Dhaka - Hotels and Resorts

[dopekhor]

thx for the info

where will the marriott be? and will it be five stars or four stars?

[sas]

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...

This is definitely great news. Can you please provide us with some more concrete details?

[dopekhor]

This is definitely great news. Can you please provide us with some more concrete details?
hey hows it going?

[Amstead]

I think the marriott will be a 4 star. As the Marriott Courtyard brand in Bangkok, Hong Kong and in India are all 4 star properties. I heard it is going to be on the Gulshan Avenue and very close to the West In. But I really doubt about a Marriott Courtyard brand being successful in Dhaka. There are already plenty of Hotels in the city. Habib Group is all geared up for work I think an official signing and announcement will be made very soon. For the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn project Summit Group has been in talks with the original leaser and owner for taking over the contract and starting work as soon as possible.

[tanzirian]

Courtyard Marriott in the US is not a proper hotel...rather an inn that is nicer than budget level offerings like Days Inn or Econolodge. By US ratings systems they would probably at most get two stars. This does not mean that they are bad...in fact this is the type of place / price range that generally works for me when I need to book a room.

[dopekhor]

Courtyard Marriott in the US is not a proper hotel...rather an inn that is nicer than budget level offerings like Days Inn or Econolodge. By US ratings systems they would probably at most get two stars. This does not mean that they are bad...in fact this is the type of place / price range that generally works for me when I need to book a room.
its a good thing actually, dhaka needs some budget hotels of international repute with two or three stars, this is a huge market.

[Amstead]

Actually Marriott or for many other hotels example raddison, hilton ( except their landmark properties ) are not 5 star hotels. But in Asia it is a different scenerio, Raddison is considered a 4 star, Marriott Courtyard's in india, thailand, hong kong and other parts of asia except australia are 4 star hotels. In comparison to Raddison in Dhaka I would rate the marriott courtyard Chennai a 5 star property. But still, their room rates are going to be less than that of raddison's or west in's.

[tanzirian]

^^ Agreed with your points. I think the JW Marriotts might fall in the four star range by US rating systems...but I'm not sure that there are any in this country. Most Marriotts are rated three star here and are very good.

Just for the benefit of anyone who might not know...US does not have an official ratings system per se. There are two companies - Exxon-Mobil and Americal Automobile Association - which have traditionally made the awards. The former awards "stars" and the latter awards "diamonds." Maximum is five "stars" or "diamonds"...no hotel, no matter how good, can get more than that here. The "star" awards tend to have more snobbish criteria and thus tend to be more restrictive. However since these are two separate groups of people making judgments, there are still five star hotels that may get only four diamonds, for example. In the United States there are about 40 five star hotels and slightly more five diamond hotels. Very few hotels get both five star and diamond. Mobil until recently provided ratings only for the United States but has recently expanded to include several Asian cities. AAA provides ratings for most places in North America.

For most people three stars provide a sufficiently high level of comfort and convenience (if Westin and Radisson were built in this country, they would probably be three star). Prices for four and five star properties tend to be exorbitant. I have only once stayed in a four star lodging. Later this year will have the chance to try a five diamond one.

[sas]

Courtyard Marriott in the US is not a proper hotel...rather an inn that is nicer than budget level offerings like Days Inn or Econolodge. By US ratings systems they would probably at most get two stars. This does not mean that they are bad...in fact this is the type of place / price range that generally works for me when I need to book a room.

Tan is absolutely correct here. Courtyard by Marriott is not even a full-service lodging. It will by no means have any luxury, i.e. not even what we have with the Westin and Radisson, or even Holiday Inn. These hotels tend to be located in suburban areas of large cities if I'm correct. So unsure as to how this will find its fit in the middle of Gulshan Avenue. But then again, we'll find out very soon I'm sure.

[tanzirian]

^^ You can sometimes find them in big downtowns as well, so that wouldn't be something really new...but it's true that usually they are some distance from main centers of really big cities, probably for cost reasons.

[dopekhor]

the strategy in bangladesh a third world country would be very different compared to the us

in a country where kfc and pizza hut are top of the line restaurants you can expect such companies to classify themselves as 3 stars. In Bangladesh it is parjatan corporation that awards star status to hotels if i aint mistaken.

but i would love to see budget hotels in dhaka of international repute.

[tanzirian]

^^ If I'm not mistaken, in BD the hotels can pretty much choose how many stars to bestow themselves in most cases...with Parjatan or whoever merely rubberstamping these. I'm certainly not saying BD should have same standard as US for hotels...in fact of the US criteria are rather meaningless for most people when you read them in detail. However there should be an objective criteria that should be met to earn a certain number of stars, and I think right now it's very subjective.

[dopekhor]

^^ If I'm not mistaken, in BD the hotels can pretty much choose how many stars to bestow themselves in most cases...with Parjatan or whoever merely rubberstamping these. I'm certainly not saying BD should have same standard as US for hotels...in fact of the US criteria are rather meaningless for most people when you read them in detail. However there should be an objective criteria that should be met to earn a certain number of stars, and I think right now it's very subjective.
yeap thats true too, thats why dhaka regency is five star.

[amar11372]

westin dhaka

by miumiulina

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3690937996_942841b4d5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3690938194_9949e7aebe_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3690132259_c120ec1551_b.jpg

[amar11372]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3690132451_4a03071b80_b.jpg

[TIslam]

Nice work, Amar. Were did you get them? Looks like Westin is the place to stay while in Dhaka (if I can afford it!).

The bathroom looks like the Ritz Carton's in Jakarta, where I stayed last winter. But I was floored by the opulence of the Jakarta Shangri La (went there to eat at Chinese restaurant inside, fabulous food!).

[nayeem007]

^^ If I'm not mistaken, in BD the hotels can pretty much choose how many stars to bestow themselves in most cases...with Parjatan or whoever merely rubberstamping these. I'm certainly not saying BD should have same standard as US for hotels...in fact of the US criteria are rather meaningless for most people when you read them in detail. However there should be an objective criteria that should be met to earn a certain number of stars, and I think right now it's very subjective.

Well atleast for Dhaka Sheraton and Westin you can see the rating from "Starwood Hotels & Resorts" website, since both the properties are part of that group.

Dhaka Westin is Category 4

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1394

Dhaka Sheraton is Category 2

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=200

So, definitely they are not of the same quality/standard as depicted in Bangladesh.

[nayeem007]

Nice work, Amar. Were did you get them? Looks like Westin is the place to stay while in Dhaka (if I can afford it!).

You can get a room for around $150 not bad for the quality of the property.

[Zaki]

You can get a room for around $150 not bad for the quality of the property.

I think thats excellent actually. The rooms look great and looking at the views are apparently decent as well. Do you have any idea about how well they maintain it though?

[sas]

I think thats excellent actually. The rooms look great and looking at the views are apparently decent as well. Do you have any idea about how well they maintain it though?

We must take into consideration that while these hotels are locally owned (Unique Hotels & Resorts-Westin, BSL-Sheraton, Sena Kalyan-Radisson), they're managed by these foreign global giants. So they MUST adhere to foreign standards, or else they'll discontinue operating here. Example might be taken from what Starwood did with the Sheraton as they felt it needed renovation. Anyone got any updates on that?

Moreover, I just read a newspaper ad requesting a tender for the new luxury property that'll be constructed in Chittagong. Anyone got any news on whether any foreign hotel brands are coming in?

[TIslam]

^^
From what I have seen the handful of international chain hotels in Dhaka have always been maintained well in keeping with hotel standards. The problem with Dhaka Sheraton is just that it fell behind times and requires extensive refurbishment, if not tear down and rebuild.

[Zaki]

^^
From what I have seen the handful of international chain hotels in Dhaka have always been maintained well in keeping with hotel standards. The problem with Dhaka Sheraton is just that it fell behind times and requires extensive refurbishment, if not tear down and rebuild.

Thats good to hear that they maintain the standards. I've never stayed in any foreign chain hotels in Bangladesh so wasn't sure what the situation was in these cases. I am however wondering, would personally rate their standards as five star as some of these hotel claim, or would you rate them more along the lines of what is normally considered a four star hotel. It's hard to tell from the pictures alone.

[dopekhor]

We must take into consideration that while these hotels are locally owned (Unique Hotels & Resorts-Westin, BSL-Sheraton, Sena Kalyan-Radisson), they're managed by these foreign global giants. So they MUST adhere to foreign standards, or else they'll discontinue operating here. Example might be taken from what Starwood did with the Sheraton as they felt it needed renovation. Anyone got any updates on that?

Moreover, I just read a newspaper ad requesting a tender for the new luxury property that'll be constructed in Chittagong. Anyone got any news on whether any foreign hotel brands are coming in?
the one in ctg is also a part of sena hotels, i think the radission might take it up.

[dopekhor]

Thats good to hear that they maintain the standards. I've never stayed in any foreign chain hotels in Bangladesh so wasn't sure what the situation was in these cases. I am however wondering, would personally rate their standards as five star as some of these hotel claim, or would you rate them more along the lines of what is normally considered a four star hotel. It's hard to tell from the pictures alone.
compared to north america its pretty mediocre!

[TIslam]

compared to north america its pretty mediocre!

I beg to differ. Having personally stayed at Pan Pacific Sonargoan (wedding night) and at the Sheraton, I would rate them at par, and probably better than most three/four star hotels in most US cities. Now, you cannot compare them with the super luxurious hotels in Manhattan, or LA. They were very clean, and the staff very attentive,

And judging by the pictures of the new Radisson and Westin, they look as good as the ones I have stayed in Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai.

[dopekhor]

I beg to differ. Having personally stayed at Pan Pacific Sonargoan (wedding night) and at the Sheraton, I would rate them at par, and probably better than most three/four star hotels in most US cities. Now, you cannot compare them with the super luxurious hotels in Manhattan, or LA. They were very clean, and the staff very attentive,

And judging by the pictures of the new Radisson and Westin, they look as good as the ones I have stayed in Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai.
well i would compare the 5 stars with 5 stars

[TIslam]

well i would compare the 5 stars with 5 stars

Remember, the star rating system isn't really a "standard" and the variance is large (as discussed here, earlier). And you'd be hard pressed to find too many "five start" hotels in the US, do not know much about Canada. I however, stayed at the Radisson in Markham, and the Sheraton (the big one) in downtown Toronto, many times. I didn't find much difference in room quality and amenities when compared to Sonargoan and Dhaka Sheraton. But I think the star rating of the Sheraton is higher than the Radisson in Toronto. In the Detroit metro area (that includes the suburbs where most people live), there isn't a single five star hotel.

[Zaki]

Remember, the star rating system isn't really a "standard" and the variance is large (as discussed here, earlier). And you'd be hard pressed to find too many "five start" hotels in the US, do not know much about Canada. I however, stayed at the Radisson in Markham, and the Sheraton (the big one) in downtown Toronto, many times. I didn't find much difference in room quality and amenities when compared to Sonargoan and Dhaka Sheraton. But I think the star rating of the Sheraton is higher than the Radisson in Toronto. In the Detroit metro area (that includes the suburbs where most people live), there isn't a single five star hotel.

Toronto doesn't have a single five star hotel right now. The sheraton downtown is four and three star. And there are several radissons (as well as several sheratons) in Toronto but most are three star. They are currenty building four five star hotels in Toronto, the Shangri-la, Trump International, Ritz Carleton, and four seasons. They are expected to be of much higher quality than sheraton so I am guessing the hotels rated as five star in Bangladesh are four or three stars by most international standards.

[amar11372]

We must take into consideration that while these hotels are locally owned (Unique Hotels & Resorts-Westin, BSL-Sheraton, Sena Kalyan-Radisson), they're managed by these foreign global giants. So they MUST adhere to foreign standards, or else they'll discontinue operating here. Example might be taken from what Starwood did with the Sheraton as they felt it needed renovation. Anyone got any updates on that?

Moreover, I just read a newspaper ad requesting a tender for the new luxury property that'll be constructed in Chittagong. Anyone got any news on whether any foreign hotel brands are coming in?

As dope mentioned, the Army Welfare trust is trying to get Radisson since they already have a partnership in Dhaka. And the Sheraton's contract was renewed for 3 more months.

[dopekhor]

Remember, the star rating system isn't really a "standard" and the variance is large (as discussed here, earlier). And you'd be hard pressed to find too many "five start" hotels in the US, do not know much about Canada. I however, stayed at the Radisson in Markham, and the Sheraton (the big one) in downtown Toronto, many times. I didn't find much difference in room quality and amenities when compared to Sonargoan and Dhaka Sheraton. But I think the star rating of the Sheraton is higher than the Radisson in Toronto. In the Detroit metro area (that includes the suburbs where most people live), there isn't a single five star hotel.
the star ratings are given with based on some merit i presume :roll:

[sas]

the one in ctg is also a part of sena hotels, i think the radission might take it up.

There has been no concrete announcement in this regard though. Only thing I've heard is that they're looking for foreign properties.

[nayeem007]

http://www.tripbd.com/

Tourism portal starts operation
Business Desk
An interactive portal for a broad range of hotels and tourist destinations in Bangladesh starts its official journey on Tuesday.
Travellers will now be able to search for a hotel, write their travel experience and share it amongst the local and foreign visitors through the portal addressed www.tripbd.com.
Produced by the Electronic Business Solution Limited, the web site provides accessibility to more than 10,000,000 local and foreign interested users, a news release said.
Around 300 hotels, motels, resorts were visited and about 8,000 photos collected to provide a complete range of information for the tourists.
The portal is primarily launched with initial concentration on hotel information and travel tips of prominent tourist destinations.
Its mission is to gradually emerge as the largest tourism portal of Bangladesh incorporating all the stakeholders of this sector. And also to incorporate the online booking and reservation facility upon availability of online transaction facilities, the release added.

http://www.newagebd.com/2009/jul/10/busi.html

[sas]

Anyone with updates on what the real deal is? Why did Starwood agree to a further three-month extension? Is the renovation happening at all? Story published in The Daily Star today mentioned below.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Starwood contract with BSL extended

The Starwood Hotel and Resorts, the parent company of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, has extended its management contract with Bangladesh Services Lim-ited (BSL) for another three months.

The contract with BSL, the owing company of Dhaka Sheraton, has been extended till September 30 following a request from BSL, said a press release.

The Dhaka Sheraton Hotel management original contract expired on Dece-mber 31, 2008, but it was extended for six months in two terms till June 30, 2009.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=96196

[dopekhor]

There has been no concrete announcement in this regard though. Only thing I've heard is that they're looking for foreign properties.
let them build the property first.

[Saif Kamal]

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...

Hi All,
I am new here and its quite an interesting discussion here. The above mentioned Courtyard brand at Dhaka. Can someone tell me if this is the same Habib group if Chittagong. Their hotel will be in Dhaka? Any progress on it?

Thanks

[sas]

Hi All,
I am new here and its quite an interesting discussion here. The above mentioned Courtyard brand at Dhaka. Can someone tell me if this is the same Habib group if Chittagong. Their hotel will be in Dhaka? Any progress on it?

Thanks

All we know is that it's a Courtyard Marriott. No more details available, unless anyone's heard anything else recently.

[Saif Kamal]

Thanks. If anyone has any other info it would be great to learn more

Said

[Saif Kamal]

What would be the exact location of this property.. I am sorry to bother you all but I am curious as I am prospective developer..

[TIslam]

What would be the exact location of this property.. I am sorry to bother you all but I am curious as I am prospective developer..

You should contact Sena Kalyan and/or Tourism ministry, National Board of Investment, or Bangladesh Services Limited.

[Amstead]

Hi All,
I am new here and its quite an interesting discussion here. The above mentioned Courtyard brand at Dhaka. Can someone tell me if this is the same Habib group if Chittagong. Their hotel will be in Dhaka? Any progress on it?

Thanks


From what I have learned, the plan has been scrapped as the proposed site in gulshan 2 had legal problems. Yes, I think it is the Habib Group of Chittagong, which sponsored the PCL. The problem, of land disputes with the CAAB and Government was also the main reason for which the Airport Intercontinental and Holiday Inn Hotel was on a standoff. Now it seems Summit Group has been making progress in taking over the contract from IPCO and Bengal Group.

Btw, what brand of hotel are you planning on bringing? in which city?

[sas]

From what I have learned, the plan has been scrapped as the proposed site in gulshan 2 had legal problems. Yes, I think it is the Habib Group of Chittagong, which sponsored the PCL. The problem, of land disputes with the CAAB and Government was also the main reason for which the Airport Intercontinental and Holiday Inn Hotel was on a standoff. Now it seems Summit Group has been making progress in taking over the contract from IPCO and Bengal Group.

Btw, what brand of hotel are you planning on bringing? in which city?

Let me very quickly add on that if you don't mind. It is both Summit Group and United Group that are planning to acquire a CONTROLLING stake in the IPCO. Bengal Group will still have a minority stake in the project. However, they're scrapping the existing deal with Intercontinental Hotel Group and planning on getting a fresh franchise deal from some other global operator.

[sas]

Hotels suffer revenue slump in recession

Sayeda Akter

Five-star hotel revenues slumped by around 15 percent in the immediate-past fiscal year, compared to a year ago, as global recession slowed business travel to Bangladesh.

The hospitality business has witnessed an 11 percent decline in the occupancy rate in fiscal 2008-09, said industry insiders.

Four five-star hotels and two three-star hotels in Dhaka logged 1,29,201 room-nights last fiscal year, down from 1,45,943 room-nights in the previous year.

Industry insiders said the numbers of foreign investors and garment buyers visiting the country have significantly declined in global recession, remarkably from October 2008.

Brigadier General Mohammad Manzur Qader, managing director of Sena Hotel Developments Ltd (SHDL), owner of Radisson Water Garden Hotel, said the number of people travelling into the country for investment and business has dropped.

“Although the global financial meltdown did not affect the local economy severely, it surely affected developed economies, from where major investors come to Bangladesh,” he said.

“A majority of our local five-star hotel clients are the garment buyers and foreign investors -- mainly from western countries. As developed countries suffer the consequences of recession, the number of investors has naturally declined," he added.

Qader said the occupancy rate at Radisson has declined by 12-15 percent over the last eight months. Around 26,623 rooms were occupied in fiscal 2008-09, while the figures stood at 31,476 a year earlier.

The average occupancy rate of the hotel is now 72 percent to 75 percent, while it was 80 percent to 85 percent in the past year.

However, he said the sector is less affected than in India and Japan, where five-star hotel occupancies have dropped by 35 to 40 percent.

Other five-star hotels are also feeling the pinch of global financial crisis with lower occupancy rates in fiscal 2008-09.

MA Awal, director (sales) of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, said the hotel's occupancy rate dropped by 11 percent due to global recession.

“The financial crisis aside, some other reasons also contributed to slumping occupancy," he said. “We faced several room booking and programme cancellations when the BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) mutinied in February."

“Our revenues were 30 percent short of the target at that time, as several guests checked out early and many others cancelled their advance bookings,” he said. “The entire sector faced a slowdown in occupancy and revenue.”

“When drawing up plans for fiscal 2008-09, we forecast a growth of 9 percent in occupancy rates and revenues, as we expected the new government would help better business for us,” he said. “But by that time, the global financial crisis has already started taking a toll on the hospitality industry."

However, Awal said the hotel started regaining occupancy in the last three months with a 6 percent rise in revenues, which somewhat helps overcome lost revenues.

Shahidus Sadique, marketing and communications manager of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, said the occupancy rate and revenues have dropped by 15 percent in six months for the hotel. He is however optimistic the situation will soon improve.

“We are affected by the global meltdown, but we are not among the worst. We usually sell low-cost products in comparison to other south Asian nations and that helps us survive at a time like this,” he said.

“Besides, this is an off-season for tourists and, not only in Bangladesh, but the global hospitality business is experiencing low occupancy," he added.

Sadique is optimistic. “We are waiting for Ramadan, when the trade bodies in the country begin negotiation talks with investors and buyers for the next quarter. At the time, they would organise various programmes that would invite business for us as well.”

The managing director of SHDL is also upbeat over business expected to rise by year-end.

sayeda@thedailystar.net

[mirzazeehan]

Let me very quickly add on that if you don't mind. It is both Summit Group and United Group that are planning to acquire a CONTROLLING stake in the IPCO. Bengal Group will still have a minority stake in the project. However, they're scrapping the existing deal with Intercontinental Hotel Group and planning on getting a fresh franchise deal from some other global operator.

Thanks for sharing this valuable information...any idea about when we can see work resume on this project?Weeks?Months?

[sas]

Thanks for sharing this valuable information...any idea about when we can see work resume on this project?Weeks?Months?

They're currently talking to a number of banks. Will take a while to materialize. Hence, you don't see any of this news publicly.

[dopekhor]

They're currently talking to a number of banks. Will take a while to materialize. Hence, you don't see any of this news publicly.
i have been hearing so many things, some al mps and some pro al businessmen are trying to take over but they are having issues on pricing


btw i heard that jamuna and bashundhara have merged their housing business, is that true?

[sas]

i have been hearing so many things, some al mps and some pro al businessmen are trying to take over but they are having issues on pricing

btw i heard that jamuna and bashundhara have merged their housing business, is that true?

Official news of a merger is not out as yet - even if it is, I hadn't heard of it.

[amar11372]

Official news of a merger is not out as yet - even if it is, I hadn't heard of it.

Their website is up

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1249342403-clip-37kb.jpg

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1249342446-clip-129kb.jpg

[King Nothing]

Theres a Best Western Hotel in Dhaka. Does anyone know how many stars is it rated.

[TIslam]

Theres a Best Western Hotel in Dhaka. Does anyone know how many stars is it rated.

Having stayed there, I'm afraid I couldn't assign any stars. I think it is just another "run-of-the mill" small hotel that can now be found all over Dhaka, particularly in Gulshan, Banani area, except it happens to be in Kawran Bazar. The only nice feature to me, was that the bath room was noticeably clean. The room itself could use new carpeting and more user friendly furnishings. I was told though that they (the owners) were about to undertake a comprehensive face lift and upgrade with high speed broadband internet access in every room. That was about fours years ago. I do not know whether the plan was executed.

[sas]

Having stayed there, I'm afraid I couldn't assign any stars. I think it is just another "run-of-the mill" small hotel that can now be found all over Dhaka, particularly in Gulshan, Banani area, except it happens to be in Kawran Bazar. The only nice feature to me, was that the bath room was noticeably clean. The room itself could use new carpeting and more user friendly furnishings. I was told though that they (the owners) were about to undertake a comprehensive face lift and upgrade with high speed broadband internet access in every room. That was about fours years ago. I do not know whether the plan was executed.

Well the hotel's been there for a while now and it's quite low profile to be honest. Nobody really talks about the place. Doesn't even host too many events obviously, unlike the luxury properties in Dhaka.

[TIslam]

Well the hotel's been there for a while now and it's quite low profile to be honest. Nobody really talks about the place. Doesn't even host too many events obviously, unlike the luxury properties in Dhaka.
Oh they hosts events alright. It is just that they are too "low profile" as you put it, and therefore do not show up as news worthy. During my stay, their conference (meeting) rooms where booked everyday and hosted multiple events, throughout the day. I believe the occupancy and utilization rate of this category hotels are higher than the superior establishments.

[samaruf]

There was supposed to be some kind a 4-5 star hotel next to ZIA. I even saw some construction. Has that project been cancelled?

[Manazir]

^^ yes, u r mentioning the Holiday Inn/Intercon hotel that was supposed to be built near ZIA but unfortunately, the project has been cancelled!

[King Nothing]

Well the hotel's been there for a while now and it's quite low profile to be honest. Nobody really talks about the place. Doesn't even host too many events obviously, unlike the luxury properties in Dhaka.

This Best Western is a western chain isnt it? I remember staying in one in the states.

[Manazir]

^^ yeah its an international company, but who knws if the one in Dhaka is fake or not :D

[TIslam]

^^ yeah its an international company, but who knws if the one in Dhaka is fake or not :D

Not a fake. It is indeed part of Best Western franchise. The property shows up on Best Western's global website and one can book rooms from their central reservation system. In fact that is how I made my reservation. The franchise in Dhaka actually came up as an independent hotel called La Vinci. Became a Best Western affiliate/franchisee after a few years.

[mirzazeehan]

My trustworthy friend working for a leasing company in Dhaka has confirmed that Unique Group is all set to make a part of its "32 storied under-construction Unique-DCC complex" at Banani a 5 star hotel.He also informed that it is very likely that it will be managed by "Intercontinental".

There was supposed to be some kind a 4-5 star hotel next to ZIA. I even saw some construction. Has that project been cancelled?

According to our fellow forumer "Sas",work on the project is likely to start again as "Summit group" and "United group" are already talking to the banks about taking over the project from "Bengal group".So yes,we are optimistic about it now:)

[dopekhor]

what about the pach taroka hotel in jamuna future park

[tanzirian]

My trustworthy friend working for a leasing company in Dhaka has confirmed that Unique Group is all set to make a part of its "32 storied under-construction Unique-DCC complex" at Banani a 5 star hotel.He also informed that it is very likely that it will be managed by "Intercontinental".

32 storeys? Don't recall having heard of anything that tall in Banani before... Mirza, did you post renders of it sometime in the past?

[Manazir]

^^ yup im sure he did :)

@ dope: pach taroka hotel next to JFP....hmm, I think that will be built after the JFP completes fully, I hope its a HYATT or sumthin like tht ;)

[mirzazeehan]

32 storeys? Don't recall having heard of anything that tall in Banani before... Mirza, did you post renders of it sometime in the past?

Yep..according to those involved in the construction,the height of the Unique DCC complex at Banani has been revised to 32 Storied.Check out the page 7 of Dhaka Project Threads Part 3 for the render

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=896058&page=7

[mirzazeehan]

what about the pach taroka hotel in jamuna future park

If we already have an Intercontinental in Unique-DCC complex,I am sure Jamuna Group would like to have something better[remember the owners of Jamuna Group and Unique Group are big political rivals]:lol:

[Manazir]

^^ most prolly HYATT ;)

[tanzirian]

Yep..according to those involved in the construction,the height of the Unique DCC complex at Banani has been revised to 32 Storied.Check out the page 7 of Dhaka Project Threads Part 3 for the render

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=896058&page=7

Oh no...32 storeys is great but why did it have to be that particular confused confection? So far I have thought our major midrises to be fairly classy but that one is a mess...not one that I would like to think of as the tallest in Dhaka's northern half. AB Bank proposal looks nice though, hope it comes to fruition.

[sas]

[QUOTE=mirzazeehan;40991854]My trustworthy friend working for a leasing company in Dhaka has confirmed that Unique Group is all set to make a part of its "32 storied under-construction Unique-DCC complex" at Banani a 5 star hotel.He also informed that it is very likely that it will be managed by "Intercontinental".

Thanks for the update Mirza. This is great news. Any stories on this would be so useful.

When is construction of the Unique-DCC Tower scheduled to end?

[RCane]

Can somebody say what kind of lights are used in Radisson,West Inn,Sheraton etc the big hotels when it comes to lighting?CFL, fluorescent etc?

[tislam84]

JS panel makes U-turn on hotel project near ZIA

Nazrul Islam

A parliamentary panel has reversed its earlier proposal to scrap a controversial deal with a Singaporean company for construction of luxury hotels and golf course inside the air security zone at the country’s main airport.

‘We have now decided to allow the company to go ahead with the job and asked the authorities concerned to negotiate for developing a golf course beside the Zia International Airport,’ chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the civil aviation and tourism ministry Mosharraf Hossain told New Age.

The u-turn is learnt to have made unilaterally by the chairman at a meeting of the committee on August 3, three months after the panel collectively had asked the ministry to cancel the lease agreement with the Singapore-based developer and turnkey contractor, IPCO Group.

The controversial agreement was signed between the company and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh in 1999 when Mosharraf was minister in-charge of the ministry.

The company was given 144.73 acres of land on a 60-year lease at a nominal charge in spite of opposition from a section in the government which considered the project a security threat for the Zia International Airport, the country’s gateway to the world.

Following the committee’s revised decision, the ministry, which in a report earlier said that the authorities might need the land to enlarge the airport and increase passenger facilities in the near future, wrote to the lawmakers that allowing the company to go ahead with the project will be harmful for the government.

It insisted on scrapping the deal and bringing the company to justice for violating lease contract.

After various committees suggested that the deal should be scrapped, an influential quarter has been trying to persuade the government high-ups to retain the lease, according to ministry officials.

‘They actually want to grab the valuable land near the airport in the name of constructing golf course and hotels,’ said a top official adding that the ministry would seek prime minister’s intervention to keep the land free for future use for expansion and development of the airport.

Civil aviation and tourism ministry officials said that the company flouted lease agreements while starting construction of the hotel.

Moreover, one of the anti-graft taskforces of the immediate-past army-backed government had confiscated the lease documents and submitted a report to the ministry with a note suggesting discontinuation of the project.

A similar note was forwarded by a secretary-headed committee formed to investigate the irregularities in the deal.

The Singaporean company, according to the officials dealing with the project, has not been paying rent for the lease-hold land at least for the last four years.

Abul Khair Litu of the Bengal Group works as the local representative of IPCO, which runs three ventures in Bangladesh — Ipco (Development) Bangladesh Ltd, Ipco Hotels Ltd and Ipco Resorts Ltd.

The construction of the hotel has remained suspended for the last two years.

The parliamentary committee on April 21, after reviewing the lease agreement and allegations of breach of contracts by the leaseholders, asked the government to cancel the lease. But its chairman, who himself had asked for legal action against the company for violation, came up with a quite opposite statement after the August 3 meeting.

The committee is scheduled to meet again on Monday with the IPCO issue high on agenda, said a parliament secretariat official.

Asked for comment, civil aviation and tourism minister GM Quader, a Jatiya Party lawmaker inducted into the cabinet of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, declined to make any comment at this moment.

He, however, admitted that the CAAB will require the land for further development of the airport.

Source: The New Age, http://www.newagebd.com/2009/aug/16/front.html

[amar11372]

^^ If this sets any precedent, than guess we can all at least expects many more construction projects to be completed under this political Govt, regardless of any rule of laws.

[mirzazeehan]

With so much money already invested,I dont see how any govt. will want to cancel the whole project.Besides,it would be nice to have a golf course and resort right beside the Airport.I had earlier read in a newspaper that "7000 crore taka" had been allocated for renovation of Zia International Airport in Dhaka.

^^ If this sets any precedent, than guess we can all at least expects many more construction projects to be completed under this political Govt, regardless of any rule of laws.

Ofcourse---one of the few things political governments in BD are good at:cheers:

[King Nothing]

[B][SIZE="3"]
A parliamentary panel has reversed its earlier proposal to scrap a controversial deal with a Singaporean company for construction of luxury hotels and golf course inside the air security zone at the country’s main airport.


Golf course? What the hell :nuts:

[tislam84]

Golf course? What the hell :nuts:

I agree. There is a golf course just 3 miles away from the airport. Why do we neeed another one near ZIA? Also, how can the players play if there is always the thunderous sound of aircrafts landing and taking off?

On the other hand, it may attract transit passengers because they can play a quick 9-hole while waiting for the next flight :)

[sas]

JS panel makes U-turn on hotel project near ZIA

Nazrul Islam

A parliamentary panel has reversed its earlier proposal to scrap a controversial deal with a Singaporean company for construction of luxury hotels and golf course inside the air security zone at the country’s main airport.

‘We have now decided to allow the company to go ahead with the job and asked the authorities concerned to negotiate for developing a golf course beside the Zia International Airport,’ chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the civil aviation and tourism ministry Mosharraf Hossain told New Age.

The u-turn is learnt to have made unilaterally by the chairman at a meeting of the committee on August 3, three months after the panel collectively had asked the ministry to cancel the lease agreement with the Singapore-based developer and turnkey contractor, IPCO Group.

The controversial agreement was signed between the company and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh in 1999 when Mosharraf was minister in-charge of the ministry.

The company was given 144.73 acres of land on a 60-year lease at a nominal charge in spite of opposition from a section in the government which considered the project a security threat for the Zia International Airport, the country’s gateway to the world.

Following the committee’s revised decision, the ministry, which in a report earlier said that the authorities might need the land to enlarge the airport and increase passenger facilities in the near future, wrote to the lawmakers that allowing the company to go ahead with the project will be harmful for the government.

It insisted on scrapping the deal and bringing the company to justice for violating lease contract.

After various committees suggested that the deal should be scrapped, an influential quarter has been trying to persuade the government high-ups to retain the lease, according to ministry officials.

‘They actually want to grab the valuable land near the airport in the name of constructing golf course and hotels,’ said a top official adding that the ministry would seek prime minister’s intervention to keep the land free for future use for expansion and development of the airport.

Civil aviation and tourism ministry officials said that the company flouted lease agreements while starting construction of the hotel.

Moreover, one of the anti-graft taskforces of the immediate-past army-backed government had confiscated the lease documents and submitted a report to the ministry with a note suggesting discontinuation of the project.

A similar note was forwarded by a secretary-headed committee formed to investigate the irregularities in the deal.

The Singaporean company, according to the officials dealing with the project, has not been paying rent for the lease-hold land at least for the last four years.

Abul Khair Litu of the Bengal Group works as the local representative of IPCO, which runs three ventures in Bangladesh — Ipco (Development) Bangladesh Ltd, Ipco Hotels Ltd and Ipco Resorts Ltd.

The construction of the hotel has remained suspended for the last two years.

The parliamentary committee on April 21, after reviewing the lease agreement and allegations of breach of contracts by the leaseholders, asked the government to cancel the lease. But its chairman, who himself had asked for legal action against the company for violation, came up with a quite opposite statement after the August 3 meeting.

The committee is scheduled to meet again on Monday with the IPCO issue high on agenda, said a parliament secretariat official.

Asked for comment, civil aviation and tourism minister GM Quader, a Jatiya Party lawmaker inducted into the cabinet of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, declined to make any comment at this moment.

He, however, admitted that the CAAB will require the land for further development of the airport.

Source: The New Age, http://www.newagebd.com/2009/aug/16/front.html

I honestly don't know what will happen. This entire project has been flooded with controversy. But these CAAB people really need to get their priorities right. Considering the golf course adjacent to Radisson, as well as Kurmitola, we most definitely do not need a golf course in the area. This is like prime property and land (our scarcest resource BY FAR) must be utilized efficiently. Making a golf course would be complete wastage.

[mirzazeehan]

Golf course? What the hell :nuts:

Didn't you check out the " Offical Ipco Video" for the project?It included huge landscaping,golf course,country club,3 star holiday inn,5 star intercontinental hotel as well as a "bigger than bashundhara city" shopping mall.:)


Here are some renders of the country club and golf course to be built beside ZIA Int. Airport

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Resize_of_country-club-aerial.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Resize_of_AerialView2.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Resize_of_AerialView1.jpg

[mirzazeehan]

On the other hand, it may attract transit passengers because they can play a quick 9-hole while waiting for the next flight :)

Good one bro--that ought to make Dhaka airport everyones fav Transit:lol:

[amar11372]

Didn't you check out the " Offical Ipco Video" for the project?It included huge landscaping,golf course,country club,3 star holiday inn,5 star intercontinental hotel as well as a "bigger than bashundhara city" shopping mall.:)


Here are some renders of the country club and golf course to be built beside ZIA Int. Airport

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Resize_of_country-club-aerial.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Resize_of_AerialView2.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Resize_of_AerialView1.jpg

got a link to the video or was it aired on TV?

[amar11372]

I agree. There is a golf course just 3 miles away from the airport. Why do we neeed another one near ZIA? Also, how can the players play if there is always the thunderous sound of aircrafts landing and taking off?

On the other hand, it may attract transit passengers because they can play a quick 9-hole while waiting for the next flight :)

Wouldn't the loud noise from the airport ruin peoples game?

[TIslam]

^^ If this sets any precedent, than guess we can all at least expects many more construction projects to be completed under this political Govt, regardless of any rule of laws.

Come on, Amar! Are you advocating rule of laws be damned just for that sake of feasting your eyes of some fancy edifice? :ohno:

[TIslam]

Didn't you check out the " Offical Ipco Video" for the project?It included huge landscaping,golf course,country club,3 star holiday inn,5 star intercontinental hotel as well as a "bigger than bashundhara city" shopping mall.:)

I wonder what would town/urban planners have to say about this? Whoever heard of a huge shopping mall adjacent to a busy international airport? Wholly inappropriate. Ditto for golf course.

[mirzazeehan]

got a link to the video or was it aired on TV?

It was a full 10 minute long detailed video available on ipco's website[which doesn't seem to be working now] and also on youtube[where i havent been able to find it lately].Today is Monday,so there will prolly be some concluding decision on the project within the 24 hours-if it does get the government's nod,then I am sure alot more details of the project will keep coming to us with time.

[mirzazeehan]

Come on, Amar! Are you advocating rule of laws be damned just for that sake of feasting your eyes of some fancy edifice? :ohno:

Bro,this is a city where as per government laws and restrictions[caab/rajuk etc],it is completely illegal to make a building thats more than 150 feet tall in most parts of the city.
Had such crazy laws been enforced in reality,Dhaka would have been much different than it is today.Imagine where "office/apartment" prices would be without these high rises

[mirzazeehan]

3 Star Lake Shore Hotel,Gulshan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01235.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01236.jpg


5 Star Westin Dhaka

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01252.jpg

[King Nothing]

I wonder what would town/urban planners have to say about this? Whoever heard of a huge shopping mall adjacent to a busy international airport? Wholly inappropriate. Ditto for golf course.

I agree. What a waste of land. :bash:

[TIslam]

5 Star Westin Dhaka
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01252.jpg

From this angle this looks like the three identical cylindrically shaped buildings in Atlanta, Detroit, and LA. In Detroit it used to be the Westin, until about a few years ago.

[nayeem007]

The minister is probably making few million dollars out of this project.. that's the only reason to make a decision like this. We have one Golf course just 20 min from Zia, why do we need another one? Also, who would want to play golf right beside an airport?

[Manazir]

I DO NOT support this golf course and country club project! I had a far better project in my head! I dont like their location in the first place! I thought it was gonna be in the place where Intercon was supposed to be built now i see the renders and its on the other side lol, I was planning to build a 68 floor "Ritz Carlton Hotel" there one day now I see that they are taking away my place :P, apart frm that, lets say, one day ZIA airport exapnds its terminals to the south side, the approaching roads to and from ZIA need to be moved a bit so it needs to use the space. (it would be much better if I showed it to you thru diagrams :) ).

[mirzazeehan]

The minister is probably making few million dollars out of this project.. that's the only reason to make a decision like this. We have one Golf course just 20 min from Zia, why do we need another one? Also, who would want to play golf right beside an airport?

Theres no doubt about that bro--the chairperson of the commitee owns the Hotel Sayemon in Chittagong and is also partial owner of the 18 storey Peninsula Hotel in that city.Adding a five star to that list would be a good expansion:lol:

[King Nothing]

Of all the hotels in Dhaka city, I hear the Regency is the dodgiest.

[amar11372]

Theres no doubt about that bro--the chairperson of the commitee owns the Hotel Sayemon in Chittagong and is also partial owner of the 18 storey Peninsula Hotel in that city.Adding a five star to that list would be a good expansion:lol:

Ohh one of these days I gotta make a politician my new BFF. :)

[Manazir]

^^ :lol:

[mirzazeehan]

Ohh one of these days I gotta make a politician my new BFF. :)

Me too:lol:

[TIslam]

Ohh one of these days I gotta make a politician my new BFF. :)

We could all use a few in Bangladesh. If not directly for our benefit, the next of kin. :D

[mirzazeehan]

The Westin Dhaka

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/WestinDhaka-1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Westinswimmingpool.jpg

Radisson Water Garden

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Radissonhotel.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Radissonswimingpool.jpg

Dhaka Sheraton

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Sheraton.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/Sheratonswim.jpg

Pan Pacific Sonargoan

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/NewPoolAugLG.jpg[/QUOTE]

[Manazir]

^^ u got them from sum website?

[mirzazeehan]

^^ u got them from sum website?

A number of websites actually....:)

[dopekhor]

Of all the hotels in Dhaka city, I hear the Regency is the dodgiest.
the worst hotel in the city, full of khetuas, i hated it from its inception!

[dopekhor]

Ohh one of these days I gotta make a politician my new BFF. :)
would be of any help, no mullah no care even if you were there ammi, knaw mean?

[sas]

the worst hotel in the city, full of khetuas, i hated it from its inception!

Fully agree with dopey dope. But would guys not put Sarina in the same category though?

However, I've heard they're planning on revamping Regency with a complete re-branding and change of logo? Anyone heard anything along those lines?

[King Nothing]

the worst hotel in the city, full of khetuas, i hated it from its inception!

My friends went into the sheesha lounge in the hotel and saw an Indian guy making out with a couple of chicks. No joke.

[Manazir]

^^
HAHAHAHA :lol:

[sas]

This should be have been sold off to that Saudi Prince a while ago and he would have turned it into a nice Four Seasons.

Graft eating away stars
3 probes into corruption in Sonargaon Hotel renovation remain unfinished; graft whistleblowers shown the door

Md Hasan

Corruption allegations about renovation work of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital remain ignored despite repeated whistle blowing for the last five years.

Rather, the whistle blowers were removed from the board or management body of the five star hotel.

Corruption in the hotel's renovation work was first exposed by a media report in 2007. It was alleged that Southeast Asia Technology Co Ltd (SEATEC) of Thailand, one of the consultancy firms for the work, did not submit designs in time but drew money for the work that remains unfinished.

Later, three committees were formed to unearth the facts but none of them completed probe letting the consultant of the project and contractors off the hook.

Some board members have recently raised allegations of irregularities against SEATEC in the Tk 136 crore project.

A board member, who brought corruption allegation, was removed from the board on September 14 this year.

Anwar Rashid, a member of the board, alleged that his removal was linked to the demand for proper investigation into the allegations.

He was in a five-member probe committee formed in August this year to dig out facts about corruption in renovation work.

Rashid on October 3 submitted a letter to the parliamentary standing committee on civil aviation and tourism ministry, bringing corruption allegations against consultancy firm SEATEC.

In the letter, he said the board members at a meeting asked both SEATEC and Hotels International Ltd (HIL), which owns Sonargaon Hotel, to produce the designs of renovation work but they failed to show those.

The members also doubted whether SEATEC has taken permission from Bangladesh government to operate here, read the letter.

Moinuddin Khan Badal, member of the parliamentary body, told The Daily Star on Thursday, "We have received the allegations and shall look into it soon."

According to HIL, it incurred huge losses in 2007 because of corruption done in the hotel's renovation work.

HIL statistics show that the hotel's pre-tax profit was Tk 135 million in 2006, which came down to Tk 7 million in 2007 following the delay in renovation work.

A consortium led by SEATEC had been given the job of consultancy and supervising the project in 2005.

The other components of the consortium are Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo (WATG) of Singapore and Engineering Consultants and Associates Ltd, Engineers and Consultants Bangladesh Ltd, and Divine Associates Ltd of Bangladesh.

SEATEC was responsible for assigning contractors for renovation work. Orion Group's sister concern Accom Engineering Ltd was awarded the contract of the hotel's renovation work in October 2005.

Both board members and the contractors alleged that SEATEC gave flawed designs to the contractors after expiry of the deadline for submission.

Accom Engineering Ltd was supposed to finish the job by January 2007 but it failed to do so. Its contract with the HIL was cancelled at the end of 2007 following allegation of substandard work and delaying the project's implementation.

Later, the HIL management did some renovation work to run the hotel.

Only 30 percent of the renovation work including that on the third and fourth floors, health club, and swimming pool were completed by December 2008.

But SEATEC has already got Tk 7 crore of its fees of Tk 12 crore from HIL.

Renovation work on the second and fifth to eighth floors, lobby and ballrooms remained unfinished, said HIL.

In August 2009, the HIL board formed a probe committee to look into the allegations about renovation work.

Meantime, Accom Engineering Ltd went to an arbitration court claiming compensations from HIL. The company alleged that the project was delayed, as SEATEC did not provide it with designs and specifications in time.

Salman Karim, managing director of Orion Group, said, "We received most designs about 10 to 14 months after the project was launched."

"We even received wrong specifications of many interior products," he said.

Solaiman Ahmed, managing director of HIL, said the matter is now under investigation and the facts will come out once the probe is completed.

However, new consultants should be appointed for the project, he said.

Talking to The Daily Star, SEATEC's local agent Abdul Matin claimed that the company provided the contractor with all required designs.

"But the contractor did not complete the job," said Matin.

The official also claimed that SEATEC didn't need to take any permission to work as a consultancy firm for this project as per the tender requirements.

He said the company has demanded compensation from the HIL for "the losses it incurred due to delay in the project's implementation."

HIL officials said they have paid Tk 10 crore to Accom Engineering Ltd.

[sas]

Does anyone have any updates on the ZIA IPCO and the DCC Borak (ICH) projects?

[mirzazeehan]

Does anyone have any updates on the ZIA IPCO and the DCC Borak (ICH) projects?

My friend who works for a bank involved with the IPCO project tells me that work is very likely to resume on it soon.No further details were given to me though.
As for the DCC-BORAK ICH,work on the tower is going on at full pace,but no further information regarding the hotel is available.

[sas]

My friend who works for a bank involved with the IPCO project tells me that work is very likely to resume on it soon.No further details were given to me though.
As for the DCC-BORAK ICH,work on the tower is going on at full pace,but no further information regarding the hotel is available.

Thanks for the update Mirza. That's what I heard as well. They are planning on resuming the project soon, but not under the same brands (IC and Holiday Inn) obviously. But no details available.