http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/logo.jpg Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel - Dhaka's finest 5 star hotel.

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka is a magnificent business-class hotel, ideally located in central Dhaka close to the Motijheel commercial area, Dhaka's diplomatic area of Baridhara and Gulshan, Parliament House and the Prime Minister's Office. The hotel is within easy access of several Dhaka attractions, and Zia International Airport is just 18 kilometres from the hotel.

Here at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, both the business and leisure traveller to Dhaka will enjoy all that a five-star international hotel can offer, from first-class surroundings to world-class hospitality, in the Pan Pacific style.

The hotel's 304 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 25 magnificent suites, provide comfort and superb facilities, combining to make your stay at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka truly memorable. The hotel's Pacific Floors offer extensive facilities and privileges, including butler service and a private lounge for discerning hotel guests.

The restaurants, lounge and bar of Pan Pacific Sonargaon provide a wide selection of food and beverage facilities, from Italian to the finest international cuisine in Dhaka at the hotel's Cafe Bazar. 24-hour Room Service is also available at the hotel.

Guests wishing to retain their health regime will find Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka's Health Club offers a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, steam room and massage treatments. For recreation, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka offers an impressive swimming pool, tennis and squash courts. All the hotel's extensive health and leisure facilities are tailored to meet guests' individual needs, with professional hotel staff on hand to assist.

The hotel's Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1200 guests and is the perfect setting for your Dhaka conference or social event. The hotel also has a fully equipped Business Centre. Pan Pacific Sonargaon's team of professional meeting planners is always at your service, providing the ideal venue in Dhaka for corporate meetings, seminars, family functions, birthdays and wedding ceremonies.

http://dhaka.panpacific.com/hotel/index.shtml

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http://www.starwoodhotels.com/en_US/Media/Graphics/Brands/Sheraton/Logos/sheraton_logo_blue.gif Dhaka Sheraton

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

The first renowned international five-star hotel in Bangladesh, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel stands proudly in the city's most prestigious location. Through modern facilities and friendly, personalized service, it has become the first-choice hotel for most international business and leisure travelers visiting Dhaka.

Our 272 guest rooms and suites range from convenient to deluxe, premium deluxe, and Executive Club Floor facilities with five categories of suites. Five different


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tmac nice pics. i think dhaka's hotels are behind sri lanka, india or pakistan's in general because the poverty is higher maybe.

still it's nice. i'd love to see radisson and westin (after it's completed). i think there are a few more 3-4 star hotels too. like grand azad hotel, purbani or many others.

India definitely. We are way behind India in terms of number of 'quality' hotels. But Pakistan, definitely not. Dhaka will have a total of five 5-star hotels by the end of 2006 hopefully. If you compare that to the number of true 5-star hotels in say Karachi, I wouldn't say they have anything special. They have an awesome looking Sheraton and a Pearl Continental and a Marriott? A Marriott is by no means a 5-star hotel. As far as Colombo, Sri Lanka is concerned, they have a massive Hilton. That's all. And as far as poverty levels are concerned, please we are all on the same boat at the end of the day.

few more photos of Sonargaon Hotel

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Few more of Dhaka Sheraton

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It is not reasonable to expect that Bangladesh should have more luxury hotels than India or Sri Lanka.

India is a comparitively vast country with many world class tourist attractions, and Sri Lanka has great natural beauty and beaches, both of which draw many wealthy foreign tourists.

Pakistan on the other hand should have more top end hotels than Bangladesh given its size as well as potential tourist attractions but surprisingly does not - the important hotels there look rather dated compared with those in Dhaka.

http://www.radisson.com/rad/images/tab/header_logo.gif Radisson Water Garden Hotel

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The newly opened 5 star Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka. Sprawling over 7 acres of manicured grounds and gardens with water features, the 8 storied hotel offers all the conveniences of a business hotel with an atmosphere and amenities of an exclusive resort. Three Restaurants, Health Club, Swimming Pool and an adjacent nine-hole golf course are all what visitors can enjoy. Revitalize and rejuvenate the mind, body & soul in Dhaka's first internationally managed spa and health club. Enjoy a range of pampering health treatments in the spa, or energize the body at the modern gymnasium that features state of the art fitness equipment.

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Still awaiting interior pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/hotellakeshore101.jpg Lake Shore Hotels and Apartments - a first class hotel in Dhaka.

http://www.lakeshorehotel.com.bd/main.html

The Lakeshore Hotel is an international standard hotel with impeccable service and attention to details. 60 elegantly well equipped rooms , place of relaxation and comfort forming the infrastructure of modernized living , with business desk in every room, having internet connectivity and two phones with international direct dialing , mini bar , electronic safe and for safety smoke detectors , fire sprinklers and electronic door key.

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SKY VIEW POOL AND LA TERRAZA:
Take a dip at the sky view pool overlooking the green landscaped lake. Enjoy the beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset by sipping your favorite drink at the La Terraza . Roof Top Swimming Pool with a view to kill for....Gulshan skyline!

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http://www.stayfinder.com/images/hotels/bestwestern/bangladesh/546/logo_546_90x80.gif Best Western La Vinci Hotel - A 3 star luxurious business class hotel with majestic colorful architecture design. It is superbly located in the heart of Dhaka's prestigious business area, the Kawran Bazar.

Affiliated with the World's Largest Hotel Chain "Best Western International" which is based in the United States of America, Best Western La Vinci presents a new standard in Bangladeshi and Italian hospitality. It's a first Bangladesh Board of Investment (BOI) approved hotel project in Bangladesh. The Hotel is extending traditional Bangladeshi and Italian personalized service through its well-trained multilingual staff. So whether you are on a business, pleasure or a short trip just step into Best Western La Vinci Hotel and feel the Best Western touch.

The Best Western La Vinci provides 51 well-appointed guest rooms including 8 suites which are attractively decorated for the business class visitors and foreign expatriates with all modern amenities. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and in room data port system. For non -smoking visitors we offer Non-Smoking floors to feel more comfortable while staying with us. Executive floor offers special privilege access to the valued guests. La Vinci Suites with a meeting room offers special services and superior room amenities, which caters to your business requirement.

Best Western La Vinci Hotel is simply one of the best Hotel in town you can depend for your business needs.


http://www.bwlavinci.com/index.html

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Lobby Area
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/sarinahotellogo1.jpg Hotel Sarina

http://www.sarinahotel.com

On January 2002, began a project that would not only revolutionize the skyline of Dhaka but also the hospitality industry of the country. The first steel-framed building ever to be built in the country awed everyone. This 20 storied steel-framed building with a space of 72,000 square feet was completed in record time of about two years. On the 17 July, 2003, Sarina, the very first boutique hotel in the country was opened for business. The grand opening of the hotel marked a turning point in the history of the hospitality industry of the country.

Hotel Sarina is 5 star business hotel located in Banani. The hotel has 201 Rooms including 14 suits, All rooms with high speed internet connection along with dedicated port for laptop, mini bar , in-room safe, satellite TV with channels and working desk, Exclusive club room with personalized service for all suite guest and members only, 24-hours business centre and room service, Three restaurants, one bar and lobby cafe, Swimming pool, health club, Sauna & Stream bath, four Multi functions rooms, Hotel equipped with safety and security equipment device including fire and smoke detector, water sprinkler, electronic door locks & CC TV, Shopping Mall. The rooms are decorated in ethnic European style with carpeted floors and contemporary furniture. Sarina offers the comfort and the warmth of a home and has also managed to make sure that guests can keep in touch with rest of the rapidly changing world around.

The beautiful hotel has made every provision to cater to every needs of the guest. Guests can enjoy the services provided by the Business Centre that is open twenty four hours for secretarial services, telephone, fax and internet. Provisions have also been made to make sure that the guest can use the internet from the privacy and the comfort of their own rooms.
Sarina boasts one of the finest Italian restaurants in the vicinity. The view from the fabulously designed bar, that is on the twentieth floor of the building is simply breath taking.

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The Banquet hall can accomodate upto 250 people.
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After a long day of business and meetings, Picasso is an ideal cigar bar to unwind and let the stresses of the day slip away. Picasso offers a full range of cocktail offerings with feet-tapping background music located on the 20th floor with a breathtaking view of our city.
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There is a gymnasium, sauna and steam bath with a patio swimming pool on the 20th floor overlooking the city of Dhaka.

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Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on Sunday formally inaugurated the country’s third 5-star hotel, Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka, on Airport Road adjacent to Dhaka Cantonment, reports BSS


To be managed by international company Carlson Hotels Asia Pacifica, the Radisson Hotel would be open for public through a press conference on February 11, offerings all the convenience of a business hotel with an atmosphere and amenities of an exclusive resort.

Just five kilometers from Zia International Airport, the new hotel has 30,000 square feet of function space, including the city’s largest grand ball room to accommodate more than 1,180 guests, 206 rooms, including five suites, three restaurants, two lounge bars, one cafe, two swimming pools, one tennis court, access to adjacent gold club course and jogging track.

-THE BANGLADESH OBSERVER

Hotel Purbani International

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http://www.hotelpurbani.com/

http://www.ambalainn.com/IMAGE/LOGO1.JPG Ambala Inn

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http://www.southtravels.com/asia/bangladesh/rosewoodresidence/gifs/logo.jpg Rosewood Residence

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http://www.rosewoodresidence.com/

Five-star Radisson hotel open to guests


Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka, the country's newest five-star hotel, has formally opened its services to guests with a commitment to offer international standard hospitality.
After opening its services on February 11, Radisson has received a good response from the customers as a total of 99 guests have so far taken hospitality in the hotel, officials said yesterday.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia inaugurated Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka on February 5. Radisson hotels and resorts is one of the leading hotel brands in the world, operating more than 435 hotels in 61 countries.

The eight-storied hotel, owned by Sena Hotel Development Limited (SHDL) and managed by Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, has 206 rooms, including five suites. The hotel occupies more than seven acres of land located on the Airport Road near the city's Cantonment Railway Station.

"We have received extremely positive responses from the customers both from home and abroad," said Saeed Ahmed, director (Sales and Marketing) of the hotel, at a press conference held at the hotel.

He said a total of 100 rooms out of 206 are ready for accommodation and the rest will be prepared soon.

"We have invested Tk 200 crore to construct the hotel and have a plan to invest more to extend the facilities," said Ian R Barrow, general manager of the hotel.


The officials of the hotel hope the location and comprehensive facilities available at the hotel make the hotel perfectly suited to both business and leisure travelers.

Barrow said the hotel will continue its international standard services that other Radisson hotels follow around the world. So, the guests of the hotel will also get the unique international services that are already provided by the other Radisson Hotels, he added.


The hotel also offers a wide array of exquisite cuisine served in beautiful surroundings.

The hotel has rooms of four categories. The charge of the Radisson's deluxe room is $260, atrium $290, clubroom $350 and executive suite $485, excluding VAT tax, officials said.

SHDL was formed in 1995 by the joint-venture partners -- Bangladesh Army Welfare Trust and UK-based Associated Building Design Limited to build and operate hotels and other businesses in Bangladesh.

In 2000, the company was made a fully Bangladesh Enterprise of Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Sena Kalyan Sangstha (SKS) with 80 percent and 20 percent shares respectively, according to the Radisson Hotel brochure.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/02/14/d60214050445.htm

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DHAKA REGENCY: The Jewel of Bengal

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A flagship development of the British Bangladesh Investment Group (BBIG), the Dhaka Regency is a magnificent business-class hotel, ideally located on Airport road in the commercial area of Nikonjo. The hotel is within easy access of the airport, the city's diplomatic zones and a host of other Dhaka attractions.

With its spectacular fifteen-storey tower, the Dhaka Regency will have a total of 225,000 square feet of space. Each floor of the hotel will span 20,000square feet in addition to which, there is a 25,000 square feet basement parking facility. The Regency will have approximately 400 luxury rooms, more than any other hotel in the country, including 5 Regency suites, 10 Royal suites and 20 Presidential suites. All the exclusive suites will be based at the top of the hotel on the Regency floor and receive extensive facilities and extra privileges, including personal butler service and a private lounge for VIP guests.

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Amongst the 18,000 square feet of space devoted to fine dining, the Dhaka Regency will have its own 10,000 square foot revolving restaurant
with a birds eye view of Zia International Airport and the Dhaka city on the 14th floor, making it the largest restaurant in the country. The selection of international cuisine will consist of Italian, Arabian, Thai/Chinese and Bangladeshi/Indian food of the finest quality. The beautifully designed non-alcoholic cocktail bar and shisha lounge, with a middle-eastern theme will provide diners with the most exquisite setting to relax and unwind.

Other facilities within the hotel will include state-of-the-art conference and exhibition halls on the 6th floor, and a roof top swimming pool and health centre offering unrivalled panoramic views of the city. At the Dhaka Regency, both business and leisure travellers will enjoy all that an international four-star hotel can offer, from first-class surroundings to world-class hospitality, all in the Regency style.

By focusing on combining unparalleled levels of service with class-leading facilities, the Regency aims to provide customers with a unique and truly memorable experience.

In addition, the Dhaka Regency will also bring extraordinary value to the fast growing hospitality sector. The hotel's room rates will be unrivalled by any other similar standard hotel in the country without compromising on quality.

The hotel will create over 350 jobs for local people, provide transferable skills and bring much needed investment to a vibrant city waiting to be discovered. With so much to offer on so many levels, the Dhaka Regency will truly become the 'Jewel of Bengal'





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The hotel is due to open in 2007

Dhakaregency.com

Whoa! Cheers for Dhaka! Maybe now we should expect an upcoming Shangri-la, Hyatt, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, and a Marriott!

http://www.the-group.net/style/images/logos/intercontinental_f2.gif 5 Star InterContinental Dhaka and http://www.atsiam.com/images/logo_holiday_inn_hotels.gif 3 Star Holiday Inn Dhaka

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is currently constructing 3 star Holiday Inn Dhaka and 5 star InterContinental Dhaka respectively. Currently under construction, Holiday Inn Dhaka is scheduled to be launched mid 2006 and InterContinental Dhaka will be opened late 2006. Both properties are new build and are located in the geographic heart of the city. Holiday Inn will have a majestic shopping arcade with it.

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The Airport Hotel Shopping Arcade promises one of the most rewarding customer environments currently unavailable in Dhaka. The Arcade is poised to host both local and international brands intertwined with various other retail outlets. All essential features of present-day aesthetic and architectural modes in vogue today are incorporated in the Arcade design, with a physical structure designed to provide maximum ease and comfort. The architectural concept has been executed so luxuriantly yet efficiently that it incorporates only 39 percent of total space for shops. The remaining floor space is shared among safety facilities, rest rooms and in creating visual and cultural impacts, in ideal proportions at each of the 7 floors. This is the only shopping mall in Dhaka that offers an adequate number of fire-stairs, sprinklers, and fire-fighting facilities, conforming to international standards. In addition, the Arcade boasts loading docks for retailers to facilitate transportation of goods along with separate lifts to carry goods. Each shop is located in such a manner that all shops are equally visible from every major circulation node of the mall.

Aesthetic implication of the design

The highly functional design of the Arcade is a fusion of contemporary aesthetic diction and the traditional cultural ambience of our country; Abohoman Bangla. The overall design provides for the best ease-of-use systems possible in a consumer-friendly environment. The entire complex, including the 5-Star and 3-Star hotels and the access to and from the airport hotel, is extremely well-designed, providing an entirely new and versatile international environment to the Arcade. The surrounding landscaping and easy access to the 1200 car parking space ensures maximum comfort and easy movement of traffic with a separate link-road off the highway. Overall, a modern architectural design blends national and international elements and incorporates national motifs in a world class structure.

Special features

-Open air entrance car park and a separate 1200-car covered car park.
-Internal short term ground-floor parking for 150 cars.
-Wide internal roads for easy vehicular movement.
-Separate drop-off and pick-up facilities for cinema and entertainment floor with direct access to ground floor car park.
-Integral part of Holiday Inn Dhaka.
-Adjacent to 5-star Intercontinental Dhaka (on the same premises).
-Conveniently located drop-off and pick-up points.
-Spacious lobby at the entrance with integrated support service and information centre.
-Space for shops and space for utilities, leisure and circulation proportionately distributed according to the best international standards.
-A centrally located separate area on each floor for display of products and sales promotions.
-Seating areas for shoppers on each floor at convenient locations.
-A versatile shopping ambience with 9 lift including 3 capsule lifts, 4 pairs of escalators,
-8 fire stairs and 3 extra large service lifts for goods.
-Separate lifts for shoppers and transportation of goods.
-Toilets for ladies and gents at two separate locations on each floor.
-Food courts and restaurants on the entertainment floor.
-Coffee shops and fast food outlets on all floors.
I-ntegrated, well coordinated management system for car parking, information, lost and found, safety and security services.
-Located at the gateway to the country with the international airport in the ambience of an international hotel.
-Advanced security and safety systems, including auto-activating fire sprinklers.
-Fire stairway within 75 meters from any point on each floor.
-Wide reception area with information centre.
-Uniform and integrated internal signage and decor to ensure the highest standards of look and functionality.
-Close circuit surveillance managed by trained surveillance crew.
-Arrangements for prayers at convenient locations.
-Central air-conditioning with uninterrupted power supply arrangements.
-Uninterrupted power supply for air-conditioning and lighting.

Location

The site of the shopping arcade is adjacent to the Zia International Airport on the Dhaka-Tongi highway, which connects the entire northern area of the country with the capital. The location is, at the moment, at the geographical center of the city which is invariably expanding towards the north-east beyond Tongi. The complex is well projected into the near future providing an international ambience with world class facilities at affordable prices.

The Shopping Arcade sits neatly on an area of more than 6 acres as an integral part of the 3-Star Holiday Inn Hotel, extending towards the east and merging into another 8.32 acres of the 5-Star Intercontinental. With the Mohakhali and Kamalapur-Shajahanpur flyover as well as Savar-Ashulia connecting road, the location will provide even better accessibility to customers from beyond Uttara-Baridhara-Gulshan to Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Pallabi, Savar towards the north-south parts and from the older parts of the city in the south. The location is also the gateway to the northern part of the country including the adjacent districts of Gazipur, Tangail, Sirajgonj, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Sherpur and Netrokona, most of the area being only a two to three hours’ drive away. The project is situated at the gateway of the capital beckoning the customers to a unique international shopping and entertainment experience.

once you are at the website, look at the top left corner of the screen, gives you a virtual tour of the complex.

http://www.ipcobd.com

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/images/wi_logo_homepage.gif The Westin Dhaka, the 250-room 5-star hotel, is nearing completion. The works on interior decoration are now in progress.

Construction of the US$ 36 million 25-storied hotel, which commenced in November 1998, was scheduled to be completed in June 2002. Had there been no non-cooperative actions by RAJUK following change of government in 2002, the hotel would have been in full operation by now.

Unique Hotel & Resorts Ltd., a unit of Unique Group, is sponsoring a 5-Star business hotel namely "The Westin Dhaka" at Gulshan, Dhaka in Joint Venture with world famous Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide Incorporated of America.

Located at Gulshan Model Town, the hotel project has been taken in hand with a view to primarily cater to the needs of increasing number of foreign travellers including officials of aid agencies, multilateral funding institutions, multinational power, oil and gas companies and the up scale business travellers and Tourists.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., USA is participating in the equity, rendering technical supports and management of the implementation of the operation of the hotel under the Brand name of "Westin" and this "Westin" brand name is well known in the field of hospitality industry as the leading brand of very high standard.

The under construction business hotel will have all the modern facilities of international standard to attract tourists and contribute to the growth of hospitality industry of the country. "The Westin Dhaka" will have about 17, 325 sq.ft (1,600 sq.m.) land area, 3,44,600 sq.ft (32,000 sq,m.) floor area, 242 guestrooms with heavenly bed, large lobbies, banquet hall, business development centres etc.

Amenities : The hotel project has been designed in a way that will optimize the utilization of the available space considering functional, aesthetic and costing aspects.

The hotel will have the following functional facilities: Swimming Pool, Health Club, A banquet/grand ball room, A coffee shop, A pool side restaurant and Two specialty restaurants.

In addition to the above, three levels of basement for parking of 150 vehicles, electrical and mechanical rooms, central storage and staff locker room etc. will be available.

The complex will also provide space for kiosks and a luxurious roof top multipurpose room with an option of restaurant facility/meeting room/functional hall in the background of Dhaka's evergreen skyline.

The Project will involve a total investment of about US$ 36 Million. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. has invested 10 per cent in equity and the sponsor is currently contributing the rest. The company is expected to go for public issue of share. International Finance Corporation (IFC) and OPEC Fund for International Development will advance US$ 8.75 million and 3.00 million respectively as loan in the Project. A local banking consortium headed by Janata Bank will invest the remaining debt amounting to US$ 6.25 million.

Mohammad Noor Ali, major owner of Unique Group of Companies is the prime sponsor of the proposed project. Unique Group is a conglomerate of companies having diversified business activities. The Group consists of 12 companies.

The Sponsors intend to hold at least 51per cent of the total equity.

The General Manager would take up his position by the middle of the current year. Soft opening of the hotel is expected to be held in December.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1394

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Extension project of Pan Pacific Sonargaon commences

Dhaka : The extension project of Pan Pacific Sonargaon commenced with the laying of the foundation of the project at the Swimming Pool area of the hotel on February 23. Hotel sources said, "The project has been taken up by the owning company of the hotel to make it more competitive and to up-keep the world-class services to its guests." Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, laid the foundation stone as chief guest while Member of Parliament Mosaddek Ali was present at the function as special guest.
The function was also addressed by Harunur Rashid Bhuyan, Managing Director of Hotels International Ltd., owning company of Pan Pacific Sonargaon and Grant J. Gaskin, General Manager of the hotel: Phase-1 of the Extension Project includes three-level underground Parking Lot, Peripheral Road, Retaining Wall and Boundary Wall, Brand New Laundry Plant and foundation for a Multipurpose Convention Hall with ancillary services as well as keeping provision for Tower Block, which will add new guest rooms in future.
The project is being implemented by joint venture of Al-Amin Construction Company Ltd. Dhaka and K-Tech Construction Public Company Ltd. of Thailand as its Contractor. The Consultants appointed for the work are: Development Design Consultants Ltd. (DDC) Dhaka, South East Asia Technology Company Ltd. (SEATEC) of Thailand, Inter Design Company Ltd. Thailand and P49 Design Woodhead International Thailand. A news agency adds: The implementation of Phase-1 of the project will particularly meet the demand of parking area of the hotel. A total of 450 cars can be parked in the under-construction three-storied basement Parking Lot. This Phase-1 of the Extension Project is expected to be completed in 18 months.
The extension project will be implemented in the east of the hotel taking about 1.7 acre area. The total coast of the project would be about Tk 66.64 crore. The hotel authorities told the news agency that they are trying to improve the exterior of the hotel including the project. They have submitted an application to the concerned authorities demanding 1.07-acre area east of the hotel.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=78

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Kingdom executive due in Dhaka Apr 17

A top executive of the Kingdom Group owned by the Saudi prince Alwaleed Bin Talal is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on April 17 to buy Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel at ‘any internationally accepted’ price.
Sources in the board of investment said Nikos Hadjos, vice president of the group, is set to discuss with the government leaders and officials concerned to work out the modality to purchase outright the Sonargaon hotel or Sheraton hotel.
However, sources in the ministry of civil and tourism which owns the five-star hotel, added that the government is yet to make up its mind whether to sell the hotel.
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the fifth richest man in the world, expressed his interests in buying the Sonargaon during his visit to Bangladesh in March last year and assigned his top executive to maintain contact with the government of Bangladesh.
Apparently perturbed by delays in the process since then, the Kingdom Group officials have once again reminded the government officials to initiate the process and even sought intervention by the foreign minister, M Morshed Khan, to help expedite the process.
‘They want to start the process of investing in Bangladesh through outright purchase of a five-star hotel, be it Sonargaon or Sheraton. This time, we have to tell them something very clearly,’ a top executives of the board of investment told New Age.
During the correspondence with the board, the Kingdom Group executives assured that they were ready to offer any price suggested by an international expert to buy the hotel.
A high-level committee, constituted by the prime minister’s office, submitted its recommendations on selling the hotel to the Saudi prince. Any directive is yet to be given to the civil aviation and tourism ministry in this regard.

http://www.newagebd.com/busi.html

Bangladesh cabinet approves 1 billion USD investment proposal by Kingdom Hotels

DHAKA (AFX) - The cabinet today approved an offer by Kingdom Hotels Investments to spend as much as one billion dollars to build hotels and resorts in the country, a government statement said.

The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, discussed a KHI proposal to invest in the luxury Sonargaon Hotel, the country's biggest, in the capital Dhaka and also approved its plans to build new hotels, the statement said.

Saudi tycoon Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns a majority stake in KHI, visited Bangladesh last November and made a formal proposal to invest in the country's fast-growing hotels and tourism sector.

'The KHI in its proposal said it would invest one billion dollars in the country's tourism and infrastructure sectors,' Mohammad Lutfullah, a senior officer at the government's Board of Investment told Agence France-Presse.

The company would like to buy the Sonargaon Hotel and transform into a Four Seasons Hotel. Alwaleed bin Talal is the principal owner of the hotel chain.

Pan Pacific Hotels currently runs the Sonargaon but its contract expires in 2007.

http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx/2006/03/28/afx2626316.html

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/sheratonlogo.jpg Dhaka Sheraton

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An opulent 8-story Convention Hotel reflecting elegant Mughal Empire themes, located in Karwan Bazar business area.

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Healthy revenue growth for Dhaka Sheraton ; Bangladesh hospitality market poised to open up further

The market of hospitality industry in Dhaka is on the rise slowly and expected to open up further in near future. Trevor MacDonald, General Manager, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel said this while talking informally to The Bangladesh Monitor at his office. "I see a good positive future for the hospitality industry", he said. All the 5-star properties in Dhaka are maintaining more or less similar levels of occupancy for past few years. Trevor informed and said that indicates that market demand has not grown significantly.
The General Manager of Dhaka Sheraton informed The Bangladesh Monitor about a significant change in the market segment. The market no more relies on garment industry sector, other sectors, notably IT sector have made significant inroad, he said. Trevor said IT sector is now getting buoyant and has great possibility of tremendous growth. About capacity increase Trevor said that with the commissioning of Radisson Water Garden hotel and expected opening of Dhaka Westin by December this year, the 5-star capacity in the market is going to be nearly doubled. He ruled out the possibility of "price war" in the market, but said; because of substantial increase in capacity some hotels are likely to "get some heat". Turning his attention to the performance of Dhaka Sheraton Trevor said that when he took over the reins of the property three years ago it was under performing financially.
In order to tackle the problem Trevor initiated measures for product improvement. Under that initiative all the guest rooms got internet connection. Wireless access was also installed. Trevor also executed programmes to facelift all the guest rooms. Under that programme guest rooms got new furniture, new carpet, new lighting, new mirror and new paint. All the bathrooms have also been re-done. Facelift of the guest rooms cost one minion US dollar and re-carpeting cost Taka six million. These initiatives resulted in much better financial performance, Travor said. The average room rate of Taka 4436 in 2002 has gone up to existing rate of Taka 7800—a big increase indeed. Trevor said the hotel initially faced tough time in selling the higher priced rooms on the western section of the hotel. Now, these rooms stay full most of the time.
In 2003, Trevor said, average room rate went down by six per cent. Due to product improvement, average room rate went up by 13 per cent and in 2005 it improved further and increased by 25 per cent. The revenue of the hotel registered a growth of 6.9 per cent in 2003. In 2004, the growth was 23 per cent and in 2005 another 24 per cent. Along with the better performance of guest rooms, the F&B operation of the hotel has also shown vast improvement in revenue earning. Trevor said that in 2004 every F&B items were re-priced according to market price. The initiatives resulted in revenue increase of nine per cent in 2003, 25 per cent in 2004 and 20.5 per cent in 2005. Trevor said that 53 per cent of F&B revenue comes from banquet. The demand in this sector is quite strong. Unless booked three months in advance, it is not possible to get Winter Garden, he added.
On the improvement programme in hand, Trevor said works are in progress to build a new kitchen and renovate old kitchen at a cost of 1.2 million US dollar. Dhaka Sheraton ended 2005 with healthy occupancy rate of 68 per cent. 2006 occupancy target is 72 per cent, Trevor said. Trevor admitted that Radisson Water Garden will compete with Dhaka Sheraton and Pan Pacific Sonargaon. But said that it is too soon to assess the impact of such competition.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=97

hey nice hotels Tmac, gr8 to knw tht Dhaka is becoming a contender!!!
as 4 sl...v jus dnt hve a massive hilton(abt 33 floors), have so many 5-sat hotels in colombo. the intercontinetal, the taj,galadari,cinnamon grand...the list goes on!!!!

[http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=332654]

Click on the following link and check out the virtual tour of the under construction Intercontinental and Holiday inn with a shopping arcade, country club and golf course. High resolution one takes about 8 mins to download but is really worth it. You can see the whole project. To be completed by end of 2006. I have been reporting this project for a while but this is the first time I saw a virtual tour. Once completed it will change Dhaka's hospitality sector.

www.ipcobd.com

make sure to download the high resolution one.

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http://images.worldres.com/site_images/brand_logos_original/raddison_logo.gif Radisson Water Garden Hotel

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/sheratonlogo.jpgDhaka Sheraton Hotel

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Lake Shore Hotel and Apartments - some interior photos. I have already posted some exterior photos earlier in this thread.

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Roof Top swimming pool

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http://www.lakeshorehotel.com.bd

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http://www.hotelwashingtondhaka.com/index.htm

Washington Hotel is a 3 star hotel in the heart of Gulshan - 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is a luxurious business class hotel with majestic colorful architecture design. Superbly located in the heart of Dhaka’s prestigious business area and diplomatic zone.

Washington Hotel has 75 Rooms including Ambassador Suites and President Suites, Banquet Hall, Rosebud Restaurant Club and other facilities of the highest standards. We are ensuring a world class food and environment and we have become most popular with Business Class Travelers and Expatriates, whether you are on a Business, pleasure or a Short Trip just step in Washington Hotel and feel the Touch of Comfort and Bangladeshi Hospitality.

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Radisson Water Garden

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Sonargaon hotel goes for massive renovation

Pan Pacific Sonargaon is undergoing massive renovations aimed at making the five-star hotel one of the iconic luxury properties in South Asia.

Currently, the renovation has begun with the rear of the hotel area being fully remodelled to include a new poolside restaurant, landscaped lush tropical gardens and fountains and freestanding outdoor pavilions with day beds, says a press release.

"The leisure areas of the hotel will be on par with world renowned five-star resorts and spas," said Pan Pacific Sonargaon General Manager Grant J Gaskin.

Simultaneously, accommodation rooms are currently being totally renovated. Rooms and suites will provide all that is expected at a five-star luxury hotel including LCD and Plasma screen on the wall in every room, Herman Miller desk chairs and granite bench tops.

The guests will also enjoy high-speed broadband internet access and glass mosaic tiled rain showers in the bathrooms.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/05/25/d60525050665.htm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/logo.jpg 5 star Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

Currently undergoing a world class, 5-star renovation project, Pan Pacific Sonargaon will shine as the jewel in the crown of South Asia.

Over the course of 2006, new room types will be introduced including "Superior Deluxe", boasting the latest in modern interior design, LCD and Plasma televisions, Herman Miller desk chairs and vibrant, local decor.

All rooms and suites will be decorated keeping in mind the harmony between latest cutting edge design, and traditional Bangladeshi colours and fabrics.

Our prestigious Pacific Floor will be extended upwards above the roofline, offering breathtaking views of the Dhaka skyline from a mezzanine floor with full length windows.

In keeping with an exclusive resort style, the entire rear of the property is being remodeled, including poolside dining at Dhaka's premier modern contemporary restaurant AQVA, music and day bed pavillions, SBAR Sports Bar, waterfalls, new tennis and squash courts, and swim up pool bar.

BAZAR all day dining restaurant is being extended, and fare extensively changed to suit today's most discerning of traveller. Decor colours will be vibrant, and BAZAR will buzz with an atmosphere of modern day Bangladesh, coupled with a fresh, modern, internationally inspired menu.

Please click on the following link to view images of our newly renovated, world class Superior Deluxe room and architectural plans of the renovation. Keep an eye out for further progress updates in coming months.

http://dhaka.panpacific.com/hotel/renovation.html

Pan Pacific Sonargoan getting transformed into one of iconic luxury properties in South Asia

Dhaka : The long awaited refurbishment programme of Pan Pacific Sonargaon, the premier 5-star property in Bangladesh is now underway. The US$ 20 million renovation works are expected to be completed by the end of 2007 and will see every area of the property transformed. It is designed to make the hotel become one of the true iconic luxury properties in South Asia. The programme, in all measures, is designed to run the property on international standard and introduce totally new services with the completion of up-coming refurbishment. In keeping up with the time, 25-year old Sonargaon needed to be refurbished.
"This is truly a historic and exciting time" said Brett Mahoney, Director of Sales and Marketing. "Pan Pacific Sonargaon is widely regarded as a very important part of the social fabric of Bangladesh and such a large investment by the hotel's owners shows an extremely positive belief in the growth of Bangladesh as a business and tourism destination over future years. The renovation project is something to be rejoiced by the people of Bangladesh and embraced by all as a positive step forward in the hospitality sector".
"Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is extremely pleased to be a part of such a massive transformation. Pan Pacific Sonargaon will truly shine once again as the 5-star Jewel in South Asia. With world class restaurants, bars, massive fitness centre, leisure facilities and accommodation rooms, nothing in Dhaka will come close. The hotel will truly be a cut above," Mahoney added.
With the completion of the refurbishment programme by the end of 2007, the hotel is going get not only new guest rooms and public areas, but also huge three tier car park, new kitchen and other behind the scene installations. New services are expected to follow the completion of the refurbishment programme.

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Hospitality specialists are very much optimistic about the development of tourism industry as well as hotel business along with economic growth of Bangladesh. According to them an increasing number of international company executives are trooping into Bangladesh, which is a sure sign that the country has become a major blip on the opportunity radar of multinational companies. They asserted that with the coming in of the investors and international community, the hotel business is bound to flourish and if such activities continue more hotels will be viable in Dhaka. The refurbishment programme of Pan Pacific Sonar-gaon Hotel is now undergoing after several delays. The works for the refurbishment was to start in December 2003. It was re-scheduled and works were to start in January 2004. But to the disappointment of many, the refurbishment was delayed further before start was made in February 2006.
Through the refurbishment and interior design, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel is going to reflect the heritage of Bangladesh. This will not only be in the restaurants and lobby but also into the rooms. The existing lobby will be totally re-done. Detailed plan has been drawn to capture "Bangladesh Feel" not only at the lobby but also within the entire hotel. Extensive use of locally manufactured products like fabrics, jute materials, brass, ironworks, fine silks and terracotta are going to be made in refurbishment of the hotel to transform the hotel into a truly Bangladesh property.
Jharna Restaurant is going to have major as well as appropriate improvements. This so-called floating restaurant is for the first time going to look like floating restaurant. Moving the kitchen elsewhere, all sides of the restaurant will have transparent glass wall—exposing the view of surrounding water from inside. A fountain will be at the center and above it a dome with Islamic motif. Jharna will be made a very high quality up-market restaurant.
Coffee Shop is also going to have very exciting changes with extension towards the swimming pool side. The guest rooms are going to be radically refurbished with almost every thing new. Some structural change will also be there. Apart from enlarged bathrooms and other functional additions—all the guest rooms will be equipped with high-speed Internet connection and inter-active TVs.
Along with the refurbishment, perimetre road with another exit also to be constructed to facilitate smooth movement of transports to and from the hotel. Currently, the renovation has begun with the rear of the hotel area being fully remodeled to include a new poolside restaurant, landscaped lush tropical gardens and fountains, freestanding outdoor pavilions with day beds and live flute and tabla music, new tennis and squash courts, and modern entertainment and sports bar. Once complete, the rear of the property will be landscaped in line with a luxury resort, timber decking, AQVA Restaurant serving Contemporary Mediterranean foods, Separate pavilions with day beds and live music, waterfalls and lush gardens, Sports Bar – which will be like nothing Dhaka has ever seen with international live bands, plasma screens with the latest sporting events from all over the world, cool sleek décor and a truly up market feel.

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Simultaneously, guest rooms are currently being totally renovated. Rooms and suites will include all that is expected in a 5 star luxury hotel including LCD and Plasma screen on the wall in every room, Herman Miller desk chairs, granite bench tops, high speed broadband internet access and glass mosaic tiled rain showers in the bathrooms. The Pacific Lounge will be relocated and extended upwards above the roofline offering breathtaking views of the Dhaka skyline from a mezzanine floor with full length windows.
"Our prestigious Pacific Floor will be extended upwards above the roofline" said Brett Mahoney. "It will offer breathtaking views of the Dhaka Skyline from a mezzanine floor with full length windows, coupled with first class business facilities and luxury lounges for our premium guests.
All rooms and suites will be decorated keeping in mind the harmony between latest cutting edge design, and traditional Bangladeshi colours and fabrics. All six food and beverage outlets will be completely transformed into modern masterpieces. Earlier plan It may be recalled that at the beginning of the present millennium an expansion and refurbishment plan was taken to make Pan Pacific Sonargaon, a bigger and better hotel. Initial work for the expansion and refurbishment plans under two projects also started and were expected to be completed by the year 2003.
In the face of serious dearth of hotel rooms of international standard in Dhaka city, the government undertook a programme to construct additional international standard hotels on top priority basis both in public and private sectors to meet the accommodation requirement to host proposed Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in 2002.
Sonargaon was advised to increase 150 guest rooms on its vacant land of 1.75 acres, adjacent to the east of the existing building. Under the expansion programme, the hotel was to have a 14-floor new building—two under ground and 12 above grounds. The new building on the adjacent land was to be joined with the existing building. Escalators were likely to be installed for movement between the old and new buildings of the hotel.
The new building was to house 150 more guest rooms, surface and underground (basement) car park for around 600 cars, Convention Centre cum Exhibition Hall for 1200 people in sit down dinner style, Multinational Food Centre/Cof-fee Shop, Theme Restaurant on roof top, Discotheque, Auxiliary Kitchen, Bakery cum Pastry kitchen and up-gradation of existing main kitchen, Board room, training room, upgradation and relocation of present Laundry, upgradation and relocation of present health club and tennis and squash courts.

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However, the government finally dropped the expansion programme and decided to refurbish the entire hotel and build car park along with foundation of the tower block to keep option of future expansion open. Pan Pacific Sonargaon is celebrating its 25th year of operation, with many of the hotel’s founding staff are still working.
At the annual Associates party held on evening of 18 May, Pan Pacific Sonargaon General Manager Grant J Gaskin said, "The renovation is a major show of confidence from the hotel owners and Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts and signifies a new era in the hotel’s esteemed history. We have performed extremely well over many years of operation and the renovation will ensure, we remain the undisputed number one, 5 star luxury hotel in Bangladesh. Pan Pacific Sonargaon has a wonderful future and the renovation will be truly world class".
"The leisure areas of the hotel will be on par with world renowned 5-star resorts and spas" said Gaskin. "It will be like nothing ever before offered in Dhaka or Bangladesh."
The beginning
It may be mentioned that the 304-room Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel was commissioned in April 1981. In 1997, Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) of Japan originally provided a fund of 4.6 billion yen equivalent to Taka 330 million to finance the construction of the hotel. Under the condition of the agreement repayment of the loan was to be made as per value of the yen. The Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts (PPH&R) is managing the hotel since its commissioning under Management Agreement.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=112

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/images/wi_logo_homepage.gif The Westin Dhaka - Opening December 1, 2006

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1394

Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 2 Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh

Overview
The information listed above is for the hotel's physical address. The Westin Dhaka is currently accepting group inquiries at the pre-opening office. Individual hotel reservations are not being accepted at this time.

Pre-Opening Office:
The Westin Dhaka
Lot #1, Road #45
Gulshan 2
Dhaka, 1212
Bangladesh

The 25 storied Westin Dhaka will cater to both the frequent business traveler and leisure traveler in a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere.

A focal point of our hotel will be our public areas, set to become some of the most sought after public space in Dhaka. The lobby is grand, dramatic, warm, and inviting. Guest rooms combine convenience and comfort with business amenities, ideal for business travelers.

Our hotel will also feature four restaurants. The all-day dining restaurant will offer a mixture of Asian and international cuisine with a choice of á la carte or buffet. A selection of breads, pastries, salads, cold cuts, and cheeses as well as an espresso bar will be available in the deli. Situated on the 23rd floor, the Prego Italian Restaurant will feature a lounge bar. Lobby Cafe will be the ideal meeting place for snacks and coffee.

Additionally, a health club with spa, salon, and gym will provide recreational opportunities.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/en_US/Media/Graphics/Brands/Westin/Properties/1394/images/wes1394ex.28784_1_lg.jpg
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/en_US/Media/Graphics/Brands/Westin/Properties/1394/images/wes1394ex.28784_2_lg.jpg

Meeting & Event Facilities

With unique meeting rooms, a variety of setup options, and an experienced conference team, The Westin Dhaka will be ideal for meetings, weddings, special events, seminars, receptions, social gatherings, and theme nights.

From exquisite Western to traditional Asian cuisine, including authentic Bangladeshi, our dedicated catering team will help you select what is best for you and ensure your total success.

The ballroom will offer an impressive atmosphere with discreet high-tech installations, such as LED lighting which changes colours and an integrated control panel.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/logo.jpg Few more photos of the 5 star Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Front Desk
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Lobby Area
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Cafe Bazar Restaurant in the hotel
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/sheratonlogo.jpg 5 star Dhaka Sheraton Hotel

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what ever happened to the Holiday Inn dhaka and Intercontinental dhaka?

What about the Dhaka Regency hotel in Dhaka.

As it is going to be the largest Hotel in Bangladesh when it is completed this year.

Anyone with any details feel free to post your pics.

The hotel is located in Airport Road Dhaka

dopekhor and fizz, check the first page of this thread. All the answers are there.

tmac construction of the holiday inn and intercontinental have been in halt for over 6 months now, dude i live in dhaka

dopekhor, welcome aboard. Thanks for the update. I will try to post some more info as they become available. Since you live in Dhaka may be you can update us time to time about some of the ongoing and upcoming projects in and around Dhaka. Photos would be even more appreciated.

Hey dopekhor

Since you live in Dhaka,

Any news on the Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort.

Thanks

dopekhor, welcome aboard. Thanks for the update. I will try to post some more info as they become available. Since you live in Dhaka may be you can update us time to time about some of the ongoing and upcoming projects in and around Dhaka. Photos would be even more appreciated.
i got mixed news about them, i thought u were here since u been posting pics of dhaka for ages

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/images/wi_logo_homepage.gif Westin Dhaka

Westin Dhaka set for December opening

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/archives/images/july1-06/images/14.jpg

Westin Dhaka, Dhaka’s latest five star hospitality property in Gulshan, is set for December opening. Lot of progress has been made in the last three months. Work is going on in full swing and hopefully we'll be able to meet the deadline. This was stated by San Amalan, General Manager, Westin Dhaka at his hotel office recently. Dhaka is among the first 20 countries in Asia Pacific to have a Westin. The city should be proud to have this upscale property, he said.
Fifty per cent of the hotel’s 241 rooms will be ready by that time (December), as will be the hotel’s three restaurants, out of five. The Health Club will be on the fourth floor and the swimming poor on the fifth floor. The rooms start from sixth floor. The room fixtures are from Hong Kong while the bathroom fixtures are from Japan. The rooms will have ‘Heavenly Bed’ while the four fixture bathrooms will have ‘Heavenly Shower.’ Equipped with Westin’s own technology, the beds cost US$1,300 each and will be reaching here by August, he said. The bathroom fixtures are already here.
There will be one Presidential Suite on the 22nd floor, one Chairman’s suite on the 21st floor and 14 Executive Suites, all connected with Specialty Rooms. Double glazed one way glass, imported from Malaysia, has been put up outside. You won’t be able to hear the noise and none from other highrise buildings can look into your rooms, he said.
Colour scheme of the hotel is very soft. Electronic room keys sport soft illustrations. Pink marble has been throughout. Even the lifts have pink and black marble. The swimming pool will be of spa pool type with water jets for shoulder massage, he said
Once the hotel is complete, the management is expected to go for construction of the Westin Residence on the other side of the road, informed San Amalan. Praising the Singapore based firm HBA which designed Westin Dhaka, he said HBA specialises only in five-star hotels and done an excellent job for us. I had opened hotels in Asia before like in China and India but I always wanted to open a really upscale property like this one.
I worked here, I know the people well. I know how to get this done, said San Amalan who had persuaded the owner to go for such a project when he was the General Manager of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel about six years ago. Dhaka has changed a lot in these years. People are spending more. They are dining out. You have good restaurants, nice supermarkets, you get things here that you didn’t get six years ago, and even the traffic system has improved.
Guesthouses and other hotels are there but Dhaka needs more five star rooms. Opening of hotels like Westin will give people outside more confidence. Once people abroad get to know that properties like Westin, Radisson, Holiday Inn and Sheraton are here, they will feel encouraged to come here in large numbers, he said. I’ll be aiming at the corporate crowd and 75 per cent occupancy at the initial stage would be fine for me, he said
Speaking on Starwood, San Amalan said, Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries. Star-wood hotels and resorts include St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. St Regis is the top Starwood brand. Westin brand is above Sheraton and Westin's service culture is different, he added.
Asked whether the location of the hotel would be inconvenient, he replied the opposite, "You can’t get a better site than this for one of the world’s and one of Starwood’s top brands. Once opened the hotel will change the look of the spot." There'll be a driveway round the property and under-ground parking. Guests won't face any problem.
The GM who had a construction workers hard hat on his side, said he comes to the hotel every morning to supervise the progress of the work and sits in the project office nearby in the afternoon to do other work.
Recruitment is on and training will start when this is completed. I want young energetic people and train them, he addedd.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=120

i got mixed news about them, i thought u were here since u been posting pics of dhaka for ages
any news about dhaka regency thought its going to be the largest hotel in bangladesh

london bhashi, the website says you can start booking rooms from January 2007.

http://www.dhakaregency.net/

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Dhaka Regency is a magnificant fifteen-storey tower business-class hotel, ideally located on Airport road in the commercial area of Nikonjo. The Regency has approximately 400 luxury rooms, more than any other hotel in the country, including 5 Regency suites, 10 Royal suites and 20 Presidential suites. The Dhaka Regency will have state-of-the-art conference and exhibition halls on the 6th floor, revolving restaurants on the 14th floor and a swimming pool and health center on the roof top offering unrivalled panoromic views of the city. Amongst the 18,000 square feet of space devoted to fine dining, the Dhaka Regency has its own 10,000 square feet revolving restaurant with birds eye view of the Zia International Airport and the Dhaka city on the 14th floor, making it the largest restaurant in the country.

word on the street is that the intercontinental group has pulled out of bangladesh, therefore the two hotels which were underconstruction have no future as of now!

http://newyorkcity.destinations.starwoodhotels.com/uploadedfiles/dest/_shared/brand_logos/sheraton_generic.gif Few more photos of the 5 star Dhaka Sheraton

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Hey dopekhor

Since you live in Dhaka,

Any news on the Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort.

Thanks



heard all the tall buildings in dhaka around the airport have to be demolished including dhaka regency because of aircraft safety anyone know anthing about this heard that international civil aviation have warned bangladesh if they dont do anything they will close or stop aircraft comming in and out

I don't think that the list of buildings to be demolished includes the DHAKA REGENCY,as even two weeks ago,i saw the construction of the building going on.Besides,there are other high rises being built very close to the Dhaka Regency,for example-the fifteen storey Nitol-Niloy tower close to the hotel is nearing completetion.

mirza, could you please take some photos of that area with all the construction? Nitol/Niloy tower, Regency Concord, etc.

Tmac,i am in Dubai for a month ,but i would try to post the pictures of the Nitol Niloy tower and the Under construction Dhaka Regency as soon as i reach Dhaka.And i am not sure about the location of the Concord Regency.

http://www.radisson.com/images/rad/header_logo.gif 5 star Radisson Water Garden Hotel

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/sarinahotellogo1.jpg Hotel Sarina granted five-star status; The company to build largest hotel in Bangladesh

Hotel Sarina has become the fourth hospitality property in the city and the first in the private sector, to be classified as five-star hotel. The status was granted on July 4, 2006 under Bangladesh Hotels and Restaurants (Registration, Licence and Control) Ordi-nance 1996, by Deputy Commisioner of Dhaka. Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor informally on this feat an elated Golam Sarwar, Managing Director, Hotel Sarina, said. "It is a recognition of the efforts and team works of the hotel staff." The hotel started operations on July 17, 2003 with 85 rooms, two restaurants, one bar and banquet facility.
Now the hotel has 201 guestrooms including 14 suites, four theme restaurants, Executive Conference Room, three Banquet halls with 200 person capacity each, Picasso Cigar Bar, Elite Club, Lobby Lounge, Lounge Bar, 24-hour Business Centre, 24-hour room service, laptop rental, cell phone rental, shuttle bus, limousine and other facilities of a five-star hotel.
Asked about his entering into hospitality trade, Golam Sarwar, a marine engineer said, “I was never the one for making a fast buck. I wanted to do a proper business and I saw vacuum in this sector. I carried out technical and feasibility studies and found there is scope and built the hotel in record time of one year. I believe it is one of the safest buildings, technically and safetywise.”
Replying to a question as to whether there was scope for more hotels in the country, he said, “I believe more hotels should come up. If everything goes on well, the cities will need more standard hotels.” On a query whether he would go for international franchise, Managing Director, Hotel Sarina, said, “Discussions with important chains are on. I am considering offers. I believe more in bringing in the best people.”
Sarwar disclosed that, he is planning to build the largest hotel in Bangladesh 360-room property on twelve and a half acres of land in Cox’s Bazar. The construction is expected to start after receiving clearance from the Ministry of Environment. He is also expected to launch two fast moving crafts of 300 to 350 capacity to connect the capital city with the tourist city of Cox’s Bazar. The ‘Sarina Cruise’ ship and the restaurant on board is doing well, he said. "People love to cruise. But polluted murky water as well as the vessels carrying sand or bricks are the drawback," Sarwar added.
Meanwhile, Shahid Hamid, Executive Director, Hotel Sarina, who recently won the Best Hotelier of the Year award from Bangladesh Hotel and Guest House Owners' Association said the location of the hotel, the public relations of its owners, standard of services as well as team spirit, were the factors behind it's success, achieved so far. It is located near the diplomatic zone. Moreover, a number of corporate houses have moved to the Kemal Ataturk Avenue area. Many also do no want to spend the whole day commuting to Motijheel and back, he said.
As a result, “eighty-three per cent of our guests are from the corporate sector (garment, banking, telecom, oil and gas exploration), 10 per cent from UN and aid agencies, five per cent from among the diplomats and others two per cent. Repeat guests form a sizable portion.” Seventy per cent of the hotel’s business comes from the rooms while 30 per cent from its F&B outlets, he said.
Shahid Hamid feels Hotel Sarina will hold its own ground against other existing competing properties and those that will come in the future, through its personalised service. “To us every one is a VIP. We greet our guests by name. We make them feel important. Food is also another strength of ours.”
“The corporate world is cutting back on travel expenses. The companies that used to choose very high end hotels for their executives are now choosing hotels like ours. Guest flow to Bangladesh is also increasing.”
Citing United Nations World Tourism Organisation and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation statistics, he felt that more international standard hotels need to come up in Bangladesh each year.
Giving an approximate picture of the present situation, he said Dhaka now offers approximately 2255 rooms- 1,014 rooms in A category, 491 rooms in B category and 750 rooms in C category. But if we take average growth of arrivals to Bangladesh at 15 per cent (the average growth in 2003 and 2004), we will need an increase of more than 3500 rooms every year.
“China has registered 43 per cent growth in tourism. If only one per cent decide to visit Bangladesh (granted Approved Destination Status by China), we’ll be needing 10 hotels.” He said no international standard hotels came up between 1981 and 2003. It is when the guesthouses came up to fill the gap offering modest but decent accommodation. Stating about higher room rates in Bangladesh, Hamid said, it is because, taxes on imported hospitality equipment, food items are high. Import of yellow cabs are being encouraged, while vehicles imported by us to provide transportation to hotel guests are taxed 100 per cent.
He said just as VAT and taxes imposed by the Government is high- which add up to 20.7 per cent, the service charges of some of the premier properties are also on the high side. Their take it or leave it attitude are forcing the customers to pay through their nose. "But we at Hotel Sarina are more reasonable. We have the flexibility,” Hamid said. According to hospitality industry people, the elevation of Hotel Sarina to 5-Star status will create favourable impact on the industry. Other existing and incoming private sector properties will be encouraged to go for enhancing their services.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=130

good nice!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/sarinahotellogo1.jpg 5 star Hotel Sarina

http://www.sarinahotel.com

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/Tarik3/Tarik4/HotelSarina7.jpg
21 storied magnificant building stands tall in Banani commercial area

Entrance and Lobby

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here's a link to the Sarina Restaurants
http://www.sarina-restaurants.com/index.php

Hotel Sweet Dream

Hotel Sweet Dream is new a 3 Star centrally air conditioned 19 storied hotel. The hotel is located at 60 Kamal Attaturk Avenue, the business district of Banani, Dhaka. Hotel Sweet Dream is within 8 minutes drive from the ZIA International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION:
Seventy tastefully decorated and furnished rooms, Restaurants and a Lobby Snacks Bar are all for the comfort of the Guests. Two floors are booked for non-smokers.


RESTAURANT:
The real beauty of the Dhaka City can be witnessed when you will dine at the specialty restaurant on the 16th floor. There is a modern bar on the 5th floor and a modern gym in the house to keep you all time fit. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed on every floor for the safety of the guests.

HOTEL FACILITIES & SERVICES:
Self-dialing IDD telephone lines in all rooms, broadband internet connection, electronic secured door locks, Safety locker and mini bar in all rooms are only a few things apart from many other facilities provided by the hotel. There is a most modern Hospital in the hotel and we can provide medical supports to our guest round the clock in times of need. Two modern Conference Halls, unique in style and décor can accommodate your parties of various events. Our uncompromising quality of products, world class services and comfort will put us above the rest.

Here are some outside views of this 3 star 19 storied hotel.

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Motel at Water Kingdom in Ashulia this month

Concord Entertainment Co Ltd (CEnCL) will launch a motel at Water Kingdom in Ashulia this month what it says the first-ever themed motel in the country.

CEnCL, a concern of Concord Group of Companies, is going to launch the motel named Motel Atlantis on 16 this month in a bid to give the Fantasy Kingdom Complex a complete shape, said its officials at a press conference yesterday at Water Kingdom.

The motel is located inside the Water Kingdom and Fantasy Kingdom and after its inauguration tourists will be able to stay here at night.

"Initially we have prepared 35 rooms of the hundred-room motel," Shahriar Kamal, deputy managing director of concord Group of Companies, told the press conference.

The three categories of rooms-suit, super delux and delux-costing Tk 3,500 to 2,200 will be available for staying for every night for every two persons.

The CEnCL has so far invested Tk 150 crore for development of entertainment facilities and it has a plan of investing Tk 450 to 500 crore in the next five years in this sector, Shahriar Kamal said.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/08/11/d60811050768.htm

http://www.concordgroup.net/images/logo_motel_atlantis.gif

http://www.concordgroup.net/motel_atlantis.html

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Facilities at the Motel:

• Air Conditioned Room
• 24 hr. Hot Water
• Telephone
• Cyber Café
• Pick & drop service from different areas of Dhaka (on Payment)
• Credit Card Facilities
• Business Center
• Cafeteria
• Color Cable Tv
• Attached Bath
• Front Desk
• Room Service
• Car Parking
• Laundry
• Travel Desk
• Wake-up Call
• Luggage Storage
• Cinema
• Security
• B.B.Q
• 24 hr. Variety Shop
• Mini Bar

Recreation Facilities:

• Cinema Dolby Digital Surround Sound
• Availing exciting rides exclusively
• Billiard, Pool & Air Hockey
• B.B.Q night
• Cultural Show every night (Dance, Musical Show, Acrobat Show, Clown Show)
• Different interactive games for women & children

Sarina gets 5-star status
Business Desk

Hotel Sarina enters a new phase of hospitality with its accreditation of five-star status granted by the government on July 4 under Bangladesh Hotels and Restaurants (Registration, license and control) ordinance 1996.
The managing director of the hotel, Golam Sarwar, announced the new status at a press briefing at the hotel premises in the city’s Banani area on Sunday.
Established in 2003, the hotel offers its guests best hospitality with a mix of oriental charm and Bangladeshi appeal, the management said, assuring upgraded services with modern facilities available in world-class five-star hotels.
The sponsor director, Sabera Sarwar Nina, and the executive director, Shahid Hamid, were also present at the press briefing.

http://www.newagebd.com/busi.html#7

Alamgir tells opening ceremony of Motel Atlantis
Govt plans more facilities for entertainment industry

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Government is planning to provide the amusement and entertainment industry with more facilities, including tax holiday and bank loans at lower rates, said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Wednesday at the inauguration of water theme motel in Savar.

Concord Entertainment Co. Ltd (CEnCL), the largest amusement and entertainment company of the country, launched the motel.

The 'Motel Atlantis in Water Kingdom', claimed to be the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is located inside the Fantasy Kingdom in Ashulia, just a few minutes drive from the capital.

The minister said,"The industry has not been focused over the past several years, no allocation was made to the sector during the last three or four years, which actually hindered proper growth of the industry."

In a bid to bring diversity in the local amusement and tourism industry, the entertainment company started this 100-bed motel with luxurious settings, impeccable service, international cuisine and VIP treatments added with complete safety for the holiday-goers.

Tourists and holidaymakers now can stay overnight or even longer in the entertainment site to discover and explore the resort with spectacular landscape, historical wonders and adventurous rides.

The motel suits offer its customers all the luxurious facilities at a rate ranging from Tk 2,200 to Tk 3,500.

SM Kamaluddin, chairman of the company, urged the government to work alongside the private sector in developing infrastructure in the entertainment sector.

He also said tax holiday will encourage the entrepreneurs to invest more in the industry, which would eventually lead to a bullish growth of the sector within the shortest possible time.

Mahfuzul Haque, chairman of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, was also present at the function among others.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/08/18/d60818050355.htm

http://dhaka.panpacific.com/images/logo01.jpg Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

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http://www.concordgroup.net/images/logo_motel_atlantis.gif 'Motel Atlantis’ unveiled in Ashulia

Concord Entertainment Co. Ltd, the largest amusement and entertainment company of the country, unveiled the 'Motel Atlantis in Water Kingdom', on August 16. The motel, claimed to be the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is located inside the Fantasy Kingdom in Ashulia, just a few minutes drive from the capital. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated this theme motel.

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‘Government is planning to provide the amusement and entertainment industry with more facilities, including tax holiday and bank loans at lower rates’, said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. `The industry has not been focused over the past several years, no allocation was made to the sector during the last three or four years, which actually hindered proper growth of the industry’, he added.

In a bid to bring diversity in the local amusement and tourism industry, the Concord Entertainment Company started this 100-bed motel with luxurious settings, impeccable service, international cuisine and VIP treatments added with complete safety for the holiday-goers. Tourists and holidaymakers now can stay overnight or even longer in the entertainment site to discover and explore the resort with spectacular landscape, historical wonders and adventurous rides.

The motel suits offer its customers all the luxurious facilities including air condition, color cable TV, in-suite bathroom at a rate ranging from Tk 2,200 to Tk 3,500. There are three types of accommodations- Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Suite. Even customers can rent those facilities just for four hours at a rate ranging from Tk 1000 to Tk 1,500. With a target of having aiming 100 rooms, only 30 rooms are now ready for service consisting 2 Suite, 2 Super Deluxe and 26 Deluxe rooms.

The customers of the motel can enjoy all the entry and rides of Fantasy Kingdom as well as Water Kingdom and Heritage Park. Besides this, they will be Billiard, Pool and Air Hockey facilities, B.B.Q night, different interactive games for woman and children, cultural and cinema show. The customers may get pick and drop service from different areas of Dhaka on payment.
For reservation and confirmation customers have to be advance at least 50 per cent of one day rent 24 hours before the cheek-in. The Contact numbers are 9896482, 8833786 and 7701946-52.

In 2002 Concord Entertainment Co. Ltd has built Fantasy Kingdom in Ashulia. Subsequently the Amusement and Entertainment Company built Concord Amusement World at Foy’s lake of Chittagong in 2004, Water Kingdom, later Theme Park within Fantasy Kingdom at 2005.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=135

http://a1595.g.akamai.net/7/1595/2000/4c811eb5c9befa/images.mallfinder.com/Images/Store/Westin.jpg Westin Dhaka has no comparison in Bangladesh

Westin Dhaka is finally scheduled for soft opening in December this year—way beyond the target opening date because of unexpected problems which was beyond the control of owning company. Talking to The Bangladesh Monitor, San Amalan, General Manager of the hotel said that the hotel is almost 75 per cent complete and most of the time consuming finishing jobs are almost done. The wood paneling and furniture for the hotel are coming from People’s Republic of China and time to install those will not take long.

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Amalan said that as brand Westin has no comparison with existing products in Bangladesh—an upscale brand. Normally “Westin properties are located in developed countries as their purchasing power is much higher. So, one gets surprised to know existence of Westin in Dhaka,” he added. Amalan also said pricing of Westin’s products would also be on the higher bracket.

It may be recalled that with a view to build a true five star business hotel, Unique Hotels and Resorts Ltd., a unit of Unique Group, sponsored "The Westin Dhaka" at Gulshan, in joint venture with world famous Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide Incorporated of US.

The five-star hotel project was taken in hand primarily to cater to the needs of increasing number of foreign travellers including officials of aid agencies, multilateral funding institutions, multinational power, oil and gas companies and the upscale business travellers and tourists.

Amalan said 241-room Westin will have one Presidential Suite, one Chairman suite, 14 executive suites, eight junior suites, 14 specialty rooms and two rooms for disabled guests on about 17,325 sq. ft (1,600 sq. m.) land area, 3,44,600 sq. ft (32,000 sq. m.) floor area. The Hotel will also have large lobbies, banquet hall, business development centres, health club, underground parking facilities and all the amenities available in a standard hotel in the chain of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., USA is rendering technical support and management of the implementation of the operation of the hotel under the brand name of "Westin" and this brand name is well-known in the field of hospitality industry as the leading brand of very high standard.
San Amalan, who was General Manager of other Starwood property—the Dhaka Sheraton in the late 1990s said that Westin is not looking for 100 per cent occupancy, but expressed strong belief that “there are people who are willing pay for the food, service and facilities Westin is going to offer.” Moreover, the hotel is equipped with all the safety features, he said.

Amalan said that the economy of Bangladesh is growing with people having more purchasing power. “Looking at the economy of Bangladesh, it can be said that it will get better and better,” he said and added that there is indeed need for top quality hotel in Bangladesh.” With the growth of hospitality industry and increase in the availability of quality hotel accommodation, tourism sector is also expected improve, Amalan expressed the hope. Amalan said that his focus will be equally both on rooms and F&B. Four restaurants will offer wide range of attractive menu to the diners.
Amalan who left Dhaka in 2000 on completion of his earlier assignment said that he is impressed by all round development and improvement in Dhaka.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=146

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

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View from a room
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Hotel swimming pool
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Do you guys know why the government backed out of a deal with Prince Waleed of the Kingdom Holding Company for the state-owned Sonargaon and Sheraton Hotels? I am not sure if the deal was for one or both of the hotels. Seems like he would invest quite a bit if the deal went through.

Do you guys know why the government backed out of a deal with Prince Waleed of the Kingdom Holding Company for the state-owned Sonargaon and Sheraton Hotels? I am not sure if the deal was for one or both of the hotels. Seems like he would invest quite a bit if the deal went through.

I don't think the government backed out, I think they are just not to ready to make a decision. Both the hotels are very profitable. It's typical of our government to take a million years before making any decisions.

Two more 5-star hotels in city soon

Two more five star hotels with an investment of $ 50 million will begin their operations in Dhaka by the end of this year.

Of them, Westin Dhaka is expected to start from December 1 and another one-Dhaka Regency- is expected to start journey by December-end, sources concerned said.

The luxury hotels are being constructed in Bangladesh as increased tourist flow is giving a boost to the country's hospitality industry, market operators said.

Currently Dhaka has four five star hotels-Sheraton, Sonargaon, Radisson and Sarina.

According to sources, every year some 5,000 foreign tourists visit Bangladesh who spend $1,000 each during their visit while around 0.2 million foreigners come to Bangladesh for business or other purposes. The number of business travellers is eyeing a double-digit growth.

As tour operators are now quite organised with many of them having their own hotels, restaurants, ships and buses to provide quality services to the travellers, the travel industry is now growing by around 30 percent a year, according to Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB).

"Foreign companies conduct market study to find lucrative areas of business before opening business in a new country. So, it seems that the foreign business groups which have hotel chain in their business have seen huge scope to develop business here," one hospitality industry source observed.
Construction of the US$ 36 million 25-storied Westin Dhaka which commenced in November 1998, was scheduled to be completed in June 2002.
Had there been no non-cooperation from Rajdhani Unnayan Katripakhhya (RAJUK), the top authority of city planning, with change of government in 2001, the hotel would have been in full operation by now, a source told the FE.

Local Unique Group is the prime sponsor of Westin, located at city's Gulshan area. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., USA is participating in the equity, rendering technical supports and management of the implementation of the operation of the hotel under the Brand name of 'Westin'.

Out of the total investment of about $ 36 million, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. has invested 10 per cent in equity and the sponsor has contributed the rest.

Dhaka Regency under British-Bangladesh joint investment worth 8.5 million pound will be operated fully under UK management.

"We have already completed construction of the 15-storied hotel at Dhaka's emerging posh commercial hub-Nikunjo-near Zia International Airport and we are in the process to appoint skilled manpower", one Dhaka Regency source said.

Another five star-Intercontinental Dhaka-- being constructed adjacent to Zia International Airport will be opened by the end of next year.

IPCO Hotels Ltd, a subsidiary of Bengal Group, is the developer and lessee of Intercontinental Dhaka.

It is also constructing a three star hotel -Holiday Inn Dhaka-near Zia International Airport.

Meanwhile, the extension project of Pan Pacific Sonargaon is going on in full swing since February 23 of this year. The total cost of the project would be about Tk 666.4 million. The extension project will be implemented in the east side of the hotel within August of 2007 on an area of about 1.7 acre of land.
Hotel sources said the project has been taken up by the owning company to make it more competitive and to offer state of the art services to its guests.

http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=9/30/2006&section_id=1&newsid=39294&spcl=no

construction at the intercontinental and holiday inn dhaka have been at a stand still for more then a year now :|

http://www.sfbasque.org/NABO2002/images/Sheraton%20logo.jpg Dhaka Sheraton Hotel

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/hotellakeshore101.jpg Lake Shore Hotels and Apartments

http://www.lakeshorehotel.com.bd/main.html

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SKY VIEW POOL AND LA TERRAZA:
Take a dip at the sky view pool overlooking the green landscaped lake. Enjoy the beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset by sipping your favorite drink at the La Terraza . Roof Top Swimming Pool with a nice view.

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Hilton to set up hotel in Dhaka
Reuters . Dhaka

Hilton International, a subsidiary of Hilton Hotels Corporation , will build a $100-million five-star hotel in the Bangladesh capital, officials said on Thursday.
Hilton International and a Bangladesh-based property developer Millennium Holdings Limited signed an agreement to have the hotel up and running by 2009.
‘The construction of the hotel will begin early (in) 2007,’ Kazi Helal Ahmed, chairman of Millennium Holdings said without giving details.
The hotel will be located at an intersection of main transportation routes to and from the central business district of Dhaka, he said.
‘IFC, a subsidiary of World Bank, and a consortium including local and foreign investors have shown inte- rest in financing the project,’ Guy Philips, a vice-presi- dent of Hilton Hotels Corporation, told a news conference



http://www.newagebd.com/2006/oct/20/busi.html#8

First Hilton Hotel in Dhaka being set up
FE Report
10/20/2006


Hilton Hotels Corporation, USA and Millennium Holdings Limited, a local property developer, signed an agreement Thursday for establishing the first Hilton Hotel in Dhaka.
With US$100 million investment of which 40 per cent will be raised by equity financing from local and international investors and 60 per cent will be from lending, the project is expected to open in late 2009.
Guy Phillips, vice president of development in Hilton Hotel Corporations-Asia and Pacific region and Millennium Holdings Limited chairman Khazi Helal Ahmed signed the agreement respectively on behalf of their organisations.
The Hilton Dhaka will be located at the intersection of Panthapath and Tongi diversion road on the eastern side of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
This highly posh five-star hotel will be constructed on 4.16 acres of land and will comprise 250 spacious bedrooms, 50 upscale residences and 6 contemporary food and beverage outlets including 24-hour dining.
It will also have a 2,500 capacity state-of-the-art convention centre, rooftop revolving restaurant and space for 1,500 car parking.
Helal Ahmed started the mission of establishing the Hilton Hotel in Dhaka in 1999 and after a try of 7 years finally in 2006 he has been able to manage land. Bangladesh Railway has agreed to give the land.
Phillips said with 100 years service experience Hilton Corporations has 2,800 hotels in 80 countries of five continents with annual turnovers of several billions of US dollars.

http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=10/20/2006&section_id=7&newsid=41320&spcl=no

great news Dopekhor!!! Thanks for always finding great news and posting them here. Your effort is much appreciated.

Excellent news!a 100 million dollar hotel has to be top class!

Hilton signs in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Wednesday, 25th October 2006
Source : Hilton Hotels Corporation

Hilton Hotels signed an agreement with Bangladesh-based property developer, Millennium Holdings Ltd., to manage a new Hilton in Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh.

The signing ceremony was held in Dhaka on 19 October. Scheduled to open in late 2009, the Hilton Dhaka will comprise 250 spacious bedrooms, 50 upscale residences and 6 contemporary food and beverage outlets, including 24-hour dining. The hotel will provide recreational amenities such as a health club, tennis courts and swimming pool.

The hotel will boast extensive conference and banqueting facilities featuring state of art audio-visual and communications technology.

Koos Klein, President of Hilton International, Middle East and Asia Pacific stated, "Bangladesh's status as the garment manufacturing capital of the world is attracting increasing foreign investment and business travel to the country. As the commercial heart of the country, Dhaka is poised for rapid growth, economic development and growing tourism". Mr Klein continued, "Hilton is renowned for being among the first international 5-star hotel brands to enter cities around the world, and our agreement to manage a flagship hotel in Dhaka is no exception.

The new Hilton Dhaka will offer tourists and business travelers first class amenities underpinned with our renowned service. The agreement with Millennium Holdings also marks another milestone in Hilton's ongoing expansion in Asia Pacific". Kazi Helal Ahmed, Chairman of Millennium Holdings Ltd, stated, "Dhaka's ongoing development is placing it on the map as a new must-see destination. We are delighted to have signed an agreement with Hilton Hotels to manage what will become the top hotel in the city when it opens in 2009".

Hilton to Manage New Hotel In Dhaka, Bangladesh The signing ceremony was officiated by Mr Guy Phillips, Vice President Development Asia & Pacific, Hilton Hotels Corporation and Mr Kazi Helal Ahmed, Chairman Millennium Holdings Ltd. The Hilton Dhaka will be located at the intersection of the main transportation routes to and from the central business district of Dhaka, in the Panthopath district.

The site is 18 km from the Zia International Airport, which takes a 25 minute drive by car. The location is set within the heart of Dhaka's central business district, where the Bangladeshi government has plans to build a World Trade Centre complex and convention centre.

Currently the site is a block away from the famous Bashundhara shopping centre, one of the largest malls in South Asia and also houses the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation. In addition to commercial interests, Bangladesh has a rich history reflected in some of the world's most beautiful ancient temples, mosques and architecture.

little more info on http://www.annefrank.org.uk/images/hilton_logo.gif Hilton Dhaka

Hilton Hotel coming to Dhaka soon

Hilton International, one of the top hotel chains in the world, is going to operate and manage a 5-star hotel in Dhaka as joint venture with a Bangladeshi organisation-Millennium Holdings Limited, it is reported in Dhaka dailies on October 20.

The proposed hotel with 250 guest rooms and 50 service apartments is going to be build on a 4.16 acres railway land on Tongi Diversion Road to the east of Pan Pacific Sonargaon at a estimated cost of US$100 million. Local and foreign sponsors and International Finance Corporation (IFC) will finance the project, the report said. However, there is no mention about name of foreign sponsor or sponsors and whether Hilton will have equity participation or not.

The announcement concerning construction of the hotel was made at press conference on October 19. The press conference was addressed by Guy Phillips, Vice President, Hilton International Asia Pacific; Kazi Helal Ahmed, Chairman and Mohammad Iqbal, Managing Director of Millennium Holdings Limited- the local sponsor.

Guy Phillips said that Hilton International has 100 years experience in operation of international hotel services and has earned global reputation. He claimed that Sydney to Paris, London to Tokyo, Seoul to Rome, San Paulo to Dubai or in Far East, there is no better reputed hotel than Hilton. "For quality and services Hilton is the best". There are 2,500 Hilton hotels in 80 countries spread in five continents, he reportedly added.

Kazi Helal Ahmed said that it was the happiest day in his life. For this day he spent time and money after signing agreement with Hilton International Asia Pacific seven years ago, the report said.

Mohammad Iqbal said that Hilton Dhaka will be the real 5-star hotel in Dhaka. It will have 250 guest rooms; 50 service apartments; six restaurants; 2,500-seat convention centre; roof top revolving restaurant and parking facility for 1,500 cars.

According to reports, the press conference was held following signing to agreement between Millennium Holdings Limited and Bangladesh Railway regarding lease of the land. Held at Railway Bhaban, the signing ceremony was attended, among others, by the Communication Minister. No detail of the lease agreement is available. One daily reported that Railway will get rent and part of the profit for the land.

A local daily also reported that on October 9, 2006 Millennium Holdings Limted and Hilton International singed an agreement under which Hilton International will supervise construction and operate and manage the property.

The construction of the hotel will begin early next year (2007) and will be completed by 2009, the report said.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=161

what's the status of the Regency Dhaka? Any photos of the construction?

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

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not to worry I found some construction pics of the Dhaka Regency. I shall post them soon.

OFFICIAL UPDATE ON DHAKA REGENCY

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You will be pleased to know that the overall building construction is now heading fast towards completion. The building is now completed up to 13th floor. The 14th floor construction will complete by 10th of October and the total construction up to 15th floor will complete by 15th November 2006. The interior decoration work is also now at full swing up to 9th floor with the plan launch the first phase by December. We will regularly update this news section to keep all our investors and supporters informed.

http://www.dhakaregency.net/Regency-News/index.html

I am posting photos in my next post.

construction photos of the 5 star http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakaregencylogo.jpg Dhaka Regency Hotel

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view from the Dhaka Regency

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OFFICIAL UPDATE ON 5 STAR DHAKA REGENCY

You will be pleased to know that the overall building construction is now heading fast towards completion. The building is now completed up to 13th floor. The 14th floor construction will complete by 10th of October and the total construction up to 15th floor will complete by 15th November 2006. The interior decoration work is also now at full swing up to 9th floor with the plan launch the first phase by December. We will regularly update this news section to keep all our investors and supporters informed.

http://www.dhakaregency.net/Regency-News/index.html

This is great news!

I think Jamuna Future Park construction site can be seen at a distance having three construction cranes, as far as I can count. Concord city can also be seen in the pics. Very nice pics indeed.

Looks like Jamua Park construction is in progress although I heard from unreliable sources that it was on hold due to some political disagreement between Nurul Islam (Owner of Jamuna Group) and some minister.

New hospitality property set to open in new year; Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort quickly taking shape in city

A new five-star hotel and resort, quickly taking shape near the Palli Bidyutayan head office at Nikunja in the city, is expected to open its doors to guests in the new year.

“In the first phase we hope to open 120 of the 300-room property, as well as some outlets,” said Arif Motahar, Managing Director, Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort.

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What sets this hotel apart is that it is not owned or managed by any hotel chain, but owned by three young non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and has been ‘incubated' by British Bangladesh Investment Group (BBIG). The three of them, who have experience in the hospitality sector in UK , will run the hotel and have divided the responsibilities among themselves accordingly.

The hotel will have exclusive entrances on two sides. The Lobby Lounge and Coffee Shop will be on the fifth floor, kitchen, restaurant and banquet halls on the sixth floor, and guest rooms will be from seventh to thirteenth floors, with the Corporate Floor on the ninth. “The Corporate Floor will be self-sufficient with its own facilities,” said Arif Motahar.

The Ballroom will be on the fourteenth floor. The swimming pool will be on the rooftop as will be the rooftop garden. The underground car park will be able to accommodate 150 cars.

British architects have designed the property while the engineers are local, he said.

They have already started recruiting hotel personnel. We are seeking trained persons. But training alone will not be enough. They have got to have the right attitude,” Arif Motahar added.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=166

5 star http://www.swimmanitoba.mb.ca/RADISSON%20LOGO.gifRadisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka

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Hotel Entrance

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5 star http://www.sfbasque.org/NABO2002/images/Sheraton%20logo.jpgDhaka Sheraton Hotel

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5 starhttp://www.southtravels.com/asia/bangladesh/panpacificdhaka/gifs/logo.jpgPan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

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http://images.worldres.com/site_images/brand_logos_original/raddison_logo.gif Weekend escapes at water garden brasserie

If the 9-to-5 workweek and those two-day hiatuses called Friday and Saturday have become a bore, look beyond the notion of just taking the weekend off. Just take off, period.

http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/uploads/water_garden.jpg

weekend escape may be your surefire cure to surviving winter-time drudgery. And many of these mini-vacations are more affordable than you might think. After a busy and hectic day, reward yourself with a lap in the outdoor pool or brush up your tennis skills or tee off at the adjacent golf course. The Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka offers a variable feast for the senses. Their seven food & beverage outlets inclusive of Radisson Club Lounge serves the finest cuisines, a wide selection of imported premium cigars and beverages and live entertainment. Situated on airport road and next to the diplomatic area, offering fantastic views away from the noise of large cities. Only 5 km. from the international airport, 20 km from Ajloun castle, 40 km. from Pella, and 50 km. from Um Qais The Olive Branch offers easy access to all tourist attractions in North Jordan. There are 204 comfortable rooms and suites including Radisson Club Executive floors. Each room is equipped with king, queen or twin size beds, and large work areas with High-Speed Internet, direct control air-conditioning, in-room safe, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, ironing facilities and a splendid view. The Sundaree Spa and Health Club revitalize and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. The Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka offers a variable feast for the senses. Their 7 foods and beverage outlets include a selection of the finest cuisine, a wide selection of imported premium cigars and beverages and live entertainment.

Radisson Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka offers the most exciting weekend dining experience. This newest 5 star hotel in the country has come up with a very hottest offer - ‘Family Brunch’ at the weekends. It costs at Tk.995 excluding service charge and vat.

Brunch is very popular in the western countries. As more of the western people are coming on visit for business and other purpose, the hotel management thought this might be a good opportunity to try out such offer at Water Garden Brasserie – hotel’s all day dining place. At the Family Brunch the buffet will have wide rage of dishes than any regular buffet.

The idea of Brunch came from Breakfast + lunch. When people are late for their breakfast but early for the lunch and this in between meal is known as brunch. Check out this excellent opportunity to enjoy with your family.

Usually morning starts late on the weekends. Also, weekends are meant for relaxing and spending time with the family. Rightly anticipating the opportunity Radisson has come up with this offer, so that people may enjoy relaxing time with their family on the weekends.

While thinking about the family, the hotel has also made arrangements for exciting games and entertainment facilities for the kids. Children can play indoor football and basketball and watch electrifying cartoon video. Hotel personnel are designated to look after the kids while the parents enjoy the food. Family brunch is offered from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm on weekends only (Friday and Saturday). The program will continue all round the year.

http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_32275.shtml

http://a1595.g.akamai.net/7/1595/2000/4c811eb5c9befa/images.mallfinder.com/Images/Store/Westin.jpg The Westin Dhaka announces its opening in January 2007

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The Westin Dhaka announces it will open on January 30, 2007, as the first Westin hotel in Bangladesh. The hotel is located in Gulshan, the prime diplomatic and commercial zone of the city, only 8 km away from Zia International Airport. Most of the embassies, high commissions, shopping malls, nationals and multinationals are just at a walking distance. All 241 luxurious and specious rooms including 23 suites and a presidential suite are outfitted with high speed broadband internet facilities, LCD flat screen television with satellite & cable channels, direct dialing system, an oversized desk and an ergonomic desk chair, 4 fixture bathroom and the Westin signature products and services that include heavenly bed, heavenly bath and heavenly crib. Guests can enjoy the unique culinary experiences from the finest of ingredients to preparation and live cooking stations. The 6 restaurants and lounges offer distinctive concept and services. The Westin Dhaka will be an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions and any social event. From a small meeting of 12 people to a large function of 450 people can be accommodated. The hotel offers Westin Workout facilities with a state of the art recreation centre/health club, fully equipped business centre, heavenly spa, ground level car parking and limousine services.

http://ehotelier.com/browse/news_item.php?id=P9949

Temporary Dhaka Regency sign on hotel, due to be launched next month in January 2007.

Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort 5* will be the largest hotel in Bangladesh.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p165/Fizz123_album/Logo-2.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p165/Fizz123_album/Large-Logo.jpg

India definitely. We are way behind India in terms of number of 'quality' hotels. But Pakistan, definitely not. Dhaka will have a total of five 5-star hotels by the end of 2006 hopefully. If you compare that to the number of true 5-star hotels in say Karachi, I wouldn't say they have anything special. They have an awesome looking Sheraton and a Pearl Continental and a Marriott? A Marriott is by no means a 5-star hotel. As far as Colombo, Sri Lanka is concerned, they have a massive Hilton. That's all. And as far as poverty levels are concerned, please we are all on the same boat at the end of the day.
You are basing this conclusion on just one city of Pakistan?:nuts:

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/raddisondhaka23.jpg

5 star http://www.southtravels.com/asia/bangladesh/panpacificdhaka/gifs/logo.jpg Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/SonargaonHotel55.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/SonargaonHotel54.jpg

Well as far as I'm concerned Karachi is not only by far the largest, the most happening and the most cosmopolitan city in Pakistan, it is also the financial hub of the country. I had therefore assumed that the better hotels in the country would be located there.

Let's not get into this meaningless competition of city vs city or country vs country. I am happy to see all the developments in the city of my birth irrespective of how that compares with some other city. Karachi could have one hundred five star hotels, it means nothing to me.

To all those posting - thanks for all the pics!

Well as far as I'm concerned Karachi is not only by far the largest, the most happening and the most cosmopolitan city in Pakistan, it is also the financial hub of the country. I had therefore assumed that the better hotels in the country would be located there.
Well thats not true, sadly, it is neglected compared to our other cities.

5 star http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakaregencylogo2.jpg Dhaka Regency Hotel

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakaregency23.jpg

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The lobby looks impressive. I hope its the actual photo of the lobby.

The lobby looks impressive. I hope its the actual photo of the lobby.


the photo is from their website. Not sure if it's an actual photo.

Is this true, i mean there are so many five star hotels in the country- what is so special about this one. Anyway when is this hotel opening?

I have seen the website. It says it will take online booking from January 2007. Its Jan 07 now - how do i go about booking?

Is this true, i mean there are so many five star hotels in the country- what is so special about this one. Anyway when is this hotel opening?

I have seen the website. It says it will take online booking from January 2007. Its Jan 07 now - how do i go about booking?

It sure is the Largest Hotel In Bangladesh.

Official Opening is on 1 February 2007.

The hotel will have 400 luxury rooms, more than any other hotel in the country, including 5 Regency suites, 10 Royal suites and 20 Presidential suites. All the exclusive suites will be based at the top of the hotel on our Regency floor and receive extensive facilities and extra privileges, including personal butler service and a private lounge for VIP guests.

It also has the Largest Restaurant in Bangladesh a 10,000 square foot revolving restaurant with a birds eye.

I think the new website will be going online soon, with the on-line reservation facilities.

The pictures of the outer side of the hotel looks magnificient - Are there any internal picures of the finished product i.e the landing, room facilities etc.

India definitely. We are way behind India in terms of number of 'quality' hotels. But Pakistan, definitely not. Dhaka will have a total of five 5-star hotels by the end of 2006 hopefully. If you compare that to the number of true 5-star hotels in say Karachi, I wouldn't say they have anything special. They have an awesome looking Sheraton and a Pearl Continental and a Marriott? A Marriott is by no means a 5-star hotel. As far as Colombo, Sri Lanka is concerned, they have a massive Hilton. That's all. And as far as poverty levels are concerned, please we are all on the same boat at the end of the day.

I sadly agree, being from Pakistan. But I am very glad to see beautiful hotels in Bangladesh. Congratulations to all Bangladeshis for having such gorgeous hotels. I hope to stay in one of these one day.

I think developing countries such as ours are starting to do well. A lot of positive development is taking place and a lot of employment is being generated in the hospitality, telecommunications and banking sectors. I have very little knowledge about recent developments in Pakistan, but as far as I'm concerned, the country is getting tremendous exposure in the banking sector with the likes of reputable banks such as Deutsche Bank and ABN Amro - both are yet to set their feet in Bangladesh.

i dont get it whats with the sudden upsurge in 5star hotels? i think dhaka, chitagoan and sylhet needs more 3 and 4 star hotels of international standards

Yes Dopekhor you are quite right, although there is massive development in the larger cities, most of them target the upper class as consumers, in villages, the poorest of the poor are being benefitted while the frustration of the lower middle class is increasing.

I have been following the building progress of Dhaka Regency Hotel for the past few months on its website Dhakaregency.net.

Are there any new news. It says that the news section will be updated regularly.

Just got back from Dhaka...don't worry about booking...those are not real pics - construction not nearly complete yet. Also read below.

Radisson and Westin both look great and are wonderful additions to the city's architecture (construction on Westin is still in progress).

From what I saw same cannot be said about Regency. It is located in an unattractive part of Airport Road next to some ugly buildings and no land for the hotel other than what the building itself stands on. And the building itself, looks a lot like the many smaller shopping malls you see around Dhaka. Makes you wonder, what were they thinking building it in this poor location? Of course I will reserve final judgment till it is finished, but I wasn't impressed. Radisson is also located on Airport Road but far better executed.

Also saw land walled off for Hilton - this is being built just a little behind Sonargaon. Much better location - although the area around it is not developed yet I have little doubt that the highrise cluster around Sonargaon will spread east once Hilton is completed. Did not see any renderings of it though.

Construction has started on both luxury hotel Intercontinental and mid-range Holiday Inn immediately adjacent to ZIA. These will be useful accomodating travellers who need to be near the Airport.

great update Tan. Any photos?

As I have mentioned before, quality comes with price. Price tag for both Radisson and Westin is $36 million. Budget for Regency is $15 million, which is much less than Radisson and Westin. There is no way they can build what they are showing in their website with so little money.

As for Hilton, the proposed budget is something like $100 million. If they can finish the hotel with that kind of budget, it will be the best hotel not only in BD but also in the region.

The last I heard about the airport hotel was that the sponsors backed out so the construction got stalled for few years. So, I guess the situation has changed.

Tmac, I didn't take any hotel photos, because honestly they wouldn't add much to what has already been posted here. I did take a few skyline shots and one or two construction shots which I will post when I get a chance - I am very busy this month so I don't know when that will be, but compared to the great photos routinely posted here, don't hold your breath :) .

Clearsky, I must say I didn't see any construction workers on the Intercontinental, but that was true of construction sites in general - workers were away on Eid vacation plus extended vacation due to political unrest :) . The structure is about 3 or 4 storeys tall now so I don't know if that was built before or after the disagreement you speak of.

As I have mentioned before, quality comes with price. Price tag for both Radisson and Westin is $36 million. Budget for Regency is $15 million, which is much less than Radisson and Westin. There is no way they can build what they are showing in their website with so little money.

As for Hilton, the proposed budget is something like $100 million. If they can finish the hotel with that kind of budget, it will be the best hotel not only in BD but also in the region.

The last I heard about the airport hotel was that the sponsors backed out so the construction got stalled for few years. So, I guess the situation has changed.

The information I have found on Dhaka Regency Hotel is that the total cost of the hotel is $40 Million. This article was published in Bangladesh on 30 November on “The Bangladesh Today” newspaper.

And the budget on Dhaka Regency is $30 Million not $15 Million. This $30 Million budget is for construction cost and does not include land, legal and other cost fees. So the $30 Million is being spent on the building itself. The land itself was already owned by Dhaka Regency Hotel.

Regarding the other hotel budgets Radisson and Westin $36 Million cost. These budgets are for the entire project which included land prices and tax/legal fees + CONSTRUCTION .

The actual land cost for Westin is double the cost of Dhaka Regency Hotels land. So the land where Westin Dhaka is located is double the price. So the overall construction would be similar or lower than Dhaka Regency budget on construction.

And for Radisson Hotel the land itself is 10 times larger than Dhaka Regency Hotel land. So they would have paid a high premium for this large land. This would have left them with $15-$23 Million or so on the overall construction budget.

The unattractive part mentioned about Dhaka Regency. It’s still under construction so what do you expect.

the Hotel exterior would be look ugly now as not all work has been completed and there would be dust and construction motors everywhere. And regarding it is in an ugly part of Airport Road… is simply not true.

Because right next door they are going to start construction on the New DHAKA stock exchange in the area called NIKUNJO.

Nikunjo is going to be the new financial hub of Dhaka as it is located for its convenience and of its chaos free diplomatic area. Many other companies are looking to follow.

fizz, hasnt the construction of Dhaka Regency completed yet?. I thought it was opening in Feb 2007

fizz, hasnt the construction of Dhaka Regency completed yet?. I thought it was opening in Feb 2007

News is that they going to do a soft opening in February and are going to open only 4 floors of the Dhaka Regency Hotel.

Westin Dhaka are doing the same on 31 January as only 60% of the hotel interior has been completed.

The information I have found on Dhaka Regency Hotel is that the total cost of the hotel is $40 Million. This article was published in Bangladesh on 30 November on “The Bangladesh Today” newspaper.

And the budget on Dhaka Regency is $30 Million not $15 Million. This $30 Million budget is for construction cost and does not include land, legal and other cost fees. So the $30 Million is being spent on the building itself. The land itself was already owned by Dhaka Regency Hotel.

Regarding the other hotel budgets Radisson and Westin $36 Million cost. These budgets are for the entire project which included land prices and tax/legal fees + CONSTRUCTION .

The actual land cost for Westin is double the cost of Dhaka Regency Hotels land. So the land where Westin Dhaka is located is double the price. So the overall construction would be similar or lower than Dhaka Regency budget on construction.

And for Radisson Hotel the land itself is 10 times larger than Dhaka Regency Hotel land. So they would have paid a high premium for this large land. This would have left them with $15-$23 Million or so on the overall construction budget.

The unattractive part mentioned about Dhaka Regency. It’s still under construction so what do you expect.

the Hotel exterior would be look ugly now as not all work has been completed and there would be dust and construction motors everywhere. And regarding it is in an ugly part of Airport Road… is simply not true.

Because right next door they are going to start construction on the New DHAKA stock exchange in the area called NIKUNJO.

Nikunjo is going to be the new financial hub of Dhaka as it is located for its convenience and of its chaos free diplomatic area. Many other companies are looking to follow.
the dhaka regency has an ugly outlook no doubt about that just look at their billboard

by the time the nikunja gets bustling the dhaka regency will be like couple of years or more into opperation

and people who would want to stay near the airport during their stay would most likely choose the holiday inn, intercontinental or raddison

since most of the travelers coming into Dhaka are business travelers hence chances of them choosing the international chains are hight due to 1) their name and 2) points offered by the chains

The information I have found on Dhaka Regency Hotel is that the total cost of the hotel is $40 Million. This article was published in Bangladesh on 30 November on “The Bangladesh Today” newspaper.

And the budget on Dhaka Regency is $30 Million not $15 Million. This $30 Million budget is for construction cost and does not include land, legal and other cost fees. So the $30 Million is being spent on the building itself. The land itself was already owned by Dhaka Regency Hotel.

Regarding the other hotel budgets Radisson and Westin $36 Million cost. These budgets are for the entire project which included land prices and tax/legal fees + CONSTRUCTION .

The actual land cost for Westin is double the cost of Dhaka Regency Hotels land. So the land where Westin Dhaka is located is double the price. So the overall construction would be similar or lower than Dhaka Regency budget on construction.

And for Radisson Hotel the land itself is 10 times larger than Dhaka Regency Hotel land. So they would have paid a high premium for this large land. This would have left them with $15-$23 Million or so on the overall construction budget.

The unattractive part mentioned about Dhaka Regency. It’s still under construction so what do you expect.

the Hotel exterior would be look ugly now as not all work has been completed and there would be dust and construction motors everywhere. And regarding it is in an ugly part of Airport Road… is simply not true.

Because right next door they are going to start construction on the New DHAKA stock exchange in the area called NIKUNJO.

Nikunjo is going to be the new financial hub of Dhaka as it is located for its convenience and of its chaos free diplomatic area. Many other companies are looking to follow.
the dhaka regency has an ugly outlook no doubt about that just look at their billboard

by the time the nikunja gets bustling the dhaka regency will be like couple of years or more into opperation

and people who would want to stay near the airport during their stay would most likely choose the holiday inn, intercontinental or raddison

since most of the travelers coming into Dhaka are business travelers hence chances of them choosing the international chains are hight due to 1) their name and 2) points offered by the chains

The Intercontinental and Holiday Inn are not happening... construction has been stalled for months now...

i am sure the civil aviation authority wont let that land go to waste i think when the new government will come to power, the fate of the project will be changed

look at the westin it was supposed to open in 2002 and its 2007 and yet no signs of it starting operations soon

i am sure the civil aviation authority wont let that land go to waste i think when the new government will come to power, the fate of the project will be changed

look at the westin it was supposed to open in 2002 and its 2007 and yet no signs of it starting operations soon

ya well, hope your right cause its sad to see those shells just sitting there on such prime property.

Has there been any recent development with Dhaka Regency Hotel.
The website says it will take online orders from January 2007. But there doesnt appear to be a facility to do so.


http://www.dhakaregency.net/Regency-News/target11.html

anybody heard about the rumor that the Hyatt company or Marriot was talking over the management duties of the sarina hotel?

Dhaka Regency(Under Construction)

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http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/dhakaregency221.jpg

nice to see Dhaka Regency taking shape. Fine photos as usual Mirza.

HOW OLD ARE THESE PICTURES MIRZA?

how many 3 and 4 star hotels are the in Dhaka and Chitagoan?

Well Dhaka has a bunch of quite decent three star hotels of international standard I must say... of them I'd like to mention the Best Western La Vinci and of course Lake Shore Hotel and Apartments. I've been to the latter a couple of times and it's nothing short of breathtaking.

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

pool view

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakaradisson12.jpg

first photo of the inside of the hotel that I have ever seen

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http://farm1.static.flickr.com/96/232773260_607e444e07_b.jpg

HOW OLD ARE THESE PICTURES MIRZA?

Wishbone,i took these pictures last Friday.

Wishbone,i took these pictures last Friday.


Thanks Mirza, nice pics - Is the hotel still opening next week?

Well Dhaka has a bunch of quite decent three star hotels of international standard I must say... of them I'd like to mention the Best Western La Vinci and of course Lake Shore Hotel and Apartments. I've been to the latter a couple of times and it's nothing short of breathtaking.
what i mean is that dhaka needs some international branded 3 and 4 star hotels, many foreigners coming into dhaka arent aware of the local ones

Thanks Mirza, nice pics - Is the hotel still opening next week?
no way man construction work is still going on and you are talking about the shops in the ground floor they have long ago

Even the opening of the Westin Dhaka has been delayed. I checked the official website of Starwood Hotels a couple of months ago and they were accepting reservations from January 31. Now that's been delayed till February 26. But looking at the progress they've made, I wouldn't be surprised if the opening is delayed any further. It'll be an awesome hotel though. Gulshan long needed a 5-star hotel. It is in my opinion Dhaka's business center at present.

I agree with sas, Westin, however delay it takes, will be an awesome hotel once it is completed. Its in one of the best possible locations of Metro Dhaka.

Westin Dhaka looks to be almost complete.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/Tarik3/westindhaka25.jpg

DOES ANYBODY KNOW THE LATEST ON DHAKA REGENCY OPENING AND ARE THERE ANY NEW INTERNAL PICTURES?

Westin Dhaka to open first quarter of this year

Westin Dhaka to start operation in the first quarter of 2007.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=185

http://www.swimmanitoba.mb.ca/RADISSON%20LOGO.gifRadisson Dhaka generates revenue for US $ 9,515,500 in first year

In less than 1 year of operation (324 days), The Radisson Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka generated total revenue of US$ 9,515,500 which was highest among the hotels in 2006 in Bangladesh. The hotel generated the largest volume of Credit Card transactions in Bangladesh within the merchant portfolio of Standard Chartered Bangladesh in 2006. This amount was US$ 4,293,025 by credit cards. Total foreign currency revenue earned in 2006 was US$ 6.81 million (cash US Dollar and credit cards).

The Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka has officially completed its first year of operation. Inaugurated on February 05, 2006 , the hotel went into full operation on February 11, 2006. The Hotel is part of a major expansion program being undertaken across Asia Pacific by US based Carlson Hotels Worldwide. The hotel is owned by Sena Hotels Development Limited (A joint venture of Sena kalyan Sangstha and Army Welfare Trust)

It had been a remarkable start for the hotel both in terms of business performance and standard of service offerings. From the day the door was opened for the guests, the hotel was running at full pace. The hotel experienced very high occupancy and average rate in all the areas of its operation. After opening, Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka maintained its position as number one in the RevPar Index Ranking among the competitive set (RevPar ranking is an index used globally to measure business performance within the industry). At the same time among the Radisson system in Asia Pacific, Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka is the first hotel to break the record of business performance during the first year of operation.

Due to the unique location and ambiance, Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka has already established itself as the premium brand and a place for happening among local Bangladeshi's and foreign community residing in Bangladesh. The hotel's "Feel of a Resort Feature" not only attracted foreign business travelers but became the first preference for leisure destination in Dhaka among the locals.

Radisson has been successful in creating a service quality benchmark in the hospitality arena of Bangladesh. With regular training and management development programs, transfer of international skills & hospitality technology had been a prime goal of Radisson as well. In this perspective, there are regular movement of employees for training and development within the Asia Pacific region.

One of the main factors behind Radisson's success story is Radisson's "Yes I Can" service philosophy that guests have come to expect across the world, bringing a unique international perspective to the local hotel market. All the 400 employees of Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka is true believer of "Yes I Can" service philosophy and they are practicing them in their day to day operation and every guest interaction.

As a part of Radisson's Corporate Social Responsibility, the hotel's Social Committee is relentlessly working for the uplift of social conditions of the underprivileged people of Dhaka city. Radisson is regularly sponsoring different charity and fund-raising events with other partners in the corporate sector.

Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka is committed to continue offering services of international standard in 2007 and beyond. In this perspective, lot of new initiatives have been adopted by the management looking at the changing demand of international business travelers and local community.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts is one of the leading upscale, full service hotel brands in the world with more than 400 hotels in 63 countries. Conveniently located in capital cities, urban centers and popular leisure destinations, Radisson hotels are committed to delivering superior service and product excellence with genuine hospitality for the contemporary traveler. Guests enjoy comfortable, well appointed guest rooms with quality finishes and international standard facilities and a welcoming service experience created through a unique personal connection in a fun, fresh and real environment.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific is the regional headquarters for Carlson Hotels Worldwide with offices in Singapore, Australia, India, Japan and China. Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

- Asia Pacific manages five brands: Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn. Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific has 54 hotels in 11 countries. Carlson Companies, the parent company of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, is a global leader in hospitality services, encompassing more than 1,700 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 countries and is one of the largest privately held corporations in the United States. Carlson Companies employs around 190,000 people across its global network.

http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_34007.shtml

great news!!! way to go radisson

great news!!! way to go radisson

no wonder so many 5 star hotels are being built in Dhaka these days. Westin and Hilton are next. Regency Dhaka as well.

I read that hotel occupancy rate was 72%, which isn't bad. But there will be stiff competition in the coming months and years as there are other hotels in the coming.

The hotel companies may be overplaying their hand just a bit. When I visited Sonargaon early January their lunch buffet was cancelled due to low occupancy. While it's nice to see all the new hotel developments, they may be headed for at least some short term financial losses, until demand for so many expensive new rooms catches up with the supply.

i still think dhaka, chitagoan and coxs bazar needs 3 and 4 star and budget hotels of international repuation

the easy group (the easy jet and easy cruise people) are expanding into south asia unfortunately non bothered to bring them to Bangladesh

anyone else heard the news that Prince Talal had revived talks or is in the process of reviving talks with the govt for his proposal of buying the pan pacific sonargoan?

Are you referring to the Prince Talal who owns the Four Seasons hotel chain?

What's interesting is that the Sonargaon extension project still seems to be going on full swing, even though it's on illegally occupied land.

I don't know if the Four Seasons deal will go through, but I am sure it would benefit the quality of Sonargaon. In this forum we speak somewhat liberally of "stars", but in some places, like here in the United States, there are strict criteria for such awards. "Stars" are awarded by Exxon-Mobil corporation. A hotel cannot have more than five stars according to this system. In the United States, there are about 40 five star hotels. Four Seasons is the best of the American hotel chains and many of its hotels are five star. Sonargaon, if it were in this country, would get four stars at best. Four Seasons ownership would go a long way towards making it truly a five star hotel by global standards.

Are you referring to the Prince Talal who owns the Four Seasons hotel chain?

What's interesting is that the Sonargaon extension project still seems to be going on full swing, even though it's on illegally occupied land.
how sheraton is owned by the govt and the land is also owned by the govt..

I don't know if the Four Seasons deal will go through, but I am sure it would benefit the quality of Sonargaon. In this forum we speak somewhat liberally of "stars", but in some places, like here in the United States, there are strict criteria for such awards. "Stars" are awarded by Exxon-Mobil corporation. A hotel cannot have more than five stars according to this system. In the United States, there are about 40 five star hotels. Four Seasons is the best of the American hotel chains and many of its hotels are five star. Sonargaon, if it were in this country, would get four stars at best. Four Seasons ownership would go a long way towards making it truly a five star hotel by global standards.
i hope it does go through, four seasons is owned by bill gates thou, talal said that if he could buy an establish hotel in Bangladesh and sees a good future he'd poor in a lot of money in the tourism and hospitality sector

I don't know if the Four Seasons deal will go through, but I am sure it would benefit the quality of Sonargaon. In this forum we speak somewhat liberally of "stars", but in some places, like here in the United States, there are strict criteria for such awards. "Stars" are awarded by Exxon-Mobil corporation. A hotel cannot have more than five stars according to this system. In the United States, there are about 40 five star hotels. Four Seasons is the best of the American hotel chains and many of its hotels are five star. Sonargaon, if it were in this country, would get four stars at best. Four Seasons ownership would go a long way towards making it truly a five star hotel by global standards.

40 five-star hotels in the entire US? You've got to be kidding me. And also, Four Seasons is not an American hotel chain, it's Canadian. I'm not sure if I would agree that the Four Seasons is the best although I agree they are one of the top ones. How about the Ritz?

Yes, as of 2007, there are 37 five star properties in the United States, as awarded by Mobil Travel Guide. In America, there are two prestigeous awards for hotels - "stars" given by Exxon Mobil Corp and "diamonds" given by American Automobile Association. Here is the link for 2007 star awards, if you wish to see for yourself:

http://mobiltravelguide.howstuffworks.com/fivestar.php

The criteria are very selective. In our forum, we use the words "five star" and "luxury" interchangeably, and for our purposes, that's fine. However, if you say to someone from another country, that Hotel Seagull in Cox's Bazar, is a five star hotel, that will give them a false impression. Now admittedly, I have not stayed there, but from the pictures, if it were in America, if would receive at best three stars (I use American criteria only because I live here and they are ones I am familiar with).

This does not mean that it is a bad hotel! The only beach resort I have stayed at in this country, was a three star Marriott, and it was great!

Not all five star hotels belong to a chain. Here in America, the two best known luxury chains are Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton. There are 8 Four Seasons and 5 Ritz-Carltons among the 37 five star properties.

I was wondering what the exact required criteria is for a specific hotel to be classified as a five-star. I know this is a debatable issue and we could probably go on for hours about this. Where could we find detailed and more importantly, reliable information?

However, I must say that I do disagree with the US having only 40 five-star hotels. The country has a vast number of metropolitan areas, where millions are traveling to and from everyday, for business as well as travel.

^^ My numbers are not based on my personal opinion - this is the standard used in the United States. Please follow the link I provided, or research the subject on your own if you prefer. Whatever the case, this is not something worth arguing about - so I will let it rest at that :) .

Dood... wasn't going to argue with you anyways... I have very limited in the topic myself... was just curious that's all... it's all good...

By "argue" I was implying debate, not quarrell, so no need for bad feelings :)! Personally I think it makes more sense to describe a hotel as luxury, moderate, budget etc. Official "stars" involve a lot of snobbish criteria that have little to do with most people. A restaurant doesn't get five stars just for good food, for example - it has to have the right plates, right volume of music, and bunch of silly stuff like that. The same for the hotels.

Hotel Victory,Naya Paltan

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

looks like a nice hotel Mirza.

looks like no body here agrees with me on the fact that dhaka needs more budget hotels and of 3/4 stars of international repute

I agree with you. I'm happy with the 5 star boom but there should also be 3-4 stars. Dhaka has to be a city which can accomodate tourists of all income ranges.

5 star Dhaka Sheraton Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/Tarik3/dhakasheraton40.jpg

I recently heard that holiday inn was back in order and that they were gonna complete the hotel. Anybody know anything about this?

I saw two construction cranes in there while on my way to Uttara.

Interesting Hotels! :okay:

Thanks man!

This is huge news guys... I had thought the whole project had collapsed... let's try following up on this news with more updates...

Dhaka Regency,Nikunjo

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

The Westin Dhaka,Gulshan-2

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/westindhakagulshan2.jpg

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

magnificant photos Mirza.

This is more than a hotel : San Amalan; The Westin Dhaka set for soft opening at March end

Dhaka : The Westin Dhaka, the new five-star luxury hotel in the country, is set for soft opening at the end of March or the first week of April. This is the first Westin branded hotel and second Starwood managed property in Bangladesh . The grand opening is likely to take place one or two months later.

Owned by Unique Hotel and Resorts Limited, the 24-storied business hotel is located in Gulshan, the prime diplomatic and commercial zone of the city, only eight kilometres away from Zia International Airport . Most of the embas-sies, high commissions, shopping malls, big local business houses and multinationals are just at a walking distance.

“Uniquely de-signed, The Westin Dha-ka is an ex-ample of mo-dern archi-tecture. The design ref-lects not only the comfort but also the aspiration that it should surpass current establishments in Dhaka in terms of opulence and luxury. Each and every part of the hotel has its own decorative style though all are homogeneously comfortable and luxurious,” said San Amalan, General Ma-nager of the hotel.

“Every aspect of guests' ex-perience is tailored to make a distinct stay on every level: Physically, spiritually and aesthetically. This is more than a hotel. It's a destination where guests are understood and feel that this is a place where they can be at their best,” added Amalan, a familiar face in the hospitality scene.

All 241 luxurious and spacious rooms including 23 suites and a 1,600 square feet bulletproof presidential suite feature an intimate connection and an emotional impact of Westin, outfitted with high-speed broadband internet facilities, LCD flat screen television with satellite and cable channels, direct dialing system, an oversized desk and an ergonomic desk chair, four-fixture bathroom and the Westin signature products and services that include heavenly bed, heavenly bath and heavenly crib.

Of the 241 rooms, 132 will be ready by the time of soft opening.

“As soon as you enter the hotel after day's work, you'll feel the difference. The associates will be ready to receive you with The Westin Wel-come. With the hustle and bustle of the street gone your senses will be soothed by the ambience inside the Lobby, he said.

Checking in or arrivals at The Westin Dhaka will be a personal and renewing experience– sensory as well as emotional. Explaining Wes-tin's sensory welcome, he said, on arrival, the guests will be treated to Signature Towel Service, offered Westin Travel Elixir to drive their tiredness away, Westin's very own White Tea Scent will be on the air, soothing Westin music will play on the background while signature botanicals will please their sight.

There is no sensory element more engaging on an emotional level than that of music. It can be renewing, bringing positive energy to the environment, while creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Controlled use of scent can create desirable and inviting atmosphere and communicate Westin brand, Westin qualities and Westin style. Westin's signature White Tea Scent as developed with the perfume house Mane.

On botanicals, he said, a key sensory enhancer, these will bring a touch of nature and life to the environment and make guests feel noticed an appreciated. “With weekly refreshes and seasonal changes, Wes-tin's botanical collection will provide yet another opportunity to communicate ‘renewal' at key touch points during the arrival experience,” he added.

Wireless Welcome

On check-in, he said Wireless Welcome will be more personal than a kiosk and the check-in process carried out by roaming GSA is expected to be more efficient than traditional check-in.

Regarding Service Express, he said Service Express Agents will perform multiple adding, one call will do it all.

San Amalan said, training of the first batch of Associates has already started. When the training will be completed the hotel will have 450 associates. Except a few, almost all are Bangladeshis. While some are new, majority are Bangladeshi expatiates re-turning to the country after serving in hotels in the Middle East and elsewhere, he informed.

Guests can enjoy the unique culinary experiences from the finest of ingredients to preparation and live cooking stations with food cooked right in front of diners. The six restaurants and lounges offer distinctive concept and services.

Taste will be a Pan Asia interactive dining complex serving a modern style buffets and ala carte meals. It will boast of a Molteni, termed Rolls Royce of kitchens.

“We'll have the fourth Molteni in the world. Two are in US and one in Europe ,” Amalan informed.

Living Room will be a lobby lounge serving light meals with light entertainment and a variety of beverages.

Treats, mainly aimed at youths, will be an interactive delicatessen serving a variety of cakes, mini pizzas, pastries, coffees and mocktails.

Splash will be a lifestyle poolside restaurant and bar serving a variety of snacks and beverages.

Prego will be an Italian restaurant with a modern ambience and relaxed atmosphere, overlooking the city of Dhaka from 23rd level, and Prego Bar adjacent to it will be a sophisticated bar and lounge for the modern generation.

The Westin Dhaka will be an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions and any social event with a capacity of approximately 2,000 sqm available functional spaces. The five contemporary meeting venues are well equipped with state of the art audiovisual equipment, LED lighting effects and projections.

“With 86 different (LED) colours we'll be able to offer corporate colours for the entire ballroom if the business houses so desire.”

From a small meeting of 12 to a large function of 450 guests can be accommodated.

The hotel will offer Westin Workout with a state of the art recreation centre/health club (one exclusively for ladies), fully equipped business centre, heavenly spa, ground level car parking and limousine services.

Asked what would be the response, San Amalan said, “People are ready to pay the price. Gulshan now has a good hotel. Five star guests will come and stay here for the location. Companies who did not bring high-level executives earlier, will now be encouraged to bring them.”

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/aviation_story.php?recordID=850

fantastic news.

btw was anyone able to go to the holiday inn site?? It would be great to see some pictures and see if construction really is going forward on the two hotels there.

Westin Dhaka will be one of the finest hotels in South Asia. I am very much looking forward to the opening.

Zaki, we will have to wait a while for Holiday Inn and Intercontinental Dhaka I think.

^^

Yeah. Westin will have a bullet proof presidential suite. As far as I know, none of the hotels in the country has such suite. Given its location and facilities, I think they have a very good prospect of doing well.

Radisson is doing very well, which proves that if they can provide excellent service, they will make money.

While in Gulshan last night, I managed to catch a glimpse of the interior construction of Westin. All I can say was that even in its unfinished form it looked AWESOME.

does anyone know what's happening to the Dhaka Regency, they were going to open in feb.....

what's up with their plan.....

mani

Rooms in Lake Shore Hotel

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u160/duinumbari/LakeShore.jpg

does anyone know what's happening to the Dhaka Regency, they were going to open in feb.....

what's up with their plan.....

mani



Dhaka Regency is currently open for Business.

does anyone know what's happening to the Dhaka Regency, they were going to open in feb.....

what's up with their plan.....

mani



Dhaka Regency is currently open for Business.

Great news! Can't wait for interior pics :D

Dhaka Regency is currently open for Business.

that's great news. Source?

Open? The last photos we saw, the building looked only half finished.

Yup, you make sense. I think it is only the shopping area on the ground floor which is open for business, for how could a 5 star hotel be completed that fast? Anyway, the sooner the better :D

have any of you guys noticed that "wishbone" has made 10 posts so far and all of them are about the Dhaka Regency? He only comments about Dhaka Regency and that's it. He has no interest in anything Bangladesh related other than Dhaka Regency. Not even any other hotels or resorts. I wonder why...

Maybe he has a Regency fetish :D ...

Maybe he has a Regency fetish :D ...

or may be he is part of the ownership group.

Could be but I think he has a crush on Regency :)

How is Westin coming up... any news on that.....

the westin looks almost done from the outside

from what i hear the hilton dhaka is gonna be the like the holiday inn and intercontinental dhaka

i.e stay just as a billboard, the land which it was supposed to be built on is allegedly acquired by illegal means

^^ All in good time I suppose. I don't know that Kawran Bazar really needs another luxury hotel at this time. When I was in Dhaka in January, Sonargaon was not having its lunch buffet due to low occupancy.

at the same time raddison dhaka's profit was more the 2/3 times then it had expected, raddison ate away at pan pacific's share they and sheraton need a massive upgrade their days of monopoly are gone and with the westin starting operations soon unless pan pacific and sheraton does anything i dont see a good future for them

at the same time raddison dhaka's profit was more the 2/3 times then it had expected, raddison ate away at pan pacific's share they and sheraton need a massive upgrade their days of monopoly are gone and with the westin starting operations soon unless pan pacific and sheraton does anything i dont see a good future for them

Well considering Tourism in this country is dead (not because there's no hope, but simply because the government authorities don't do enough about it and they seemingly have (or should I say had) other priorities such as making money from bribes), the major reason which kept these hotels alive was the number of visits they got from business people coming from abroad. I feel there will be plenty of foreign investment in the future, now that things are finally falling into shape in this country, with the massive crackdown.

As far as the requirement of more top quality hotels, I strongly believe Gulshan needed one very badly and I'm glad the Westin's opening soon. I feel we will most definitely need some more top quality hotels in the near future because Bangladesh is definitely going to look way more attractive for foreigners to invest here in the near future... trust me on this one...

but the problem is the politicians brainwash people to be anti fdi, and so most bengalis are very much against fdi take grameenphone for example people are like they are taking billions of dollars away yet they never look at the impact its made on the economy the number of jobs it has created or the contributions to the economy

and investors dont fancy such public tendency

Yup, I remember what happened in Fulbari- shining example of what you said, but with the politician riff-raff in jail, now we can hope for better solutions to problems.

i hear that the govt is considering of kingdom groups proposal of buying the pan pacific dhaka and then converting it into a four season and paving the way of at least $1 billion dollars worth investment in the tourism and hospitality sector

i hear that the govt is considering of kingdom groups proposal of buying the pan pacific dhaka and then converting it into a four season and paving the way of at least $1 billion dollars worth investment in the tourism and hospitality sector

I like Sonargaon hotel because it's unique and it has muhgal architecture. I hope they don't change that.

here's an article on Sonargaon Hotel and it's messy renovation work.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/19/d7031901011.htm

^^ Not surprised...the whole place seemed kind of gloomy when I visited in January. I say sell it to the Saudi Prince and get it out of the hands of these incompetents.

^^ Not surprised...the whole place seemed kind of gloomy when I visited in January. I say sell it to the Saudi Prince and get it out of the hands of these incompetents.
werd!

Hi Dhaka, Bangladesh. It's a good thing that finally I can see the sights of Dhaka. Great Place. :D

Well I'm praying that the Saudi prince or somebody buys it up, because with the way things are going with the renovation project, I don't see them staying in business. Four Seasons is one of the best chains in America - will easily beat any hotel in Bangladesh to date. Moreover, the Radisson is doing extremely well and the Sheraton has always been there. Moreover, the Westin is opening very soon.

same here the govt will realize that its revenue from these 5star hotels wont be as high as they were and then act in panic thats the tipical govt style

Westin Dhaka set to start journey by May
New five-star hotel GM says

A new five-star hotel, Westin Dhaka, is set to make a foray into the Bangladesh hospitality market by May this year, the top official of the hotel has said.

Banking on its location at Gulshan-2, the prime diplomatic and commercial zone in the capital, the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide-managed hotel eyes the growing hospitality market here, San Amalan, general manager, said in an interview with The Daily Star last week.

When the Westin is going to start its journey, at least two other international chain hotels -- Intercontinental Dhaka and Holiday Inn Dhaka -- are also under construction, showing the growth of hotel business in the country.

Dhaka's new hotel Radisson Water Garden has emerged as the best performing hotel in the international chain's Asia Pacific region, registering $9.5million revenue in its first year of operation. The hotel officials announced the business figure at a press briefing early last month. Radisson went into operations in February 2006.

When asked about their plans to grab the market share here, Amalan said: "We are very much confident looking at the location of the hotel, its proximity to the airport, foreign missions and many multinational companies. It has a great potential that people will stay here."

Besides, there are clients who look for extra luxury in Bangladesh and the 23-storey hotel with 344,600 square-foot floor areas is ready to offer quality services by ensuring safety and security, added Amalan, a Sri Lanka-born Australian.

Room fares will be expensive compared to those in other hotels in Dhaka. The hotel with lots of amenities including spa, 'heavenly bed' and 'heavenly bath' will charge on an average $160 for a room, said Amalan, who has over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry.

The features of the 'heavenly bath' include a dual showerhead providing guests with a therapeutic shower spa and a curved shower rod providing eight additional inches of elbow room in the shower, the general manager described, adding that the all-white 'heavenly bed' consists of mattress with 900 individual coils.

Unique Hotel & Resorts Limited, a sister concern of local Unique Group, owns the hotel, which has 241 rooms including 24 suites.

Among the three five-star international chains that are in operations in Dhaka, Sheraton has 272 guest rooms, Pan Pacific Sonargaon 304 and Radisson 206.

The new hotel, which has parking facilities for 120 cars initially, will create employment opportunities for some 450 people and 7-8 of them will be foreigners.

Asked what measures are required to woo more foreign tourists in Bangladesh, Amalan said: "The country has lots of things including its culture to promote tourism."

"People would love to come and see its culture...the way of living here. The river cruises, cultural festivals at Ramna Park and even rickshaws will attract tourists. And the Sundarbans is a great spot," added Amalan, who was the general manager of Dhaka Sheraton between 1996 and 2000.

Besides, Bangladesh has a potential to sell it as a popular tourist destination since the country is surrounded by some international tourist spots such as Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Thailand, Amalan went on. "These places are not far from Dhaka. People visiting Bangkok might come to Dhaka for a few days if there are enough tourist facilities."

The hotel is ready to promote Bangladeshi cuisine as the general manager said restaurants will also offer local foods. The hotel also looks to ways of popularising fusion cuisine, a delicious combination of Eastern and Western dishes.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts that manages the new five-star hotel in Dhaka is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 hotels in more than 95 countries.

Apart from Westin, Starwood's other brands include St Regis, Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Four Points, Le Méridien, aloft, element, and W Hotels.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/03/21/d70321050374.htm

tmac no offense but you arent the discussing type are you? you enjoy providing the news rather then discussing it

tmac no offense but you arent the discussing type are you? you enjoy providing the news rather then discussing it

I like both but perhaps one more so than the other. What would you like to discuss?

I like both but perhaps one more so than the other. What would you like to discuss?
anything related to bangladesh discussions attract peoples attention hence more participants from bd will join

The Daily Star article mentioned the construction of the Intercontinental and the Holiday Inn. Are those really happening? BTW, the City Centre building's most definitely not happening thanks to the way things have gone with the Orion Group. I was in the area yesterday and construction has completed stalled.

The Intercontinental sign is still there and a crane is present but didn't see the Holiday Inn sign.

The Intercontinental sign is still there and a crane is present but didn't see the Holiday Inn sign.

Interesting observation Dhakaiya... well it's just really sad to see how all these projects had gotten approved in the first place... it's totally appalling... the truth is coming out now...

Yeah, anything illegal will not be spared any longer InshaAllah. No more place for corrupt people in our Shonar Bangla.

Two luxury hotels begin operation by June

Two luxury hotels-Westin Dhaka and Dhaka Regency- begin their operation by June this year.

Of them, Dhaka Regency is set to launch 'soft-opening' on April 14 while Westin Dhaka opens the door by June.

There is an investment of $ 50 million behind these two posh hotels. Local Unique Group is the prime sponsor of 25-storied Westin Dhaka while British Bangladesh Investment Group (BBIG) owns the 15-storied Dhaka Regency.

"Uniquely designed Westin Dhaka is an example of modern architecture and it will surpass the existing establishments in Dhaka in terms of opulence and luxury," said a source of the posh hotel, located in city's Gulshan area.
He said there will be 241 luxirious and spacious rooms including 23 suites and a presidential suite in the newly constructed hotel.

The Dhaka Regency is located at Dhaka's emerging posh commercial hub-Nikunjo-near Zia International Airport.

"We have a total of 250,000 square feet of space with 310 luxury rooms and suites," a Dhaka Regency source said.

The luxury hotels are being constructed in Bangladesh as increased tourist flow is giving a boost to the country's hospitality industry, market operators said.

Currently Dhaka has four luxury hotels-Sheraton, Sonargaon, Radisson and Sarina.

According to sources, every year some 5,000 foreign tourists visit Bangladesh. They spend $1,000 each during their visit while around 0.2 million foreigners come to Bangladesh for business or other purposes. The number of business travellers is eyeing a double-digit growth.

As tour operators are now quite organised with many of them having their own hotels, restaurants, ships and buses to provide quality services to the travellers, the travel industry is now growing by around 30 per cent a year, according to Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB).

"Foreign companies conduct market study to find lucrative areas of business before opening business in a new country. So, it seems that the foreign business groups which have hotel chain in their business have seen a huge scope to develop business here," one hospitality industry source observed.
Construction of the Tk 3.50 billion Westin Dhaka began in late-1998.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., USA is participating in the equity, rendering technical support and management of the implementation of the operation of the hotel under the brand name of 'Westin.

It will be an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, conventions, exhibitions and any business or social event with a capacity of approximately 2000 sqm spaces, the Westin Dhaka source said.

http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=4/6/2007&section_id=7&newsid=57487&spcl=no

Dhaka Regency starts its first ever mega show tomorrow

Dhaka Regency, a premier business hotel, starts its first ever mega show "Esho He Boishakh' to welcome the Bengali New Year from tomorrow (Friday) at 8.00 pm with live performance of many famous artistes until the dawn of April 14.

The longest buffet consisting of over 150 items will continue to energise all for the whole night and at 5am traditional Pantha Elish will be served with verities of local delicacies.

The Dhaka Regency is a magnificent business class hotel, ideally located on the Airport Road in commercial area of Nikunja of the city.

With its spectacular 15-storey tower the hotel has a total 250,000 square feet of space. It has 25000 square feet of basement parking facility. It has also 310 luxury rooms and suites including one Regencies suite and two presidential suites.

Media Manager of the hotel Md Badrodduja Sagar said it is the management is challenge to provide customers with an excellent and truly memorable experience. He said the room rates are unrivalled by any other five star hotel in the country without compromising quality.

http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=4/12/2007&section_id=7&newsid=58103&spcl=no

Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort, another five-star hotel, will be launched in the capital city on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla new year (April 14).

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Executive Director of the hotel Kabir Reza said the hotel would be the biggest and most modern one in Bangladesh.


Only a five-minute drive from Zia International Airport, the 15-storied Dhaka Regency is situated on two-lakh square-feet of land with modern shopping mall facilities.


The 310-room hotel was built at a cost of Taka 300 crore under a joint venture of local entrepreneurs and Bangladeshi nationals living in Britain.


Kabir Reza hoped that the hotel would fulfil a long-felt demand of the local and foreign traders and other VIP guests and would also help expand tourism sector in the country.


Another Executive Director Arif Motahar was also present at the press conference.

http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/04/12/d70412050654.htm

Hey Fizz, you wouldn't be related to our other forumer Wishbone, would you? The only thing either of you seem interested in is the Dhaka Regency.

^^ LOL

This is getting weird :lol: but good news.

good that new hotels r coming up... Westin Dhaka as we all know is a 5 star standard, but is Dhaka Regency also a 5 star... which will make dhaka housing 5 of the 5 star hotels.... that's great.....

i don't know if Dhaka Regency can be a 5 star standard as of it being located on top of a shopping centre.... anyway what is best is so much of good things r happening.... can someone get new photos of this 2 hotels...

people in dhaka enjoy........

5 star http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/logo.jpg Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/sonargaonhotel71.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/sonargaonhotel70.jpg

WORLD CLASS PARTY AT DHAKA REGENCY HOTEL

The largest and only party going on at Dhaka. 2 floors including roof top with live entertainment.

Roof Top DJ for a dinner and dance party

Dhaka Regency will be serving the largest buffet of food and drinks in Bangladesh

1200+ people attending the event with a host of VIP and famous stars.

Televised LIVE ON Bangla TV UK and Channel 1 Bangladesh

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p165/Fizz123_album/Slide8.jpg

^^ Is the hotel completed? As far as I know, its not. Most of it is not completed yet.

Perhaps they should complete the hotel and then celebrate.

^^ Is the hotel completed? As far as I know, its not. Most of it is not completed yet.

Perhaps they should complete the hotel and then celebrate.

The Hotel is opening tomorrow, it better be complete!

Well, it looked good enough to be operational last time I went to Uttara.

may be it will be what they call in the hotel business "a soft opening".

Regency Dhaka website says it's been updated.

http://www.dhakaregency.com/index.html

Westin Dhaka's kitchen opened

The kitchen of The Westin Dhaka was kicked-off Sunday at the presence of The Westin Dhaka General Manager San Amalan and Unique Hotel and Resorts Limited Managing Director Mohammad Noor Ali.

The kitchen is fitted with contemporary culinary equipment and worldclass décor run by some inspired connoisseur chefs. This will cater to Westin's restaurants and lounges and different banquet outlets.

"The kitchen will provide endless possibilities. We are about bringing back our guests with worldclass culinary experience,' said Amalan. He also said "opening of the kitchen has given us more confidence to open the hotel in the beginning of June' 2007".

http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=4/24/2007&section_id=7&newsid=59167&spcl=no

o just noticed the dhaka regency is also a resort where is the resort? :confused:

If you look at the cox bazar pics, lots of buildings have "resort" written in their billboard. I think it’s just a marketing gimmick. Perhaps the western resort concept doesn't apply there.

Washington Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/washingtonhotel10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Tarik/Tarik2/washingtonhotel11.jpg

5 star Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five-star international chain hotel Westin Dhaka opens next month

New international five-star chain hotel Westin Dhaka is going to open next month, aiming to cater luxury service to the local and international leisure and business tourists.

This will be the fourth international five-star chain hotel in the city besides the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Pan Pacific Sonargaon and newly built Radisson Water Garden.

Accommodating 241 luxury rooms, including 23 suites and one presidential suite, the Westin Dhaka at Gulshan Avenue will be unique with its modern and luxury services.

The hotel general manager, San Amalan, said with the growing number of business and leisure tourists, the demand for this kind of modern and luxury hotel was increasing in the country.

San said they were recruiting a huge number of local employees — freshers or having some professional courses in hotel management or tourism sector.

‘We have recruited around 450 staff and, among them, only six expertise were hired from abroad while the rest have been recruited from local professional,’ said San.

About the location, the general manager said, ‘Visitors will get all the available services around the hotel as it is situated in the prime diplomatic and commercial area of the city and is only 8 kilometres away from the airport.’

Mahbubur Rahman, director of communication of the hotel, said all of their rooms would be outfitted with high speed broadband internet facilities, LCD flat screen television with satellite channels connections, direct dialling system, four-fixture bathroom, heavenly bed and other furniture.

He said the room rent of Westin would be higher than that of other hotels in Dhaka, the minimum price starting from $180.

Besides the luxury room facility, guests will be able to enjoy the unique culinary experiences from the interactive cooking stations in six restaurants and lounges, said Mahbubur.

The restaurants are Taste, a Pan Asia interactive dining complex, Prego, an Italian restaurant, Living Room, a lobby lounge serving light meals with light entertainment and a variety of beverages, Treats, an interactive delicatessen serving a variety of pastries and coffees, Splash, a poolside restaurant and bar and the Prego Bar, which will provide sophisticated bar and lounge.

The director of communication said Westin Dhaka would have venues for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and any social event.

The five meeting venues of the hotel will be well equipped with state of the art audio visual equipment, LED lighting effects and projections where a small meeting of 12 people to large function of 450 people would be accommodated.

The guests will get service of the art recreation centre, health club, fully-equipped business centre, heavenly spa, ground level car parking and limousine car service from the hotel.

Mahbubur said Westin would be the first chain hotel of its brand in the country and the second Starwood-managed property in the country.

http://www.newagebd.com/busi.html

Can anyone kindly give us an update on the Hilton? Construction is yet to begin. Moreover, they've gotten rid of the massive 3-d signboard that they had. All they have is a small gate with the Hilton logo.

Best Western La Vinci Hotel

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5 star Radisson Water Garden Hotel

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5 Star Westin Dhaka

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partial view of Westin's entrance

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5 Star Radisson Water Garden

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5 Star Dhaka Regency(Under-construction)

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Savour Shisha at Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort

Yearning for Shisha! Then 'Shisha World' Hookah Lounge of Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort is the place for you. Guests from the three five star properties in the city come to the 'Shisha World' to energise themselves. Shisha is ornamental tobacco pipe attached to a tube through which the smoke is cooled and purified as it passes through water ready to be puffed. It is very mild, flavoured and not as harmful as cigarettes.

The Shishas and the setting of Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort transport you to the Mughal era or the Arab world, and you'll find yourself smoking the 'Shisha' to bring back your energy after a hard day's work.

The 'Shisha World,' which can seat about 50 persons at a time, offers Apple, Double Apple, Tropical Mix, Mint, Orange, Strawberry and Water Melon flavours, which are non tobacco, contains 0.5 per cent nicotine and 0 per cent tar.

The 10,000 square feet Grandiose Restaurant of the hotel, located on the sixth floor, is the biggest restaurant in the city and can seat 450 persons restaurant style. Its menu and preparations are refreshing.

With only 86 of the 310 rooms ready, Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort is already experiencing good occupancy. Forty five more rooms will be added every month till all (the 310 rooms) are ready.

Dhaka Regency Hotel is a story of three friends from different backgrounds and born and brought up in London who got the building constructed in record one year. The date for completion of the building and the hotel opening was actually scheduled sometime next year, said one of the three.

"One of our friends, who was here before the two of us, discovered this spot.” E-mails between the three followed. We two came over, saw the place and decided to go ahead, said Kabir Reza, Executive Director, talking to The Bangladesh Monitor in his office recently.

"We did some research and found that hotel business in Bangladesh to be prospective. The niche we're filling up has not been targetted by anyone here," he said, adding that the three friends manage the hotel themselves and have no plans to go for any management franchise.

"Novotel wants 30 per cent of the profits just for using its name. Why should we give them that when we can manage it ourselves? We are running the show. I am looking after F&B Sales and part of production and service, he said, adding "we share everything."

"We don't even have any General Manager. Everyone has access to my room. They can come to us anytime to discuss any problems of any nature. We see to it that they do not feel neglected," he said.

The three, instead of sitting in their cosy offices, are found moving around different floors enquiring about the well being of the guests or the staff and solving problems taking quick decisions.

"We are doing good. Last week all the rooms were occupied, this week 52 (are occupied). Our guests are mainly from the United Kingdom," he said, adding, "We are doing marketing in UK . We own a television channel (Bangla TV) there. We are putting on advertisements on the channel."

After running Dhaka Regency, they want to go for more such hotels in Dhaka , Chittagong and on a small scale at Cox's Bazar.

The hotel, with its very courteous staff, is aiming at the business community and holiday makers with its service, spacious rooms and grand restaurants. Its ballroom and some rooms on the 14th floor will open next month while the gymnasium and the swimming pool within the next two weeks. All the fixtures are from abroad, he informed.

The hotel which prides itself as the premier business hotel, is offering meetings and events packages, eight hour and 24 hour delegate packages, anniversary packages and The Platinum, The Gold and The Silver wedding packages.

The Dhaka Regency, located at Nikunja, soft opened to guests with a night long "Baishakhi Festival" on the eve of Pahela Baishakh enriched with the performance of stars like Arnob and Habib.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=237

All set for soft opening of The Westin Dhaka on June 20

All is set for the soft opening of The Westin Dhaka on June 20. A note pasted on the door leading to the hotel manager's office on May 27 read 24 days to go. The 330 staff members were hard at work giving the finishing touches to the hotel. At work too were some 400 labourers including 40 from China .

For Noor Ali, Managing Director, Unique Hotels and Resorts Ltd the opening of the "truly five star" property would be the fulfillment of a dream. It would be a proud moment, an achievement, not only for him but for the whole nation, he feels.

More private entrepreneurs should come forward in this sector and the government should cooperate by creating an enabling environment and by doing something about taxes. Both raw materials as well as the finished products are taxed, say food, he said, adding these should be taxed only once.

The hotel is already receiving very favourable reviews from those who have visited it, including corporate leaders and diplomats. "I can't believe this hotel is in Bangladesh ," said departing national cricket coach Dav Whatmore.

This correspondent, who was also taken around the rooms, also feels that a lot of work and lot of planning have gone into the hotel. Everything in the property seems to set it apart.

The rooms are large about 400 square feet in average. The height of the ceiling is also three feet more than at other properties, ensuring supply of more oxygen. The "Heavenly Bed" is there as is ergonomic chair that would be of great comfort to one's back.

The "Heavenly Shower" delivers five times the water of a normal shower and the commode not only cleans itself but also its user.

The 'Elsafe' in the room is large enough for safekeeping of one's laptop. The suites, which are there on every floor, are larger than the rooms.

There will be two Honeymoon Suites for newly wed couples to come here and spend their honeymoon. The rooms will have LED lighting to suit the moods of the couple. Honeymoon Suites will be available for US$520 a night. It will be packaged with many value added things.

There will be six (Spa) treatment rooms - two male only, two female only and two for couples. There will be two beds in every (Spa) suite, own Jacuzzi and steam bath.

The Deluxe rooms will cost US$299 each a night while the Specialty rooms at US$332. Each Presidential Suite is for US$1500 a night.

The swimming pool will be temperature controlled cool in summer and pleasant in winter. The escalators will have special lighting.

The special, heavy doors can hold off fire for four hours.

The public areas will be decorated with sculptures by leading sculptors of the country, while original works of the leading painters will adorn the rooms and suites. Honey onyx marble has been used in the entire property.

The hotel will open with 50 per cent of the rooms and four restaurants on June 20, said San Amalan, General Manager, The Westin Dhaka, and he hopes almost everything including the 'Heavenly Spa' Would be ready by July 20, the grand day.

Though San Amalan did not reveal the details, he said, "Well be doing something."

Presently everyone is geared up for the opening and trainings are going on in full swing with trainers_ called Project Managers_ from sister properties in Malaysia and Thailand .

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/hotel_story.php?recordID=234

Hilton Dhaka -

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sorry for the dark pictures they didnt light their billboard, and i hardly pass use that road

Best Western La Vinci at night

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What is status of Hilton? Is it still a go?

Yes, what news of the Hilton?

renovation work of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel seems to be going on nicely.

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old photo

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What is status of Hilton? Is it still a go?

construction is yet to commence, yesterday i just saw them setting up that new billboard.

^^ Thanks for the info. The pic on the last page doesn't show up very well for me...maybe sometime when you get a chance you can snap a daytime pic. Does the the billboard have a render of the building?

I don't believe designs of any sort of the Hilton have been announced as yet. At least I haven't seen any. What is the status of the Sonargaon renovation? I had read an article a few months back, which mentioned that the hotel's revenue had been hit very badly because of the slow rate at which the renovation was taking place. Renovation was supposed to be ready by the beginning of this year. In fact, the hotel ran at a loss last year. Another big factor here might have possibly been the inception of Radisson.

They've actually re-published fresh dates for the renovation of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

http://www.panpacific.com/en/articles/2751.html

Worldclass five-star renovation

Event Start Date : 22 Mar 2007
Event End Date : 22 Mar 2010

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka is currently under a multi-million dollar renovation project.

Considerable time has been spent in coordinating the décor and design in order to ensure the perfect harmony with modern technology and local Bangladeshi culture. Upon completion of the renovation, we are going to have the following new and upgraded facilities:

Renovated guest rooms - 283 luxuriously appointed rooms with 32-inch LCD TV, world-famous Simmons bed, comfortable Duvet, Herman Miller desk chair, easy Internet connection, etc.

2-storey Pacific Lounge - on the 8th and top floor with breathtaking views of Dhaka skyline

Swimming pool – a relaxing oasis of Dhaka with Sunbath deck and Jacuzzi for both male and female areas, etc. (Opening Soon )

Health Club - Swimming pool facing Health club with all new equipments, wet sauna, dry sauna, massage room, etc.(Opening Soon )

AQVA - a brand new modern Italian restaurant will be located at swimming pool area

S Bar - membership of this live music bar will be very limited

Café Bazar – 3-meal restaurant with an open kitchen concept

Jharna – the seating capacity of this fine dining restaurant will be increased

Car parking- the largest capacity car-parking in the city will accommodate 450 (four hundred fifty) cars

And more…………….

^^ Start Date March 2007? They have been renovating long before that...

They were having low occupancy when I visited in January (which I think must a peak season in BD)...so three more years does not bode too well for them. Also I am guessing that the rumoured Four Seasons takeover is not going forward, or at least I have not read anything new about it.

^^ They were thinking about expanding the hotel but later on decided to upgrade instead. However, they are building a new parking lot. Orion group was handed the 20 million-dollar project. But the owner of the Orion group has fled to Malaysia to evade arrest on corruption charges and since then all his business entities are in limbo.

There has been report of very slow progress of work. This hotel is a cash cow for the govt. and it's in pretty bad shape.

Yeah the hotel's future does look bleak at this stage, they've just put up the nice and attractive additions on their website. I doubt if they're really doing anything about it.

Drove past the Hilton site today, where they've put up a nicer signboard and I could actually see that they've evicted some illegal encroachments in that area. There seemed to be a huge pile of trash behind the gate. Let's hope construction kicks off soon, despite the fact that we haven't heard anything about the Hilton ever since news of it was first announced around October last year.

Hilton project will not see day light for a long time, if ever at all, unless they change the location. The land they are supposed to build belongs to the railway and would have to be filled up before the construction. Dhaka city now desperately needs lakes to reduce water clog during monsoon season. Besides, environmentalists raised serious concerns about this project. They went as far as asking the govt. to demolish BGMA building.

So there won't be any Hilton hotel any time in the foreseeable future.

^^ I always wondered the logic of building two luxury hotels so close together, at this point in our development. I don't think Sonargaon has ever had a shortage of rooms.

Construction of Westin makes sense to me since Gulshan is the main affluent area, as did the proposed Intercontinental / Holiday Inn next to the airport, plus possibly also Regency if Nikonjo is developed as planned. On the other hand the location of Radisson seems iffy to me. Yes it has been successful so far, but will that be the case once it is no longer the newest kid on the block? At the same time other areas of the city, like Motijheel, remain without an international-standard hotel.

Well I doubt any international quality hotel is actually required in the Motijheel area. The main business district is slowly but surely moving to the Gulshan area. Motijheel was traditionally home to all the companies in the financial services sector. But most multinationals (such as Citi and Standard Chartered) are moving their headquarters towards Gulshan (this was just an example). All visitors for business purposes would naturally have an inclination towards settling in the Gulshan area rather than anywhere else in my opinion, because all the businesses are there.

As for hotel locations, I too feel the Hilton would have done better had it been located in the Gulshan area, rather than the Maghbazaar/Kawran Bazaar area. In reality, Dhaka is growing very fast and there is a continuous growing demand for top quality accomodation in the city.