thx for the info

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

^^ 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.

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.

^^ 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.

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.

^^ 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.

^^ 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.

westin dhaka

by miumiulina

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

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

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

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!).

^^ 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.

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.

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?

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?

^^
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.

^^
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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Said

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..

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.

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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

^^ 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.

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:)

what about the pach taroka hotel in jamuna future park

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?

^^ 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 ;)

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

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:

^^ most prolly HYATT ;)

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.

[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?

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?

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

^^ 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.

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:

[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:

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 :)

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.

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

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:

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?

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?

^^ 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:

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.

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.

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

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

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:

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.

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?

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 :) ).

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:

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

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. :)

^^ :lol:

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

Me too:lol:

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

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]

^^ u got them from sum website?

^^ u got them from sum website?

A number of websites actually....:)

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!

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?

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?

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.

^^
HAHAHAHA :lol:

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Abul Khair Litu


This Litu made his money when Ershad was in power.

Starwood revises earlier decision, now interested to manage Dhaka Sheraton

-A Monitor Special
Dhaka : Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. the owning company of the Sheraton brand of hotel chain which decided to pull out from managing Dhaka Sheraton Hotel has changed mind and now showing interest to continue.

Starwood has agreed to accept fifth extension and continue to operate the hotel till of March 31, 2010. The present management contract expired on December 31, 2008. Pending appointment of a new operator, Starwood continue, under extensions-each for the period of three months.

It may be noted that built as Hotel Inter-Continental in 1966, Sheraton started operating the hotel as its brand from 1984 under management contract. The first contract was for a period of 20 years and the second for five years.

The hotel needs massive refurbishment. Both Starwood and Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), the public sector owing company of the hotel agreed that there is scope-- albeit difficult one-for transforming the present property up to desired "Sheraton Standard". But there arose dispute in the manner of execution of the refurbishment plan. Starwood wanted total shutdown of the property, but the BSL could not agree to that. So Starwood decided to pull out.

In the past one year BSL tried to find upscale operator. But failed to find a company to operate the hotel. This forced to look for an alternative option, such as appointing a company to manage the hotel under a franchise arrangement. In response to an international tender six companies participated, from which two-- Ramada Plaza and Golden Tulip, a Dutch hotel operator-were found responsive by the BSL. Finally, financial offer of Golden Tulip was found the lowest. The two side started negotiation and initialed a draft agreement, which is awaiting approval of the board of director of BSL.

In addition to a management fee of Taka 4.5 crore, Golden Tulip has offered to complete the refurbishment in phases at a cost of between Taka 70 and Taka 80 crore.

Meanwhile, Starwood showed interest by withdrawing the earlier demand of total shut down of the property for refurbishment. A number of high-profile Starwood teams have already visited Dhaka to have a negotiation with the government.

Starwood has already drawn a long term property improvement plan. The areas included in the plan are guest rooms, restaurants, kitchens, health club and public areas. At present Starwood is busy doing quality survey or costing of the entire refurbishment.

It is relevant to mention thar recently GM Quader, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism told a local daily that the government's door is open for discussion and it desires that a world-class hotel chain operates and manage the hotel.

"We are ready to renovate the hotel immediately, but our main concern is that the hotel should be open during the refurbishment work," he said, adding that, it should be ensured that 600 members of the Sheraton staff would not be unemployed.

"We just don't want a complete shutdown of the hotel during renovation," Quader said and added "If we can agree on these points, I don't see any problem to renew contract with Sheraton for another term."

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1095&CID=7

^^ Is this a new article, Sas? March 2010 is less than three months away...so not much of an extension at this point. But good to know that Starwood still has interest in the property.

^^ Is this a new article, Sas? March 2010 is less than three months away...so not much of an extension at this point. But good to know that Starwood still has interest in the property.

Well was published in the latest edition of bangladeshmonitor. There doesn't seem to be any news on any fresh properties in Dhaka lately.

^^
Both the Sheraton and Sonargoan can no longer be classified as five star. These two entities over the years have become something like Biman. The government won't let go because they are cash cows for them, yet they won't allocate appropriate funds for improvements and upkeep.

I hope over time, enough new branded hotels come up in the private sector that these two hotels totally languish, so that the government wakes up and decides to offload.

^^
Both the Sheraton and Sonargoan can no longer be classified as five star. These two entities over the years have become something like Biman. The government won't let go because they are cash cows for them, yet they won't allocate appropriate funds for improvements and upkeep.

I hope over time, enough new branded hotels come up in the private sector that these two hotels totally languish, so that the government wakes up and decides to offload.

I fully agree with you on that front. The authorities just refuse to renovate Sheraton on grounds that the existing '600' employees will be unemployed. Why not transfer them temporarily to some other department? And our public sector is never 'over staffed enough'.

As for the Sonargaon, actual renovation is going on at a snail's pace, even though I must admit that they've done a brilliant job on the swimming pool. It looks really nice if you go there in the evening. But apparently a lot of to be done yet and the government and vendors have 'marofied' a lot of money in the process.

More five-star hotels planned

Sayeda Akter

Unique Group, the owning company of Westin Dhaka, is set for expansion by opening three more five-star hotels to tap growing demand for high-heeled accommodation.

Initially, the company plans to invest around Tk 2,000 crore for expansion, while Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide will be the managing company for all three hotels.

A deal will be signed today between Unique Group and Starwood, the parent company of renowned global brands such as Westin, Sheraton and Le Meridien.

“At present, the local market for five-star hotels is increasing at a rate of 15 percent a year, and it will double in the next three years,” said Mohammad Noor Ali, managing director of Unique Group.

“So as an investor, I have to look to the future and plan on capturing the country's hospitality business in the long run. And that is the main reason behind this expansion plan."

Under the plan, two five-star hotels are to be constructed in Dhaka: Le Meridien in Banani and The Westin Dhaka 2 in Gulshan. A third, also named Westin, will open in Chittagong, the first five-star hotel for the commercial capital.

Construction of the hotels will be complete by 2012-end and all are likely to begin operations the following year.

“Simultaneously, I have Starwood, one of the best hotel management companies in the world, with me, which gives me added confidence,” said Ali, also the managing director of Westin Dhaka.

In recent years, the hospitality sector in Bangladesh has boomed in the five-star hotel segment. Three new five-star hotels opened in Dhaka in the past four years, taking the number to five.

Industry experts said the capital city now has around 1,250 five-star rooms. The hotels reach full occupancy only in winter and an average occupancy rate of around 75 percent can easily make the business profitable, they added.

“One of the drivers of growth has been the increase in foreign business people visiting the country, as both the garments and telecom industries have taken off,” said Ali.

“Apart from that, the geographical location of these hotels will also exploit the proximity to airport and the garment belt in Ashulia-Savar, as well as the headquarters of the major mobile telecom operators,” he said. “The country's diplomatic zone is also near our hotels.”

Ali is optimistic about profiting from the hotel in Chittagong, as the number of affluent visitors, including investors, top officials from banks and port, and shipping businessmen, are increasing fast in the region.

The company is conducting studies to assess demand for accommodation and the regular flow of guests to the port city. The room rent for the Westin in Chittagong will be slightly lower than in Dhaka, said the Unique Group chief.

The annual turnover of Westin Dhaka was Tk 106 crore, and the operating profit was around Tk 47 crore in 2008, which grew by 20 percent in 2009, Ali said.

The 235-room Westin has an average occupancy of 80 percent, while the hotel has gained a 25 percent share of the total market.

sayeda@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=129250

More five-star hotels planned

Sayeda Akter

Unique Group, the owning company of Westin Dhaka, is set for expansion by opening three more five-star hotels to tap growing demand for high-heeled accommodation.
...............................................................................................

Why aren't these investors taking the brand names to Cox's Bazar?

Why aren't these investors taking the brand names to Cox's Bazar?

Because a vast majority of visitors in the Cox's Bazar area are local people and there aren't enough people within that segment of the population in Bangladesh who would spend premium amounts for higher-end accommodation. The total bill on an average trip there would probably end up being so high that the same people could probably afford vacations to Thailand paying slightly more. This is of course because top quality accommodation is much cheaper in places like Thailand.

^^ Thanks sas! A few random thoughts:

1. Great to hear of the new hotels, if they are realized.

2. The most obvious unmet hotel need in Dhaka is at the airport. Intercontinental / Holiday Inn were supposed to fill that void...it would have made a lot of sense for someone to revive that project or create a new one there.

3. The idea for a Westin in Chittagong would also address a largely unmet need...

4. ...but why a second Westin in Gulshan?

^^
I was wishing Hyatt or Intercon to come up, but good news nevertheless.

and wasnt there a planned project for HILTON in the begunbari project area?

^^
I was wishing Hyatt or Intercon to come up, but good news nevertheless.

and wasnt there a planned project for HILTON in the begunbari project area?

Hilton at Begunbari not happening as the land really belongs to the Bangladesh Railway and the proposal was illegally approved during the latter stages of the earlier BNP government.

^^
I was wishing Hyatt or Intercon to come up, but good news nevertheless.

and wasnt there a planned project for HILTON in the begunbari project area?
Unless you're a member of any particular loyalty club, brands really do not matter, because one isn't particularly better/superior over another. There are Hyatts in the US that barely get a three star rating.

That Hilton will probably never see the light of day because a) the investor was a BNP person, and/or b) the land wasn't legally his (theirs). A lot of people who claimed to own land in the area have been accused of land grabbing.

:bash: why doesnt Donald Trump invest in hotel:lol:

:bash: why doesnt Donald Trump invest in hotel:lol:
cuz bill gates beat to it

:bash: why doesnt Donald Trump invest in hotel:lol:
Perhaps you could entice him with a Bangladeshi model he cannot takes his eyes off? :wink2:

cuz bill gates beat to it
Bill Gates in hospitality business?:eek:

Bill Gates in hospitality business?:eek:

Co-owner of Four Seasons, along with Saudi Prince Al-Waleed

Co-owner of Four Seasons, along with Saudi Prince Al-Waleed
That is news to me! The man must have such confidence in MS so as not to keep all his eggs in one basket, eh? But then he'd be a fool not to diversify. After all, the man keeps company with Warren Buffet, right?

Although we are talking about Dhaka, I wonder what type of hotel/motel facilities are available in our little towns(mofoshshol). Whenever I visit Comilla/Feni/Noakhali area, there are always relatives to stay with, but I wonder if there are decent facilities for outsiders like businessmen or the obscure tourist? I know there are nice facilities in the Bangladeshi resort towns, but if a tourist like SkyPrince wanted to visit Rangpur or Barisal, etc, where would they stay if they didn't know anyone from the area?

Although we are talking about Dhaka, I wonder what type of hotel/motel facilities are available in our little towns(mofoshshol). Whenever I visit Comilla/Feni/Noakhali area, there are always relatives to stay with, but I wonder if there are decent facilities for outsiders like businessmen or the obscure tourist? I know there are nice facilities in the Bangladeshi resort towns, but if a tourist like SkyPrince wanted to visit Rangpur or Barisal, etc, where would they stay if they didn't know anyone from the area?
Accommodation outside of Dhaka and Chittagong and a handful of other cities like Sylhet, Khulna, are probably very spartan. Although some larger towns have some BPC owned motels, the quality may be suspect.

Although we are talking about Dhaka, I wonder what type of hotel/motel facilities are available in our little towns(mofoshshol). Whenever I visit Comilla/Feni/Noakhali area, there are always relatives to stay with, but I wonder if there are decent facilities for outsiders like businessmen or the obscure tourist? I know there are nice facilities in the Bangladeshi resort towns, but if a tourist like SkyPrince wanted to visit Rangpur or Barisal, etc, where would they stay if they didn't know anyone from the area?

Well Chittagong, Sylhet and Cox's Bazar have good quality accomodation that could be three-star quality. I also feel Hotel Naz Garden in Bogra is quite up there. Khulna and Rajshahi (even though they should) I am not too sure about.

Anyone heard of Panigram Resort in the Sundarbans? A proposed ecotourism spot.

Well Chittagong, Sylhet and Cox's Bazar have good quality accomodation that could be three-star quality. I also feel Hotel Naz Garden in Bogra is quite up there. Khulna and Rajshahi (even though they should) I am not too sure about.

Anyone heard of Panigram Resort in the Sundarbans? A proposed ecotourism spot.

Would it be true to conclude that most Bangladeshis don't usually travel that much within the country other than to Dhaka, Chittagong and their ancestral towns/villages. I have not been to anywhere north of Joydebpur or to the southwestern part of the country(1 trip to Sundarbans). Probably this is why the hospitality industry is still dormant.

Perhaps you could entice him with a Bangladeshi model he cannot takes his eyes off? :wink2:

any suggestion?

Would it be true to conclude that most Bangladeshis don't usually travel that much within the country other than to Dhaka, Chittagong and their ancestral towns/villages. I have not been to anywhere north of Joydebpur or to the southwestern part of the country(1 trip to Sundarbans). Probably this is why the hospitality industry is still dormant.

The bubble hasnt bust yet!. (i think it is the right saying)

Bangladeshi doesnt have much disposable income thus domestic tourist are low. I bet in 5 to 10 years, you will see double digit increase in tourism and few good hotels.

Accommodation outside of Dhaka and Chittagong and a handful of other cities like Sylhet, Khulna, are probably very spartan. Although some larger towns have some BPC owned motels, the quality may be suspect.

Sylhet had few plans to buid some 4 or 5 star hotels. I guess people only plan it. Must be fun!

any suggestion?
I would be clueless on that one. I have no idea about who's who, who is hot, who is not, and what not, in Bangladesh. :dunno:

Sylhet had few plans to buid some 4 or 5 star hotels. I guess people only plan it. Must be fun!
Planning is always fun. Are there actual demand for better hotels in Sylhet and its vicinity?

Planning is always fun. Are there actual demand for better hotels in Sylhet and its vicinity?

IF i am not mistaken. It brings me memories of NRB Investment plans, same as they are doing with airline. Make gooes presentation for people to invest on these projects.

ASAIK, Sylhet doesnt offer much of a tourist or commercial attraction.

ASAIK, Sylhet doesnt offer much of a tourist or commercial attraction.

I though Sylhet was a top tourist destination due to tea gardens, Jaflong, Shah Jalal mazar and the haors. I'm not sure if a 4-Star hotel is needed but several 3 stars would do the job.

I though Sylhet was a top tourist destination due to tea gardens, Jaflong, Shah Jalal mazar and the haors. I'm not sure if a 4-Star hotel is needed but several 3 stars would do the job.
That was my impression also. Perhaps better hotels/motels could be located near the places of attraction as opposed to in (Sylhet) city?

That was my impression also. Perhaps better hotels/motels could be located near the places of attraction as opposed to in (Sylhet) city?

3 Star is perfect for Sylhet (I am not sure about average 3 star hotel room rate in Bangaldesh but i dont think people on vacation mind paying TK500 - TK1000 per night). 5 star is meaningless due to no corporate business in that part of region.

As you can see 5 stars in Dhaka cannot survive without corporate business.

3 Star is perfect for Sylhet (I am not sure about average 3 star hotel room rate in Bangaldesh but i dont think people on vacation mind paying TK500 - TK1000 per night). 5 star is meaningless due to no corporate business in that part of region.

As you can see 5 stars in Dhaka cannot survive without corporate business.
Not just Dhaka but most everywhere, unless it is a resort.

3 Star is perfect for Sylhet (I am not sure about average 3 star hotel room rate in Bangaldesh but i dont think people on vacation mind paying TK500 - TK1000 per night). 5 star is meaningless due to no corporate business in that part of region.

As you can see 5 stars in Dhaka cannot survive without corporate business.

I thought we already have a 5 star hotel in Sylhet..? Rose Garden I believe.

I thought we already have a 5 star hotel in Sylhet..? Rose Garden I believe.

It's called Hotel Rose View and I was there last night. It's a 5-star by Banlgadeshi standards. It's not bad, fairly comfortable with all amenities.

Not just Dhaka but most everywhere, unless it is a resort.

Nazimgarh Resorts, located roughly 10km from the city, is quite nice. The pricing is on the higher side, but the place is wonderful.

http://www.nazimgarh.com/

I was checking out Rose Garden Hotel website. They are claiming 5 star but it is between 3 star to 4 star.

Only 107 rooms, for hotels like this you need 20% to 25% occupancy rate nightly to gain good profit.

Their main money maker are four Restaurants & Bar and Ballroom. As i said above, without corporate business you can never make profit.

Nazimgarh Resorts, located roughly 10km from the city, is quite nice. The pricing is on the higher side, but the place is wonderful.

http://www.nazimgarh.com/

Thanks for the link. Very nice resort, at least from the slides on the website. The price is fairly high by Bangladeshi standards, around $110/night/person. Since it includes all the meals and sightseeing, I guess it won't be too hard on the wallets of expats.

Thanks for the link. Very nice resort, at least from the slides on the website. The price is fairly high by Bangladeshi standards, around $110/night/person. Since it includes all the meals and sightseeing, I guess it won't be too hard on the wallets of expats.

But it's doing pretty well. And a significant portion of the visitors are Bangladeshi.

But it's doing pretty well. And a significant portion of the visitors are Bangladeshi.

Yesterday we had some deshi friends over for dinner and I had mentioned to them about this resort. Since my HDTV is connected with a media center pc, I was quickly able to show them the Nazimgarh website. People really couldn't believe there's such a nice resort in Sylhet and the price was considered reasonable. In fact one of them just returned from Bangladesh and he laments that he didn't know about this place.

I'm sure visitors from within Bangladesh with lots of dispensable cash comprise a majority of the clients, but for an average middle class person, spending 14,500 taka/2 nights is probably a little steep.

In fact one of them just returned from Bangladesh and he laments that he didn't know about this place


Areeeeee introduce him to skyscrapercity and he'll know exactly what to do and where to go when he goes to Bangladesh next!

Areeeeee introduce him to skyscrapercity and he'll know exactly what to do and where to go when he goes to Bangladesh next!

:lol:

Well said!

Under the plan, two five-star hotels are to be constructed in Dhaka: Le Meridien in Banani and The Westin Dhaka 2 in Gulshan. A third, also named Westin, will open in Chittagong, the first five-star hotel for the commercial capital.

Well the DCC Unique/Borak Center in Banani, where the Le Meridian is scheduled to be located, seems to be progressing well. What do you think guys?

Well the DCC Unique/Borak Center in Banani, where the Le Meridian is scheduled to be located, seems to be progressing well. What do you think guys?

Can you snap us some construction shots Sas?

As I commented at a previous time...I find the building's style rather inharmonious...but it should add some nice density to Banani.

BTW...what's going on with Doreen Tower? Is construction at a stand-still? There was supposed to be a hotel there, and the location was very good. With City Center edging towards completion...this leaves Doreen as the last major incomplete eyesore.

Can you snap us some construction shots Sas?

As I commented at a previous time...I find the building's style rather inharmonious...but it should add some nice density to Banani.

BTW...what's going on with Doreen Tower? Is construction at a stand-still? There was supposed to be a hotel there, and the location was very good. With City Center edging towards completion...this leaves Doreen as the last major incomplete eyesore.

I asked my brother the other day,and he said that the glass is being put on place on Doreen Tower.I was delighted to hear that!
He also mentioned that work on Khandoker Tower in Gulshan is progressing well,and that SPL Western Tower is almost done with the finishing touches.

I asked my brother the other day,and he said that the glass is being put on place on Doreen Tower.I was delighted to hear that!
He also mentioned that work on Khandoker Tower in Gulshan is progressing well,and that SPL Western Tower is almost done with the finishing touches.

Yup I agree. Glass being put up on Doreen Tower. And SPL Western Tower is ready to go almost!

Unique Group to build 3 more 5-star hotels in Dhaka, Ctg

-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : In a historic move, Unique Hotel and Resorts Ltd, the owning company of Westin Dhaka has decided to build second Westin (to be more appropriate, the extension of the existing one) in Gulshan, a Le Meridien hotel in Banani and another Westin in Chittagong.

This is the largest ever development programme in hospitality industry of Bangladesh. The cost of the three projects will be around Taka 2,000 crore or 300 million US dollar.

Unique Hotel and Resorts Ltd and Starwood Hotels and Resorts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding about management of these properties. Noor Ali, Managing Director, Unique Hotel and Resorts and Don Elliot, Regional VP, Starwood Hotels and Resorts signed the MoU on behalf of their respective companies at a function in Dhaka Westin on March 9.

The Starwood Hotel and Resort will have no equity participation. The Unique Group will arrange the finance from banks and IPO.

Dr. Mashiur Rah-man, Adviser to the Prime Minis-ter was the chief guest. Dr. S. A. Samad, Executive Chairman of the Board of Invest-ment; Advocate Abdul Mannan Khan, MP, State Minister for Housing and Public Works and Nicklaus Bean, Charge d? Affairs of US Embassy were the guest of honour. Also present at the function was Nik Mancharam, Vice President Development, Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide Inc. A large number of prominent people from different walks of life including hospitality industry attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Noor Ali said that the Westin Dhaka second unit across the road will have additional 200 rooms. "Le Meridian" - a new five star hotel with 250 rooms will be at Banani and The Westin Chittagong with 350 rooms will be building in partnership with Md. Showkat Ali Chowdhury.

"This signing ceremony signifies the strengthening of Unique Group's partnership with Starwood in our commitment of reinforcing the economic development of Bangladesh. These three new 5-star hotels would help in employment generation, foreign exchange earning and boost up over all economic activities and Tourism" Noor Ali said..

He said that the construction of the new hotels will involve an investment of about Tk. 2000 crores or approximately US$ 300 million. Along with injecting new investment into the country, the completion of the project will create employment for at least 1500 people within the hotels and few thousands more in related industries around the country through backward and forward linkages.

We expect to complete these three projects, within 3-4 years time, he added.

Drawing the attention of the government, Noor Ali said "during the construction and launching of the Westin hotel in Dhaka, we faced formidable obstacles from many quarters of the then govt. In particular, we had to pay 100 per cent tariff on most of the imported materials. Although some other projects were allowed concessional duty of 5 per cent and no VAT, Ait, our prayer to the then finance minister against this discriminatory treatment bore no result. We had to take financing at 15+ per cent bank interest. Even today we pay 591 per cent duty on Alcohol and 438 per cent on Beer, 147.5 per cent duty on chocolates, 86.43 per cent duty on Imported water and so on which are much higher duties than regional counties. Without these bottlenecks, high tariffs and interest rates, we could have constructed four hotels abroad with the same amount of investment as was invested on Westin Dhaka alone".

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor prior to signing the MoU, Noor Ali said that demand for 5-star accommodation in Dhaka is at present increasing at the rate of 15 per cent a year. In coming years the demand will be increased further. In such a situation, his company is coming up with this huge investment looking at the future

The Managing Director of the Unique Group is optimistic about prospect of Westin hotel in Chittagong.

Noor Ali told Bangladesh Monitor that he has a plan to build a Sheraton hotel in Cox's Bazar after commissioning of these three properties.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1278&CID=1

Unique Group to build 3 more 5-star hotels in Dhaka, Ctg
So, who is this Md. Showkat Ali Chowdhury?

Unique Group to build 3 more 5-star hotels in Dhaka, Ctg

Speaking on the occasion, Noor Ali said that the Westin Dhaka second unit across the road will have additional 200 rooms.


Across the road?Now thats a big surprise!It means that the plot next to the current Westin will not be the location of the new Westin.Perhaps unique group would build something else there.

Interestingly,I havent seen any "free plots" just across the road from Westin.
It means that some building could to be demolised.Opposite to the Westin are these buildings any of which could be the possible site:

1.Gulshan Market(big parking space)
2.Topkapi(one storey restaurant)
3.Prime Bank building(one storey old building)
4.Eastern Nibash(very old low rise apartment building)

I asked my brother the other day,and he said that the glass is being put on place on Doreen Tower.I was delighted to hear that!
He also mentioned that work on Khandoker Tower in Gulshan is progressing well,and that SPL Western Tower is almost done with the finishing touches.

You bear good news!

Am so glad to hear about Doreen. Finally all the projects that got stalled at the end of 2006 seem to be on course for completion, even though GOB has been busy tearing down Jamuna Future Park (hopefully that can be stopped with some ghoosh).

Would love to see some pictures of SPL when completed, as well. Mirza, you should recruit your brother as our new deshi correspondent!

^^
I guess his brother is too busy :) , i sent him a frnd request in fb ages ago and its still pending :lol:

^^
I guess his brother is too busy :) , i sent him a frnd request in fb ages ago and its still pending :lol:
Not everybody is overly enthusiastic about social networking you know. :)
(I have a ton of facebook and twitter requests pending, and probably will remain so.)

Across the road?Now thats a big surprise!It means that the plot next to the current Westin will not be the location of the new Westin.Perhaps unique group would build something else there.

Interestingly,I havent seen any "free plots" just across the road from Westin.
It means that some building could to be demolised.Opposite to the Westin are these buildings any of which could be the possible site:

1.Gulshan Market(big parking space)
2.Topkapi(one storey restaurant)
3.Prime Bank building(one storey old building)
4.Eastern Nibash(very old low rise apartment building)

Well across the road, doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be on the opposite site of Gulshan Avenue. It could be on the opposite side of the goli itself, i.e. where the Dhanshiri and Gulshan Plaza restaurants are located. In fact, that is exactly what I heard from informal sources. Moreover, the Bangladesh Monitor write-up explicitly states that it won't be another hotel per se, but simply an extension of the current facility and this setup makes sense.

Lol the Prime Bank building is opposite the Azad Mosque and at the other side of Wonderland, next to California Fried Chicken. It's at the other end of the world! Don't know where you got that from.

Well across the road, doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be on the opposite site of Gulshan Avenue. It could be on the opposite side of the goli itself, i.e. where the Dhanshiri and Gulshan Plaza restaurants are located. In fact, that is exactly what I heard from informal sources. Moreover, the Bangladesh Monitor write-up explicitly states that it won't be another hotel per se, but simply an extension of the current facility and this setup makes sense.

Lol the Prime Bank building is opposite the Azad Mosque and at the other side of Wonderland, next to California Fried Chicken. It's at the other end of the world! Don't know where you got that from.

Haha..I think i confused it with Premier bank or some other bank:nuts:

Theres a big plot that belongs to Unique Group on the other side of the goli--but according to the Unique Real Estate,its reserved for the Unique Acropolis Project(roughly opposite to lab aid gulshan,plot next to sunmar tower 1 project)

I am still kinda confused...maybe the acropolis project would be replaced with this one?Only time will tell i guess....

You bear good news!

Would love to see some pictures of SPL when completed, as well. Mirza, you should recruit your brother as our new deshi correspondent!

It would be nice to have my brother making up for lil bro...haha...but he is more into social networking like "Facebook" than skyscrapercity:lol:

But dont worry guys,I will INSHALLAH be back in bd in about 50 days time...and will be there for over two months--that means loads of pics!:cheers:

Cant wait to take shots of those projects which were on the verge of completion when i left!

Haha..I think i confused it with Premier bank or some other bank:nuts:

Theres a big plot that belongs to Unique Group on the other side of the goli--but according to the Unique Real Estate,its reserved for the Unique Acropolis Project(roughly opposite to lab aid gulshan,plot next to sunmar tower 1 project)

I am still kinda confused...maybe the acropolis project would be replaced with this one?Only time will tell i guess....

Interesting, but LabAid Gulshan is quite far away from The Westin if you know what I mean. I guess time will do the talking.

But dont worry guys,I will INSHALLAH be back in bd in about 50 days time...and will be there for over two months--that means loads of pics!:cheers:

Looking forward to your visit back :)

^^
yeah im going too Inshallah, me and Mirza will have to meet :D

the westin parking lot is in the dhanshiri golli they might use it and from what i hear they get more benefits from building a separate hotel tax breaks and stuff like that

but i am surprised they are brining in 5 star hotels and yet failing to address the 3 star category and their prices are also sky high the radission and westin are in no way worth 150 bucks esp in bd...

they only get people who are stuck with no alternative

the westin parking lot is in the dhanshiri golli they might use it and from what i hear they get more benefits from building a separate hotel tax breaks and stuff like that

but i am surprised they are brining in 5 star hotels and yet failing to address the 3 star category and their prices are also sky high the radission and westin are in no way worth 150 bucks esp in bd...

they only get people who are stuck with no alternative

Yup they shall be using up a bit of the car park area, but I think the Dhanshiri building if I am correct. This info is yet to be verified.

As for the pricing I do agree with you. Radisson in the US is a mid-scale brand. They can afford to do this as a significant portion of their clientele comprises of corporate guests, not really for tourism. People tend to be more price sensitive when they have to spend money out of their own pockets. :P

......

but i am surprised they are brining in 5 star hotels and yet failing to address the 3 star category and their prices are also sky high the radission and westin are in no way worth 150 bucks esp in bd...
Profit maximization is the goal of every for-profit business. Perhaps they feel that ROI on a five star is higher (and/or quicker) than three star.

they only get people who are stuck with no alternative
Which people would that be? Corporate clients i.e. the "people" are hardly price sensitive.

.....
As for the pricing I do agree with you. Radisson in the US is a mid-scale brand. ..... :P
While the star (or diamond or rose) rating system is rather arbitrary and subjective, most of the hotels in the US/Canada in most cities, do not come close in quality and luxury to the ones outside of North America (NA), save for Boston, NYC, Miami, LA, and Frisco perhaps. Therefore, you'd be remiss to judge just by brand name. While Radisson may appear to be mid-scale in NA, the same brand is out of reach in a city like London.

...the same brand is out of reach in a city like London.

...but London is the major city of that country, just like the US cities you mentioned...

While Radisson may appear to be mid-scale in NA, the same brand is out of reach in a city like London.

London is one of the most overpriced city I have been to... last year I stayed at Sheraton Park Lane for a week, it was 329 pounds( ~$600) per night and the quality of the rooms was worse than the average Marriot or Hilton hotels in US ($150~). The hotel restaurants and club lounge were mediocre aswell!

p.s Ofcourse was in corporate account, no intention of wasting money in hotel otherwise.

...but London is the major city of that country, just like the US cities you mentioned...
Right, but my point was that just a chain like Radisson appears to built/manage only three star establishments in/around the US (NA), it doesn't mean that they do not own/operate higher rated hotels/resorts outside of the US.

London is one of the most overpriced city I have been to... last year I stayed at Sheraton Park Lane for a week, it was 329 pounds( ~$600) per night and the quality of the rooms was worse than the average Marriot or Hilton hotels in US ($150~). The hotel restaurants and club lounge were mediocre aswell!

p.s Ofcourse was in corporate account, no intention of wasting money in hotel otherwise.
Isn't that the case with most hotels in London and Paris?

Nazimgarh Resort in Sylhet

"The Terrace"
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4771/imgp3924.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4610/imgp3925.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5134/imgp3923.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/628/imgp3922.jpg

Pool room of Nazimgarh
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7209/imgp3921.jpg

More views of The Terrace
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2491/imgp3918.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3357/imgp3917.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4232/imgp3916.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/656/imgp3914.jpg

View of one the suites
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4749/imgp3902.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3525/imgp3901.jpg

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/9837/imgp3893v.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3360/imgp3903.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8263/imgp3906.jpg

Restaurant, lounge, gym and swimming pool are located in this building
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5214/imgp3889.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/8093/imgp3882.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/6479/imgp3880.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9471/imgp3879.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/4801/imgp3878.jpg

Inside the Terrace
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/2899/imgp3884m.jpg

Partial view of the pool room
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3337/imgp3926.jpg

Also be sure to check the previous page

Great stuff Dhakaiya. Could you comment on your experience with the hotel?

Wow Dhakaiya, that looks really good!

Dhakaiya, would you consider transfering the pics here to the Bangladesh Hotels thread linked below? Up to you...

Link:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=515708

awesome pics Dhakaiya.. as tanzarian bhai mentioned do share your experience there. How long is the travel from Dhaka? Is this place within 2-3 miles of Sylhet city? Last time I went to Sylhet was 23 years back, so don't remember much atall..

Great stuff Dhakaiya. Could you comment on your experience with the hotel?

THE GOOD
The first impression you get when you enter the lobby is that of "Bangkok" since much of the staff employed in here is of Monipuri origin, the lobby too is very nice- actually decorated like abroad but has a Bangladeshi touch to it.

The rooms were well-furnished and clean, the verandah had a beautiful view and room service was available.

The restaurant is very good and offers a wide range of choices including passable steaks.

Spreads over a vast area- so you could spend an entire day touring the Nazimgarh area without getting tired. There are also many facilities to keep you busy.

Not too crowded (not that they are suffering from guest shortage, its just 'not crowded' unlike most places in our country- my friends and I had the entire TV room of the lounge to ourselves at night with no interference.

THE BAD

Swimming pool could use a temperature control system- it was absolutely chilly and I couldn't put a foot in without shivering. In the end had to withdraw from the pool but not before getting inflamed tonsils.

Restaurant service could have been a little bit faster.

Reaching the place can be a bit of a hassle since the road to there isn't exactly tip-top, but I guess they will work on it soon.

Dhakaiya, would you consider transfering the pics here to the Bangladesh Hotels thread linked below? Up to you...

Link:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=515708

Sorry for the wrong thread- had no idea until you told me :lol:

Yeah, kindly move the posts to there.

Sorry for the wrong thread- had no idea until you told me :lol:

Yeah, kindly move the posts to there.

I can't transfer posts...you could repost if you like, but otherwise don't worry about it. Thanks for the comments...I don't know when I will get to go back to Sylhet (only trip was in 1987-1988), but I will keep this place in mind.

In over two years BSL has failed to find operator for Dhaka Sheraton

By Raquib Siddiqi
Dhaka : In over two years, Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), the public sector owning company of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, has failed to find appropriate operator for the property to replace Sheraton brand of Starwood Hotel & Resort Worldwide Inc.

The fluidness of the situation is causing enormous harm to the morale of the staff- life blood of all hospitality industry. It is more than two years that BSL started looking for operator to manage Dhaka Sheraton. Initially, Air Commodore Lutfar Rahman (Retd), Managing Director of BSL was hopeful. He told The Bangladesh Monitor on number of occasions that upscale operator would soon be found. But nothing in sight until now.

The lingering uncertain situation robbed the hotel most of its good ha-nds. They have left finding jobs and prospect of career el-sewhere. This irrepairable loss has al-ready aff-ected the service standard of the hotel_ it is now sliding do-wnward. Immediate action is needed to halt the downward slide of service standard. But it is not easy to find replacement.

Drawback of BSL
One of the greatest drawbacks of BSL is its almost total lack of expertise. There is no hospitality professional in the 11 member Board of Directors. Most of the board members are government officials representing different ministries. Non-official members have not been chosen on merit either. So, it is only natural that BSL after spending valuable time in series of meetings and discussing the question of finding operator for the property, failed to take any decision. According to news in a tabloid Dhaka daily, the Board has held 50 meetings between March 2008 and May 2010, the latest being on May 12. The situation can only be termed as pathetic.
For people whose fate are involved, the situation has become depressing, but not for all. The members of the BSL Board must be happy to have so many meetings to attend. Because, they take home Taka 5,000 each, as honorarium per meeting, in addition to other entertainments. According to the tabloid, so far more than one crore taka has been spent to organise these fruitless meetings.

The start
The trouble started when in 2008 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. the owning company of the Sheraton brand of hotel chain decided to pull out from managing Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. It was effective from January 1, 2009. The management contract expired on December 31, 2008.

Why Starwood has decided not to renew contract with Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL) the fully government owned company and withdraw from managing the hotel, even though it is a profitable venture?

Starwood thought Dhaka Sheraton is not up to the standard. Most of the guest rooms, bathrooms and public areas of the hotels are in poor condition due to inferior upkeep and lack of attention of BSL to modernise the facilities. Even restaurants of the hotel are too small to accommodate in-house guests. Condition of kitchen is very poor and so is the plumbing.

Various attempt by the operator to improve the facilities to bring those at par with other Sheraton brand failed to uncertainty in decision making from owning company. Bureaucratic handling of the situation is the main culprit.

It may be noted that built as Hotel Inter-Continental in 1966, Sheraton started operating the hotel as its brand from 1984 under management contract. The first contract was for a period of 20 years. Upon the expiry of the first contract, it was renewed for another 5 years until December 31, 2008.

There is no dispute that the hotel needs massive refurbishment to maintain its current status and rating. Both Starwood and Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), the public sector owing company of the hotel, agreed that there is scope-- albeit difficult one-for transforming the present property up to desired "Sheraton Standard". But there arose dispute in the manner of execution of the refurbishment plan. Starwood wanted total shutdown of the property, but the BSL could not agree to that.

But Starwood stood by its decision to pull out. The quest for finding an international hotel chain started in May 2008 fairly long before December 31, 2008, the date of expiry of contact with Starwood. But BSL failed to find upscale hotel chain to manage the property.

Since then Sheraton is continuing to manage the hotel under contacts for period of three months. Already Star wood has agreed to extend the contact six times.

The alternative
The failure to find upscale hotel chain to operate the property, made BSL look for alternative option, such as appointing a company to manage the hotel under a franchise arrangement. In response to an international tender six companies participated, from which two-- Ramada Plaza and Golden Tulip, a Dutch hotel operator-were found responsive by the BSL. Finally, financial offer of Golden Tulip was found the lowest.

On June 8 and 9, 2009 Bangladesh services Limited and Flamingo Management Company had lengthy meeting on the terms of the management agreement to Operate BSL hotel (now Sheraton) in the brand name of Golden Tulip hotel. At the end of the meeting both the parties signed a draft management agreement and also the minutes of the meeting. BSL informed in that meeting that they will take two weeks time for administrative approval and they will be called thereafter to start the process of taking over the management of the BSL hotel.

Since then BSL is keeping Golden Tulip waiting by requesting extension of the validity of the tender offer. Golden Tulip has extended the validity for five times till June 30, 2010.

Change of heart
One of the reasons for keeping Golden Tulip waiting is Starwood's change of heart. Starwood showed interest by withdrawing the earlier demand of total shut down of the property for refurbishment.

GM Quader, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism told a local daily that the government's door is open for discussion and it desires that a world-class hotel chain operates and manage the hotel.

"We are ready to renovate the hotel immediately, but our main concern is that the hotel should be open during the refurbishment work," he said, adding that, it should be ensured that 600 members of the Sheraton staff would not be unemployed.

"We just don't want a complete shutdown of the hotel during renovation," Quader said and added "If we can agree on these points, I don't see any problem to renew contract with Sheraton for another term."

Following change of stand, a number of high-profile Starwood teams visited Dhaka to have a negotiation with the government.

Starwood also drew a long term property improvement plan. The areas included in the plan are guest rooms, restaurants, kitchens, health club and public areas.

Starwood also did quality survey or costing of the entire refurbishment.

It is learnt the Sheraton Management first assessed that it will require minimum US$ 25 million for the renovation. The cost has now been lowered to US$ 20 million. Sheraton has also proposed to shutdown the entire old portion of the hotel, keeping about 50-room in the new part of the hotel in operation.

Big gap
Even after reduction of estimated cost of refurbishment by US$ 5 million, the estimate is just the double of the estimated cost of refurbishment that Golden Tulip has submitted. We agree with the opinion of the minister in regard to keeping Sheraton in Dhaka, but that does not mean at any cost.

This vast gap in the cost of refurbishment, submitted by the two parties must be examined thoroughly and professionally. Moreover, from the point of view of country's interest and respect, the policy makers should not succumb to undue conditions of Starwood. Sheraton is no doubt a good brand in the hospitality industry, but not an indispensable brand.

No detail of the current situation is known. Shafique Alam Mehdi, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism as well as Chairman of the Board of BSL told the The Bangladesh Monitor that "Government is still in process of taking decision." He asked to contact Managing Director of BSL for details.

The Bangladesh Monitor made serious and sincere effort to get in touch with the MD of BSL to know the current situation in details. A number of telephone calls, spread over several days in the third week of May proved futile. Most of the time MD's office informed that MD was in the ministry. When he was not in the ministry, the MD's office informed that the MD is not in his room. Efforts to get the MD directly over cell phone were also of no help, as the calls were not answered.

Dhaka Sheraton Hotel is a public sector enterprise. Its future depends on the question who is going to operate and how. And people have the right to know how this question is being tackled. So, instead of shrouded the affair in secrecy, BSL on its own should make public the entire situation.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1480&CID=1

THE GOOD

The restaurant is very good and offers a wide range of choices including passable steaks.


Sorry to say but the restaurant at Nazimgarh is a total crock of shit! Although I didnt stay there I ate at the restaurant and believe it was awful. Food, service everything.

In over two years BSL has failed to find operator for Dhaka Sheraton

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1480&CID=1
I fail to see the need for the existence of an enterprise like BSL. For crying out loud, it probably "owns" only two hotels, Sheraton and Sonargoan? The hotels ought to be sold off and BSL dissolved. But then the minister of civil aviation and tourism will have nothing to do. :ohno:

they couldnt find anyone because many private properties are coming up which are less of an hassle for the companies govt property means a lot of bureaucracy

they couldnt find anyone because many private properties are coming up which are less of an hassle for the companies govt property means a lot of bureaucracy

All the more reason for the government to quit the hospitality business.

All the more reason for the government to quit the hospitality business.
they will quit once the ghush money from the sector dries up

they will quit once the ghush money from the sector dries up
Sad, but true.

Dont governments in other countries have hotels that are efficient?

All the more reason for the government to quit the hospitality business.
they will quit once the ghush money from the sector dries up

Sheraton is not adjacent to any commerical center so I think that makes it less desirable...a pity, because I think from tourist standpoint it still has the best location...the Ramna area is still the greenest and most pedestrian friendly in the city, and the location is reasonably convenient to Old Dhaka and to the Parliament area.

But, I agree it is high time for govt to get out of hotel business in Dhaka. I'm OK for them keeping some Parjatan motels in places where there hasn't been much private development.

If they have some money to spend I wish govt would do what some countries do...restoring historic houses and using them as hotels. Our Jamidar baris could benefit in this way and would be attractive to tourists seeking something different than the standard hotel.

.....

If they have some money to spend I wish govt would do what some countries do...restoring historic houses and using them as hotels. Our Jamidar baris could benefit in this way and would be attractive to tourists seeking something different than the standard hotel.
An excellent idea. Perhaps you should suggest to it GoB through newspapers?

Dont governments in other countries have hotels that are efficient?

There are many govt. owned hotels around the world, but in almost all cases, an actual hotel management company runs everything and has a big say over most hotel matters. I guess in this case, BSL tried some shenanigans which put off Sheraton and any other likely contender. Sounds eerily similar to the situation with Biman.

Sorry to say but the restaurant at Nazimgarh is a total crock of shit! Although I didnt stay there I ate at the restaurant and believe it was awful. Food, service everything.

This is bad! I thought with so many Sylhetis running restaurants in the UK, they would have found a couple of these chefs to work at Nazimgarh and cook some good food. Was it pricey too, compared to decent restaurants in Sylhet?

An excellent idea. Perhaps you should suggest to it GoB through newspapers?

I think it has been done...for instance I believe Tajhat Palace in Rangpur is govt owned and rooms rented...though for whatever reason I think they only rent to large groups...but I might be wrong.

As for newspapers...I have no experience with anything like that...but I do think we need to pick our battles. A decent number of jamidar baris are in good shape and a few have even begun to be restored by private initiative. So transformation to hotels or museums might happen in due course anyway. At the same time, there are other historic monuments that are in dire need of conservation. I would much rather cause a commotion about those, but am uncertain that writing in newspapers would do much good because the govt is aware of these already with many on laughable lists of "protected buildings." There are already people in BD, generally unsuccessfully, speaking up on these...

This is bad! I thought with so many Sylhetis running restaurants in the UK, they would have found a couple of these chefs to work at Nazimgarh and cook some good food. Was it pricey too, compared to decent restaurants in Sylhet?

Yes it was pretty pricey or atleast at the same level of other restaurants. They didnt have any deshi food. Just sandwiches, rolls and other snacks. I dunno if it was becuase we went at 7. But my ice tea and spring roll was just bleh. And they took like 40 mins to bring our order.

This is bad! I thought with so many Sylhetis running restaurants in the UK, they would have found a couple of these chefs to work at Nazimgarh and cook some good food. Was it pricey too, compared to decent restaurants in Sylhet?

Come on dude... that would be a pity... why would you have chefs fly in from London to work at Nazimgargh?

Come on dude... that would be a pity... why would you have chefs fly in from London to work at Nazimgargh?
my friends told me the same worst 200 bucks he spent

would have been better if he chewed his 200 dollars, most over rated place in the north east and definitely no where near the money they charge

Come on dude... that would be a pity... why would you have chefs fly in from London to work at Nazimgargh?

You didn't get my drift. What I was alluding to is the huge number of Sylhetis who are in the restaurant business in UK employing good Sylheti chefs. Nazimgarh could have hired a similarly expert cook locally.

As King mentioned, there wasn't much good to eat at the resort. I believe a few porotas with aloo bhaji and bhoona chicken/beef entrée would satisfy any Bangalis breakfast requirements.

2 more boutique hotels to open in Dhaka

Refayet Ullah Mirdha

Platinum Suites, a concern of Sheltech Ltd, will construct two more 'smart boutique hotels' in Dhaka with a total investment of Tk 132 crore, as its first such hotel opened last year was a success.

The company will open a 26-room hotel in the city's Uttara area. The construction work of the six-storey building already began in January.

The construction of the second one, a 15-storey building with 50 rooms, will start in Banani in September, Tanvir Ahmed, director (development) of Platinum Suites and Sheltech (Pvt) Ltd, said yesterday.

He said the Uttara project would open by June next year and Banani project by March 2012.

Ahmed said the total costs for the two hotels will be around Tk 132 crore.

Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain and branded hotels and motels by providing personalised accommodation and services. Typically boutique hotels are furnished in a themed and stylish manner. These usually are smaller than mainstream hotels, having 3-50 guest rooms.

Ahmed said the boutique hotels will have indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, specialised Japanese restaurant, roof garden and round-the-clock coffee shop.

Sheltech Ltd, a leading construction firm, opened its first smart boutique hotel, the 24-room Platinum Suites, at Banani in July last year at a cost of Tk 30 crore.

"I am satisfied with the turnover from my first project within one year. I am going for a major expansion as I see the hospitality business is growing at a commendable rate due to the arrival of international guests and apparel buyers in an increasing number," Ahmed said.

Chittagong is the next target for constructing such smart hotels as this business hub has good potential. "But I have no immediate plan for Chittagong. I will go for Chittagong project after 2012," he said.

Platinum Suites, through expansion of its business, wants to exploit the hospitality sector with top priority in providing sophisticated services and facilities to the business class clients both from home and abroad, Ahmed said.

reefat@thedailystar.net

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=142109

Thanks for sharing the news.....btw,the board for the second 'Westin Dhaka' is already up.Its located on the main road and is right opposite to the Azad Mosque in Gulshan.The plot is right next to the Prime bank building.

Thanks for sharing the news.....btw,the board for the second 'Westin Dhaka' is already up.Its located on the main road and is right opposite to the Azad Mosque in Gulshan.The plot is right next to the Prime bank building.

Any render? If you have a chance some time, please locate it on a map for us probashis.

Any render? If you have a chance some time, please locate it on a map for us probashis.

Quite interesting as I had heard that it would come up in the building where Dhanshiri and Gulshan Plaza are located. But if it's going to be with Prime Bank there, then they'll sure have to strike some kind of a deal. Will have to definitely look it up.

Thanks for sharing the news.....btw,the board for the second 'Westin Dhaka' is already up.Its located on the main road and is right opposite to the Azad Mosque in Gulshan.The plot is right next to the Prime bank building.

So it's going to be a second independent hotel altogether?

Beximco invests Tk 160cr in Westin
Unique is also set to raise funds from stockmarket for expansion
Star Business Report

Beximco Group, one of the largest business conglomerates, has entered the hospital sector by investing around Tk 160 crore in the Westin hotel.

Beximco will own around 5 percent of equities in Unique Hotels and Resorts, the owning company of Westin Dhaka.

Unique has also made its expansion plans and seeks to raise funds from stockmarket in July.

Initially, Unique will raise 25-30 percent of the total cost of expansion, which stands at Tk 2,500 crore, said Md Noor Ali, managing director of the company.

Unique yesterday signed a deal with Beximco Group on the Tk 160 crore investment.

“This is nothing massive. We just want to mark our entry into this sector,” said Salman F Rahman, deputy chairman of Beximco Ltd. Rahman and Ali signed the deal at the Westin.

The funds will be used to increase the hotel's capacity to 441 rooms from 241 now and build a banquet hall with a capacity to seat 2,000 people.

Ali said the agreement with Beximco is part of Unique Hotel and Resort Ltd's expansion plan.

“Unique Hotels and Resorts Ltd plans to issue an initial public offering of 25-30 percent of the Tk 2,500 crore expansion project,” Ali said. He said the company is all set to issue an initial public offering next month.

Beximco had earlier invested in local airline GMG and took the lead. This move was in line with the company's vision to enter the hospitality and tourism industry.

Beximco comprises five publicly listed companies and 16 other entities that are involved in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, textile and garments.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=143067

Beximco invests Tk 160cr in Westin
Unique is also set to raise funds from stockmarket for expansion
Star Business Report

Beximco Group, one of the largest business conglomerates, has entered the hospital sector by investing around Tk 160 crore in the Westin hotel.

Beximco will own around 5 percent of equities in Unique Hotels and Resorts, the owning company of Westin Dhaka.

Unique has also made its expansion plans and seeks to raise funds from stockmarket in July.

Initially, Unique will raise 25-30 percent of the total cost of expansion, which stands at Tk 2,500 crore, said Md Noor Ali, managing director of the company.

Unique yesterday signed a deal with Beximco Group on the Tk 160 crore investment.

“This is nothing massive. We just want to mark our entry into this sector,” said Salman F Rahman, deputy chairman of Beximco Ltd. Rahman and Ali signed the deal at the Westin.

The funds will be used to increase the hotel's capacity to 441 rooms from 241 now and build a banquet hall with a capacity to seat 2,000 people.

Ali said the agreement with Beximco is part of Unique Hotel and Resort Ltd's expansion plan.

“Unique Hotels and Resorts Ltd plans to issue an initial public offering of 25-30 percent of the Tk 2,500 crore expansion project,” Ali said. He said the company is all set to issue an initial public offering next month.

Beximco had earlier invested in local airline GMG and took the lead. This move was in line with the company's vision to enter the hospitality and tourism industry.

Beximco comprises five publicly listed companies and 16 other entities that are involved in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, textile and garments.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=143067

Well guys clearly seems like an expansion of the existing facility from this article.

Beximco invests Tk 160cr in Westin
Unique is also set to raise funds from stockmarket for expansion
Star Business Report

Beximco Group, one of the largest business conglomerates, has entered the hospital sector by investing around Tk 160 crore in the Westin hotel.
...............
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=143067

Hospital business? What, DailyStar cannot afford any proof reader? :ohno:

I think the last reporter heard something wrong and wrote that the hotel would open on 2011......

Carlson signs second Radisson Hotel in Bangladesh


-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Carlson Hotels has signed a Development Services Agreement for the second Radisson hotel in Bangladesh.

The 250-room Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2013. The hotel is situated on a premier oceanfront location along one of the world's longest natural beaches, spanning 120 kilometres.

The Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar will feature an all-day dining speciality restaurant, several meeting rooms and a trendy bar. Guests seeking leisure and recreational facilities can indulge in the wellness facilities that will include a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

The Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar is two kilometres or a short five minute drive from the airport.

Carlson Hotels currently operates the 200-room Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka.

Clewiston Group, a Chittagong-based company, a maker of garment accessories will initially invest Tk 350 crore to build Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar, said an official of the company. Construction is likely to begin in September.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Carlson and Clewiston recently at Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Faruk Khan, Commerce Minister, and MA Alim Chowdhury, Managing Director of Clewiston Group, were present at the deal signing ceremony.

Hospital business? What, DailyStar cannot afford any proof reader? :ohno:

Apart from this, the general standard of writing is just appalling.

I think the last reporter heard something wrong and wrote that the hotel would open on 2011......

Carlson signs second Radisson Hotel in Bangladesh


-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Carlson Hotels has signed a Development Services Agreement for the second Radisson hotel in Bangladesh.

The 250-room Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2013. The hotel is situated on a premier oceanfront location along one of the world's longest natural beaches, spanning 120 kilometres.

The Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar will feature an all-day dining speciality restaurant, several meeting rooms and a trendy bar. Guests seeking leisure and recreational facilities can indulge in the wellness facilities that will include a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

The Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar is two kilometres or a short five minute drive from the airport.

Carlson Hotels currently operates the 200-room Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka.

Clewiston Group, a Chittagong-based company, a maker of garment accessories will initially invest Tk 350 crore to build Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar, said an official of the company. Construction is likely to begin in September.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Carlson and Clewiston recently at Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Faruk Khan, Commerce Minister, and MA Alim Chowdhury, Managing Director of Clewiston Group, were present at the deal signing ceremony.

Now that would be a more realistic timeline. So we are going to have three Radissons now also considering the one in Chittagong.

so much concentration on such a tiny area cant imagine the traffic that will plague the area soon

so much concentration on such a tiny area cant imagine the traffic that will plague the area soon

True. It's a good thing in a way that our tourism is developing slowly, but surely. But we still need other activities apart from an unplanned flood of hotels, which is what is happening right now.

True. It's a good thing in a way that our tourism is developing slowly, but surely. But we still need other activities apart from an unplanned flood of hotels, which is what is happening right now.
unplaned flood of everything the effects are gonna be disastrous the area is going to be unlivable

Hi Friends

Looks like Tourism is booming in BD....keep it up guys..

Here are some Sri Lankan Hotels and resorts..

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1167431

Hotel De Crystal Crown

House #5, Road#23/A, Gulshan-1
Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Tel: 880-2-8825030, 8820378, 8813200
9889069-70, 9890572, Fax: 880-2-9888448
E-mail: reservation@crystalcrownhotel.com info@crystalcrownhotel.com
Web: www.crystalcrownhotel.com

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs395.snc4/45868_430283553800_594118800_4779015_3168295_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs195.ash2/45868_430283548800_594118800_4779014_7762114_n.jpg

Westin owner up for IPO
Star Business Report

Unique Hotel and Resorts Limited, which owns The Westin Dhaka, is going to submit its IPO prospectus to the stockmarket regulator late this month for approval, officials of its issue manager said.

The five-star hotel plans to go public, using the book building method, to raise capital for business expansion.

Unique Hotel, the paid-up capital of which is Tk 230 crore, will float three crore ordinary shares of Tk 10 each, said Khaled Farazi, chief executive officer of BRAC-EPL Investments Limited, the issue manager.

He was presenting the company fundamentals at a road show organised for eligible institutional investors in Dhaka yesterday.

Such road show is required by the book building regulations before price discovery through bidding by the institutional investors.

Farazi said earnings per share (EPS) for 2010 of the hotel has been forecast at Tk 4.80, which was Tk 3.20 at the end of 2009.

He said his company has fixed Tk 211 as the indicative price for each share.

If the stockmarket regulator approves the initial public offering (IPO), the hotel will be the first listed hotel from the private sector.

Presently, the two state-owned entities -- Bangladesh Services and Bangladesh Hotels -- are listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange. Bangladesh Services owns Dhaka Sheraton and Bangladesh Hotels owns the Purbani International.

The Westin Dhaka is located in a plush neighbourhood: Gulshan.

Set up in 2007, The Westin has emerged as one of the leading 5-star hotels in the capital city. The hotel, managed by the US chain hotels operator Starwood, has 241 rooms, six restaurants and five meeting venues.

At the road show, Managing Director of Unique Hotel Noor Ali, General Manager of The Westin Dhaka Atique Rahman and Vice Chairman of BRAC-EPL Saiful Islam also spoke.

Ali laid bare his plan to set up 5 more 5-star hotels in near future three in Dhaka and one in Chitagong, the commercial capital, and the other in Cox's Bazar.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=153237

Westin owner up for IPO
Star Business Report

Unique Hotel and Resorts Limited, which owns The Westin Dhaka, is going to submit its IPO prospectus to the stockmarket regulator late this month for approval, officials of its issue manager said.

The five-star hotel plans to go public, using the book building method, to raise capital for business expansion.

Unique Hotel, the paid-up capital of which is Tk 230 crore, will float three crore ordinary shares of Tk 10 each, said Khaled Farazi, chief executive officer of BRAC-EPL Investments Limited, the issue manager.

He was presenting the company fundamentals at a road show organised for eligible institutional investors in Dhaka yesterday.

Such road show is required by the book building regulations before price discovery through bidding by the institutional investors.

Farazi said earnings per share (EPS) for 2010 of the hotel has been forecast at Tk 4.80, which was Tk 3.20 at the end of 2009.

He said his company has fixed Tk 211 as the indicative price for each share.

If the stockmarket regulator approves the initial public offering (IPO), the hotel will be the first listed hotel from the private sector.

Presently, the two state-owned entities -- Bangladesh Services and Bangladesh Hotels -- are listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange. Bangladesh Services owns Dhaka Sheraton and Bangladesh Hotels owns the Purbani International.

The Westin Dhaka is located in a plush neighbourhood: Gulshan.

Set up in 2007, The Westin has emerged as one of the leading 5-star hotels in the capital city. The hotel, managed by the US chain hotels operator Starwood, has 241 rooms, six restaurants and five meeting venues.

At the road show, Managing Director of Unique Hotel Noor Ali, General Manager of The Westin Dhaka Atique Rahman and Vice Chairman of BRAC-EPL Saiful Islam also spoke.

Ali laid bare his plan to set up 5 more 5-star hotels in near future three in Dhaka and one in Chitagong, the commercial capital, and the other in Cox's Bazar.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=153237

Would like to add that they are aiming to work on few new projects. One would be The Westin 2, to be built in the present parking lot area next to Dhanshiri/Gulshan Plaza Restora. This shall be a completely independent hotel with multiple floors of car parking along with a roof top revolving restaurant. Will also be connected with The Westin through a bridge. The under construction Borak DCC Tower in Banani shall be a Le Meridian. Apparently 13 floors are already done and this hotel shall be open by end of next year (very ambitious!). A third hotel, of The Luxury Collection brand, is being set up in Gulshan as well. Apparently a 6/7 star hotel according to Unique Hotels. Two other hotels - a Westin in Chittagong and a Sheraton in Cox's Bazar will also be built - but these two shall be joint ventures with other local firms.

Question is whether these projects are viable. Considering that a majority of the guests at these hotels come in for business purposes, viability shall be a function of:


How rapidly the world economy recovers
How much attention Bangladesh receives in the form of foreign investment (present foreigners are mostly here for business and that too primarily in connection to the textiles and clothing sector)
How well we can showcase our country to the rest of the world and help our tourism industry develop

Anyone knows the total cost of setting up a medium size eco resort somewhere in - lets say Sylhet ?

Hospitality industry records 34pc growth in six months
FHM Humayan Kabir

The country's booming hospitality industry has maintained an impressive 34 per cent growth in the first half of the current calendar year, thanks to political stability and increased flow of foreign tourists and businessmen, officials said Saturday.

Luxury hotels in Dhaka earned nearly Tk 1.20 billion in January-June period of 2010 against Tk 894.45 million in the corresponding period last year, the room revenue data of the hotels showed.

"The hospitality industry is expected to grow to a new height as four five-star and one three-star hotels in Dhaka earned nearly Tk 1.20 billion revenue in first six months this year, Tk 304.34 million up compared to same period last year," a senior manager of a hotel told the FE.

Bangladesh's major four five-star hotels -- Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka Sheraton, Radisson Water Garden and The Westin and another three-star hotel -- Dhaka Regency -- are all located in Dhaka.

Bangladesh is one of the emerging economies in the world. It attracts thousands of foreign tourists, especially the businessmen and ready-made garment buyers, every year, which help boost the growth of the hospitality industry.

ATM Hafizullah, assistant General Manager of the Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort Ltd, said four five-star hotels in Dhaka earned Tk 1.18 billion from the rooms revenue in 2007, which has gone up to Tk 1.20 billion in only six months this year.

The room revenue data showed that the four five-star hotels in Dhaka earned Tk 970.42 million in 2006 and Tk 717.98 million in 2005.

"We are optimistic that the hospitality industry in Bangladesh will flourish further in coming days as the country's economy is growing fast with the increased flow of tourists and businessmen to the country," said Mr Hafizullah.

He said: "Businessmen around the world have chosen Bangladesh as one of the lucrative place for investment for its big market. This is helping the hospitality industry take to a new height."

The occupancy rates of the newly set up Radisson Water Garden and The Westin are higher than the older two other five start hotels -- Pan Pacific Sonargaon and Dhaka Sheraton, an official of the Radisson hotel said requesting anonymity.

He said the newly opened Dhaka's Radisson hotel's occupancy rate was 88.22 per cent during January-June period this year followed by 83 per cent at the Westin, 64.15 per cent at Dhaka Sheraton and 62.82 per cent at Sonargaon hotel.

"The winter season is the peak time for tourists flow. We expect more revenue earnings during the last quarter (October-December)," the official said.

"I hope the revenue earnings will cross Tk 2.5 billion mark in 2010. It will be a history for the country," he said.

In the first half (January-June) of 2010, the Westin hotel earned the highest Tk 412.40 million as room revenue, followed by the Radisson Tk 292.45 million, Sonargaon Tk 212.52 million, Dhaka Sheraton Tk 184.83 million and the Dhaka Regency Tk 96.58 million.

"I believe if the political situation in the country remains stable, the hospitality industry will grow further and will emerge one of the important industry in the country within a few years," ATM Hafizullah said.

"The country's hospitality industry has become very competitive like other countries as couple of new famous brand hotel has recently been added. It is now providing world class service, which is attracting many foreigners to Bangladesh," Toufiq Rahman, a local tourism expert told the FE.

"As per volume of orders from tourists from different countries, we can easily said that the occupancy of the luxury hotels will rise manifold," said Mr Rahman of the Journey Plus, a leading tour operator.

"Everyday, we receive many guests involving in a wide range of business activities, including garment merchants, telecom and energy sector investors, donor agency delegates, as well as a number of tourists," said a top official in Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

The competition among the hotels has made the industry more lucrative to the local and foreign guests, who are offered world-class services, he said.

Yet in the next few years competition is likely to become more intense with at least four to five other international chain hotels, Best Western, Hilton, Holiday Inn and the Intercontinental planning to come in the business.
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=111262&date=2010-09-05

Hospitality industry records 34pc growth in six months
FHM Humayan Kabir

The country's booming hospitality industry has maintained an impressive 34 per cent growth in the first half of the current calendar year, thanks to political stability and increased flow of foreign tourists and businessmen, officials said Saturday.

Luxury hotels in Dhaka earned nearly Tk 1.20 billion in January-June period of 2010 against Tk 894.45 million in the corresponding period last year, the room revenue data of the hotels showed.

"The hospitality industry is expected to grow to a new height as four five-star and one three-star hotels in Dhaka earned nearly Tk 1.20 billion revenue in first six months this year, Tk 304.34 million up compared to same period last year," a senior manager of a hotel told the FE.

Bangladesh's major four five-star hotels -- Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka Sheraton, Radisson Water Garden and The Westin and another three-star hotel -- Dhaka Regency -- are all located in Dhaka.

Bangladesh is one of the emerging economies in the world. It attracts thousands of foreign tourists, especially the businessmen and ready-made garment buyers, every year, which help boost the growth of the hospitality industry.

ATM Hafizullah, assistant General Manager of the Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort Ltd, said four five-star hotels in Dhaka earned Tk 1.18 billion from the rooms revenue in 2007, which has gone up to Tk 1.20 billion in only six months this year.

The room revenue data showed that the four five-star hotels in Dhaka earned Tk 970.42 million in 2006 and Tk 717.98 million in 2005.

"We are optimistic that the hospitality industry in Bangladesh will flourish further in coming days as the country's economy is growing fast with the increased flow of tourists and businessmen to the country," said Mr Hafizullah.

He said: "Businessmen around the world have chosen Bangladesh as one of the lucrative place for investment for its big market. This is helping the hospitality industry take to a new height."

The occupancy rates of the newly set up Radisson Water Garden and The Westin are higher than the older two other five start hotels -- Pan Pacific Sonargaon and Dhaka Sheraton, an official of the Radisson hotel said requesting anonymity.

He said the newly opened Dhaka's Radisson hotel's occupancy rate was 88.22 per cent during January-June period this year followed by 83 per cent at the Westin, 64.15 per cent at Dhaka Sheraton and 62.82 per cent at Sonargaon hotel.

"The winter season is the peak time for tourists flow. We expect more revenue earnings during the last quarter (October-December)," the official said.

"I hope the revenue earnings will cross Tk 2.5 billion mark in 2010. It will be a history for the country," he said.

In the first half (January-June) of 2010, the Westin hotel earned the highest Tk 412.40 million as room revenue, followed by the Radisson Tk 292.45 million, Sonargaon Tk 212.52 million, Dhaka Sheraton Tk 184.83 million and the Dhaka Regency Tk 96.58 million.

"I believe if the political situation in the country remains stable, the hospitality industry will grow further and will emerge one of the important industry in the country within a few years," ATM Hafizullah said.

"The country's hospitality industry has become very competitive like other countries as couple of new famous brand hotel has recently been added. It is now providing world class service, which is attracting many foreigners to Bangladesh," Toufiq Rahman, a local tourism expert told the FE.

"As per volume of orders from tourists from different countries, we can easily said that the occupancy of the luxury hotels will rise manifold," said Mr Rahman of the Journey Plus, a leading tour operator.

"Everyday, we receive many guests involving in a wide range of business activities, including garment merchants, telecom and energy sector investors, donor agency delegates, as well as a number of tourists," said a top official in Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

The competition among the hotels has made the industry more lucrative to the local and foreign guests, who are offered world-class services, he said.

Yet in the next few years competition is likely to become more intense with at least four to five other international chain hotels, Best Western, Hilton, Holiday Inn and the Intercontinental planning to come in the business.
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=111262&date=2010-09-05

Over the long run though, hospitality industry cannot be sustainable if it has to primarily depend upon foreign guests (regardless of category, whether business or tourists).

Sonargaon to offer largest open air venue in city

A Monitor Report

Dhaka : Wish to hold an open air party for over a thousand of your friends or invite them to grand barbecue? You will be able to do so at the largest BBQ venue at the very centre of the city soon.

Yes, Pan Pacific Sonargaon will soon be offering such a setting by October. Bulldozers, often with its General Manager Eldridge J. MacEwan III driving them, are currently levelling the place besides Hatirjheel Lake, which will then be covered with grass. Climbing plants will cover the perimeter fencing of the new venue to offer privacy.

Guests will be entering through a new entrance, drive up, get down from their cars and walk to the newest venue just beside the magnificent swimming pool.

Besides erecting the new entrance, which is designed to reduce the traffic load on the road, the hotel has already opened up a new parking lot for about 110 cars with a drivers' room with water dispensing machine and television for them to wait, before their names are called out by the pager.

Eldridge J. MacEwan III said, Pan Pacific Sonargaon will also launch the family-oriented "Explore Dhaka" package soon for people outside Dhaka coming to the capital city on business.

The one-price package will include room for family, airport pickups, colouring kits for children, fun at Fantasy Kingdom, golf at Kurmitiola Golf Club and discount cards for shopping at the hotel's shopping arcade or shopping malls like Bashundhara or brand outlets like Aarong.

"Its geared for families, young couples or people who need to come to Dhaka. The price will be attractive," he said. Twenty-five outlets have already signed up for the discount offer.

On the hotel, Eldridge J. MacEwan III said, "It's the favourite hotel of international investors. It's their first choice. The hotel is growing. Revenue is up over last year."

Rooms contribute 65 per cent of the revenue of the hotel, F&B 28 per cent and the rest comes from rents. The hotel is enjoying a good occupancy - 85.6 per cent (industry average 72 per cent) against 64 per cent last year.
Hard work, creativity, passion, team building at all levels contributed to the success, Eldridge J. MacEwan III said.

Renovation of rooms have been proposed to HIL, he said, adding "this iconic property was presented to the people of Bangladesh by the Government of Japan and the people here want it to be maintained well. Pan Pacific (authorities) is aware of this."

He is optimistic of tourism growth, specially from China. "We need team effort to support that growth. More hotels are a must," he said.

The hotel hopes to rise to greater heights in the future. "There is no reason we cannot. We have an experienced, educated, dedicated, creative team and professional management," he added.

The hotel will be pretty busy in the coming days accommodating the World Cup guests. "Referees and international guests will stay here," Eldridge J. MacEwan III said.

Meanwhile, the Pan Pacific chain is in an expansion mode. Nine hotels have opened since January this year. Twelve brand new hotels about to open their doors to guests. Pan Pacific Hotels will enter the Australian market with an initial three properties by 2011.

The three new properties in Australia will be PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney (rebranded from Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour) and PARKROYAL Parramatta (rebranded from Crowne Plaza Parramatta) in Sydney. The third will be Pan Pacific Perth in Perth, Western Australia (rebranded from Sheraton Perth).

Pan Pacific Hotels Group will open new properties Pan Pacific Ningbo and Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Ningbo in Zhejiang, China.

Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort opened its doors recently in Tabanan, Bali,
Indonesia. Its lush 18-hole world class Greg Norman golf course has won acclaim as "Best Course in Asia" and "Best Course in Indonesia" and the resort has been named by World Travel Awards as 'Asia's Leading Golf Resort'.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1826&CID=7&archivedate=

The Westin Dhaka is on an expansion spree

A Monitor Report

Dhaka : The Westin Dhaka is now on an expansion spree. The owning company of the hotel is now going for The Westin Dhaka II, a complex of 180 deluxe rooms, suite type club rooms, high-end apartments and designer boutique outlets at the present car park.

The Westin Dhaka, likely to be of 47 floors, will be one of the prettiest buildings in the city. The groundbreaking for the building is expected this month.

Atique Rahman, General Manager, The Westin Dhaka, said the owning company is planning to construct 300 hotel rooms, four floors of restaurants, car park for 400 vehicles and posh retail sales outlets at the nearby DCC market and were in talks with Le Meredien to mange this property.

On another side of The Westin Dhaka, the company also plans to construct a convention centre to attract MICE clientele from the region, he said.

Regarding performance of the hotel, Atique Rahman said, "The Westin Dhaka has en edge over other five-star hotels and hopes to finish this year with 84 per cent occupancy. We finished the first half of this year with similar figures without diluting our rates."

This is due to the strength of the country's economy. Recession did not affect Bangladesh. Our GDP is growing just after China and India. People are investing and foreign investors are coming in.

On guest mix, he said, "Our guests are government and corporate, mainly energy sector, readymade garments, banks and NGOs. Ready made garments sector is still leading - buyers are coming in and staying with us."

"Energy sector, with most of the top executives coming in, follows RMG. Banks are spending lot of money on training, with most of the training sessions held here," he added.

The Westin Dhaka General Manager said, "We are also the preferred hotel of Boeing officials. Airbus executives, who are trying to win orders from an airline in the country, are also choosing The Westin."

Tax breaks

"The government should give owners tax breaks. They do not have to get the money upfront from high taxes. Instead they should look at the amount of money the future growth would generate if taxes are made reasonable. Sales of hotels would rise and they would get better results in the end," he opined.
Referring to changes in guest attitude, he said, "People are travelling and with it tastes are changing. Now they hope for higher standards, they ask for their money's worth."

Commenting on visa on arrival, Atique Rahman said, "If a traveller is from an approved country, the process should be instant. It should never take about one and a half hours as is the case at present. They do not have to be made to run around."

About different hotels coming up across the country, he said, "It is good to see hospitality properties coming up." He counselled owners to talk to professionals before they go for construction of buildings. They should also clearly understand the terms of the contract with the company managing the property.

"They need to talk ahead as well as to get a hotel consultant on board before embarking on such ventures. We are observing that they first construct buildings and then look for operators, but by then its too late," he said.
He said there are enough management personnel in the country to run hotels. Giving the example of The Westin Dhaka, he said, "When we started there were six expatriates and now there is only two."

Atique Rahman had strong words for the tourism and hospitality training institutes of the country. "They are not grooming their students well enough. The poor youths are exploited (by the institutes). When they come for interviews, they are unable to face it with confidence. They cannot speak English. When we ask questions, they just freeze, unable to utter even a word."

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1832&CID=7

^^
wow 47 floors, tallest building to be built in dhaka eh? ;)

thanks for sharing the news.........47 floors sounds good!:cheers:

not sure if the Civil Authority will allow the expansion of Westin. It will create mighty problems for the airlines.

not sure if the Civil Authority will allow the expansion of Westin. It will create mighty problems for the airlines.

Ought not to be a problem, unless the structure falls within the approach path(s).

Ought not to be a problem, unless the structure falls within the approach path(s).

Look at the growth permitted in the Uttara area. Having a revolving restaurant such as "Mainland China" within 3 kilometers of the airport and all the 6-8 story apartment buildings? There will be no stopping these types of buildings in the near future.

^^
when we took off from ZIA on 25th august night, the plane did the turn (after takeover) right after we crossed Westin (i could see it clearly below) :)

Patriotism runs through Hotel 71
A Monitor Report

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotel71.jpg


Dhaka : There are many landmarks, monuments and institutions in our country that are devoted and dedicated to mark our great liberation war. The latest addition is a hotel located at the busy commercial area of Bijoynagar in the capital city. Hotel 71 is a full-fledged hotel offering all amenities, facilities and services that a modern day guest could expect from a 3-star hotel.

The sculpture 'Bijoy' will welcome you before you enter the main lobby. From then onwards, a patriotic feeling will fill your mind while staying in the hotel, especially the series of hanging sculptures is a magnificent art work in the lounge.

The newly built Kaizuddin Tower's ninth to twentieth floors have been turned into Hotel 71, which was opened on June 14 this year. The building has been constructed following US standards which gives the hotel a secure and comfortable ambiance.

There are 56 rooms in the hotel and 14 suites. They are categorised as per room size, namely, Swadesh, Mukti and Bijoy with dinning space and mini kitchen, shower enclosure with hot and cold water, 21-inch flat colour TV, Internet connection, local and IDD phones and 24-hour room service. 'Shapla' is special rooms for couples, 'Ektara' and 'Lal-Sabuj' are names of premier single and deluxe twin bed with special features.

Hotel 71 has its banquet hall 'Amrokanon' having a capacity of 250 persons having modern sound system, permanent stage, greenroom and buffet corner. One of the main characteristics of this huge hall is its woodcarving work significantly detailing the country's movement from 1952 to 1971 (Bahannoh theke Ekattoor). 'Get Toge-ther' is another mini conference room of the hotel for 16 persons, ideal for family gathering or official meetings.

The restaurant 'Sadhika' is also decorated in our national colour_ red and green. The terracotta work on the wall shows our culture and heritage. The restaurant has a sophisticated kitchen for Bangla, Chinese, Thai, Continental, tandoor cuisine to satisfy the guests appetite. 'Kichhukhan' coffee shop serves fast food, bakery items tea and coffee.

The hotel also has grooming centres for ladies and gents, a gym with modern equipment for the health conscious guests, laundry service and business centre with full secretarial support.

"We have tried to infuse the spirit of 1971 and our victory in every fixture of the hotel in every possible way," said Abdul Hakim Prodhan, Managing Director of Hotel 71 Ltd., "The spirit of 71 is what has taken us all to the position where we are now. So why not display it to our present generation and the foreigners through the hospitality sector also?"


Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1836&CID=7

Dhaka Sheraton to lose its name
Offloading of more shares to be delayed

FE Report

Dhaka Sheraton, the country's first luxury hotel, is losing its name, as BSL's agreement with the international mother company is set to end, sources said.

At the same time, the planned offloading of more shares of Sheraton to the capital market will also be delayed, said an official of the ICB Capital Management Limited.

Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), the state-owned enterprise, is conducting the hotel in the name of Dhaka Sheraton under a 5-year management contract with Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation (SOMC).

"The tenure of the BSL's agreement with SOMC has already ended. That's why BSL is trying to hire another international company to carry out its business under a new name," the ICB official also said.

"BSL thinks that it will get more premium from the capital market by hiring another international company," he added.

When contacted, an official of Dhaka Sheraton refused to make any comment about changing their name.

"We are working to bring dynamism to the hotel's service according to a plan," he said.

By this time, BSL has sat several times with ICB Capital Management to offload the shares of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

On March 25, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister G M Quader said the government would offload the shares of Dhaka Sheraton and Biman Bangladesh Airlines by December 2010 to increase the supply of shares in the capital market.

"We are thinking to offload 49 per cent shares of the Sheraton," he added.

On the other hand, BSL has been de-listed from the mainstream of the capital market, as the company failed to convert its paper shares into electronic shares by September 30, the deadline set by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

BSL came into operation in 1973. Bangladesh government owns 99.68 per cent of its stake.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=113624&date=2010-10-04

Westin Annex

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin4.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin3.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin1.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/DSC04733.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/DSC04718.jpg

^^ Thanks Dope. Gulshan-2 is looking good...such a pity that Delta Life got stunted...it would have added height on east to complement the buildings to the west.

Westin Annex

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin4.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin3.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/westin1.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/DSC04733.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y149/dopekhor/dhaka-hotels/DSC04718.jpg

In pictures, seems like there are less wires now that majority of the cable television and internet wires have gone underground.

In pictures, seems like there are less wires now that majority of the cable television and internet wires have gone underground.

Gulshan avenue is supposed to be freed from over head hanging cables by the 31st of october....am looking forward to seeing wire free pics of gulshan in nov

Gulshan avenue is supposed to be freed from over head hanging cables by the 31st of october....am looking forward to seeing wire free pics of gulshan in nov

My understanding was that the telephone wires and electricity wires would still remain, however internet and television wires would be underground....?

My understanding was that the telephone wires and electricity wires would still remain, however internet and television wires would be underground....?

Appears to be the case, for I can see some wires in the previous picture.

Cup hotel to turn fortress
Security plans chalked out: city hotels gear up for World Cup

DHAKA, JAN 17: The hotels in the capital are all set to welcome the players and guests of the ICC Cricket World Cup, beginning next month.
According to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Sheraton hotel in the Shahbagh here will accommodate the players from seven guest countries: Canada, Pakistan, England, South-Africa, Ireland, West Indies and India. Sikdar Najmul Haque, the media manager of Bangladesh for the World Cup, told ‘The Independent’ that the entire premises of the hotel would be under unprecedented security. “A group of at least 300 trained personnel selected from special security forces, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, would be posted at the hotel to ensure security at the premises,” he said.
The rooms reserved for players would not be rented out to other guests from February 9. “It might be possible that the entire hotel would be reserved for two weeks from the day as the players from the seven guest countries would be here to practice and acclimatise to conditions of the venues here,” he added. Haque said that to avoid match fixing or betting, as per the newly formed ICC anti-corruption act, no direct dialing system would be provided to the players’ rooms in the hotel.
Special chefs would be present in the hotel to prepare balanced diet for the players according to instructions of the cricket teams’ dieticians, BCB sources said.
Elsewhere, Radison hotel on Airport Road, Westin in Gulshan and Grand Prince in Mirpur have been selected for accommodation of foreign media persons and commentators.
The performers of the inaugural ceremony of the World Cup, including actors and actresses from Mumbai’s Bollywood film industry, would stay at the Westin hotel, it was informed.
It is for the first time that a tournament of this stature is being organised in Bangladesh. Previously, in 1998, the country hosted the inaugural tournament of the ICC Champions Trophy (known as the knock-out World Cup at the time) — nine test-playing nations had come here for 10 days to participate in the tournament.

Source: The Independent

What news of the three new hotels in Dhaka by Unique Group? The Le Meridian, Westin expansion and the Luxury Collection? Also there's a Best Western Premier being constructed within walking distance of the Regency at Nikunjo. This probably been a very low profile project as I haven't read any write-ups on this. The exterior of the building itself is almost done. Also what about the airport project? That's probably still lying in limbo.

What news of the three new hotels in Dhaka by Unique Group? The Le Meridian, Westin expansion and the Luxury Collection? Also there's a Best Western Premier being constructed within walking distance of the Regency at Nikunjo. This probably been a very low profile project as I haven't read any write-ups on this. The exterior of the building itself is almost done. Also what about the airport project? That's probably still lying in limbo.

Le Meridien seems to be progressing fine,and so is best western premier.Airport hotel is still stuck.What do u know about the luxury collection?hearing abt it for the 1st time.

Le Meridien seems to be progressing fine,and so is best western premier.Airport hotel is still stuck.What do u know about the luxury collection?hearing abt it for the 1st time.

The Luxury Collection is essentially the most high-end brand that Starwood has to offer and is scheduled to be built on the plot opposite the Azad Mosque next to Deja Vu Cafe. It's probably the only private house left on that Gulshan Avenue (between Gulshan 1 and Gulshan 2 more specifically). Notice the Unique Hotels & Resorts billboard that's been hung over there. It's part of Noor Ali's big plans of setting up four hotels throughout the country (Westin's expansion, Le Meridian in Banani, The Luxury Collection in Gulshan and I believe a Sheraton in Cox's Bazar). The whole project is to cost approximately BDT 25 billion. Unique Hotels & Resorts is presently working on raising the funds partially through an IPO. This information has been public for a while now. You can find details in the articles below, both published in The Daily Star last year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=129250

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=153237

Dhaka : In a historic move, Unique Hotel and Resorts Ltd, the owning company of Westin Dhaka has decided to build second Westin (to be more appropriate, the extension of the existing one) in Gulshan, a Le Meridien hotel in Banani and another Westin in Chittagong.

This is the largest ever development programme in hospitality industry of Bangladesh. The cost of the three projects will be around Taka 2,000 crore or 300 million US dollar.

Unique Hotel and Resorts Ltd and Starwood Hotels and Resorts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding about management of these properties. Noor Ali, Managing Director, Unique Hotel and Resorts and Don Elliot, Regional VP, Starwood Hotels and Resorts signed the MoU on behalf of their respective companies at a function in Dhaka Westin on March 9.

The Starwood Hotel and Resort will have no equity participation. The Unique Group will arrange the finance from banks and IPO.

Dr. Mashiur Rah-man, Adviser to the Prime Minis-ter was the chief guest. Dr. S. A. Samad, Executive Chairman of the Board of Invest-ment; Advocate Abdul Mannan Khan, MP, State Minister for Housing and Public Works and Nicklaus Bean, Charge d? Affairs of US Embassy were the guest of honour. Also present at the function was Nik Mancharam, Vice President Development, Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide Inc. A large number of prominent people from different walks of life including hospitality industry attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Noor Ali said that the Westin Dhaka second unit across the road will have additional 200 rooms. "Le Meridian" - a new five star hotel with 250 rooms will be at Banani and The Westin Chittagong with 350 rooms will be building in partnership with Md. Showkat Ali Chowdhury.

"This signing ceremony signifies the strengthening of Unique Group's partnership with Starwood in our commitment of reinforcing the economic development of Bangladesh. These three new 5-star hotels would help in employment generation, foreign exchange earning and boost up over all economic activities and Tourism" Noor Ali said..

He said that the construction of the new hotels will involve an investment of about Tk. 2000 crores or approximately US$ 300 million. Along with injecting new investment into the country, the completion of the project will create employment for at least 1500 people within the hotels and few thousands more in related industries around the country through backward and forward linkages.

We expect to complete these three projects, within 3-4 years time, he added.

Drawing the attention of the government, Noor Ali said "during the construction and launching of the Westin hotel in Dhaka, we faced formidable obstacles from many quarters of the then govt. In particular, we had to pay 100 per cent tariff on most of the imported materials. Although some other projects were allowed concessional duty of 5 per cent and no VAT, Ait, our prayer to the then finance minister against this discriminatory treatment bore no result. We had to take financing at 15+ per cent bank interest. Even today we pay 591 per cent duty on Alcohol and 438 per cent on Beer, 147.5 per cent duty on chocolates, 86.43 per cent duty on Imported water and so on which are much higher duties than regional counties. Without these bottlenecks, high tariffs and interest rates, we could have constructed four hotels abroad with the same amount of investment as was invested on Westin Dhaka alone".

Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor prior to signing the MoU, Noor Ali said that demand for 5-star accommodation in Dhaka is at present increasing at the rate of 15 per cent a year. In coming years the demand will be increased further. In such a situation, his company is coming up with this huge investment looking at the future

The Managing Director of the Unique Group is optimistic about prospect of Westin hotel in Chittagong.

Noor Ali told Bangladesh Monitor that he has a plan to build a Sheraton hotel in Cox's Bazar after commissioning of these three properties.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

^^^ I think the above news is a bit dated. Considering the fact that Westin took 10 years to open, he should complete the planned projects fast. It was said that Noor Ali had some issues with BNP as he was know to be closed with AL. He should try to finish up his projects during AL tenure as our political culture is quite dirty. He should not have associated himself with any party, that would have made his life a little easier. In that case he should have tried to have good relations with both the parties!

^^^ I think the above news is a bit dated. Considering the fact that Westin took 10 years to open, he should complete the planned projects fast. It was said that Noor Ali had some issues with BNP as he was know to be closed with AL. He should try to finish up his projects during AL tenure as our political culture is quite dirty. He should not have associated himself with any party, that would have made his life a little easier. In that case he should have tried to have good relations with both the parties!

If AL stays in power through the project, then project will be completed in time. Changing of political parties always disrupts activities in the country. No country other than the US has consistently had peaceful shifts of political parties.

.... No country other than the US has consistently had peaceful shifts of political parties.

Sorry, but that is not so. Peaceful and seamless transition of political power of governments is the norm in most developed countries. Such is even the case in India in spite of its culture of heated politics. Chronic political instability and crisis appears to be the domain of dictatorships and one party ruled countries.

^^ I am going to sound biased, but I think disruptiveness is ingrained in our psyche. Just look at what happened when the stock exchange crashed! No political party incited violence; the investors speculated, lost money, and so, went out and started trashing the cars.

We have to change this mentality, somehow.

^^ I am going to sound biased, but I think disruptiveness is ingrained in our psyche. Just look at what happened when the stock exchange crashed! No political party incited violence; the investors speculated, lost money, and so, went out and started trashing the cars.

We have to change this mentality, somehow.

On the contrary, I'd say you're on the mark.

^^ I am going to sound biased, but I think disruptiveness is ingrained in our psyche. Just look at what happened when the stock exchange crashed! No political party incited violence; the investors speculated, lost money, and so, went out and started trashing the cars.

We have to change this mentality, somehow.

Yes, but we need the environment and example to change mentality. Mass demonstration and widespread lawlessness similar to what you are describing have been part of our culture for a long time (starting around 1950's). So, political parties should start to change their tactic and then the effect of that will flow down to the general public. What the general public don't understand is that all tactics don't fit all situations but they can be influenced to change their mentality though education and good examples.

Sorry, but that is not so. Peaceful and seamless transition of political power of governments is the norm in most developed countries. Such is even the case in India in spite of its culture of heated politics. Chronic political instability and crisis appears to be the domain of dictatorships and one party ruled countries.

Once again, other than US, there is no country in the world with as peaceful transition of parties.

^^ Thanks Dope. Gulshan-2 is looking good...such a pity that Delta Life got stunted...it would have added height on east to complement the buildings to the west.

Which one is the Delta Life building? The one directly across from DIT-2 Market?