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.

Question is, who is going to bell the cat?

Political expression was getting out of hand for a while here, but with the Giffords shooting incident, politicians and their supporters have seem to come to their senses and have begun to damp down their rhetoric. People die frequently in violent demonstrations and confrontations, in Bangladesh on a frequent basis. I am yet to hear one politician or party leaders in Bangladesh give out calls to cease and desist, and for people to learn to become civil towards each other.

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

Sorry, I still don't get the joke.

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

Its the one that stands out from behind the BIG TV SCREEN at Gulshan-2

Sorry, I still don't get the joke.

There's no joke here. It's true.:bash:

There's no joke here. It's true.:bash:

Not sure how much you have seen of the world, but I presume you are aware that there are countries such as Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, etc?

A journey through The Westin kitchens
-A Monitor Report

Dhaka : Lunch in the kitchen! Why not, if it happens to be the culinary kitchens of The Westin Dhaka and jf Azeem Shah, Acting General Manager, Tony Khan, Director, Food and Beverage with Saleh, Monir and Rahim, the Master Chefs are around.

The kitchens of the leading five-star property are so clean that one would not mind having food at the Master Chef's Table. Our lunch began with Caesar Salad made with air flown crispy Iceberg lettuce, Parmesan cheese, followed by Mandarin sorbet to prepare our taste buds for the entrée of grilled Tasmanian salmon with citrus salsa, risotto asparagi, cofinbay scallop and bell pepper coulis.

Desserts consisted of Gourmet Chocolate Cup Tiramisu, spoon of macerated fruits and white chocolate wafer. Every item was so beautifully presented that we hated to destroy it and put it in our mouth.

The Master Chefs not only served the food but also shared with us the background to the antipasto, refreshment, entrée and desserts. The salmon was delivered to our table within 48 hours of being caught and cleaned in New Zealand.

The main kitchen, which "never sleeps," is open 24 hours with sixty-five people preparing 1000 plus quality meals for guests and staff food for 600 of their colleagues. There are also other kitchens for specialty restaurants of the hotel as well as to meet your cravings for sushi or your sweet tooth.
Things go on smoothly here like clockwork. From bottom to the top, everyone has a business plan. ?Everything is cost centred. Everyone knows their target. Everyone has to justify the orders for the requirements they place - all are business decisions,? explained Azeem Shah.

When the hotel opened its doors, 80 per cent of the items were sourced from abroad, but only 40 per cent are done so now. Sixty per cent is sourced from inside the country, strictly maintaining the quality.

The hotel is also engaged in cross training. The chefs not only cook but also serve and interact with customers, while those serving customers come to the kitchen for a stint. It helps them understand each other's job better and raise level of competence, he said.

This understanding helps us not only to match international standards but also to excel them. The diners appreciate our food and services as value for money. "I have not received any complaint about the prices," the acting General Manager said.

The good understanding among the hotel staff and their hard work helped the hotel earn 25 more than the previous year and maintain the leading room rate.
The planned St Regis Hotel of the chain, to be constructed nearby, is likely to offer rooms at US$450 ++ per person per night.

The Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor was the first to grace the Master Chef's Table as well as the first to be taken round the kitchens. "We'll do it every month with important clients of The Westin to show the cleanliness and the hygiene standard of the hotel as well as how the food is prepared," said Azeem Shah.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=2243&CID=7

Sonargaon ready to wow WCC guests
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Pan Pacific Sonargaon, hospitality partner of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), is all set to wow the guests who will be staying at the hotel to enjoy the matches during the grand ICC Cricket World Cup extravaganza.
As one drives into the premises, a cricket pitch with bat, ball, symbolic pads, helmets and stumps on the porch catches the attention right way. The Lobby too gives an atmosphere of a cricket pitch with cricket gears like bat and ball, helmets, gloves and pads all around.
Guests will be surprised to see red-and-green all around them. The Associates serving in the Lobby area will be in red and green tigers' jerseys and umpire's outfits - unofficial of course.
Food too has got a World Cup touch. Different items are being served on small cricket bats. The specially crafted wooden bats will remind you that you are in the host town of cricket now. A Bengali food festival is on to enable guests to have a feel of the wonderful local dishes.
There will be a giant screen TV set in the Lobby for those who want to enjoy the matches without leaving the hotel.
Earlier, the management including the General Manager himself and the Associates did a broom and mop job in the hotel and surrounding areas overnight under 'Operation Oasis' on February 10.

Tony Khan new Director F&B The Westin Dhaka
-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Tony Khan has been promoted to Director of Food and Beverage, The Westin Dhaka. Earlier he joined the hotel as Executive Chef, Culinary Kitchen.
Tony began his training in Singapore before working in some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants around the world.
Tony earlier worked for King Faisal, Saudi Arabia, Corporate Executive Chef for Marriott and Continental Hotels, Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka and Luxury Carnival Cruise Liner, USA.
He did his higher studies in Human Nutrition in Sydney University and HACCP Studies in RMIT, Melbourne, Study USPHD in Miami.
Chef Tony is the well known for his eclectic style cuisine around the world and 1998, awarded Best Chef in the World, 1991 Awarded "Chef of The Year" in Pacific, Papua New Guinea.
His exciting, dynamic rep-ertoire includ-es French, Mediterran-ean, Modern Australian, Middle East, Caribbean, African, Pacific Rim, Pan Asian cuisine.
He has had a foot in practically all culinary camps from Singapore, Australia, French, Netherlands, USA, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Recently Tony has demonstrated his skills in national TV shows and radio programmes.
Tony's philosophy is to provide a quality seasonal food and quality service to the guest. He likes to motivate talented individuals who are able to operate as a strong Food and Beverage team.

Valentine's Day at Regency pull the biggest crowd in town
-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : A significant number of couples enjoyed V-day at Dhaka Regency Hotel on February 14. The hotel offered attractive traits for the people who care for the day the most. To mark the day, the hotel arranged special lunch and dinner at its Grandiose restaurant to its clients with their hospitality to the highest.
Besides, at the rooftop garden Grill on the Skyline, guests had a good time with live musical programme came with a Bar-B-Q buffet dinner where Regency Premier Club Card members enjoyed a special discount. Clients with their nearest ones and family members had an opportunity for staying together in the hotel on the special day also.
Shrimps and broccoli salad, consommé celestial soup, consommé garnished with julian of egg pancake as starters and stuffed chicken, mu-shroom served in the main dish with crème spinach and gratin potato with exotic herb sauce or grilled fish steak served with Mediterranean salsa and boiled potato with dill butter. The guests relished the dessert, Tiramisu Italian coffee cake with mascarpone cheese.

Sheraton, no more

Sayeda Akter

From next month, Sheraton will not be in sight, but a five-star hotel with a different name -- Dhaka Continental.

Sheraton will fold its business by March 31 as the international hotel-chain brand and the government differed on operating conditions.

State-owned Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL) that owns the hotel will handle its management and operations for three months from April 1. The tourism ministry holds a meeting with BSL on the issue today.

BSL has started looking for a world-class operator and management company to run the hotel and a few international brands have already visited the hotel. Of them, Crown Plaza and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts are in talks with BSL, said a top BSL official, asking not to be named.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts that operates under the brand name of Sheraton had a 25-year-deal with BSL, which expired on December 31, 2008. The company had since extended its contract nine times -- three months each time.

Since 2009, Starwood has been pressing for a complete renovation of the hotel's rooms, kitchens, conference rooms, bathrooms, lobbies and bars. The estimated cost of such refurbishment stood at $20 million. They also said a 12-14 months of closure of the hotel was necessary for a facelift.

Initially, the government rejected a proposal of renovations, saying that the hotel was making profits without any renovation.

Later, the government agreed to renovate the hotel on conditions that Sheraton will undertake and carry out the renovations in phases, without shutting down the hotel.

In September 2009, Starwood sent a high-profile technical team to conduct a feasibility study on the project and finally determined the cost estimation. In 2010 Starwood developed a detailed property improvement plan (PIP).

According to the PIP, the hotel requires $25 million for refurbishment, while the construction work must be complete by 2018. If BSL fails to complete the construction work by the deadline, the deal would stand cancelled and Sheraton would quit. Also, the government must compensate Starwood.

The company also gave condition that they would choose and hire the construction team, said a director of BSL.

The PIP was disapproved and sent back to Starwood twice from BSL's board of directors meetings, he said. BSL urged Starwood to make the PIP conditions a bit flexible.

Besides, Dhaka Sheraton has been making profit amid the recent global financial meltdown when most of the Starwood enterprises across the world failed to lure expected occupancy.

Last year Sheraton earned revenue of around Tk 102 crore, up from Tk 80.5 crore in 2009. The hotel made an operating profit of nearly Tk 50 crore, a sharp rise of 47 percent from that of 2009, amid intense competition from its new rivals in the hospitality sector.

Despite such profitability, Sheraton is now leaving the hotel management because of the failure to reach an understanding over the renovation issue.

GM Quader, civil aviation and tourism minister, said the government is working to find a world-class management and operator company to run the hotel.

“We will finalise it soon, keeping no ambiguous conditions in the agreement,” he said.

The new company will have to work in line with the government's renovation proposal and cannot shut down the hotel during renovations, he added.

Meanwhile, BSL is set to take over the hotel with its 600 employees for next three months from April 1 and would pay salaries and other facilities to all the staff members.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=178400

Exposing utter inefficiency of BSL, Sheraton departs from March 31
_A Monitor Special

Dhaka : Bangladesh Ser-vices Limited (BSL), the owning public sector company of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, has proved its utter inefficiency by failing to find appropriate operator for the property to replace Sheraton brand of Starwood Hotel and Resort Worldwide Inc in more than two years.
For more than two years, Sheraton extended its stay several times at the request of BSL. Now it is learnt to have declined to stay beyond of March 31.
What name the hotel is going to take from April 1 is not known. The Bangladesh Monitor made serious and sincere efforts to get in touch with the Managing Director of BSL to know the current situation in details. A number of telephone calls, spread over several occasions proved futile. Most of the time MD's office informed, he was not in office or in his room. Efforts to get the MD directly over cell phone were also of no help, as the calls were not answered.
The uncertain situation for such a long time has caused enormous harm to the morale of the staff-life blood of all hospitality industry. The lingering uncertain situation robbed the hotel most of its good hands. They have left finding jobs and prospect of career elsewhere. This irreparable loss has already affected the service standard of the hotel-it is now sliding downward.
Drawback of BSL
One of the greatest drawbacks of BSL is its almost total lack of expertise. There 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 spent valuable time only in series of meetings and discussing the question of finding operator for the property.
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. Over taka one crore may have 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 01 January 2009. The management contract expired on 31 December 2008.
Starwood thought Dhaka Sheraton is not up to the standard. The 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 modernize 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.
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 contact, 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. 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 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 Star Wood. 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.
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 8th and 9the June, 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.
Change of heart
Meanwhile, Starwood showed interest by withdrawing the earlier demand of total shut down of the property for refurbishment. Sheraton proposed to shutdown the entire old portion of the hotel, keeping about 50-room in the new part of the hotel in operation.
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 USD 25 million for the renovation. The cost was later lowered to USD 20 million.
Without disclosing the fate of negotiation with Starwood, BSL recently appointed a foreign consultant to find operator for the property. Nothing further is known.
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 made public the entire situation.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=2315&CID=1

More hotels needed, says Ascott MD

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/images/news_photo/2011032010423213.jpg

Dhaka : More hotels and resorts are needed, specially in Dhaka and Chittagong, to cope with the increasing demand.

GM Mosharraf Hossain (Khoka), Managing Director, Ascott the Residence said this while addressing a party to celebrate the first anniversary of the 54-room hospitality property on March 10, 2011 holding a party in honour of its valued clients on its terrace.

He also emphasized the need of skilled manpower to improve the service of the hotels in Bangladesh which will bring in more tourists in the country. This will contribute significantly to our national economy, he added.

He thanked diplomats, businessmen and bank officials for the support.

Diplomats and senior officials from Royal Thai Embassy, High Commission of Malaysia, Tullow Oil, GMG Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines and high officials from banking sector as well as representatives from several organisations were among the attendees.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

Platinum Suites marks one and a half year of operation

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Dhaka : Platinum Suites held a corporate night recently to mark one and a half year of its operation.

Held at its Zizi Restaurant, it was attended by guests from corporate houses, banks, embassies and NGOs.

"We hold corporate nights after every three months, but this night was special. We are grateful to them for patronising Platinum Suites since its inception," Mohammad Ali, Head of Corporate Affairs, Platinum Suites said.

Source: The Bangladesh Monitor

Sheraton, no more

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2011/03/20/2011-03-20__biz02.jpg

From next month, Sheraton will not be in sight, but a five-star hotel with a different name -- Dhaka Continental.

Sheraton will fold its business by March 31 as the international hotel-chain brand and the government differed on operating conditions.

State-owned Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL) that owns the hotel will handle its management and operations for three months from April 1. The tourism ministry holds a meeting with BSL on the issue today.

BSL has started looking for a world-class operator and management company to run the hotel and a few international brands have already visited the hotel. Of them, Crown Plaza and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts are in talks with BSL, said a top BSL official, asking not to be named.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts that operates under the brand name of Sheraton had a 25-year-deal with BSL, which expired on December 31, 2008. The company had since extended its contract nine times -- three months each time.

Since 2009, Starwood has been pressing for a complete renovation of the hotel's rooms, kitchens, conference rooms, bathrooms, lobbies and bars. The estimated cost of such refurbishment stood at $20 million. They also said a 12-14 months of closure of the hotel was necessary for a facelift.

Initially, the government rejected a proposal of renovations, saying that the hotel was making profits without any renovation.

Later, the government agreed to renovate the hotel on conditions that Sheraton will undertake and carry out the renovations in phases, without shutting down the hotel.

In September 2009, Starwood sent a high-profile technical team to conduct a feasibility study on the project and finally determined the cost estimation. In 2010 Starwood developed a detailed property improvement plan (PIP).

According to the PIP, the hotel requires $25 million for refurbishment, while the construction work must be complete by 2018. If BSL fails to complete the construction work by the deadline, the deal would stand cancelled and Sheraton would quit. Also, the government must compensate Starwood.

The company also gave condition that they would choose and hire the construction team, said a director of BSL.

The PIP was disapproved and sent back to Starwood twice from BSL's board of directors meetings, he said. BSL urged Starwood to make the PIP conditions a bit flexible.

Besides, Dhaka Sheraton has been making profit amid the recent global financial meltdown when most of the Starwood enterprises across the world failed to lure expected occupancy.

Last year Sheraton earned revenue of around Tk 102 crore, up from Tk 80.5 crore in 2009. The hotel made an operating profit of nearly Tk 50 crore, a sharp rise of 47 percent from that of 2009, amid intense competition from its new rivals in the hospitality sector.

Despite such profitability, Sheraton is now leaving the hotel management because of the failure to reach an understanding over the renovation issue.

GM Quader, civil aviation and tourism minister, said the government is working to find a world-class management and operator company to run the hotel.

“We will finalise it soon, keeping no ambiguous conditions in the agreement,” he said.

The new company will have to work in line with the government's renovation proposal and cannot shut down the hotel during renovations, he added.

Meanwhile, BSL is set to take over the hotel with its 600 employees for next three months from April 1 and would pay salaries and other facilities to all the staff members.

Source: The Daily Star

The Westin Dhaka goes dark for Earth Hour 2011

A Monitor Report

Dhaka : The Westin Dhaka once again joined the worldwide movement of people and businesses planning to turn off the lights for Earth Hour 2011 in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common - our planet.

On March 26, The Westin Dhaka observed Earth Hour by turning off its non-essential lights and taking other energy-saving measures for one full hour further underscoring Starwood Hotels and Resorts' commitment to environmental sustainability.

"The Westin Dhaka is very honored to be a part of such an initiative which is not just a one day event this is rather a social awareness campaign to enlighten every one to take the responsibility to climate change," said Azeem Shah, General Manager, The Westin Dhaka.

The Westin Dhaka took take several measures such as dimming or turning off non-essential interior and exterior lighting; using candlelight in appropriate public areas; and informing guests about the hotel's observation of Earth Hour through letter from General Manager.

Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe. Hundreds of Starwood hotels around the world are coordinating supplementary awareness events such as walk-a-thons in their local communities, public candlelight unplugged concerts and receptions for guests featuring signature green cocktails.

Additionally, for the first time, Starwood Preferred Guest - Starwood's award-winning loyalty programme - invites guests to take part in Earth Hour and will award 100 Starpoints to every member who registers at www.spg.com/earthhour.

Dhaka Sheraton Hotel at time of World Cup 2011

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5579511320_ba1a7f6017.jpg
Exterior

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Business Center

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Ballroom

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Executive Club Lounge

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5578920331_b803c21352.jpg
Bithika Restaurant

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Swimming Pool

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Guest Room

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Lobby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWvYTB4_-0Y

Video showcasing Hotel Sarina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RMttMl2M_M

Video showcasing Best Western La Vinci Hotel

Recent News Clips:

Premier properties usher in Bangla new year
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Premier hospitality properties of the city ushered in Bangla new year taking elaborate programmes on April 14.
To greet the Bengali New Year, Westin Dhaka carefully designed its activities and decorated the property in traditional Bengali style. The ambiance gave the feeling along with traditional Bengali foods.
The day dining restaurant "Taste" offered traditional Bangladeshi cuisine from April 13 till 15. There were local culinary delights each day. Besides the very traditional mouth watering Hilsha dishes there were other local fish curry preparations, Bhuna Khichuri, Gosht Biriyani, Morog Palou or Chingri Malai Curry or Roast Chicken Bangladeshi Style, Bhartas like Shutki Bharta, Aloo Bharta, Sim Bharta, Tomato Bharta, Bhendi Bharta. Salad made by all local ingredients will be the special addition in the appetisers.
24 hours open restaurant Treats featured traditional Bangladeshi Pithas such as Patishapta, Teler Pitha, Puli Pitha. People enjoyed a magnificent time with friends and family at Treats.
At The Living Room there were Chotpoti, Fuchka, Jhal Muri and very traditional beverages like beler shorbot, daber pani, kacha amer shorbot (green mango juice) served with Westin elegancy.
This year Westin has arranged some cultural shows such as traditional Baishakhi live performance, baul performance, face painting, mehndi utshav, and many more will be displayed on the Baishakh day.
Special Bengali food items were served at the restaurants of the Radisson Water Garden Hotel and Resort. Water Garden Brasserie offered a special lunch and dinner buffet menu where different kinds of bhorta like Shutki, Prawn, Potato, Eggplant bhorta and bhaji were offered.
Different kinds of Bangladeshi Salads, Raita and traditional Anchar can available at the Salad Station. Moreover, 'Pantha-Hilsha' with other fish items, Bhuna Khichuri, Chicken and Papaya curry, Beef gravy, Duck gravy and wide array of traditional Bangladeshi food items were also relished .
Other than these items, Firni, Gazor Halua, Yoghurt and delicious dessert items could also be found. On the other hand, Spice and Rice Restaurant offered an exclusive Bengali Food Journey, where authentic Bengali food items were served one after another from appetizer to dessert.
Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka also celebrated Bengali New Year - Pahela Boishakh from April 14 till 16 with Bangladeshi Traditional Mela at its Lobby Lounge area was ornamented with number of colorful stalls offering Bangladeshi handicrafts, cloths, souvenirs and snacks.
Like every year, from April 14-16, 2011 hotels most popular Café Bazar restaurant offered an array of mouth-watering food from different regions of Bangladesh. There were all time favorite Bengali style 'Pantha Elish' along with 'Shutki', assorted Bhorta, Chutney and many others.
For the cultural presentation a group of young artists enthralled the guests with their astounding rhythms of dance and music while the guests enjoyed the tantalizing and splendid delicacies of different regions of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Regency celebrated Pahela Baishak with additional flair and fanfare on April 14 from 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm. With an extensive deshi lunch and dinner buffet of sumptuous indigenous delicacies, jhalmuri, fuchka and chatpati live stations, live local music, Bangla cartoon festival for the kiddies, fortune telling with mysterious parrots, henna and face painting festivity.
The Grandiose Restaurant on Level 6 was transformed into Bengali exposition. From panta elish to pithaa puli, seem bhate or shajhne daatar chorchori, the banquet table was laden with sumptuous indigenous delicacies.


Sonargaon holds Thai Food Festival
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka in association with the Thai Trade Centre and Thai Airways International, Dhaka organised a seven-days Thai Food Festival from April 7 to 13.
GM Quader, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, formally inaugurated the festival as chief guest. Dilip Barua, Minister for Industries, was present as the special guest. Tasanawadee Miancharoen, Ambassador, Usa Wijarurn, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka, M. A. Momen, President, Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI), E J Mac Ewan III, General Manager, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka and Charoenchai Laksana-korn, General Manager, Thai Airways were present on the occasion, among others.
A team of highly professional Thai chefs from Bangkok were flown in by Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka to prepare an array of mouth watering authentic Thai cuisine to bring in the real flavours of Thailand.
Some of the exclusive dishes in the extended menu were : Tom Yam Soup, Mixed Vegetable and sour Soup with Shrimp, Green Chicken Curry, Sautéed Beef with Red Curry and Corn Pepper, Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Ginger, Fried Fish with Chilli Sauce, Sautéed Mixed Vegetable with Oyster Sauce, Mee Grob, Spicy Grilled Chic-ken Salad, Spicy Minced Beef Salad, Spicy Seafood Salad, Stea-med Jasmine Rice, Fried Rice, Egg Noodles Soup (northern Thailand style), Stir Fried rice Noodles, Spicy and Sour Chicken Salad, Papaya Salad with Crispy Shrimp, Dumpling stuf-fed with prawn and chicken, Look Choop (rice made sweets), Foi Thong (rice made sweets), Coconut Custard with Pumpkin, Beal Fruit Tree, Rosselle Juice, Lemon Grass Juice, Sticky Rice with Durian in Coconut Milk.
A group of beautiful Thai dancers were also flown in all the way from Thailand to perform their vibrant Thai dance everyday during Lunch and Dinner at Café Bazaar Restaurant during the week.



Dhaka Regency wins World Travel Award
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort won the title of "Leading Hotel in Bangladesh of 2010" in the recent poll of the World Travel Awards.
The award programme is revered as the travel equivalent to the Oscars.
The awards were presented at an awards presentation ceremony recently.
The hotel has also been nominated for World Travel Award for 2011.
We are happy to receive the award. It speaks of our sincere efforts which have won the hearts of our guests of different nationalities, a spokesperson of the hotel said.
Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort soft opened in 2007 and went into full operation earlier this year with 214 rooms.
A venture of British Bang-ladesh Invest Group (BBIG), the hotel spearheaded investment by British Bangladeshis in Bangladesh.


BSL again rubs its nose in ground, Sheraton to stay until April 30
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : In response to a request to help Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL) take preparations to operate the hotel, the management of Sheraton has extended its stay up to April 30, according to report in a daily paper recently.
Quoting a top BSL official, asking not to be named, the report said, "We could not take adequate preparations to take over the management and operations of the hotel within a short span of time. So we asked officials of Starwood for a month-extension, and they agreed."
Sheraton had a 25-year-deal with BSL, which expired on December 31, 2008. The company had since extended its contract nine times -- three months each time. After these extensions Starwood served final notice to fold its business by March 31 as the operator of the hotel.
It may be mentioned here that BSL is looking for a new operator to replace Sheraton for more than three years. Failure to find one, BSL, the public sector owning company of the hotel had no alternative but to compromise its prestige and begged Starwood, the parent company of Sheraton for extension of their stay.

Asian Tourism Fair in city Sept 29
-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Asian Tourism Fair 2011 will be held at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre in the city on September 29, 30 and October 1.

GM Quader, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, formally announced the holding of ATF Dhaka 2011 at a press conference at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on April 27. Zet Mirzal Zainuddin, Ambassador of Indonesia, Hemayet Uddin Talukder, Chairman, BPC, Krishna Chan-dra Aryal, Deputy Chief of Mission, Nepal Embassy and AG Abhishekara, Minister Consular, Sri Lankan High Commission also spoke on the occasion.

Asian Tourism Fair 2011 (ATF-Dhaka) is an initiative from the Parjatan Bichitra in collaboration with Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), supported by Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) is the Strategic Partner of this fair.

The aim of the event is to develop tourism linkage among all Asian countries. It is both B2B event and B2C event for inbound and outbound tourism market and strengthening increasing relations among industry partners, service providers, travellers and general visitors.

There will be 172 stalls of airlines, NTOs, tour operators, travel agents, hotels, resorts, tourism institutes and other tourism related organisations of different Asian countries.

Proyash, Radisson organise fund raising event
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Proyash, a special school for the autistic children and Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka, organised a fund raising event for the school at the Grand Ball-room of the hotel recently.

Major General Tarique Ah-med Siddique, rcds, psc, Defence Advi-ser to the Prime Minister was the chief guest of the event. Among others, Gene-ral Md. Abdul Mubeen, ndc, psc, Chief of Army Staff and Chairman, Sena Hotel Developments Limited, high officials from the defence and civil society, diplomats and distinguished guests were present on the occasion.

The main objective of the charity event was to raise fund for the Proyash School. Diffe-rent corporate bodies along with Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka contributed to their fund.

Cultural programme was also organised at the event, where prominent cultural performers and children of Proyash School participated.

High officials from different corporate bodies were presented on the occasion and donated for Proyash.

Dhaka Sheraton now Ruposhi Bangla Hotel
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), the public sector owning company of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, has finally announced the expiry of the management contract with Starwood Asia Pacific Hotel & Resorts Pte. Ltd. from April 30.

The property will be known as Ruposhi Bangla Hotel from today (May 1, 2011).

Addressing a press conference Mahfuzur Rahman, newly appointed General Manager, said the name Ruposhi Bangla was suggested by Prime Minister Sheikh Hanisa. "We had suggested Dhaka Continental Hotel. But she herself gave the name. The name will stay, who ever manages the hotel in the future," he said.

Rahman informed newsmen that the hotel will remain operational under the management of its BSL till "a new operator" is appointed. A number of internationally reputed hotel management companies have shown their interest to operate this iconic property, he said and added Hotel InterContinental, Marriott and Swissotel are in the shortlist. Whoever is awarded the new management, the new brand compliance process will take at least six months.

The question of having a new operator for the hotel is still far from being certain.

What the new GM of the hotel said about finding new operator on April 30 is nothing new. BSL issued similar statements many times during the past three years.

For nearly three years starting from middle of 2008, BSL is looking for reputed operator. For sometime in the middle BSL also shifted its attention to franchise.

That quest too remained inconclusive like finding a new operator. At one point of time, they also appointed a canadian consultant frim to find a suitable operator that too also gone in vain.

High level efficiency of BSL leadership is to blame failure. Now they are trying to hide their utter failure behind the new name of the property claimed to have given by the Prime Minister.

It may be recalled that trouble started when in 2008 Starwood Hotels and 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.

Starwood thought Dhaka Sheraton is not up to the standard. The 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.

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

All these years we were told that there was no dispute about the question of massive refurbishment to maintain its current status and rating. But there arose dispute in the manner of execution of the refurbishment plan. Starwood wanted total shutdown of the property, but the government could not agree to that. So, Starwood stood by its decision to pull out.

But Mahfuzur Rahman said something new about the reason for Starwood's departure from managing the property. In reply to a question, the new General Manager of the hotel said that though the refurbishment of the hotel would not require US$30 million, the government agreed to prove the fund, as demanded by Starwood, but still they did not stay. Starwood is withdrawing the Sheraton brand worldwide; he said replying to another question.

He further said that "Our crisis of identity is over. The standard of service won't fall, nor will the rates be raised."

http://www.theindependentdigital.com/contents/2011/2011_05_01/content_zoom/2011_05_01_20_2_b.jpg

Source: The Independent

Intercontinental likely to manage Ruposhi Bangla Sunday, July 3, 2011

Sayeda Akter
The government is likely to sign a deal with leading international hotel chain Intercontinental this month to manage and operate Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, previously known as Dhaka Sheraton.

The deal will initially be effective for 30 years, and can be extended depending on performance, with each expansion period spanning five years.
Now the civil aviation and tourism ministry and state-owned Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), which owns the hotel, are finalising the terms and conditions of the deal, said a senior official of the ministry yesterday.

Issues like renovating the hotel without shutting it down, the cost of renovation, and retaining all present BSL emplyees are being prioritised in negotiations, he said.

“The ministry has approved the appointment of Intercontinental to manage and operate the hotel. And within the third week of this month, we are going to sign a letter of intent (LoI),” he said.
“Once the LoI is signed, a team from the international hotel chain would come to finalise the terms and conditions with BSL. We hope the chain will start operations within three months,” added the official, preferring not to be named.

A LoI is an agreement that describes in detail a corporation's intention to execute a corporate action.

Intercontinental ran the state-owned hotel before Sheraton took over management in 1983.

Sheraton ended its operation in Bangladesh after a long stay of 27 years, and BSL took over operations and management from May 1, and named it Ruposhi Bangla.

The government started looking for an international hotel chain to operate and manage the hotel soon after failing to reach an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the parent company of Sheraton.

Meanwhile, Ruposhi Bangla Hotel earned operating revenues worth Tk 8.9 crore in May from Tk 8 crore in April, said a hotel official.

However, current hotel employees fear Intercontinental may shut down the hotel during renovation, and they lose their jobs.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts that operated under the brand name of Sheraton had a 25-year-deal with BSL that expired on December 31, 2008. The company had since extended its contract nine times -- three months each time.

Starwood had been pressing for a complete renovation of the hotel's rooms, kitchens, conference rooms, bathrooms, lobbies and bars since 2009. The estimated cost of such a refurbishment stood at $20 million.

Sheraton earned a revenue of around Tk102 crore in 2010, up from Tk 80.5 crore in 2009. The hotel made an operating profit of nearly Tk 50 crore, a sharp rise.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=192583

the sheraton will be reverting back to its old name then, :P

the sheraton will be reverting back to its old name then, :P

Think the government will have done a decent job if they can get back a global name.

double post

Finally,classy and rich people like Dopekhor can enjoy a Internationally rated "AAA" Diamond 5 star hotel here in Bangladesh:lol:

Unique Hotels and Resorts ltd(the company that owns Westin Dhaka and is constructing the Le Meridien Dhaka) has acquired two plots right next to the Westin Dhaka to build The Starwood Hotel Chain's ultra-luxury brand "St.Regis" in Dhaka....:cheers:



St.Regis Dhaka,Gulshan


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/07072011838.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/07072011839.jpg

^^Wow, that is impressive. Only NYC and Dhaka will have St. Regis then!

^^Wow, that is impressive. Only NYC and Dhaka will have St. Regis then!

This is interesting, because to the best of my knowledge, the ultra luxury Starwood brand Unique was supposed to get was supposedly 'The Luxury Collection', which too was reserved for the plot they acquired opposite Azad mosque (next to a Prime Bank branch).Wasn't this plot supposed to be The Westin annex or something? What news of the Le Meridian?

Finally,classy and rich people like Dopekhor can enjoy a Internationally rated "AAA" Diamond 5 star hotel here in Bangladesh:lol:

Unique Hotels and Resorts ltd(the company that owns Westin Dhaka and is constructing the Le Meridien Dhaka) has acquired two plots right next to the Westin Dhaka to build The Starwood Hotel Chain's ultra-luxury brand "St.Regis" in Dhaka....:cheers:



St.Regis Dhaka,Gulshan


http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/07072011838.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/07072011839.jpg
oh yeah i am happy, but i wish i was rich man, gorib manush bole emne khocha marla :(

i am guessing they couldnt buy that small plot in between the two from navana, and wasnt that supposed to be the westin annex?

^^Wow, that is impressive. Only NYC and Dhaka will have St. Regis then!
i am pretty sure there is one in singapore and abu dhabi

Starwood list show some of the new opening hotels upto 2016 but nothing about St.Regis or any other starwood brands proposed/opening in Dhaka.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/directory/hotels/all/list.html:bash:

^^Wow, that is impressive. Only NYC and Dhaka will have St. Regis then!

St. Regis isn't only in New York, but many other cities across the US. There used to be a St. Regis in downtown Detroit but I think the management changed to some other brand a few years back.

Finally,classy and rich people like Dopekhor can enjoy a Internationally rated "AAA" Diamond 5 star hotel here in Bangladesh:lol:

Unique Hotels and Resorts ltd(the company that owns Westin Dhaka and is constructing the Le Meridien Dhaka) has acquired two plots right next to the Westin Dhaka to build The Starwood Hotel Chain's ultra-luxury brand "St.Regis" in Dhaka....:cheers:


Is the owner of Unique (group) trying to build a "hotel row" in Gulshan?

oh yeah i am happy, but i wish i was rich man, gorib manush bole emne khocha marla :(

i am guessing they couldnt buy that small plot in between the two from navana, and wasnt that supposed to be the westin annex?

Which specific plot are you referring to dopey?

Which specific plot are you referring to dopey?
the one in between the current st regis and westin

Is the owner of Unique (group) trying to build a "hotel row" in Gulshan?

Not that I mean to sound negative or anything, but I sometimes wonder if we really have a market for such luxury properties, that too more specifically if one talks about brands such as The Luxury Collection and St. Regis, where even Unique staff mentioned that rates would start from USD 600.

While the addressable market (which at present almost entirely consists of business travelers, as a negligible fraction of foreigners visit our country for leisure purposes) should understandably grow by the time these projects are officially completed, one can argue that unless our economy starts growing in double digits, coupled with a relatively heavy influx of FDI, it is unlikely that these hotels will succeed in generating sufficient cash flows. Looking at historical data, one should note that FDI doesn't even account for 1% of our national income/GDP, a ratio that is alarmingly low if one compares that to India and even Pakistan (despite all its existing political tension). Furthermore, our Board of Investment has hardly done anything to induce foreign investment ever since its inception. In fact, having personally dealt with them, I can confidently conclude that their staff have everything in the making to 'drive away' potential foreign investors.

With respect to The Westin and Radisson, one can say that 'era ekhon apatoto faka mathhe goal dichhe'. Will the market really be large enough to accommodate another Westin, a Le Meridian a St. Regis/The Luxury Collection from Unique, in addition to the two luxury hotels (Intercontinental + Holiday Inn) by the airport and Best Western Premier Al-Amin in Nikunjo by say 2015?

the one in between the current st regis and westin

Wow! Someone seems to be up pretty early.

I see. Thanks. Haven't properly noticed. Will do so the next time I'm in the area.

With respect to The Westin and Radisson, one can say that 'era ekhon apatoto faka mathhe goal dichhe'. Will the market really be large enough to accommodate another Westin, a Le Meridian a St. Regis/The Luxury Collection from Unique, in addition to the two luxury hotels (Intercontinental + Holiday Inn) by the airport and Best Western Premier Al-Amin in Nikunjo by say 2015?

^^ All these International Brands take help of renowned consulting and market research firms before venturing into multi million dollar projects in developing nations. So there must be potential in Bangladesh--- 160 million people with growth of 7%, it is bound to have some impact.

Also, these foreign investment is good for our economic growth as it employs thousands of people from construction, hotel management to support network.

If the market is not competitive, we don't need to worry, afterall it's not a government investment of tax payer's money. The market will adjust on it's own..

What news of the Le Meridian?

Le Meredian construction is progessing fast, I saw the structure at Banani when I was there last June.. I believe somebody posted a picture in the Hotel thread aswell.

Le Meredian construction is progessing fast, I saw the structure at Banani when I was there last June.. I believe somebody posted a picture in the Hotel thread aswell.

So why it isnt listed on starwood website?:ohno:

So why it isnt listed on starwood website?:ohno:

I would venture a guess that no (management) contract has officially been signed. The owner of the property is probably banking on initial talks and decided to use it as an advertisement (leverage)?

Not that I mean to sound negative or anything, but I sometimes wonder if we really have a market for such luxury properties, that too more specifically if one talks about brands such as The Luxury Collection and St. Regis, where even Unique staff mentioned that rates would start from USD 600.

While the addressable market (which at present almost entirely consists of business travelers, as a negligible fraction of foreigners visit our country for leisure purposes) should understandably grow by the time these projects are officially completed, one can argue that unless our economy starts growing in double digits, coupled with a relatively heavy influx of FDI, it is unlikely that these hotels will succeed in generating sufficient cash flows. Looking at historical data, one should note that FDI doesn't even account for 1% of our national income/GDP, a ratio that is alarmingly low if one compares that to India and even Pakistan (despite all its existing political tension). Furthermore, our Board of Investment has hardly done anything to induce foreign investment ever since its inception. In fact, having personally dealt with them, I can confidently conclude that their staff have everything in the making to 'drive away' potential foreign investors.

With respect to The Westin and Radisson, one can say that 'era ekhon apatoto faka mathhe goal dichhe'. Will the market really be large enough to accommodate another Westin, a Le Meridian a St. Regis/The Luxury Collection from Unique, in addition to the two luxury hotels (Intercontinental + Holiday Inn) by the airport and Best Western Premier Al-Amin in Nikunjo by say 2015?

From what I've heard and seen (observation of passenger traffic type at DAC airport), the total number of first class hotel room available is below the daily demand. There appears to be a whole lot of people from foreign governments (and semi-government), NGOs, multi-lateral agencies (UN, UN bodies, ADB, World Bank, etc.) traveling to/from Dhaka frequently. Add to that business travelers (the Chinese, Koreans, middle eastern) and a handful of tourist, and soon, the three good hotels in Dhaka become insufficient.

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

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/images/news_photo/201003181418141.jpg
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.

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

Wow! Someone seems to be up pretty early.

I see. Thanks. Haven't properly noticed. Will do so the next time I'm in the area.
in a different time zone bro :P

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

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/images/news_photo/201003181418141.jpg
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.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1278&CID=1
this article is more then a year old, i am surprised the mentioned projects arent on the website of starwood, the calcutta westin and many up coming projects from the region are on it

From what I've heard and seen (observation of passenger traffic type at DAC airport), the total number of first class hotel room available is below the daily demand. There appears to be a whole lot of people from foreign governments (and semi-government), NGOs, multi-lateral agencies (UN, UN bodies, ADB, World Bank, etc.) traveling to/from Dhaka frequently. Add to that business travelers (the Chinese, Koreans, middle eastern) and a handful of tourist, and soon, the three good hotels in Dhaka become insufficient.

You are absolutely correct. My family is friends with managers of Westin, Radisson and Regency and we have heard that.

^^ I think because of short supply price of hotel rooms are extremely high in Bangladesh. I have stayed in Westin and similar hotels across the US for around $100-$125. Whereas in BD it cost about double that amount. If they want to draw more customers, foreign and local, they need to lower the price. Higher volume should keep the revenue/profit high.

Is the 2nd Westin in Dhaka gona be 47 floors as planned earlier?

This is interesting, because to the best of my knowledge, the ultra luxury Starwood brand Unique was supposed to get was supposedly 'The Luxury Collection', which too was reserved for the plot they acquired opposite Azad mosque (next to a Prime Bank branch).Wasn't this plot supposed to be The Westin annex or something? What news of the Le Meridian?

Unique Group and Navana Group have exchanged properties recently.The piece of land next to westin(which used to housed words&pages) was given by Navana Group to Unique Group in exchange of the Unique Group owned property opposite to Asad Mosque(next to prime bank).This deal ensured Unique Group's ownership of two plots of land right next to the Westin Dhaka.They have decided to build a large St.Regis Hotel combining the two plots next to Westin.

As for work on the Le Meridien,its been progressing well.:)

Unique Group to build "five" "5 STAR" hotels
Westin basks in corporate travel boom
Kamrun Nahar


Dhaka has only one international standard 5-Star hotel, although many campaign for running such upscale lodges in the capital, a top hospitality official said.

Azeem Shah, general manager with Westin Dhaka, said the capital hosts 30-odd branded hotels, but none except Westin has the facilities a 5-star hotel should have.

"Bangladesh tourism may classify or approve such hotels as 5-star. Actually they are not by international standards," Mr. Shah told the FE in an exclusive interview.

He insisted that even Raddisson lacks the requirements of a 5-star hotel, let alone other famed brands such as Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Sheraton, Sarina, and Regency.

Mr. Shah, however, said a few more 5-star brands of Starwood Hotels and Resorts will be opened up in Dhaka and Chittagong over the next three to four years.

He said Le Merdian at Banani, another 5-star brand of Starwood, will be completed by 2012 and Westin II tower by 2013 and St. Regis by 2014.

"Unique Hotels and Resorts has already approved the Westin II tower adjacent to the present hotel," said Mr. Shah whose career in the hospitality industry spans as long as 30 years.

Two editions of Westin are planned in Chittagong and Cox's Bazar-areas already lucrative for tourism.

The Westin official, clad in a navy-blue suit, said the upcoming luxury hotels under Starwood would generate jobs for at least 2000 skilled manpower.

Officials said Westin Dhaka, albeit a new entrant, has become a popular draw for corporate clients-boarders who serve with local or multinational companies and international agencies.

"Corporate people are here to do business. So we need to be business savvy, providing them with technology, space and speed as per their expectations," Mr. Shah said.

Referring to the campaign for Bangladesh as a tourism destination worldwide, a not-so-satisfied Westin boss said the government is "not doing much about it as there is little promotion outside the country."

"A typical tourist comes to this country with a negative perception that this is an impoverished nation where people die every year in floods. But after arrival their perception changes 180 degree, the Westin executive said. "People here are happy as there is no sign of struggle on their faces. They are friendly and remarkably hospitable."

He feels that Bangladesh needs to highlight its potential as "an affordable destination and start leveraging by giving some value enhancement to people to use this place as a stopover destination."

He noted that Bangladesh should seek to popularise the Sundarbans-the world's biggest mangrove forests--to the rest of the world by launching campaign in the international media.

"Bangladeshi people always play the trump card of tourism that is Cox's Bazar--the longest sea beach in the world. But how many people know about it?" he asked.

"Bangladesh government should inject new momentum into the ongoing beautiful Bangladesh campaign worldwide," he said.

During the ICC world cup, the hotels' occupancy rate was dismal-only 73 per cent, an unexpected phenomenon Mr. Shah mainly attributed to the tourists' difficulty in obtaining visa.

"There was much-hyped optimism--our hotels will be bulging at the seams. But at the end of the day, nothing of that extent happened," he said.

Mr. Shah leads a team of 480 associates at Westin. He joined the hotel as a hotel manager last year and took up the mantle of GM this year.

"I think motivating and working with people is really important and training them to help achieve their goals through proper product and service knowledge. Being Westin we have already set standard brand information. Now it's a matter of reinforcing it by putting my hand on some one's back doing a pat and recognising him for doing the right things," said the Australia-born hospitality executive.

The Westin official has for the first time nominated the name of Westin Dhaka for the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2011 to represent Bangladesh as a fantastic destination to come and enjoy.

"This is going to place Bangladesh on the world map that will allow people to know about the country and its people. They will understand the world class hospitality exists in a country, for which they have a plethora of wrong perceptions. Now they can see Bangladesh in a different way," said a beaming Shah.

Source:http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=130580

A question. Which plot exactly is the Westin-II tower being planned in?

A question. Which plot exactly is the Westin-II tower being planned in?

I think I'm confused about that too. Initially thought it would be the car park area. Then I thought it would be opposite to the existing building where The Westin is located. But they haven't purchased any land there (am I correct?). Then I thought it would be the plot right next to The Westin (previously owned by Navana), but now we all see a St. Regis sign there.

Govt to sign deal with Intercontinental in Oct

Sayeda Akter

The government is likely to sign a deal with leading international hotel chain Intercontinental in October to manage and operate Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, previously known as Dhaka Sheraton.

Intercontinental will start operating the hotel in November, and will use its logo once the much-talked-about renovation is complete, which is likely to take place by March next year, said a senior official of the ministry yesterday.

The hotel is likely to be named Intercontinental Ruposhi Bangla, he said.

Prior to that, the hotel chain will add Ruposhi Bangla to its Global Distribution System that will allow the hotel to be connected with the international connectivity of the chain and take reservation from other Intercontinental hotels and resorts.

State-owned Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), which owns the hotel, approved the terms and conditions.

Initially, the deal will be effective for 30 years and can be extended depending on performance, with each expansion period spanning five years.

The civil aviation and tourism ministry and BSL are working on the terms of the deal, which include issues like renovating the hotel without shutting it, retaining all present BSL employees and the cost of renovation.

Intercontinental ran the state-owned hotel before Sheraton took over its management in 1983.

Current hotel employees, who are all BSL staff members, requested the civil aviation and tourism ministry to give them an opportunity to manage Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) for one term.

They fear Intercontinental may shut the hotel during renovation, and they may lose their jobs.

“If Intercontinental shuts down the hotel during renovation, a few thousand people of our families will fall in trouble. The government is now looking for a management operator to run the operations of BICC, which requires three years of professional experience,” said a hotel official.

“We qualify as we have expertise in running a five star hotel for so many years. So if the government awards us the contract to manage the centre, we will do it efficiently,” he added.

Sheraton ended its operations in Bangladesh after a stay of 27 years. BSL took over operations and management on May 1 and named it Ruposhi Bangla.

Ruposhi Bangla earned operating revenues worth Tk 8.9 crore in May from Tk 8 crore in April, said a hotel official.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=201151

The Westin Dhaka has 50pc market share
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : The Westin Dhaka is far ahead of others. The hotel has a 50 per cent market share - with the other four five-star properties sharing the rest among themselves and I hope to raise it in the days ahead.

Azeem Shah, General Manager, The Westin Dhaka said this while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor.

Azeem Shah said, "We have not only met the targets but exceeded them" and hoped to end 2011 with a "bumper year."

"Our average room rate is the highest - US$189 now and we hope to close the year at US$199. Football (Argentina-Nigeria friendly soccer match) gave us a boost," he said.

Azeem Shah, along with members of the Executive Committee, has brought in a lot of changes. "We have a close-knit team at the Westin."

He said, "We have developed a good team here and expressed the apprehension "we (The Westin Dhaka's human resou-rces) will be the target of new hotels coming up."

Asked to describe the hotel's performance in brief, he said. "Our performance is excellent - simply the best."

"We do dot believe in compromises. We have a range of key performance indicators (KPIs) - we have exceeded revenues and customer expectations. Hotel keeps me busy. Starwood has a set criteria and core values which are reflected in all our 10 brands. What a guest gets here, he or she'll get elsewhere."

"We are always carrying out enhancements. We are value for money, meeting guests' expectations," he said "our chain stresses on innovation and swapping of the best practices."

On expectations in 2012, Azeem said, "Next year looks good. I can see very strong growth next year. I hope to improve my market share."

"US business in Bangladesh is expected to rise threefold. Untapped resources will be tapped," he predicted.

"We are leading in our parameters. We listen to our customers. We have attained 8.44 out of 10 in the guest satisfaction index (GSI), only 2 points behind the median average of 8.46. All criteria are monitored electronically."

Explaining, he said, "We need to focus on Internet speed. We do not serve alcohol in any of the public venues on Fridays. Starwood has a set climate standard of 22 degrees Celsius. We cannot change it. It is centrally controlled."

"We can provide portable air conditioners to guests if someone wants it extra chill. These are the areas we are unable to anything. But we can improve in lots of areas, he added.

Queried about problems, Azeem Shah said, "We do not have problems?we term those challenges. If the 580 per cent tax is lowered, everyone will benefit and we'll be able to pass it on to the guests."

Regarding guest mix, he said, ninety-five per cent of the guests are international corporate guests. Our focus remains the same (on corporate guests)."

Changes
There will be changes at The Westin Dhaka. The uniform will be changed as will be upholstery in the venues. The best quality linen has been ordered for the rooms.

Clutter free seminar rooms have been introduced. The seminar table is free of clutter. Keynote papers, pens and pencils_ whatever is needed is available in the next room.

In the F&B sector SuperFoods_ healthy, nutritious, low in fat as well as rich in anti-oxidants_ have been introduced. It is a Westin concept, new in Bangladesh. In breakfast, lunch and dinner, one-third of the items are SuperFood. It is healthy, light and nutritious, good for the heart. It is available at all the food outlets of the hotel.

The Westin Spa will be turned into Heavenly Spa, he said.

When asked about upcoming events, Azeem said that there would be Indian promotion in October. Six Chefs from different corners of India will be taking part in the biggest-ever food festival, he added. He also mentioned about Arabian Nights Promotion that would take place in November.

The hotel has introduced "Ambassador Service." The hotel provides personal services as per guests' preferences. Every week the hotel gets three to four guests of such status from different nationalities. The service is by invitation only. It is selected on the basis of guests' spending.

"We receive the guest with bouquet, special fruit basket goes to his/her room.

Special attention is given (to them). They are provided with complimentary breakfast at the club lounge on the 21st floor. They are served free alcohol during the Happy Hour from 5-30 pm to 7-30 pm," said a hotel official.

Speaking of such a VIP who resides in Bangkok and has his workplace in Bangladesh, he said, "We have all the information about him. He does not have to check-in. He straight goes to his room on arrival at the hotel."

Growth
The growth is phenomenal in China - there is one hotel in China opening every seven days. Growth of Starwood in China is set to surpass all our hotels worldwide for next three years.

India, Bangladesh and Maldives are also experiencing huge growth. There are 14 Starwood hotels running or ready in India and the number will exceed 60 properties in the next three years.

By the year 2014 Starwood alone will require 350 General Managers, 10,000 employees and 100,000 staff.

Awards
Sources said, The Westin Dhaka has been nominated for World Luxury Hotel Award for Asia Pacific and World Traveller Awards. Earlier the hotel won two awards at Starwood Asia Pacific Confe-rence - Best Financial Perfor-mance and Most Innovative HR Awards for 2010.

The Westin is expected to celebrate its fifth anniversary in October. Starwood top bosses are likely to be present at the function to be held at the open space near the property.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka being upgraded into Blu
-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka is being upgraded into Blu by Carlson Hotels chain and the move will be completed before the year is out.

"Blu is the upscale segment of Carlson Hotels," said Madhusudan Jhingon, Gen-eral Manager, Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel Dhaka.

"The menu, services, even bathroom slippers - everything is being upgraded. There are new standards- 250 pages of it. We will have to comply with it to complete the upgrading by the end of this year. We are refining our offerings," he said.

Once these are completed, officials of the chain will come incognito to inspect the implementation and later they will reveal themselves to us and share our shortcomings, Madhusudan said, adding, performance review was earlier done from Singapore.

We constantly monitor guest feedbacks. Medellion software also helps the management to receive guest feedbacks. As soon as a guest checks out, an e-mail goes to him inviting comments on his or her last stay. The guests comments are put into our Quality Performance Index.

Guests are normally not aware of the facilities in Bangladesh. But once they come here and see our products and receive our services their perception of the country and the facilities here changes, he said adding we have our share of service errors but we quickly do service recovery, address the error.

We have presented a wide range of cuisine and have continued serving those, Madhusudan said, "We have adjusted global menus with the local palette. The local cuisine is good. We need to elaborate their presence in the menu."

On guest mix, he said, "We have a lot of corporate guests -garments, IT, paints companies, airlines. Garments contribute a lot of business to the hotels. Airlines are among the major contributors."

"Dhaka is a business destination. Lot of foreign travellers are coming. All the flights are full. Full flights mean money," he said.

He said, for guests of Dhaka we have launched Weekend Package. For Tk 14,999 we pick up guests from home and drop them at their residences. They get to experience restaurants, spa and other facilities during their two-day stay. This is our small offering - giving back to the community."

Queried about revenue, he said, "Dhaka has been one of the larger contributors of revenue which consistently improved every year. We'll do better in revenue. We have taken certain steps so that the bottom line improves."

"Like others, I've to balance both the owning company and the management company - we have managed fairly well."

As for the days ahead, he said, "Things are looking up. Occupancy is better. F&B is fairly strong. Businessmen like the city. Tourists are also coming."

Two top officials of the chain from Singapore visited Radisson Blu Dhaka and also went to Chittagong. "It was an eye-opener for them. They liked the hotel, the two cities and they country. They enjoyed their two-day visit and promised to come again."

Two new properties will come up in Chittagong and Cox's Bazar - both will be Blu and both will have 204 rooms. "Chittagong one has just got off the ground. There will be seven F&B outlets in Chittagong - people eat out a lot in Chittagong," he said.

The experience hotelier Madhusudan, who opened Delhi and Indore properties, is pleased to be here. "I was given three or four offers. Dhaka sounded better. I wanted to be closer to home."

Madhusudan terms himself as "basically an operations person."

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

Bangladesh has everything going on for it
-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : General Manager Eldridge J Mac Ewan III had reasons to be happy when he was conversing with this journal on September 21 at his office. Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka was experiencing 100 per cent occupancy for three nights, had just played host to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his entourage, and had been enjoying average 68 per cent occupancy, a sizable rise following the Ramadan dip.

Lionel Messi and his Argentinean fellow team members were to have stayed at this hotel, but in a last minute switch, stayed at Ruposhi Bangla.

Repeat guests were also high at Pan Pacific Sonargaon. It was 23 per cent when he took up the reins of the hotel for the second time and now it was 42 per cent - not bad for a hotel, Eldridge J Mac Ewan III said adding "people come back to the place they trust."

Service, branding, menu - all have been redone, seventh floor added to the Pacific Lounge, which itself has been upgraded and free Internet provided to guests.

"No charge is taken (for the Internet) as guests prefer one price including all," he said.

"My strategy is price-value relationship. We keep our costs in line."

"We try not to increase expenses of the guests. We try not to cut costs, but to stop wastes. We look at areas whether we are wasting anything. If we cut costs, then travellers are quick to notice as they know the standards."

"At Pan Pacific Sonargaon, revenue is a reaction to our actions. I always tell Associates of the hotel - focus on your actions first - improve your hospitality, improve your service - the revenue will come."

"If you focus on revenue, you do not have a foundation. Also, if we keep facilities - restaurants, pool, health club, laundry - strong, they support room occupancy," he said.

Eldridge J Mac Ewan III praised Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for bringing in "high value" Argentine team so that Bangladesh can be on international sports map.

"It's really gutsy, a great leap of faith on their part. They turned vision into reality. That deserves congratulations," he said.

Regarding 2012, he said, "In 2010, I beat 2009. In 2011, I hope to beat 2010. I've done SWAT, I've done strategy and see six to seven per cent growth in 2012."

According to "Revinate" which sits on the Internet and sources data from social media like Facebook, Twitter etc, Pan Pacific Sonargaon has been No 2 in Dhaka City, just one point behind The Westin, for quite a long time. ?It compares us with other hotels in the city.?

Pointing to the corporate guests from US, India and other countries trying to set up offices in Bangladesh, Eldridge J Mac Ewan III said, "This is a great country with a lot of potential and has everything going on for it."

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

Hotel industry in Bangladesh appears to be heading towards bright future
_A Monitor Special
Dhaka : Not so long ago, quality hotel rooms in Bangladesh in general and Dhaka in particular were in short supply. The situation has changed to a great extent, as the private sector has shaken off its shyness and now responding to the demand of capital-intensive hotel industry sector.

There are several reasons for fairly long stagnation and unsatisfactory, if not deplorable situation in respect of hotel in Dhaka. The main reason was the lack of foresight on the part of policy makers. Secondly, lack of capital and expertise both in private and public sectors. For long, top-level accommodation situation in Dhaka remained the same with only about 800 rooms in three hotels of international standard_ Sonar-gaon, Shera-ton (now Rupo-shi Bangla) and Purbani. It was because; no effort was ever made to increase the capacity of high-class hotel accommodation in Dhaka.

However, in the decades of 1980s and 1990s influx of quality guesthouses and construction of several small but quality hotels in the private sector, a qualitative change in the availability of one to two star class accommodations took place. The city had over 400 air-conditioned rooms in eight small hotels located at different parts. The size of these hotels is between 150 and 20 rooms. Most of these are equipped with reasonably good facilities like dining, cable TV, IDD telephone, fax etc.

In addition to these hotels, there were about 60 Guest Houses with average of eight to 10 rooms and equipped with cable TV, IDD telephone, Fax, e-mail etc.

In the second of the last decade two new hotels, 214-room 5-star Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel at airport road and 241-room 5- star Westin Dhaka. Dhaka Regency, Sarina and few other properties of higher quality but no brand accommodation facilities started operation during the same time.

New hotels
At present, there are number of quality properties are in the pipeline. In next two to five years, about 2000 new rooms will be added to the existing similar number of hotelrooms in the Dhaka city alone. Notable among these are Al Amin Hotel at Airport Road, Six Seasons at Gulshan, Platinum Suites-2, Heritage Hotel at Zero Point and Doren Suites & Hotels. All these properties would be operated by private, are expected to be open in 2012, except Heritage Hotel which scheduled to open in 2013. St. Regis at Gulshan, operated by Starwood is expected to go into operations in 2014 or next year.

It is learnt that big brands like Six Seasons, St Regis, Four Points by Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt or Crowne Plaza are expressing interest or have already signed to manage hospitality properties in Bangladesh.

There is also growth outside Dhaka. In Cox's Bazar Long Beach has opened, Ocean Paradise will open shortly and in Chittagong and Sylhet two to three new hotels will open within two years. There is also growth in other cities.

The present occupancy rate is good in the capital and these tourist cities. Everyone in the hospitality trade is having good business with good rates.

Businessmen from India and China followed by Japan are dominating the corporate guest mix. US businesses are also expected to come in, said another hospitality professional. The guests also include businessmen eager to clinch deals in RMG, gas exploration, machinery and of course, airlines crew.

Hotel investment is the new trend among entrepreneurs. Investment is also giving better and faster returns. Earlier, hotel industry lacked management skills and the entrepreneurs had no idea of rate of return. After jute, garments, housing construction, the local entrepreneurs are opting for hotels, said a person wishing to remain anonymous.

She asserted that with the increase in domestic tourism, change in people's attitude, increase in disposable income, demand for hotel rooms will continue to rise.

Manpower situation
With the increase in the capacity of the hotel the demand for skilled manpower is also rising. About 40,000 skilled manpower will be needed by 2015 to man about 2000 new hotel rooms.

Shahid Hamid FIH, Executive Director, Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort - a hospitality professional of over three decades, regretted the lack of data which made it difficult for making forecasts. He, however said, there will be competition, the quality will improve, the rates will come down and there will be more options for the guests.

However, welcoming the arrival of the new planned hotels, Hamid expressed the apprehension that there will be unplanned growth in absence of a regulatory body.

As there is no regulatory body, there is no uniformity in basic standard criteria.

Standard Operating Procedures for hotels is absent. There is also absence of operating strategy, hiring, training, rate and service charge fixation, lack of compensation (salary) structure. Owners also do not think of operating companies before constructing the building. They (operating companies) come as an afterthought. He stressed the need for regulation to halt unplanned growth.

Stressing the need for developing professional approach , Shahid Hamid said, hotel is not just accommodation and food, it's the reflection of a country. First impressions (about a country) are created here. We all desire good tasty food and clean hygienic accommodation. Who would ensure those? Waiters, houseboys, cooks are trained by the local institutes, but there is no institute to train management and supervisory personnel. Development of human resources (HR) is yet to gain importance as most of the local hotel owners lack professional approach in operating a hotel.

Some 30,000 to 40,000 trained, skilled professionals will be needed in the country for the hospitality sector alone. But where are the personnel? Shahid Hamid posed the question. No entrepreneur is investing in developing human resources for hotels. Human resources development is needed for all service sectors. It would be impossible to maintain hospitality standards without HR development.

Asked why management companies are coming but no international investors were not coming with equity, he said they (big investors) are not sure of the (financial) returns.

For the smooth development of hotel industry, there is urgent need of simplification of bureaucratic procedures in addition to a efficient regulatory body.

For proper growth
If world trend is any indication, the growth of hotel industry in any country depends on the growth of tourism, particularly holiday tourism.

In Bangladesh, the number of foreign visitors is pathetically poor. Of this poor number, the holiday traffic is even poorer. Visitors to Bangladesh are mostly business people and officials of international organisations.

Despite general belief that Bangladesh is a beautiful country with unique attractions like the Sundarbans and Chittagong Hill Tracts and the possibility of attracting tourists specially eco-tourists is good, no effort has so far been made to exploit the potentials.

So, the government must initiate measures to promote Bangladesh-both as business and tourist destination to increase number of visitors as well take measures to keep the current rising trend uninterrupted.

The most important action the government must take is to substantially reduce taxes on the hotel and on its sales. Since for the first time private sector is coming in increasing number in these capital-intensive ventures, the government, like the governments of other countries of the world should provide adequate incentives to encourage private sector.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6792/sdc12563v.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/5647/sdc12564.jpg

Le Meridien Construction, Banani (Feb 2011)

Update:

The three five star hotels and commercial complex the company is going to construct will be in
the premier locations in Dhaka under the management of Starwood Hotel & Resorts. All the
three five star hotels will be joint venture projects with Borak Real Estate (Pvt.) Limited. UHRL
will provide the construction cost while Borak Real Estate will provide the land. Hence the risk
related to the projects will be equally shared by both companies. UHRL has already completed
project feasibility, cost estimation and implement schedule for the projects. The company has
already applied for the approval for establishment of Westin 2. The construction of Hotel LeMeridien has started from July 2010 and other two projects will start from early next years. It
may be noted that the Joint Venture Agreements between Borak Real Estate (Pvt.) Limited and
UHRL for Luxury Collection and Le Meridien are expected to be finalized by January 31st,
2011.

The Westin-2 in Gulshan-2 will also have a parking complex. The building is expected to be completed by November 2013. The Westin-2 will have a revolving restaurant, swimming pool, spa

Construction on Le Meridien began in July of 2010 and is expected to be completed by March 2013. Le Meridien will have a swimming pool and spa.

The Luxury Collection Commercial towers and hotel complex is expected to be done in September 2013.

http://edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_02_09/content_zoom/2012_02_09_1_16_b.jpg

Innotel Baton Rouge Hotel now open!
Operated by Innotel Hotels International.

A brand new boutique hotel in Dhaka for business travellers featuring:
42 Simple Luxury Rooms
Restaurant- Rock (Modern Stone-age cooking)
Coffee Bar
Meeting Room
Fitness Center with Sauna and Steam
Business Center

More details soon!

Source: The Daily Star / Innotel Baton Rouge Official Website

^^ Nice! Is Innotel a chain? I checked online and found there is one in Singapore.

^^ Nice! Is Innotel a chain? I checked online and found there is one in Singapore.

Perhaps a franchise of two? Perhaps the owners of Baton Rouge were persuasive enough to obtain a license (franchise) from the real McCoy in Singapore? The one in Singapore appears to be much sleeker.

I'm not sure but it seems like it or they're stealing their logo. There's an Innotel planned in Cox's Bazar. See Cox Bazar Project thread.

They uploaded quite a few photos in Facebook. Rooms look cramped and congested. General ambiance of the hotel isn't too appealing, compared with international chains.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Innotel-Baton-Rouge/108529529240164?sk=photos

They uploaded quite a few photos in Facebook. Rooms look cramped and congested. General ambiance of the hotel isn't too appealing, compared with international chains.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Innotel-Baton-Rouge/108529529240164?sk=photos

If the price is right .....

Renaming Ruposhi Bangla Hotel
Deal with int’l chain on Sunday

http://www.theindependentdigital.com/contents/2012/2012_02_18/content_zoom/2012_02_18_15_7_b.jpg

Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, the first international five-star hotel in Bangladesh, will soon go for total renovation and likely to be renamed as ‘Dhaka Intercontinental’, officials said.

State-owned Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), the owner of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, will enter into management agreement with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG-Asia Pacific), a world famous chain hotel operator, on Sunday.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Faruk Khan will be the chief guest at the signing ceremony that will take place at the Ballroom of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel (formerly known as Hotel Dhaha Sheraton) at 11:30am.

“Soon after the signing of new management agreement, the hotel will go for total renovation… it’ll also be renamed as Dhaka Intercontinental,” an official of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel told UNB on condition of anonymity.

The official, however, did not elaborate whether the services of the hotel would be shut down for its upgradation.— UNB

Further to Jason's earlier post, below is a write up from today's edition of The Daily Star. Good to see they are finally renovating this place.


InterContinental agrees to take over Ruposhi Bangla


Star Business Report

After a gap of 29 years, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), a leading global hotel chain, has agreed to take over the operations and management of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in Dhaka, officials said yesterday.

At a ceremony today, the UK-based hotel group will sign a deal with Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL) that owns Ruposhi Bangla, one of the country's top hotels, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan.

He said IHG would take over the hotel initially for a period of 10 years. The tenure could later be extended for up to 30 years to 40 years.

Meanwhile, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha said renovation work would take two years to finish and in that time, the hotel will remain closed. The employees and workers of Ruposhi Bangla will be provided with jobs in other hotels of IHG.

Earlier, BSL signed a letter of intent with IHG in July last year, following the approval of the civil aviation and tourism ministry to appointment IHG to manage and operate the hotel.

IHG ran the state-owned hotel from 1966 to 1983. Sheraton took over its operations and management in 1983 for the next 25 years, ending its tenure in December 2008.

Sheraton, however, had to continue operations until April 30, 2011, as Bangladesh was co-hosting the World Cup Cricket matches at that time.

Starwood, the owning company of Sheraton, gave BSL a conditional extension offer to terminate all hotel employees during renovation in 2009. But the government agency did not agree with the condition, leading BSL to take over operations under the new banner of Ruposhi Bangla.

Ruposhi Bangla now employs 600 officials, of whom 400 are permanent, according to an official.

IHG is the largest hotel chain in the world measured in terms of the number of rooms at 658,000. It has 4,480 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.

It operates seven hotel brands -- InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=222969

^^ Whats funny is that Sheraton wanted to close down the hotel too for renovation, which is one of the reasons why their license was not renewed. Now InterContinental is going to close the hotel for two years for renovation, and its all good. I wonder why?

^^ Whats funny is that Sheraton wanted to close down the hotel too for renovation, which is one of the reasons why their license was not renewed. Now InterContinental is going to close the hotel for two years for renovation, and its all good. I wonder why?

No, the write-up in The Daily Star specifically mentions that ICH Group shall provide employment to the present employees of BSL until renovation is complete. This was a major issue that contributed to the license with Starwood not being renewed.

InterContinental signs Ruposhi Bangla deal

Star Business Report

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), a leading global hotel chain, yesterday signed an agreement to take over the operations and management of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in Dhaka.

Under the deal, the hotel will undergo extensive renovations in the next two years. It will then be handed over to IHG for a period of 30 years.

IHG will take 2 percent of the hotel's total revenue in the first 3 years, 2.5 percent for the 4th and 5th years and 3 percent from then on in management fee, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement.

It said the UK-based hotel group will also get up to 10 percent of the net profit as incentives, according to the statement.

Md Atharul Islam, the civil aviation and tourism secretary, Lutfur Rahman, managing director of Bangladesh Services Ltd (BSL), and Christopher James Moloney, chief operating officer (south-west Asia) of InterContinental Hotels, signed the deal.

Ruposhi Bangla posted Tk 99.25 crore in gross revenue and Tk 16 crore in net profit in 2010, according to the statement.

Moloney said InterContinental is truly an international hotel brand with 170 hotels in operation in 60 countries. He said IHG will start more hotels in South Asia as it has 48 hotels in the pipeline in the region.

The hotel will initially be operated and managed as Ruposhi Bangla Hotel prior to its re-branding. He said the hotel will be re-branded as InterContinental Dhaka in 2014 after the renovation works are completed.

At the event, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan said the hotel has a very unique place in the history of Bangladesh as it had a historic role in the birth of the country.

He said the government has already laid emphasis on developing the tourism sector as the country is being prioritised by tourists and investors in the sector.

“I believe this deal will enable Ruposhi Bangla to be an iconic hotel in the world,” said the minister.

Md Atharul Islam, who is also the chairman of BSL, said: “Bangladesh can be a haven for tourists if we can facilitate the vibrant private sector and build world-class infrastructure.”

He hopes it will be an iconic hotel and a profitable establishment in the country. "We are hopeful that IHG and BSL will work together and deliver wonderful service to the clients, and will also create a centre of excellence in the hospitality sector."

The company said the hotel, which is located in a prime spot in Dhaka, will be prepared to deliver the highest quality of services to guests.

It will feature larger guest rooms in conformity with 5-star requirements, an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a deli bar and InterContinental Club Lounge.

It will also have a number of facilities such as a business centre, ballroom, convention centre and multiple meeting rooms.

IHG ran the state-owned hotel from 1966 to 1983. Sheraton took over its operations and management in 1983 for the next 25 years, ending its tenure in December 2008.

Sheraton, however, had to continue operations until April 30, 2011, as Bangladesh was co-hosting the World Cup Cricket matches at that time.

Starwood, the owning company of Sheraton, gave BSL a conditional extension offer to terminate all hotel employees during renovation in 2009. But the government agency did not agree with the condition, leading BSL to take over operations under the new banner of Ruposhi Bangla.

Ruposhi Bangla now employs 600 officials, of whom 400 are permanent, according to an official.

IHG is the largest hotel chain in the world measured in terms of the number of rooms at 658,000. It has 4,480 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.

It operates seven hotel brands -- InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=223125

No, the write-up in The Daily Star specifically mentions that ICH Group shall provide employment to the present employees of BSL until renovation is complete. This was a major issue that contributed to the license with Starwood not being renewed.

Meanwhile, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha said renovation work would take two years to finish and in that time, the hotel will remain closed. The employees and workers of Ruposhi Bangla will be provided with jobs in other hotels of IHG.

How viable is that proposition given that IHG does not own or operate any other property(ies) in Bangladesh? I can imagine that the top executives of Ruposhi Bangla could easily be placed at any other IHG properties around the globe, but what about the lowly staff such as the doorman?

^^ Maybe they are going to be shipped to the ME?

How viable is that proposition given that IHG does not own or operate any other property(ies) in Bangladesh? I can imagine that the top executives of Ruposhi Bangla could easily be placed at any other IHG properties around the globe, but what about the lowly staff such as the doorman?

That's a fair point I must admit.

Does the hotel need to be completely shut down if the rebranding is only happening once we are done with the renovation? In that case, why not keep the hotel running as Ruposhi Bangla, as it had been all this while.

Maybe they will be provided some kind of compensation in the meantime. :S

So the hotel that started out as Intercontinental is Intercontinental again...

...anyway, I'm glad the future of this property is looking up.

On February 27th, Unique Hotels and Resorts Limited published a prospectus for inital public offering in the newspapers.

In this document, they gave us a timeline of their upcoming projects with estimated construction costs.

Here they are:

Westin-1 opened on July 1st, 2007 (approx. 5 years ago) and is very successful.

Construction of Le Meridien Hotel and Shopping Complex on Kemal Ataturk Avenue in Banani was started in July 2010. The construction is predicted to cost 412,000,000 taka or about $5,150,000. It is expected to be completed in June 2013. Hotel is expected to be opened on July 1st, 2013.

Construction of Luxury Collection Apartments and Shopping Complex on Gulshan Avenue in Gulshan-2 will be started March 2012 (this month). The construction is predicted to cost 412,000,000 taka or about $5,150,000. It is expected to be completed in Feb 2015. Building is expected to be opened on March 1st, 2015.

Westin-2 in Gulshan-2 near Westin-1 (Hotel, Commercial Building and Parking Facility) will be constructed between April 2012 and construction will end in March 2015. Construction is predicted to cost 472,000,000 taka or about $5,900,000. Hotel is expected to be opened on April 1st, 2015.

Source: http://www.edailystar.com/index.php?opt=view&page=13&date=2012-02-27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuGGykRkYbI&feature=related

On February 27th, Unique Hotels and Resorts Limited published a prospectus for inital public offering in the newspapers.

In this document, they gave us a timeline of their upcoming projects with estimated construction costs.

Here they are:

Westin-1 opened on July 1st, 2007 (approx. 5 years ago) and is very successful.

Construction of Le Meridien Hotel and Shopping Complex on Kemal Ataturk Avenue in Banani was started in July 2010. The construction is predicted to cost 412,000,000 taka or about $5,150,000. It is expected to be completed in June 2013. Hotel is expected to be opened on July 1st, 2013.

Construction of Luxury Collection Apartments and Shopping Complex on Gulshan Avenue in Gulshan-2 will be started March 2012 (this month). The construction is predicted to cost 412,000,000 taka or about $5,150,000. It is expected to be completed in Feb 2015. Building is expected to be opened on March 1st, 2015.

Westin-2 in Gulshan-2 near Westin-1 (Hotel, Commercial Building and Parking Facility) will be constructed between April 2012 and construction will end in March 2015. Construction is predicted to cost 472,000,000 taka or about $5,900,000. Hotel is expected to be opened on April 1st, 2015.

Source: http://www.edailystar.com/index.php?opt=view&page=13&date=2012-02-27

I find the prospectus information to be misleading..how can you build a massive 5-star hotel for a mere 42 crores..from what I hear land prices on Gulshan Avenue per katha alone can go upto 15 crores so 42 crores is too meagre an amount...these projects have to to be multi-billion taka projects...I think the owner is trying to hide actual costs which I think should be logically much higher given current circumstances...

I find the prospectus information to be misleading..how can you build a massive 5-star hotel for a mere 42 crores..from what I hear land prices on Gulshan Avenue per katha alone can go upto 15 crores so 42 crores is too meagre an amount...these projects have to to be multi-billion taka projects...I think the owner is trying to hide actual costs which I think should be logically much higher given current circumstances...
Construction of Le Meridien Hotel and Shopping Complex on Kemal Ataturk Avenue in Banani was started in July 2010. The construction is predicted to cost 412,000,000 taka or about $5,150,000. It is expected to be completed in June 2013. Hotel is expected to be opened on July 1st, 2013.

Construction of Luxury Collection Apartments and Shopping Complex on Gulshan Avenue in Gulshan-2 will be started March 2012 (this month). The construction is predicted to cost 412,000,000 taka or about $5,150,000. It is expected to be completed in Feb 2015. Building is expected to be opened on March 1st, 2015.

Westin-2 in Gulshan-2 near Westin-1 (Hotel, Commercial Building and Parking Facility) will be constructed between April 2012 and construction will end in March 2015. Construction is predicted to cost 472,000,000 taka or about $5,900,000. Hotel is expected to be opened on April 1st, 2015.
:)

Perhaps the amounts are meant to be in US dollars?

Perhaps the amounts are meant to be in US dollars?

Highly unlikely. Now that would be another extreme as it would be on the high side.

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_03_26/content_zoom/2012_03_26_20_12_b.jpg

http://www.theindependentdigital.com/contents/2012/2012_04_07/content_zoom/2012_04_07_16_4_b.jpg

Sheraton reenters Bangladesh in 2016

Saturday, 21 April 2012
Author / Source : UNB Dhaka, Apr 20:

Sheraton, a member of the world’s best names in hotels and resorts - Starwood family, reenters Bangladesh through the opening of a new hotel in upcoming satellite town of Purbachal. The new ‘Sheraton Dhaka Hotel’ will go into operation on July 1, 2016, according to information available on the official website of Starwood.

“We look forward to welcoming you to the Sheraton Dhaka Hotel. Because our hotel is strategically located on the highway linking Dhaka to the upcoming satellite town of Purbachal, we offer easy access to all parts of the city,” it said towards the global guests.

There will be a 2,637 square meters of versatile function space for any meeting or event in the new hotel, just four kilometers away from the Shahjalal International Airport.

“The business center is always available with support services, and our planning and catering teams will help make your experience memorable and stress-free.”

It said the hotel will offer 306 guestrooms and suites, each beautifully-appointed room contains famously plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, an LCD flat screen television with cable and satellite channels, high speed internet access, and premium bath amenities.

Bringing together the world’s best names in hotels and resorts, Starwood’s family of hotels includes Sheraton, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Westin, The Luxury Collection, aloft, Element, St. Regis and W Hotels - more than 1000 participating hotels in over 93 countries. UNB


http://www.theindependentbd.com/business/others/105729-sheraton-reenters-bangladesh-in-2016.html

Sheraton reenters Bangladesh in 2016

Saturday, 21 April 2012
Author / Source : UNB Dhaka, Apr 20:

Sheraton, a member of the world’s best names in hotels and resorts - Starwood family, reenters Bangladesh through the opening of a new hotel in upcoming satellite town of Purbachal. The new ‘Sheraton Dhaka Hotel’ will go into operation on July 1, 2016, according to information available on the official website of Starwood.

“We look forward to welcoming you to the Sheraton Dhaka Hotel. Because our hotel is strategically located on the highway linking Dhaka to the upcoming satellite town of Purbachal, we offer easy access to all parts of the city,” it said towards the global guests.

There will be a 2,637 square meters of versatile function space for any meeting or event in the new hotel, just four kilometers away from the Shahjalal International Airport.

“The business center is always available with support services, and our planning and catering teams will help make your experience memorable and stress-free.”

It said the hotel will offer 306 guestrooms and suites, each beautifully-appointed room contains famously plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, an LCD flat screen television with cable and satellite channels, high speed internet access, and premium bath amenities.

Bringing together the world’s best names in hotels and resorts, Starwood’s family of hotels includes Sheraton, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Westin, The Luxury Collection, aloft, Element, St. Regis and W Hotels - more than 1000 participating hotels in over 93 countries. UNB


http://www.theindependentbd.com/business/others/105729-sheraton-reenters-bangladesh-in-2016.html

We look forward to welcoming you to the Sheraton Dhaka Hotel. Because our hotel is strategically located on the highway linking Dhaka to the upcoming satellite town of Purbachal, we offer easy access to all parts of the city. Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is just four kilometers away.

Experience the comfort and convenience of one of our 306 guest rooms and suites. Each beautifully-appointed room contains our famously plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, an LCD flat screen television with cable and satellite channels, High Speed Internet Access, and premium bath amenities. Executive Levels feature an upscale ambience and the additional benefits of our Executive Lounge for an even more memorable stay.

Throughout the hotel, you’ll find a range of options for relaxing and staying busy. Conveniently located in the lobby, the Link@Sheraton(SM) experienced with Microsoft® is a welcoming lounge that provides guests with wireless High Speed Internet Access, PC workstations, and complimentary printing. Pamper yourself at the spa, swim in the outdoor pool, or work out at Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core® Performance, a comprehensive health and fitness program that helps you maintain your routine while on the road. And our two inviting restaurants and the lounge and bar are ideal places to relax with friends, family, or colleagues.

For any meeting or event, our 2,637 square meters of versatile function space can be transformed to suit your needs. The business center is always available with support services, and our planning and catering teams will help make your experience memorable and stress-free

PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Purbachel Link Road
Dhaka
Bangladesh
Phone: To be Announced
Fax: To be Announced
E-MAIL US
PRE-OPENING OFFICE
4th Floor, Vatika Business Park
Sohna Road, Sector 49
Gurgaon, Haryana
India
The hotel is currently accepting group inquiries at the pre-opening office, which is located at the address listed above. Individual hotel reservations are not being accepted at this time.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3788

^^
This news made my day!!!Thank you so much for sharing this!

The reason why this news is so special for me is that my parents own a 14500sq feet plot by the main "purbachal link road" which will be 300 feet in width and is currently being built.Me and my brother have long had plans of building a "Commercial tower & Hotel" there when the area is suitable for such development.
The arrival of a 5 star Hotel like Sheraton by the same road means that our dream project might not be that far away.The area might become suitable for such development in about 6-7 years INSHALLAH :)

^^
This news made my day!!!Thank you so much for sharing this!

The reason why this news is so special for me is that my parents own a 14500sq feet plot by the main "purbachal link road" which will be 300 feet in width and is currently being built.Me and my brother have long had plans of building a "Commercial tower & Hotel" there when the area is suitable for such development.
The arrival of a 5 star Hotel like Sheraton by the same road means that our dream project might not be that far away.The area might become suitable for such development in about 6-7 years INSHALLAH :)

In my opinion, the flyover will be done in mid-2013. And the area will start to have businesses and hotels in 2020. But good news indeed.

Anybody have any updates on Doreen Hotels and Suites, Hilton Dhaka, Best Western Al-Amin Premiere or Heritage Hotel at Zero Point?

We look forward to welcoming you to the Sheraton Dhaka Hotel. Because our hotel is strategically located on the highway linking Dhaka to the upcoming satellite town of Purbachal, we offer easy access to all parts of the city. Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is just four kilometers away.

Experience the comfort and convenience of one of our 306 guest rooms and suites. Each beautifully-appointed room contains our famously plush Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, an LCD flat screen television with cable and satellite channels, High Speed Internet Access, and premium bath amenities. Executive Levels feature an upscale ambience and the additional benefits of our Executive Lounge for an even more memorable stay.

Throughout the hotel, you’ll find a range of options for relaxing and staying busy. Conveniently located in the lobby, the Link@Sheraton(SM) experienced with Microsoft® is a welcoming lounge that provides guests with wireless High Speed Internet Access, PC workstations, and complimentary printing. Pamper yourself at the spa, swim in the outdoor pool, or work out at Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core® Performance, a comprehensive health and fitness program that helps you maintain your routine while on the road. And our two inviting restaurants and the lounge and bar are ideal places to relax with friends, family, or colleagues.

For any meeting or event, our 2,637 square meters of versatile function space can be transformed to suit your needs. The business center is always available with support services, and our planning and catering teams will help make your experience memorable and stress-free

PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Purbachel Link Road
Dhaka
Bangladesh
Phone: To be Announced
Fax: To be Announced
E-MAIL US
PRE-OPENING OFFICE
4th Floor, Vatika Business Park
Sohna Road, Sector 49
Gurgaon, Haryana
India
The hotel is currently accepting group inquiries at the pre-opening office, which is located at the address listed above. Individual hotel reservations are not being accepted at this time.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3788

What is interesting is that there is no mention on who the owners of the project shall be. Any thoughts on that?

Anybody have any updates on Doreen Hotels and Suites, Hilton Dhaka, Best Western Al-Amin Premiere or Heritage Hotel at Zero Point?

Interestingly they have removed the signage which said 'Best Western Al-Amin Premier' at the project site, so I wonder what's actually going on.

Interestingly they have removed the signage which said 'Best Western Al-Amin Premier' at the project site, so I wonder what's actually going on.

Apparently they lost it. It will now be North Tower with Dhaka Stock Exchange right behind it. CAAB HQ are also under construction next to under construction Holiday Inn / Intercontinental complex.

Apparently they lost it. It will now be North Tower with Dhaka Stock Exchange right behind it. CAAB HQ are also under construction next to under construction Holiday Inn / Intercontinental complex.

Can u give us some details of the CAAB HQ project...like number of floors,etc?
Also,I have never been able to find the exact location of the UC DSE tower .

What is interesting is that there is no mention on who the owners of the project shall be. Any thoughts on that?

Union Group (affiliated with Union Center in Gulshan) has a seperate entity called Union Hospitalities Limited which will be constructing the Marriott. Learned this from a newspaper ad today.

http://www.uniongroup.com/unionhospitalities.php

Can u give us some details of the CAAB HQ project...like number of floors,etc?
Also,I have never been able to find the exact location of the UC DSE tower .

Go to wikimapia.org, type in dhaka, then find north tower in nikunja with u/c dse behind it and caab hq behind u/c holiday inn/intercontinental. can't imagine protests at dse and how it will affect the airport...

^^
let's hope the protest doesn't continue after this govt gets changed/ kicked out (Inshallah)

^^
let's hope the protest doesn't continue after this govt gets changed/ kicked out (Inshallah)

I believe the present government will serve out its full term and then some.

Ruposhi Bangla to lay off Nov


Ishtiaq Husain, Senior Correspondent
banglanews24.com

DHAKA: Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, the largest five-star hotel of the country, is going to be laid off in November next as Intercontinental, one of the leading international hotel chains, due to renovation work for the next one-year.

Bangladesh Service Limited (BSL) owning company of Ruposhi Bangla hotel recently served a notice to the hotel authorities not to receive any booking after October.

Earlier, BSL made a decision to lay off the hotel by October.

Sheraton wrapped up its operations in Bangladesh after a long stay for 27 years, and BSL took over operations and management on May 1, 2010 renaming it Ruposhi Bangla.

On 19 February in the current year, BSL signed an agreement with Intercontinental in the presence of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Faruk Khan.

The deal will be effective for 30 years and can be extended, depending on performance in each expansion period spanning over five years.

It will take one year for major renovation and during the renovation work, the hotel will remain off.

BSL signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Intercontinental on July of last year.

An official of BSL, wishing anonymity, said before final agreement, BSL took a decision ‘Ruposhi Bangla’ would be attached with Intercontinental. But, finally Intercontinental ignored BSL appeal.

“It was completely failure of BSL high official as they couldn’t add `Ruposhi Bangla’ which provided by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. If the BSL authorities could have bargain logically, it would be possible to rename as `Intercontinental Ruposhi Bangla”, he added.

He further added that it is normal practice to add local brand name, most of the country in the world follow this system.

Even Bangladesh has an example like ‘Pan Pacific Sonargaon’ hotel. In this name Sonargaon is our local brand name, he said.

Intercontinental is a global hotels group with more guest rooms than any other hotel group in the world–over 645,000 rooms in more than 4,400 hotels in over 100 countries.

It has seven hotel brands for business trips, family vacations, honeymoons and more. Intercontinental has a global portfolio of 166 hotels in over 60 countries.

Intercontinental had run the state-owned hotel before Sheraton took over management in 1983.

In 2009, Starwood, the mother company of hotel Sheraton, also gave same conditions for further extension of the contract and finally, BSL didn’t agree with the Starwood as it decided to terminate all employees of the hotel during renovation.

This time BSL agreed because no one will be terminated who worked for Ruposhi Bangla. During renovation, everyone will get job in other branches of Intercontinental in the world.

BDST: 2140 HRS, APR 25, 2012

Edited by:
Mohammed Humayun Kabir, Sr Newsroom Editor
M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor

Union Group (affiliated with Union Center in Gulshan) has a seperate entity called Union Hospitalities Limited which will be constructing the Marriott. Learned this from a newspaper ad today.

http://www.uniongroup.com/unionhospitalities.php

Interestingly, never heard of Union Group. Where will this hotel be? Any idea on timelines/implementation (not that we ever end up following them here in Bangladesh!).

Interestingly, never heard of Union Group. Where will this hotel be? Any idea on timelines/implementation (not that we ever end up following them here in Bangladesh!).

Somewhere in Purbachal. They say 2015, but I would guesstimate about 2018.

Somewhere in Purbachal. They say 2015, but I would guesstimate about 2018.

So "Marriot" and "Sheraton" will both be built by the Purbachal link road??:banana:

No. Marriott location is unknown. Sheraton will be built in Purbachal neighborhood, not necessarily near the link road.

No. Marriott location is unknown. Sheraton will be built in Purbachal neighborhood, not necessarily near the link road.

It says in the Starwood hotel website that Sheraton will be by the link road.A source of mine has already suggested that Marriott will be beside the link road as well,but I can't confirm it.

Did some digging...and I can now confirm it.The Marriott is also being built by the purbachal link road and construction has already started.So we will have both Sheraton and Marriott beside the same road:)

Did some digging...and I can now confirm it.The Marriott is also being built by the purbachal link road and construction has already started.So we will have both Sheraton and Marriott beside the same road:)

great news mirza. :cheers:

Mariott,Purbachal Link Road(Right next to Bashundhara Convention Center)

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/p-068979845.jpg

Did some digging...and I can now confirm it.The Marriott is also being built by the purbachal link road and construction has already started.So we will have both Sheraton and Marriott beside the same road:)

That nice to learn, but what is your source of information and how credible is it? I am yet to come across any news item by way of a press release or a signing ceremony, either from the (proposed) hotel owner or Marriott. Ditto for Sheraton.

A couple of years ago some folks had put a sign board for a Hilton. It is yet to materialize.

Sheraton - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3788

Hilton -
http://www.mahingroup.com/hotel.php

Marriott -
http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_04_25/content_zoom/2012_04_25_4_1_b.jpg

See pg. 55 of this thread for press release

^^
wow Marriott render looks nice ;)

Sheraton - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?language=en_US&propertyID=3788

Indisputable information.


Hilton -
http://www.mahingroup.com/hotel.php

Marriott -
http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_04_25/content_zoom/2012_04_25_4_1_b.jpg

See pg. 55 of this thread for press release

The other two, not so much. Seeing is believing, I suppose.

A couple of years ago some folks had put a sign board for a Hilton. It is yet to materialize.

The caretaker government scrapped that project as it was located right on the "Hatirjheel Lake" that is still being developed now.

Some Luxury Hotel Projects in Dhaka

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/HotelProjectsindhaka.jpg

This is just 4 months old!!

Hilton,Gulshan
Project awarded with Premier Group of Companies: Structural design of Hilton Hotel in Bangladesh
AIT Consulting (13/2/2012)

Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the South Asian region. Although most credit for this goes to the garments sector that has helped to excel the economic boom in the country, other sectors are also growing. Bangladesh also has a lot of foreign direct investment, as investors from all over the world are coming into the country to take advantage of the mass labor force available in the country. Unfortunately, the capital city, Dhaka, lacks quality hotels to provide accommodation to these foreign investors on their business trip to Dhaka. As a result, many of the big financial institutions and conglomerates in Bangladesh are now investing in the hotel business sector to provide the visitors a relief and also to take advantage of this unexplored, yet growing market.
Premier Group of Companies Limited, a company based in Dhaka Bangladesh has received the permission to develop the first 5-star Hilton Hotel in Bangladesh in one of the high-class areas of Dhaka city, Gulshan. Premier Group of Companies Limited has awarded AIT Consulting, SEAFCO Public Company Limited, Thailand and The Designers and Managers (TDM), Bangladesh to conduct the structural design consultancy services for the new 5-star Hilton Hotel project. Notable features of the Hilton Hotel in Dhaka will be a helipad on the rooftop and a mechanical car park in the basement.
The overall scope of work of the design team includes conducting the concept design, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. AIT Consulting will be responsible for the concept design and design development and will assist TDM who will be responsible for conducting the schematic design and construction documentation. SEAFCO will be responsible for the design of the top-down structures

Source:http://www.consulting.ait.ac.th/enews_Feb2012/PremierGroup.html

Some Luxury Hotel Projects in Dhaka

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/HotelProjectsindhaka.jpg

Your photo of the Westin-2 matches Unique/Borak Properties Acropolis?

http://www.borakbd.com/ProjectDetails.aspx?type=projects&id=12

It says Gulshan-2 Circle so I am thinking that that's the project on Rd-90 next to the Delta Life Tower?

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3l1qtz6LZ1qjd456o1_500.jpg

Also the third one on the top row is the Holiday Inn right outside of the Airport (unknown status)

Shikhara Coventina located at Rd. 116, Hse. 28, Gulshan - 2

http://www.shikharaa.com.bd/pro_coventina.html

Your photo of the Westin-2 matches Unique/Borak Properties Acropolis?

http://www.borakbd.com/ProjectDetails.aspx?type=projects&id=12

It says Gulshan-2 Circle so I am thinking that that's the project on Rd-90 next to the Delta Life Tower?

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3l1qtz6LZ1qjd456o1_500.jpg

Also the third one on the top row is the Holiday Inn right outside of the Airport (unknown status)

What you have pointed out in this pic is the site of the United Heights project.I have sent messages to the marketing team of Borak Real Estate and have found that Unique Arcopolis is the building that will house "Westin 2"
The reason why I put the name of the Holiday Inn project as "unknown" is because even though construction of the project has resumed,the new board they put up there doesnt say anything about "Holiday Inn or Intercontinental",therefore,it could be that the agreements that were signed with those companies are no longer valid.However, I am certain that once the project is complete,Summit group will look for international hotel chains to manage these hotels.

This is just 4 months old!!

Hilton,Gulshan
Project awarded with Premier Group of Companies: Structural design of Hilton Hotel in Bangladesh
AIT Consulting (13/2/2012)

Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing economies in the South Asian region. Although most credit for this goes to the garments sector that has helped to excel the economic boom in the country, other sectors are also growing. Bangladesh also has a lot of foreign direct investment, as investors from all over the world are coming into the country to take advantage of the mass labor force available in the country. Unfortunately, the capital city, Dhaka, lacks quality hotels to provide accommodation to these foreign investors on their business trip to Dhaka. As a result, many of the big financial institutions and conglomerates in Bangladesh are now investing in the hotel business sector to provide the visitors a relief and also to take advantage of this unexplored, yet growing market.
Premier Group of Companies Limited, a company based in Dhaka Bangladesh has received the permission to develop the first 5-star Hilton Hotel in Bangladesh in one of the high-class areas of Dhaka city, Gulshan. Premier Group of Companies Limited has awarded AIT Consulting, SEAFCO Public Company Limited, Thailand and The Designers and Managers (TDM), Bangladesh to conduct the structural design consultancy services for the new 5-star Hilton Hotel project. Notable features of the Hilton Hotel in Dhaka will be a helipad on the rooftop and a mechanical car park in the basement.
The overall scope of work of the design team includes conducting the concept design, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. AIT Consulting will be responsible for the concept design and design development and will assist TDM who will be responsible for conducting the schematic design and construction documentation. SEAFCO will be responsible for the design of the top-down structures

Source:http://www.consulting.ait.ac.th/enews_Feb2012/PremierGroup.html

I am presuming this is the plot next to Molly Capita (opposite Standard Chartered HQ) that is owned by HBM Iqbal?

What you have pointed out in this pic is the site of the United Heights project.I have sent messages to the marketing team of Borak Real Estate and have found that Unique Arcopolis is the building that will house "Westin 2"
The reason why I put the name of the Holiday Inn project as "unknown" is because even though construction of the project has resumed,the new board they put up there doesnt say anything about "Holiday Inn or Intercontinental",therefore,it could be that the agreements that were signed with those companies are no longer valid.However, I am certain that once the project is complete,Summit group will look for international hotel chains to manage these hotels.

The airport hotels (IC and Holiday Inn) are a JV between Summit Group and United Group, but progress seem to be very slow. In all likelihood, works has been stalled once again. :S

I am presuming this is the plot next to Molly Capita (opposite Standard Chartered HQ) that is owned by HBM Iqbal?

If that's the case then the building has already come up according to Wikimapia?

If Marriott is indeed establishing itself in Bangladesh, won't the other wannabees get in legal trouble since they are using Marriott's trade name. The Marriott Convention Centre in Dhanmondi even appears to be using Marriott's logo.

EDIT

The airport hotels (IC and Holiday Inn) are a JV between Summit Group and United Group, but progress seem to be very slow. In all likelihood, works has been stalled once again. :S

Even if it has stopped,I am quite sure it will resume soon.The brother of the guy behind this hotel project is now the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister.And Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh was the body that had kept this project frozen for so long.But...No one can stop them now!:lol:

I am presuming this is the plot next to Molly Capita (opposite Standard Chartered HQ) that is owned by HBM Iqbal?

That building is called the "Premier Square",and that is the one I have put a pic of in the collage(bottom right).I talked to some people in the under-construction building and they said it would be a 5 star hotel.
Since Mr.Iqbal is the chairman of Premier Group,and since he owns this building which is supposed to be a 5 star,we can now conclude that "Premier Square building" will house the "Hilton".
As per wikipedia,Mustapha Khalid Palash(architect of Westin,Bashundhara Mall,UTC,Nafi Tower,etc) has designed this "Hilton,Gulshan",So it will prolly be quite nice!

The Westin 2 and the Le Meridien hotel design are breath taking and the Marriott hotel design doesn’t look bad, I wonder how the Hilton hotel in Dhaka will look like?

The other upcoming 5 star hotels also look nice.

Marriott and Hilton now coming in Bangladesh is a sign of how the tourism sector is doing well. :cheers:

The Westin 2 and the Le Meridien hotel design are breath taking and the Marriott hotel design doesn’t look bad, I wonder how the Hilton hotel in Dhaka will look like?

The other upcoming 5 star hotels also look nice.

Marriott and Hilton now coming in Bangladesh is a sign of how the tourism sector is doing well. :cheers:
Most of the customers of these 5-star hotels aren't exactly tourists.

Any news on St. Regis? Has construction started?

Most of the customers of these 5-star hotels aren't exactly tourists.


That's true,they are business travellers,and the rise in the number of such hotels mean that Exporters are doing well,and foreign investors are taking more interest in our Bangladesh.

Most of the customers of these 5-star hotels aren't exactly tourists.

Any news on St. Regis? Has construction started?

I think St. Regis was cancelled.

The Westin 2 and the Le Meridien hotel design are breath taking and the Marriott hotel design doesn’t look bad, I wonder how the Hilton hotel in Dhaka will look :

The architect of the Hilton has designed the SPL western tower as well as the u/c Radisson Bay View at Chittagong,so I am confident it will look great!

A Clewiston Group Project

http://www.clewistongroup.com/images/SheratonLogo.jpg

We have signed a development & management agreements with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. USA, for a luxury and upscale full-service Five Star Hotel in Dhaka City. The hotel will be in operation by 2016 under name "Sheraton Dhaka Hotel".

The facilities will be below:

· 300 luxurious rooms.
· Largest convention & meeting facilities.
· Bar
· 3 Restaurants.
· Coffee shops
· Gym
· Swimming pool
· SPA
· Kids zone
· Club
· Health Club
· Entertainment

That building is called the "Premier Square",and that is the one I have put a pic of in the collage(bottom right).I talked to some people in the under-construction building and they said it would be a 5 star hotel.
Since Mr.Iqbal is the chairman of Premier Group,and since he owns this building which is supposed to be a 5 star,we can now conclude that "Premier Square building" will house the "Hilton".
As per wikipedia,Mustapha Khalid Palash(architect of Westin,Bashundhara Mall,UTC,Nafi Tower,etc) has designed this "Hilton,Gulshan",So it will prolly be quite nice!

Well Mirza I am as excited as you are. Would love to see this project take off and give The Westin some much needed competition in the Gulshan area. Just that they have been very low key about this and there have been no press releases even in the papers regarding the Hilton. Whatever information you gave us is all we have.

Well Mirza I am as excited as you are. Would love to see this project take off and give The Westin some much needed competition in the Gulshan area. Just that they have been very low key about this and there have been no press releases even in the papers regarding the Hilton. Whatever information you gave us is all we have.

Makes me think that there are legality issues with RAJUK or CAAB?

Makes me think that there are legality issues with RAJUK or CAAB?

Premier square is over 200 feet tall.As per CAAB rules,you cannot construct a more than 150 feet tall building in gulshan or banani or uttara or nikunja or mohakhali or Etc.This is because great risks are posed to aero planes by buildings over 150 feet,even if it 7 km away from the airport!
Did anyone notice the plane that crashed into the 250 feet tall westin yesterday?
Or Did you notice the plane that hit the 270 feet tall Doreen tower at gulshan the day before????:bash:
But don't worry,Premier Square is owned by someone who is close to the ruling party,so it won't be posing a threat to planes for long ;)

The architect of the Hilton has designed the SPL western tower as well as the u/c Radisson Bay View at Chittagong,so I am confident it will look great!

I read before that Radisson is also coming to Coxs Bazar but according to their groups website there will be 2. Can you please confirm the news?

The group has been focusing in the Hospitality business sector since 2010. We have signed agreements with “Carlson Hotels Worldwide Inc, USA” to implement one five star standard hotel in the name of “Radisson Blu Hotel Cox’s Bazar” & One Five Star Golf Resort in the name of “Radisson Blu Resort Cox’s Bazar” in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.


http://www.clewistongroup.com/about.html

http://www.clewistongroup.com/images/RadissonLogo.jpg

http://www.clewistongroup.com/images/ResortLogo.jpg

I read before that Radisson is also coming to Coxs Bazar but according to their groups website there will be 2. Can you please confirm the news?



http://www.clewistongroup.com/about.html

http://www.clewistongroup.com/images/RadissonLogo.jpg

http://www.clewistongroup.com/images/ResortLogo.jpg


I knew nothing about this second radisson,which will be a 100 acre resort!
The render of the Radisson hotel coxsbazar is available in the coxsbazar projects thread and is also included in the collage of cox projects that I recently posted.Jason has posted details of the massive radisson resort with some unique features today,I am still trying to find out more.

I knew nothing about this second radisson,which will be a 100 acre resort!
The render of the Radisson hotel coxsbazar is available in the coxsbazar projects thread and is also included in the collage of cox projects that I recently posted.Jason has posted details of the massive radisson resort with some unique features today,I am still trying to find out more.

This is probably the only proposed internationally managed property in Cox's Bazar that has made the most amount of progress and has received significant publicity from the press as well. I know for a fact that IDLC has been mandated to raise funds for the project and they presently working on it. Others haven't made that much progress as such.

Makes me think that there are legality issues with RAJUK or CAAB?

Not necessarily referring to issues of legality. The legality of a significant portion of properties in Dhaka are actually questionable and considering HBM Iqbal's muscle power, these things should be managed. I would then also question The Westin, which should be as tall as Premier Square and definitely further north (and hence closer) to the airport.

What I am saying is that if there is such a signing, we usually see some press releases in the papers. We are yet to have seen anything like that recently.

Nice o see the Dhaka Hotel scene warming up all of a sudden :)...now we need a Ritz-Carlton :)

I read an article about Wonderland park recently. When RAJUK was asked what they would do with the 4-acre piece of land, they claimed that part of it would be allotted to an expansion of the Gulshan Central Park and the rest would be given to an international hotel chain.

I read an article about Wonderland park recently. When RAJUK was asked what they would do with the 4-acre piece of land, they claimed that part of it would be allotted to an expansion of the Gulshan Central Park and the rest would be given to an international hotel chain.

Ah hah! The cat who ate the canary? Surely other vested interests have been able to out maneuver the owner(s) of the Wonderland Park, in cutting deals with RAJUK.

Pan Pacific, Sonargaon Hotel to renew contract

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka

Pan Pacific will renew its contract for 10 years to run the country’s Sonargaon Hotel.
‘The treaty between Pan Pacific and Sonargaon Hotel, which expired in April last, will be renewed for 10 years,’ managing director of the hotel AHM Mostafa Kamal Khan, a brigadier general, said while addressing a May Day discussion in Dhaka on Wednesday.
‘The last agreement was signed in 2007 and the new contract will be signed,’ he said.
Civil aviation and tourism minister Muhammad Faruk Khan was present as the chief guest.

Marriott Hotel on Bashundhara landscape
→ Staff Correspondent

Marriott Hotel, a US-based worldwide operator of a chain of franchised hotels and related lodging facilities, is going to set up a five-star hotel in the posh Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital.

The authorities concerned hope the world-class speciality hotel will be inaugurated by the end of 2015.

There will be 300 rooms in the hotel with international-standard facilities, new to the hospitality industry of the country.

After a thorough reconnaissance, Marriott has finally approved the immaculate location along the 300-foot road running along Bashundhara that complements the image echoing with its brand.

The natural beauty, serenity and tranquil aura of Bashundhara are few features that met the extraordinary standard Marriott was looking for.

Founded by J Willard Marriott, Marriott International is now led by his son JW (Bill) Marriott, Jr.

Today, Marriott International has more than 3,700 properties in over 73 countries and territories around the world.

A class of its own, Bashundhara’s skyline will soon be bejewelled by the silhouette of a world-standard marvel of human achievement — the five-star wonders of Marriott.

Ironic that Bashundhara's newspaper is the only one that announced it.