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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/dhakaradisson77.jpg

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.