

Its probably an investment by some British-Bangladeshis living in London.

[dopekhor]

Its probably an investment by some British-Bangladeshis living in London.
and local banks

[TIslam]

^^
Not sure whether it is a franchise (chain) but there are some hotels by that name in parts of the world. One in Fez, another in Indore. Then there is a resort with that name in Cancun.

[dopekhor]

^^
Not sure whether it is a franchise (chain) but there are some hotels by that name in parts of the world. One in Fez, another in Indore. Then there is a resort with that name in Cancun.
do you have any more information on that company??

[TIslam]

do you have any more information on that company??

No, just whatever I could glean from Google. It is probably not a chain since the url takes you to the hotel in India (Indore).

[sas]

^^
Not sure whether it is a franchise (chain) but there are some hotels by that name in parts of the world. One in Fez, another in Indore. Then there is a resort with that name in Cancun.

Quite possibly a British-Bangladeshi JV, with some banks have raised the debt portion. Even if it is a chain, it doesn't seem to be a very prominent one. But am glad we're having some positive development in the area at least. I believe with time, we'll have some more luxury properties mushrooming in the area.

[dopekhor]

Quite possibly a British-Bangladeshi JV, with some banks have raised the debt portion. Even if it is a chain, it doesn't seem to be a very prominent one. But am glad we're having some positive development in the area at least. I believe with time, we'll have some more luxury properties mushrooming in the area.
they could have easly goten a holiday inn or a best western or a any three star hotel

[tislam84]

Isn't Hotel LaVinci at Kawran Bazar under the Best Western chain?

[TIslam]

Isn't Hotel LaVinci at Kawran Bazar under the Best Western chain?

Yes. In my experience, most Holiday Inns are far superior than most Best Westerns. The only good thing I can say about LaVinci is that their bathroom was very clean (one of my pet peeves). When I stayed there about couple of years or so ago, they were in the process of refurbishing their rooms (which they badly needed) and installing broadband connection in every room.

[tanzirian]

Yes. In my experience, most Holiday Inns are far superior than most Best Westerns. The only good thing I can say about LaVinci is that their bathroom was very clean (one of my pet peeves). When I stayed there about couple of years or so ago, they were in the process of refurbishing their rooms (which they badly needed) and installing broadband connection in every room.

There is some variation among Best Westerns - here in the US at least, though most tend to be pretty basic, there are some that are a little pricier / better as well.

[amar11372]

An appropriate article from today's' edition of The Economist

Outsourcing as you sleep
Feb 19th 2009
From The Economist print edition


Reservations are plunging, but virtual hotel chains should escape the worst

YOU book a room on the website of a famous international hotel chain. As you arrive to check in, its reassuring brand name is above the door. Its logo is everywhere: on the staff uniforms, the stationery, the carpets. But the hotel is owned by someone else—often an individual or an investment fund—who has taken out a franchise on the brand. The owner may also be delegating the running of the hotel, either to the company that owns the brand or to another management firm altogether. The bricks-and-mortar may be leased from a property firm. In some cases, yet another company may be supplying most of the staff, and an outside caterer may run the restaurants. Welcome to the virtual hotel.

http://www.economist.com/images/20090221/0809WB5.jpg
But who does she work for?

The franchising of hotels, like the franchising of fast-food restaurants, is half a century old. But it has received a further boost in the past few years, as the biggest international hotel chains, under pressure from shareholders to return capital, have put even their poshest properties up for sale. They are now mainly franchisers and managers, rather than owners. In return for the fees they charge the hotels’ owners, they provide a glossy brand name and a steady stream of bookings from their online reservations systems.

Among the keenest adopters of this virtual-hotel model, also called “asset-light”, is InterContinental, a British-based firm which in addition to its eponymous hotel chain owns the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza brands. InterContinental was formed from a demerger in 2003, just as the business emerged from the dotcom bust. Even then, it owned only around 200 of the 3,500 hotels that bore its brands. But during the recent boom it sold most of the remainder, while expanding worldwide through new franchising and management contracts with hotel developers. It now owns just 16 of the 4,186 hotels in its system.

The hotel business was doing fine until Lehman Brothers’ collapse in September. Since then bookings have drooped. InterContinental said on February 17th that its “revpar”—revenue per available room, the industry’s benchmark—fell 6.5% in the fourth quarter. Marriott and Wyndham, two American rivals, have reported similar falls; Starwood, another American chain, says revpar has dropped by 12.1%. All are gloomy about this year.

However, the brunt of the recession will be borne by the hotels’ owners rather than the chains that manage and franchise them. Simon Mezzanotte of Société Générale, a bank, explains that if revpar falls 1% at a hotel, its owner typically suffers a 5% profits fall. But the management fees (which are usually linked to a mix of the hotel’s revenues and profits) fall by 3%; and franchise fees (which are usually linked only to revenues) fall by only 1%.

So chains that have adopted the virtual-hotel model should suffer less in the recession. InterContinental should do better than its peers since around 75% of the rooms in its system are in franchised hotels, compared with 39% of Starwood’s. Starwood wants to continue virtualising its hotel system: its chief executive, Fritz van Paaschen, says franchise and management fees were 53% of total revenues last year, up from 18% five years earlier, and he wants them eventually to rise to 80%.

Many hotel owners, having taken on most of the risk, will collapse into bankruptcy during the recession. Even so, says Stephen Broome, a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, the big hotel chains will have few worries: when banks take possession of a hotel from a bankrupt owner they usually keep it open, as hotels lose up to half of their resale value once they are closed. Thus the hotel chains will in most cases continue earning their franchise and management fees. In some cases bankruptcies will be a source of new business: Hostmark, an American hotel-management chain, says that last year it was brought in to run five hotels by lenders who took possession after the previous owners collapsed.

Although they have offloaded much of the risk posed by the recession, the big hotel chains have exposed themselves to two new dangers. One is that investors are now assessing them not just on their revenues, but also on their “pipeline” of future franchises and management contracts, mostly from hotels under construction. Leslie McGibbon of InterContinental says his firm is still signing up new hotels at a rate of two a day, despite the downturn. But beset by falling bookings and scarce financing for hotel construction, the firm’s impressive pipeline, which benefits its share price, is likely to be squeezed. The other risk is that, when recovery eventually comes, most of the gains will go to the hotel owners—at least, those that survive.

http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13145889

[sas]

I am not sure bro..but given they had earlier put up sign there saying "Dreamland Hotel and Resort",I would say its likely to be a hotel.It will be nice to have in Gulshan Avenue a 3 star hotel thats managed by some international hotel chain

Brother I was driving by Gulshan Avenue this evening and they've replaced the question mark with a fresh poster, which says it's going to be another highrise called United Square (note the plot is owned by United Group and they're headquarters at United House is right next door) and it'll be specifically for office/commercial space. So no hotel in the plot and so I guess Dreamland Resorts is a big no-no!

[sas]

Sheraton fate still hangs in balance
Sayeda Akter

The government has cancelled the tender process arranged for appointing a company to manage Dhaka Sheraton hotel under a franchise arrangement, saying the proposals received were not eligible.

The decision has left the fate of the five-star hotel in uncertainty as Sheraton, the existing company that operates and manages the state-owned hotel, will leave by March 31 and the government is yet to have any replacement.

Now the government is thinking of going back to its previous stance and appoint an international hotel chain to operate and manage Dhaka Sheraton, said a senior official of Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), seeking anonymity.

In the tender process six companies expressed interest to manage the hotel under a franchise agreement. The last date for submitting the proposals to the BSL was February 18. The new franchise would manage and operate the hotel for the next five years, starting from April 1, 2009.

The BSL official said the government is now planning to take a soft stance on the issues over renovation of the hotel and will again invite bid soon to hire a world-class hotel chain.

Industry insiders said several international hotel chains expressed interest to operate and manage the hotel, but all said the hotel requires immediate renovation. The government reluctance to renovate the hotel caused the failure to appoint a world-class brand to operate and mange the hotel and go for a franchise arrangement.

Franchise, an authorisation to sell a company's goods or services in a particular place, is a new idea in the country's hospitality industry.

The government will appoint a franchisee, which will have a deal with an international chain, and it will use its brand name to manage the hotel.

Earlier, the government was about to appoint Ramada Plaza to operate the hotel, and American Property Management International for the franchise contract, according to BSL officials.

However the government backtracked on the move.

The quest for hiring an international hotel chain started in May 2008 after Starwood, the parent company of Sheraton, informed BSL that it will renew the contract if the government immediately goes for renovation.

Starwood's 25-year-deal with BSL, the government organisation that owns more than 98 percent of the hotel, expired on December 31, 2008 and the company later extended its contract up to March 31.

However both the civil aviation and tourism ministry and the BSL declined to comment on the issue before finalising anything.

[sas]

Sheraton fate still hangs in balance
Sayeda Akter

The government has cancelled the tender process arranged for appointing a company to manage Dhaka Sheraton hotel under a franchise arrangement, saying the proposals received were not eligible.

The decision has left the fate of the five-star hotel in uncertainty as Sheraton, the existing company that operates and manages the state-owned hotel, will leave by March 31 and the government is yet to have any replacement.

Now the government is thinking of going back to its previous stance and appoint an international hotel chain to operate and manage Dhaka Sheraton, said a senior official of Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), seeking anonymity.

In the tender process six companies expressed interest to manage the hotel under a franchise agreement. The last date for submitting the proposals to the BSL was February 18. The new franchise would manage and operate the hotel for the next five years, starting from April 1, 2009.

The BSL official said the government is now planning to take a soft stance on the issues over renovation of the hotel and will again invite bid soon to hire a world-class hotel chain.

Industry insiders said several international hotel chains expressed interest to operate and manage the hotel, but all said the hotel requires immediate renovation. The government reluctance to renovate the hotel caused the failure to appoint a world-class brand to operate and mange the hotel and go for a franchise arrangement.

Franchise, an authorisation to sell a company's goods or services in a particular place, is a new idea in the country's hospitality industry.

The government will appoint a franchisee, which will have a deal with an international chain, and it will use its brand name to manage the hotel.

Earlier, the government was about to appoint Ramada Plaza to operate the hotel, and American Property Management International for the franchise contract, according to BSL officials.

However the government backtracked on the move.

The quest for hiring an international hotel chain started in May 2008 after Starwood, the parent company of Sheraton, informed BSL that it will renew the contract if the government immediately goes for renovation.

Starwood's 25-year-deal with BSL, the government organisation that owns more than 98 percent of the hotel, expired on December 31, 2008 and the company later extended its contract up to March 31.

However both the civil aviation and tourism ministry and the BSL declined to comment on the issue before finalising anything.

But then again there were a couple of articles on The Daily Star and The Financial Express earlier today, which clearly stated that, Centara Hotels and Resorts, a Thai company, has expressed interest in managing the Dhaka Sheraton. Any concrete news on this development?

[dopekhor]

centra or ramada inn

do you know about the fate of the hilton which was supposed to be built in nikunjo

[tislam84]

^^ I would go for Centara any day! At least the website of Centara looks good!

[sas]

centra or ramada inn

Well I've seen a few Ramadas in the US. Wouldn't quite put them within the luxury category. See the government could replace Best Wester La Vinci or Purbani with a Ramada. But not the Sheraton! The place has some history - come on. Moreover, it has a prime location in Minto Road.

I strongly feel the government needs to think long term and the potential returns it would get over the next couple of decades, until which I don't believe another 'comprehensive' renovation will not be necessary. It should straight away sell BSL off to the private sector, look towards to assigning current employees to other companies.

do you know about the fate of the hilton which was supposed to be built in nikunjo

You had mentioned this a while ago, but I had never heard of the Hilton project being transferred to Nikunjo. The owners the same as the ones in the Maghbazaar project?

[tanzirian]

do you know about the fate of the hilton which was supposed to be built in nikunjo

You probably referring to the Hilton that was supposed to be built near Sonargaon. That one is pretty dead for the moment. No Hilton planned for Nikunjo that I know of. But if they do decide again to build one in Dhaka I expect it would be in one of the northern suburbs.

[sas]

Published in The Daily Star last week. So no Ramada I guess? That's good news. There was another write-up yesterday (Friday, Mar 20), which said that the government is thinking of listing the two state-owned five-star hotels (i.e. Pan Pacific Sonargaon owned by Hotels International Ltd and Sheraton owned by BSL), as it would help the government quickly raise funds for renovation. I don't think public-private partnerships would be a bad idea either, as these properties will definitely be better managed, as competition is now quite stiff, with the introduction Radisson, Westin, Sarina, Regency etc. However, yesterday's article is not yet up on The Daily Star's archives section. Will post it as soon as it is.

Btw a boutique/business hotel (set to have 25 or 30 rooms), owned by Sheltech is opening at the end of the month. It's called Presidential Suites and it is located in Banani Road 11 (right opposite CoffeeWorld/Pizza Corner). There's currently been a soft launch and they have one of their cafes opened.

Sheraton set for renovation
Sayeda Akter

The government plans to renovate Dhaka Sheraton Hotel without delay and appoint an international operator to run the five-star hotel for five years.

Also, Sheraton is set to extend its contract with the government for three months to May 31.

“The hotel requires immediate renovations and the government is keen to do so, so the hotel can be able to maintain its international standards,” said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader.

“We plan to renovate the hotel partially, as complete renovation will shut the hotel for some time. We don't want to stop operations at any point in time,” he added.

Quader said one-year shutdown means losses of profit and business to the government and temporary joblessness for the hotel's 600 employees.

On March 5, Bangladesh Services Limited, a government organisation that owns more than 98 percent of the hotel, ran an advertisement for a second time to appoint a "world-class hotel brand" to operate and manage Sheraton.

The advertisement also invited proposals to manage the hotel under a franchise arrangement.

Earlier, the government had cancelled bids to appoint a company to manage Sheraton under a franchise arrangement. The proposals were not eligible.

Trevor MacDonald, general manager of Sheraton, said its parent company Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide would extend its contract with the government for three months.

MacDonald appreciated the government's move on renovation and said the hotel might profit more from renovating and reconstructing rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, lobby and bar.

The quest for hiring an international hotel chain started in May 2008 after Starwood informed BSL that it would renew the contract if the government immediately went for renovation.

Starwood's 25-year-deal with BSL expired on December 31, 2008. The deal was later extended to March 31.

sayeda@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=79326

[sas]

Referring back to my previous thread, here is the write-up published in The Daily Star on November 18, 2008 about the new hotel owned by Sheltech in Banani. This is for those who haven't heard of this.

Sheltech opens Tk 25cr hotel in Jan

Refayet Ullah Mirdha
Sheltech, one of the real estate leaders in Bangladesh, is set to inaugurate a Tk 25 crore hotel in Dhaka, as the company now eyes the hospitality sector and targets foreigners.

“The Platinum Suite will be a state-of-the-art hotel and we mainly aim to attract foreign guests, buyers, consultants and delegates,” Sheltech Managing Director Toufiq M Seraj told The Daily Star.

He said the number of foreign guests visiting our country is ever increasing on the rise in the volume of international trade and the number of meetings and seminars organised by local and international office and NGOs.

"Existing hotels in Dhaka can hardly accommodate the number of foreign visitors and officials, especially the long-term foreign travellers. This is why Sheltech is going to enter a new avenue of business, the hospitality and tourism management sector," Seraj said.

The six-floor Platinum Suite with 24 rooms will be opened in Banani in January.

Four entrepreneurs--former adviser to the caretaker government Tapan Chowdhury, his brother Samuel Chowdhury, former BGMEA president Kutubuddin Ahmed and Taufiq M Seraj-- started Sheltech in 1988.

Seraj said recently two managing partners left the ownership of the company.

"Tapan Chowdhury and Samuel Chowdhury sold a third of the shares of Sheltech to the other two partners in April this year,” Seraj said.

Without revealing the amount of the deal, he said the founding partners of Sheltech have sold their shares as they already have a very big family business, one of the local industrial conglomerates 'Square Group'.

He said Sheltech has already bought four bighas of land at Mirpur Mazar Road to build 'Sheltech Bithika', a structure consisting of 250 apartments having all amenities, mainly for middle class people.

"Our target is the customers who plan to buy an apartment availing of the loans offered from the Bangladesh Bank Housing Scheme," he said.

reefat@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=63824

[tanzirian]

I am glad Sheraton is staying put...that building is too nice to degenerate into a Ramada. Sheraton is the only high standard hotel anywhere close to the southern half of the city. Also, while I agree with their idea to do a partial renovation to save profits / jobs, I hope they finish whatever other part of the renovation remains once this part is done, instead of procrastinating on it indefinitely.

[TIslam]

^^
I wonder whose good sense prevailed that Dhaka Sheraton has been saved (at least for now). Some folks must be mighty upset. I hope the renovation brings it up to par with Radisson and Westin.

The Sheltech Platinum's structure appears to be quite large to have just 24 rooms. The suites must be very spacious. If it already had a soft launch, how come the article says it is going to open in January?

[sas]

^^
I wonder whose good sense prevailed that Dhaka Sheraton has been saved (at least for now). Some folks must be mighty upset. I hope the renovation brings it up to par with Radisson and Westin.

The Sheltech Platinum's structure appears to be quite large to have just 24 rooms. The suites must be very spacious. If it already had a soft launch, how come the article says it is going to open in January?

Brother if you've noticed the article was published way back in November and I suppose their initial target was to get the hotel launched by Jan but that clearly didn't happen. I visited 'Terra Bistro' last night and was told that it was just a soft launch. The entire property will be up and running by the end of March from what I was told. Apart from the cafe, I think they have another lounge and an Italian restaurant. But it's too large a building for just 24 rooms. See Mirza's post (#857) in the Dhaka - Restaurants & Fast Food thread.

[dopekhor]

Brother if you've noticed the article was published way back in November and I suppose their initial target was to get the hotel launched by Jan but that clearly didn't happen. I visited 'Terra Bistro' last night and was told that it was just a soft launch. The entire property will be up and running by the end of March from what I was told. Apart from the cafe, I think they have another lounge and an Italian restaurant. But it's too large a building for just 24 rooms. See Mirza's post (#857) in the Dhaka - Restaurants & Fast Food thread.
no offence but i think the name platinum suites is kinda homoish knaw mean

why cant they ever come up with fancy names, these kinda names have been done over and over again atleast a billion times.

[dopekhor]

Brother if you've noticed the article was published way back in November and I suppose their initial target was to get the hotel launched by Jan but that clearly didn't happen. I visited 'Terra Bistro' last night and was told that it was just a soft launch. The entire property will be up and running by the end of March from what I was told. Apart from the cafe, I think they have another lounge and an Italian restaurant. But it's too large a building for just 24 rooms. See Mirza's post (#857) in the Dhaka - Restaurants & Fast Food thread.
do post pics mang!

[sas]

The article that I had referred to earlier (post #388). It is finally available in The Daily Star archive.

Published On: 2009-03-20
Five-star hotels may offload shares
Star Business Report

The government plans to offload shares of Pan Pacific Sonargaon and Dhaka Sheraton hotels on the stock market to incorporate common people in these two five-star hotels, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader said yesterday.

“The legal aspects are being examined. If the existing law does not allow listing of Sonargaon and Sheraton hotels on the stock exchanges, we will initiate a move to bring amendments to the law,” Quader said in his address to the opening function of a three-day fair on share market.

Dhaka Sheraton is organising the exhibition titled “Share Bazar Mela” on its premises.

Hotels International Limited, a public limited company, fully owned by the government, is the owning company of Sonargaon Hotel.

The five-star hotel had been built under a loan sanctioned from Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund, now Japan Bank of International Cooperation of the Japanese government and the government of Bangladesh.

Sheraton, 99.68 percent owned by Bangladesh Services Limited, a public limited company of the government, is another five-star hotel in a prime location of the city. The Board of Directors consists of 11 members who are nominated by the government. The civil aviation & tourism secretary is the chairman of the board.

“The hotels have no credit crunch. Bank loans have been taken for the hotels' expansion and modernisation, and the loans are being repaid timely," said GM Quader.

“We are also interested to list other hotels and motels, which are under the tourism ministry.”

Quader said a huge fund is needed for national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines' restructure and expansion.

“We want to raise the fund from stock market instead of borrowing from banking sector. Capital raised from stock market is more cost-effective than that from banks,” he said.

He said the ordinance, under which Biman was made a public limited company, is waiting to be a law and after enactment of the law, there will be no barrier to offloading Biman shares.

The minister however said Biman's share offloading process might be delayed because of some pre-conditions set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

As per the conditions, an issuer company will have to make steady profits for a few consecutive years for being listed. “But Biman made profit only last year. If the SEC offers flexibility, the share offloading process will be accelerated,” the minister added.

Acting SEC Chairman Mansur Alam, Dhaka Stock Exchange President Rakibur Rahman, Chittagong Stock Exchange Vice President Al Maruf Khan and Dhaka Sheraton General Manager Trevor McDonald also spoke at the function.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=80447

[tislam84]

If there is so much demand for hotel rooms in Dhaka (according to the MD of Sheltech), I don't understand why more foreign hotel chains are not flocking to the country.....

[dopekhor]

If there is so much demand for hotel rooms in Dhaka (according to the MD of Sheltech), I don't understand why more foreign hotel chains are not flocking to the country.....
wheres the property, no body wants to be in the holiday inn/intercontinental state

[sas]

If there is so much demand for hotel rooms in Dhaka (according to the MD of Sheltech), I don't understand why more foreign hotel chains are not flocking to the country.....

Even if there is a greater demand for quality hotel rooms, I doubt any foreign will come into existence here, until the global economy picks up. Growth across Asia is definitely slowing down, while many developed economies are reporting negative growth. In fact, most hotels in the largest cities in Asia have reported falling revenues for 2008. So I'm unsure as to whether this is the right time to go into expansion mode.

[tanzirian]

^^ Credit for such venture is also likely limited even if there is will.

The most glaring absence in a city the size of Dhaka is clearly that of an airport hotel...which is why I do expect either that Holiday Inn / Intercontinental will eventually restart their project or that some other chain will pick it up.

[dopekhor]

^^ Credit for such venture is also likely limited even if there is will.

The most glaring absence in a city the size of Dhaka is clearly that of an airport hotel...which is why I do expect either that Holiday Inn / Intercontinental will eventually restart their project or that some other chain will pick it up.
the chains have nothing to do here, its bengal group who is at fault here, they look the property on lease from CAAb intercontinental cant do a damn thing here, the only thing they can do i look for another property.

[TIslam]

^^ Credit for such venture is also likely limited even if there is will.

The most glaring absence in a city the size of Dhaka is clearly that of an airport hotel...which is why I do expect either that Holiday Inn / Intercontinental will eventually restart their project or that some other chain will pick it up.

Although not technically in the airport perimeter, you could consider The Regency to be an airport hotel, couldn't you? After all, some of their rooms have view to the airside (apron, taxiway, runway).

[tanzirian]

the chains have nothing to do here, its bengal group who is at fault here, they look the property on lease from CAAb intercontinental cant do a damn thing here, the only thing they can do i look for another property.

Were there any terms and conditions attached to the lease? Perhaps it could be revoked?

I forget now, was it troubles with the corruption crackdown that led Bengal suspending the project? If so they should be able to restart now that the "normal" system of politics is back...

[sas]

the chains have nothing to do here, its bengal group who is at fault here, they look the property on lease from CAAb intercontinental cant do a damn thing here, the only thing they can do i look for another property.

Completely agree with dope on this one. The hotel chains have nothing to do with these delays/cancellations. It's more about problems from our side with the government and/or respective management companies.

[dopekhor]

Completely agree with dope on this one. The hotel chains have nothing to do with these delays/cancellations. It's more about problems from our side with the government and/or respective management companies.
i wonder why the caab isnt doing anything

[sas]

i wonder why the caab isnt doing anything

Because they're the bloody CAAB! What better do you expect from them?

[TIslam]

Because they're the bloody CAAB! What better do you expect from them?

What does CAAB have anything to do with those hotels?

[sas]

What does CAAB have anything to do with those hotels?

Well the CAAB owns the area where the proposed site for the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn adjacent to ZIA.

[dopekhor]

Well the CAAB owns the area where the proposed site for the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn adjacent to ZIA.
i wonder why they arent terminating the contract and looking for a new dude

[sas]

i wonder why they arent terminating the contract and looking for a new dude

Don't agree with you on that one. Mobile operators have enjoyed enough facilities since their inception in the 90s. Other industries have been completely ignored, e.g. the PSTN sector. Moreover, WiMAX is an untested technology anywhere in the world. Having license fees of BDT 2.15bn is outrageous!

[TIslam]

Don't agree with you on that one. Mobile operators have enjoyed enough facilities since their inception in the 90s. Other industries have been completely ignored, e.g. the PSTN sector. Moreover, WiMAX is an untested technology anywhere in the world. Having license fees of BDT 2.15bn is outrageous!

???
Posted on wrong thread perhaps?

[TIslam]

i wonder why they arent terminating the contract and looking for a new dude

Because CAAB is CAAB! It operates on the premise that if it doesn't line my (own) pockets, I don't care.

[dopekhor]

Don't agree with you on that one. Mobile operators have enjoyed enough facilities since their inception in the 90s. Other industries have been completely ignored, e.g. the PSTN sector. Moreover, WiMAX is an untested technology anywhere in the world. Having license fees of BDT 2.15bn is outrageous!
dude the business folk made a mistake they took the bidding to that level not the technologies fault, they bit on more then they could chew and pstn started at the wrong time these business people they started pstns for the sole purpose of voip i dont get it how can some one in their right mind step into this pstn arena when the mobile arena was bumming at world record levels

[sas]

???
Posted on wrong thread perhaps?

I did indeed... :P

[amar11372]

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2009/2009_04_13/content_zoom/2009_04_13_21_3_b.jpg

[tislam84]

^^ I am so glad that the government has decided to keep Sheraton in Dhaka!

[dopekhor]

props to the govt and the minister.

[Dhakaiya]

Ershad & his brother- however they maybe in their personal lives, are effective and effecient leaders- which is why I prefer them over most other politicians.

[manbil777]

Ershad & his brother- however they maybe in their personal lives, are effective and effecient leaders- which is why I prefer them over most other politicians.

Hey -- I like his ladykiller style, although some may disagree (especially the exes). The guy is the first/last dapper dan golfer leader we had. :tongue3:

The Golf club owes its very existence to him.

Him and his fancy scarves :)

[sas]

^^ I am so glad that the government has decided to keep Sheraton in Dhaka!

Wouldn't go as far as Dhakaiya with such a sweeping statement... lol, but yes hats off to GM Quader for the latest decision. I hope he immediately goes ahead with restructuring Parjatan Corp and forming the Tourism Act.

I still feel that, in the wake of such stiff competition from relatively new privately operated international chains such as Radisson and Westin, and with businesses constantly moving northwards, the best results would be obtained obtained from privatizing both these ageing government properties.

[TIslam]

Wouldn't go as far as Dhakaiya with such a sweeping statement... lol, but yes hats off to GM Quader for the latest decision. I hope he immediately goes ahead with restructuring Parjatan Corp and forming the Tourism Act.

I still feel that, in the wake of such stiff competition from relatively new privately operated international chains such as Radisson and Westin, and with businesses constantly moving northwards, the best results would be obtained obtained from privatizing both these ageing government properties.

I don't buy this "privatization" mantra for anything and everything. Nothing wrong with state owned enterprises as long as they make money and are run efficiently. Just because commercial entities are moving northward, does not mean that there cannot be or ought not to be good hotels in any other part of Dhaka city. On the contrary, good hotels should exist in every neighborhood. Dhaka Sheraton has always turned good profits, and continue to do so, in spite of Radisson and Westin.

[dopekhor]

Hey -- I like his ladykiller style, although some may disagree (especially the exes). The guy is the first/last dapper dan golfer leader we had. :tongue3:

The Golf club owes its very existence to him.

Him and his fancy scarves :)
the man got persona and style and is quite friendly, i met him on several occasions and is very intelligent then the average neta or netri

[dopekhor]

I don't buy this "privatization" mantra for anything and everything. Nothing wrong with state owned enterprises as long as they make money and are run efficiently. Just because commercial entities are moving northward, does not mean that there cannot be or ought not to be good hotels in any other part of Dhaka city. On the contrary, good hotels should exist in every neighborhood. Dhaka Sheraton has always turned good profits, and continue to do so, in spite of Radisson and Westin.
nothing wrong with soe's its just that in bangladesh they dont go anywhere they are money making objects for the employees and in most cases harassment for the common man

[TIslam]

the man got persona and style and is quite friendly, i met him on several occasions and is very intelligent then the average neta or netri

If you talking about Mr Strongman himself, a friend of mine who is a journalist, told me the same thing. He is certainly aging very well and gracefully. But personally, I'd take General Zia over him, anytime, because while Zia was only interested in power, Mr Ershad wanted both power and money. He was always on the lookout for a deal, any deal that would provide in with a "cut". That probably hampered and slowed down a lot of development projects.

[sas]

I don't buy this "privatization" mantra for anything and everything. Nothing wrong with state owned enterprises as long as they make money and are run efficiently. Just because commercial entities are moving northward, does not mean that there cannot be or ought not to be good hotels in any other part of Dhaka city. On the contrary, good hotels should exist in every neighborhood. Dhaka Sheraton has always turned good profits, and continue to do so, in spite of Radisson and Westin.

Fully agree with you as you definitely have a strong point. These state-owned hotels have been quite profitable, but when it comes to factors such as renovation, SOEs can be a drag. Another fine example might be the renovation of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, which itself had a lot of drama. I feel the Sheraton is located on a prime property and apart from the new lobby, everything else is in fairly bad shape and would do better under private management.

[TIslam]

..... but when it comes to factors such as renovation, SOEs can be a drag. Another fine example might be the renovation of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, which itself had a lot of drama. I feel the Sheraton is located on a prime property and apart from the new lobby, everything else is in fairly bad shape and would do better under private management.

No disagreement there. But the reality is that GoB isn't going to relinquish the ownership or policy making management control, anytime soon. A complete change of ideology has to occur among the politicians and their parties for that to happen. Personally, I like the Singapore model where many things (industries, organizations, etc.) are owned by the state but they are effectively in private hands because they are run by professionals without any hindrance and meddling by the government bureaucracy.

Under developed countries have to rely on SOEs as their revenue base through taxation, is weak. Of course, Singapore is not at all an under developed country by any definition, yet they have SOEs, probably owing to their style of governance which is an amalgam of capitalism and socialism.

[tislam84]

I think the first step should be to offload the shares of the parent company of Sheraton and Sonargaon. Then, there can be a public-private partnership which can help to improve the quality of these two hotels.

[dopekhor]

I think the first step should be to offload the shares of the parent company of Sheraton and Sonargaon. Then, there can be a public-private partnership which can help to improve the quality of these two hotels.
i think these hotels should be torn down to make towers that way they can also earn extra revenue from renting the excess space.

[amar11372]

^^ I am with dope on this one.

[amar11372]

by Gorski

The Westin Dhaka

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3512343022_961a0557dc_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3512340496_bbb9798f71_b.jpg

[dopekhor]

any news on the holiday inn and intercontinental or hilton dhaka?

[dopekhor]

btw sup with sundarban? is it still running?

[Manazir]

any news on the holiday inn and intercontinental or hilton dhaka?

I have the same question too......when i went to BD in 2006, the groundbreaking of Intercon and Holiday Inn was done and ive seen the large billboard of the project, when i went to BD again last year, i was quite surprised to see the project, only 4 floors have been somehow completed and nuthing else is there.....couldnt see any workers even.......i dunno when this project will complete......as for Hilton, i think that area is under construction......ie lots of projects there so i think it may come up as the project proceeds. but im still not sure.

[TIslam]

btw sup with sundarban? is it still running?

Dope, you always trip me up with your abbreviations and contractions! What is "sup"?

[TIslam]

I have the same question too......when i went to BD in 2006, the groundbreaking of Intercon and Holiday Inn was done and ive seen the large billboard of the project, when i went to BD again last year, i was quite surprised to see the project, only 4 floors have been somehow completed and nuthing else is there.....couldnt see any workers even.......i dunno when this project will complete......as for Hilton, i think that area is under construction......ie lots of projects there so i think it may come up as the project proceeds. but im still not sure.

The Intercontinental and Holiday Inn project is off. The government has asked or in the process of, for the land to be returned (to CAAB), according to the civil aviation minister.

[Manazir]

Dope, you always trip me up with your abbreviations and contractions! What is "sup"?

"sup" ----> (short for) wats up lol

[TIslam]

"sup" ----> (short for) wats up lol

Thanks for the translation.

[sas]

I have the same question too......when i went to BD in 2006, the groundbreaking of Intercon and Holiday Inn was done and ive seen the large billboard of the project, when i went to BD again last year, i was quite surprised to see the project, only 4 floors have been somehow completed and nuthing else is there.....couldnt see any workers even.......i dunno when this project will complete......as for Hilton, i think that area is under construction......ie lots of projects there so i think it may come up as the project proceeds. but im still not sure.

Let me update/clarify on the Hilton project - all the construction you are witnessing at the proposed Hilton site is part of the Begunbari/Hatirjheel renovation project. They're building a road through it to down to Tejgaon and Pragati Sarani and also beautifying the site, while also trying to reserve the wetland.

The land was originally owned by Bangladesh Railway, i.e. the government. The local firm that was going to own the Hilton (I forget the name of the registered company) had struck some sketchy deal during Oct/Nov 2006, which happened to be in the last stages of the then BNP government. So the project has officially been called off.

As for updates on the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn, pls refer to TIslam's post.

[Manazir]

Let me update/clarify on the Hilton project - all the construction you are witnessing at the proposed Hilton site is part of the Begunbari/Hatirjheel renovation project. They're building a road through it to down to Tejgaon and Pragati Sarani and also beautifying the site, while also trying to reserve the wetland.

The land was originally owned by Bangladesh Railway, i.e. the government. The local firm that was going to own the Hilton (I forget the name of the registered company) had struck some sketchy deal during Oct/Nov 2006, which happened to be in the last stages of the then BNP government. So the project has officially been called off.

As for updates on the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn, pls refer to TIslam's post.

thanx for the updates.....so it seems like we are not gonna have those 5 star interntional brand hotels atm.......ohwell

[dopekhor]

Let me update/clarify on the Hilton project - all the construction you are witnessing at the proposed Hilton site is part of the Begunbari/Hatirjheel renovation project. They're building a road through it to down to Tejgaon and Pragati Sarani and also beautifying the site, while also trying to reserve the wetland.

The land was originally owned by Bangladesh Railway, i.e. the government. The local firm that was going to own the Hilton (I forget the name of the registered company) had struck some sketchy deal during Oct/Nov 2006, which happened to be in the last stages of the then BNP government. So the project has officially been called off.

As for updates on the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn, pls refer to TIslam's post.
wasnt the hilton supposed to relocate to nikunja? i think the holding company was millennium

[dopekhor]

Thanks for the translation.
lol, my bad.

[sas]

wasnt the hilton supposed to relocate to nikunja? i think the holding company was millennium

Right it was Millennium Holdings Ltd or something along those lines.

As for moving to Nikunjo, it was something brought up by someone on this forum, can't quite recall - either mirza, amar or yourself. But the person didn't have any concrete evidence that this was really the case. If it's moving there, it's fine enough, great news.

[amar11372]

Dhaka Radisson

by dhakarliton

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3581784196_5cb7b33b14_o.jpg

[amar11372]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3580979021_c917384901_o.jpg

[amar11372]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3525562701_272122db3e_o.jpg

[amar11372]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3581792562_06bc6de38a_o.jpg

[amar11372]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3580988807_479cac2211_o.jpg

[Amstead]

do you anyone know about a hyatt or marriott opening in dhaka? i have heard rumors about a hyatt and marriott to be coming soon in gulshan

[Manazir]

do you anyone know about a hyatt or marriott opening in dhaka? i have heard rumors about a hyatt and marriott to be coming soon in gulshan

haha that sounds kinda funny.....i mean, there was gonna be projects for Hilton and Intercon but they r off now and now I hear about this?? lol. Although it would be great 2 have a HYATT and Marriott in Dhaka......well, the whole JFP (jamuna future park) project consists of building a 5-star international hotel chain though.....so I guess it might be Hyatt/marriott. Anyways where did u hear this rumor?

[tanzirian]

I seriously doubt anything of the sort in this economic downturn. The only three actual plans for international chains in Dhaka (Hilton, Intercontinental, and Holiday Inn) fell by the roadside after the economy slumped after first 1/11 then global recession. Once the recession and ends and BD economy starts chugging again...then sure, those brands are bound to show up sooner or later. At present time I think Dhaka has enough luxury / upscale rooms to meet demand. For now...more than new chains...I would be much more happy with thorough revitalisation of Sonargaon and Sheraton...both of which are in shabby state, especially the former.

[Amstead]

As far as I know, recently Summit Group has been in talks with Bengal Group and IPCO over taking the Intercontinental and Holiday Contract from them and start the work again...within the next few months it will be finalised. Habib Group has been in talks with Marriott regarding its Marriott Courtyard brand for in Gulshan avenue...