7-star hotels is bullshit. It's pure marketing....

7-star hotels is bullshit. It's pure marketing....

Yeah, but look what it did for Burj Dubai. These guys are thinking they can replicate that. Personally I think it's idiotic. :lol:

Well for the Centauraus I think they can definetly replicate it!

Afterall, the same company atkins is working on it!

^^Oh yeah forgot about the Centaurus. Actually come to think of it why not...I mean why not go all out for 7 stars instead of sticking to the conventional 5 stars. If you've got the money then use it.

PR invites EoIs for setting up 55 hotels

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Railways has invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for establishment of 55 low budget hotels in the different cities across the country.

These hotels are aimed at providing better accommodation to the people at comparatively affordable rates. Those locations where these hotels would be established include Karachi Division, Karachi Cantonment at two locations; near Railway goods shed and abandoned bungalow No 110 at Adam Road, Hyderabad near railway station, Mirpur Khas near AEN's office, Sehwan Sharif near Railway Station. In Quetta Division, at Quetta near Railway station and another at Jinnah Road,Chaman, Sibbi near loco shed, Taxila Cantt near station, Rawalpindi near station, Rawalpindi near old railway police station saddar, Jehlum near Hayat siding,Sargodha near Level Crossing No 77 and Golra Sharif.

In Peshawar Division the hotels are proposed at locations like, Peshawar Cantt near Railway Quarters, Peshawar near city railway station, Attock near Police Station, Kohat on Rawalpindi Road, Kohat on Bannu Road, Hassanabdal near railway station, Mardan near railway station, Charsadda near railway station,Nowshera near Civil courts.

In Lahore Division, the proposed sites include in Nankana Sahib at railway station yard, Faisalabad at Tariq Abad road, Gujranwala city near abandoned railway dispensary, Lahore guard running room, Sialkot at railway station, Wazirabad near railway station, Kasur at railway road, Okara near railway station.

In Multan Division, Dera Ghazi Khan railway station, Bhawalpur at Chamb More, Jhang near Saddar railway station, Sahiwal near railway station, Khanewal near railway station, Shorkot near cantt railway station, Multan near road-over bridge Aziz Hotel, Pakpatan, Lieah, Bhawalpur, Bhawalnagar, Haroonabad, Chishtian and Mandi Sadiq Ganj.

In Sukkur Division, Rahim Yar Khan near Abassi town, Shikarpur, Sukkur at buder station, Khanpur, Nawabashah, Jacobabad and Larkana. According to the plans, PR would run these ventures for a period of 33 years, extendable for a similar term, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions.

Pakistan Railway, as joint venture partner would invest its "Land as Equity". The Lead Partner will plan, design, finance, develop, operate and market the project, ensuring regular revenue streams to Pakistan Railways during the currency of the agreement. He would responsible for obtaining any NCOs, approvals, sanctions and certification from local or relevant agencies for setting up the project.

The last date for the submission of the interest is Jan 25. app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk

Wrong!

You are working on assumptions right now completely. I have pictures of construction work at the Hyatt in Islamabad. Did you ever think maybe they are not up there because they are still in early construction/planning stages?:ohno:

UP dont get too excited once gain bro. Hyatt.com has 2 hotels in Lahore mentioned few weeks ago, not any more. Grapevine news is they will be some middle eastern chains now. Islamabad is still on Hyatt's website.

UP dont get too excited once gain bro. Hyatt.com has 2 hotels in Lahore mentioned few weeks ago, not any more. Grapevine news is they will be some middle eastern chains now. Islamabad is still on Hyatt's website.
I rather WAIT for a proper notification.

UP dont get too excited once gain bro. Hyatt.com has 2 hotels in Lahore mentioned few weeks ago, not any more. Grapevine news is they will be some middle eastern chains now. Islamabad is still on Hyatt's website.


As far as the SZC hotel is concerned, there is a logic to that given that it is a JV with a UAE company. But, lets wait and see what transpires. I think the ISB Hyatt has also been taken off the Hyatt website.

Wow. Pakistan does seem to be a boogey country for Hyatt. That building in front of PC was Hyatt too, right? And Avari was also some other hotel at the start, Hyatt I think.

Wow. Pakistan does seem to be a boogey country for Hyatt. That building in front of PC was Hyatt too, right? And Avari was also some other hotel at the start, Hyatt I think.

Avari was the Hilton in a previous incarnation.

^ no, I think Avari used to be Hilton - not sure though.

^ no, I think Avari used to be Hilton - not sure though.
Yes, I thought Avari used to be hilton as well.:nuts:

Ok, sorry for the confusion. It was Hilton. And I believe the contract was annulled before the hotel completed. I'll confirm that tomorrow.

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=201950

Mercure Grand Hotel to start operation at Karachi Airport from April
RECORDER REPORT
KARACHI (January 10 2007): Mercure Grand Hotel, Karachi, a five-star hotel, will start operation from April 1, 2007 and will bring an attractive European style hotel to the Karachi Airport. The hotel is located in the Civil Aviation Security Zone, a short 5-minute drive from the Jinnah International Airport Terminal.

This was announced by Christophe Landais, Managing Director of Accor, Middle East, while briefing newsmen in the hotel premises on Monday. He said that the hotel would begin commercial operation in two phases. Phase I, opening on April 1 2007, will consist of 120 rooms and 2 suites, with an all-day dining restaurant, coffee shop, swimming pool, with pool bar.
...
Muhammad Akhtar, CEO of UIG and Muhammad Imran Qureshi, Director, UIG were also present on this occasion.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

CAN'T FIND ANY MENTION OF IT ON THEIR WEBSITE. HAS ANYONE SEEN ANY PICS OF THE EXTERIOR. CAN'T FIND ANY ANYWHERE.

KARACHI, Feb 20: The Sindh IT Department has given final shape to projects of smart budget hotels in Sukkur, under E-government project.

This was stated by Sindh IT Adviser Noman Saigol, while talking to District Nazim Sukkur Syed Nasir Hussain Shah at his office, said a handout issued here on Tuesday.

DCO Sukkur Shafiq Khoso, Secretary IT Yahya Waliullah, Sindh Additional Secretary IT Dr Asif Zaman Khan, officials of IT department and district government Sukkur were also present.

The meeting gave the E-government project a final shape, under which offices of district government Sukkur would be electronically linked. In this regard tender would be issued soon.

During meeting representative of smart budget hotel chain Najeeb Zafar gave presentation. It also identified land for setting up a hotel.

It was told that Smart Budget Hotel project would cost Rs1billion, facilitating jobless youths with employment opportunities. A hotel management institution would also be established which will increase number of skilled people. A presentation on project of installation of close circuit cameras was also given.—PPI

http://www.dawn.com/2007/02/21/local18.htm

What's a smart budget hotel?

Mercure Grand Hotel at Karachi Airport is opening soon. This company is also developing the Sofitel in Clifton.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=11227398&postcount=146

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/432944523_b6166458f9_b.jpg

hey guys what happened to le meridien that hotel too was situated somewhere near the airport

KARACHI: The France-based Accor hotels has opened its Grand Mercure Karachi Airport Hotel, bordering terminal 1 and the Star Gate on Shahra-e-Faisal. Accor’s business includes Sofitel hotels, one of which is going to be built in Clifton on the plot of the former MidEast Hospital. The prime minister performed the ground-breaking ceremony for this project last week. According to an announcement Wednesday, the Grand Mercure has 235 rooms. It would be the first new five-star hotel in Karachi after over two decades. The hotel will be managed by Accor and is owned by UIG (Pvt.) Limited, a joint venture between JS Group & Qureshi family. Accor’s business includes hotels, with the Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn brands. The JS Group includes five businesses: JS Industrial, JS Infocom, JS Property, JS Resources and JS Transportation. farhan sharif

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\03\29\story_29-3-2007_pg12_3

KFC Pakistan Expands Investment Base in Sukkur

SUKKUR, March 29 Asia Pulse - As part of its expansion plans throughout the country, KFC Pakistan recently launched its 44th branch in Pakistan and first in Sukkur.

KFC Pakistan, a subsidiary of Grey Mackenzie Restaurants International Ltd, has been aggressively following a strategy of continuous growth in Pakistan. According to the Chief Executive of Cupola Group of Companies, Rafiq Rangoonwala, KFC has provided sustainable employment opportunity for hundreds of local people while training has also been provided to them.

We believe in providing maximum opportunities to local labour and suppliers. Every new outlet of KFC in different cities of Pakistan has also been instrumental in boosting business opportunities for allied industry".

"We are largely contributing to the growth of the retail and fast food industry in terms of maturing market towards hygienic food and quality entertainment", added Mr. Rangoonwala.

Located on Military Road near Public School, this restaurant offers Drive Thru facility as well as children's play place where kids can entertain themselves while the adults get a chance to dine in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

Source: PPI(Singapore)

KFC Pakistan Expands Investment Base in Sukkur

SUKKUR, March 29 Asia Pulse - As part of its expansion plans throughout the country, KFC Pakistan recently launched its 44th branch in Pakistan and first in Sukkur.

KFC Pakistan, a subsidiary of Grey Mackenzie Restaurants International Ltd, has been aggressively following a strategy of continuous growth in Pakistan. According to the Chief Executive of Cupola Group of Companies, Rafiq Rangoonwala, KFC has provided sustainable employment opportunity for hundreds of local people while training has also been provided to them.

We believe in providing maximum opportunities to local labour and suppliers. Every new outlet of KFC in different cities of Pakistan has also been instrumental in boosting business opportunities for allied industry".

"We are largely contributing to the growth of the retail and fast food industry in terms of maturing market towards hygienic food and quality entertainment", added Mr. Rangoonwala.

Located on Military Road near Public School, this restaurant offers Drive Thru facility as well as children's play place where kids can entertain themselves while the adults get a chance to dine in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.

Source: PPI(Singapore)

This news item would be more appropriate in the thread about cafes, bars and restaurants which pakboy created.

On a side note, does anyone know why pakboy got banned?

This news item would be more appropriate in the thread about cafes, bars and restaurants which pakboy created.

On a side note, does anyone know why pakboy got banned?

Isnt he posting under the name "Punjab"?

^^ I think thats someone else.

^^ I've never seen 'punjab' advertising Bahria Town here, so it couldn't be him! ;)

^^ :lol:

Taylor Devices Gets $1.3M Pakistan Order
Wednesday April 4, 11:43 am ET
Taylor Devices Gets $1.3 Million Order From Pakistan Hotel for Seismic Dampers

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (AP) -- Taylor Devices Inc., which makes equipment that protects buildings from natural disasters, said Wednesday that it received a $1.3 million order from a Pakistan hotel for seismic dampers.

The agreement calls for Taylor to provide more than 200 dampers, which will be used to provide seismic protection for a hotel being constructed for Avari Hotels International in Islamabad.

The hotel project involves converting and remodeling an existing seven-story concrete building into a luxury hotel. The design requirements call for an earthquake protection level for the hotel that is about equal to that of northern California without making extensive changes or reconstructing the building frame.

"This type of earthquake performance is easily achieved by simply adding Taylor seismic dampers to the existing building frame," President Douglas Taylor said in a statement.

Shares of Taylor Devices added 9 cents to $5.18 in morning trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The stock has been trading between $4.31 and $8.25 over the past 52 weeks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070404/taylor_devices_order.html?.v=1

Salvaging heritage and helping the people

By Rina Saeed Khan

The conversion of the fort into a hotel was painstakingly done so as to remain faithful to its original structure and character. What is surprising is that all this was achieved only in four to five years –– it goes to show what can be done in a short period, given expertise and funding

Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, lies in a wide valley ringed by snow covered peaks and surrounded by a mountain desert. The light, like the landscape, seems softer, more diffused than elsewhere in the Northern Areas. Our destination, however, was Shigar, a picturesque green valley around thirty minutes’ drive away, which lies on the way to the famous Baltoro glacier and K-2.

The settlement of Shigar has been selected by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) for their Historic Cities Support Programme. This programme goes beyond the mere restoration of monuments, and engages in activities related to the adaptive reuse of buildings, directed at improving local living conditions.

In Shigar, the programme has restored the local Raja’s fort palace, converting it into an exclusive guesthouse. This fort palace was crumbling, almost in ruins when the Raja handed it over to the NGO. In return, it built him a rather elegant house close by the hotel, in the style of the traditional architecture of the area but with all the modern amenities.

http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/images/review1.jpg

Unlike other commercial hotels, the ‘Shigar Fort Residence’ ploughs back all its profits into the local community. Already, Shigar valley is benefiting from this project as locals are trained and employed and local handicrafts are sourced for use in the hotel. This up market hotel is already attracting international tourists to this culturally rich region, which is also home to some of the highest mountains on earth.

In 2006, Aga Khan finally inaugurated the Shigar Fort hotel, although it has been operating now since 2005. In September, 2006, the Unesco Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific announced that Shigar Fort has been honoured with the Award of Excellence for Culture Heritage Conservation. The Norwegian government was the main partner in the restoration of the fort. Funding was also provided by the governments of Germany, Greece, Japan, Pakistan, Spain and Switzerland.

Baltistan is often called ‘Little Tibet’ and its architecture reflects the area’s historic links with that region. In fact, Baltistan lies at the junction of the Islamic and Buddhist worlds and its inhabitants were mostly Buddhist before converting to Islam. One can find the remains of old monasteries on the ridges and the wooden carvings on the doors and pillars use Buddhist motifs like the lotus flower. Shigar Fort has plenty of these motifs on its carved beams and doorways.

http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/images/review1b.jpg

Shigar is a lush green valley located near the river’s edge. It was ruled for centuries by the Amacha dynasty, which had its origins in the Hamacha tribe of Hunza. Some believe that a young man from Hunza with the name of Amacha came to Shigar using a passage across the Hispar glacier. Other writers think that as the Hamacha tribe was massacred in Hunza, some members managed to flee to Shigar where they gained power and won recognition as the Amacha in the 13-14th centuries.

Raja Hassan Khan ascended the throne in 1634, and with the permission of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan, brought various artisans including shawl weavers, carpenters, goldsmiths and stone-carvers from Kashmir to Shigar.


He built Shigar Fort upon a huge boulder and it is known locally as Fongkha ––– literally, ‘the palace on the rock’. The rock is the first thing most visitors notice upon arrival at the fort: the large boulder protrudes obtrusively from the walls at the entrance.

The fort itself was designed as a cribbage structure with interlacing wooden beams (which protects the structure from earthquakes). Its three stories are built on a massive platform using the rock as its foundation. Walking around the well-kept garden and gazing up at its newly renovated stone walls with their crisscrossing wooden beams, one could hardly believe that it had all been in complete shambles when the present Raja, Mohammad Ali Shah, gifted it to the NGO back in 1999.

Indeed, the fort had been in a dilapidated condition for a very long time. The Raja had abandoned it back in the 1950s in favour of an annexe he built for himself nearby. Today these have been turned into a kitchen and dining room. The Raja has also leased his large garden and orchard to the AKTC and they have built some more guestrooms around it.
http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/images/review1c.jpg

This was a completely feudal society and the Raja’s rule was absolute. Today, of course, there are no more fiefdoms in the Northern Areas (since the mid-1970s) and the people are adjusting to this change,” says Safiullah Baig, the deputy manager of the AKCSP.

“Yet, the forts and palaces are all part of the people’s heritage, their identity and we want the local people to take pride in them and feel a sense of ownership. In Hunza, the local people now refer to the Baltit Fort museum, which once belonged to the Mir, as ‘our fort’. When we completed Shigar Fort’s restoration, the Raja asked us ‘if you don’t mind, could I have a look around’? This was his home, where he grew up and yet he is comfortable with the change.” All the young architects and designers who worked on the fort are also from the Northern Areas and have been given special training by the AKTC.

The fort’s garden overlooks a rushing stream and most of the rooms on one side have views of this picturesque scene. Inside the newly renovated fort, spotlights illuminate the reception area which is located on the first floor. It is quite gloomy inside, although some natural light filters in through a small window in the thick walls. There is a museum here, in the oldest part of the fort. A smattering of antiques ––– old utensils, wooden containers and carved pillars are displayed in a tasteful manner.

The terrace outside the first floor leads to the newly renovated bedrooms. A peak inside revealed an elegant room with a comfortable bed, small desk, stylish lamps and rolled up blinds on the small windows. In the walls were recesses displaying antiques. A small bathroom with modern amenities is attached to each bedroom. It is really amazing that people can enjoy the 21st century luxury in a 17th century fort!

http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/images/review1d.jpg

There are thirteen rooms in the fort and each is different. They are of varying sizes; some have bed niches, others have screens or woodcarvings. Yet they are all comfortable and inviting, with soft hand-woven textiles, wooden floors and lime washed walls. The architects have tried to retain as much as possible of the fort’s authentic character.

Modern furniture is minimal -–– the focus is on the spectacular woodwork and the artefacts of the region which have been placed sparingly in each room. They say that good design is what you leave out, and it is obvious that the designers have put a lot of thought into each room.

Many hours of meticulous planning and attention to detail have gone into each room. “We have used local materials and handicrafts,” explained Shehnaz Ismail, who is in charge of the textiles, crockery, and the discreet interiors of the hotel. “The idea is to be faithful to the culture of this region. This is not a luxurious hotel ––– it is really for discerning clients who are looking for authenticity.”

Ismail has initiated a project in which locals from the community are taught new designs and asked to weave woollen rugs. She hopes to revive traditional skills ––– the handicrafts can be bought by tourists as souvenirs.

“This project is unique in Pakistan. It was done in a relatively fragile building fabric,” explained Masood Khan, one of the leading architects of the project. “We had to be very careful and make sure the installations are as reversible as possible. We did not want the modern additions to invade the fabric of the building.”

http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/images/review1e.jpg

Guests staying at Shigar Fort are expected to treat the fort with the kind of respect and loving care that the staff accords to it. Thus, for instance, eating in the bedrooms is strictly forbidden.

The conversion of the fort into a hotel was painstakingly done so as to remain faithful to its original structure and character. What is surprising is that all this was achieved only in four to five years -––– it goes to show what can be done in a short period, given expertise and funding and the will to work.

Already, the restoration has led to a revitalisation of the surrounding villages, where the NGO has helped to install proper sanitation and clean drinking water. In the years to come the fort will generate the necessary funds for its future maintenance and for supporting community projects. This project could really become a model for the renovation of dilapidated forts and palaces not only in the Northern Areas, but all over Pakistan.


http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/review1.htm

Historic Cities Support Programme
The HCSP was established by the Aga Khan Development Network in 1992. It undertakes the conservation and rehabilitation of historical buildings and urban spaces in ways that serve to catalyse social, economic and cultural development. Since its inception, over twenty distinct projects have been initiated in several different regions of the Islamic world.

In Kabul, the HCSP is leading a project to rehabilitate the Babur Garden, the oldest Mughal 'Paradise garden', which contains the tomb of 16th century emperor Babur. In the Northern Areas of Pakistan, projects for the rehabilitation and reuse of historic forts, landmark buildings and traditional settlements, as well as the promotion of traditional crafts and building techniques, have helped transform poor communities into relatively prosperous ones. In 2004, the Baltit Fort restoration project in Hunza received the UNESCO award for excellence.

The restored Baltit Fort, now a museum, attracts over 20,000 visitors annually, half of which are from outside the country. –– R.S.K

i have heardthat Jw marriot is comingto lahore ..opp sadeeq trade center any news regarding this?

there is no land oppersite sadeeq center, unless they tear apart that marrage hall

^^ they have completley demolished the building across the road in front of sadiq trade center, its quite a reasonable size of area. there is no board or any thing yet it might be place for marriot or any plaza lets see

Dubai: French hotelier Accor will build a dozen hotels in Pakistan in a deal with Pakistan's JS Group, a financial services firm, to fill a room supply gap in the mid-range market.

Accor holds a 25 per cent equity stake in the joint venture that will create 2,400 hotel rooms, Accor Middle East managing director Christophe Landais told Gulf News.

"We will develop 12 Ibis hotels over a period of five years in key cities," he said.

The total development cost is estimated to be $156 million. Three sites have been identified in Islamabad, Faisalabad and Lahore.

Ibis is a mid-price brand of the group, which also operates the five-star Sofitel hotels.

"We are also in talks to have Sofitel and Novotel hotels in Islamabad and Lahore," Landais said.

Accor opened the 118-room Mercure hotel at Karachi airport in April while one Sofitel is under construction in the city's Clifton area.

It is aggressively pushing its mid-range and economy hotels in the Middle East and South Asia.

Strong economic growth is increasing business and leisure travel in the two regions, creating demand for more hotel rooms.

In a deal with the Indian subsidiary of UAE-based property giant Emaar, Accor will manage 100 Formule 1 budget hotels in India in 10 years.

"The budget hotels conform to the market needs. Most of other groups are also focusing on it but we feel we have a headstart with Ibis," Landais said.

Most of Accor's new developments in the region are in the non-luxury category.

Accor operates 20 hotels in the Middle East, offering 4,984 rooms, but its portfolio will triple by 2010.

Thirty properties are under construction that will provide an additional 8,247 rooms by 2010.

In the UAE alone the group manages six hotels providing 1,384 rooms and 16 are under construction with a capacity of 5,218 rooms.

The group will have 21 Novotel and 22 Ibis properties across the Middle East by 2010.

-----------------------------------------------------
http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Hotel_and_Tourism/10122580.html

Carlson Hotels signs Park Plaza in Lahore

Carlson Hotels has signed a Park Plaza hotel in Lahore, the second most populated city in Pakistan. Owned by the Rehman Group, the Park Plaza Lahore MM Alam Road will join a growing number of hotels in the Park Plaza portfolio across the Asia Pacific region. The 172-room hotel is scheduled to open in September 2007.

Paul Kirwin, president, Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific said, “Pakistan is a key market in our global expansion strategy. Lahore, being the capital city of the Punjab province, provides a critical role in developing the country’s economy as they play host to the largest information technology companies in the country. Lahore is also the second largest financial hub in Pakistan. As such, it is a strategic market for both our business and leisure guests. I look forward to working with the Rehman Group, who has demonstrated their commitment to develop the Park Plaza Lahore MM Alam Road.”

Lahore is one of largest city's in South Asia, and because of its rich history and allure, has become the most popular tourist spot in Pakistan. The Park Plaza Lahore is centrally located on MM Alam Road, Gulberg III, surrounded by a range of shopping malls, retail stores, markets and the city’s top restaurants. The hotel site is just minutes from the Liberty Market and the Hafeez Center, Lahore’s famous technology bazaar, also known as the biggest computer market in Pakistan. The old historical city of Lahore is located just 10km away from the hotel.

The Park Plaza Lahore is designed by architect, M/s Raza & Associates and will feature 172 guestrooms and suites. There will be an all-day dining outlet, two specialty restaurants, a health club and spa, a swimming pool and a 24-hour business centre with two meeting rooms. The hotel will also have function rooms to meet banquets and conference needs.

On the Web:
Rehman Group (http://www.rehmangroup.net/img_view.htm)
Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts (http://www.parkplaza.com/)

Two years back after watching pressure on hotel industry and great need of the country, the group has planned to invest in hospitality industry with 5 hotels in 5 important cities of Pakistan. Started with project on M.M Alam road, Lahore. This project is located in THE BEST commercial place and the heart of the city i.e. gulberg, next to the most poshed and trademark shopping zone (liberty market), which is a identity of Lahore and on the same road where 8 best and the top of the line restaurants are situated. The project is under construction since July 2004, and 7 out of total 13 levels/ floors are completed till now. Other 4 more hotels in Murree, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Gawadar respectively are in the phase of planning and development.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/12_05_2007_122_004.jpg

Anyone has any updates on the status of that hotel in AK? Did it ever got off the ground?

According to their website the Pearl Continental Muzaffarabad (PCHM) will open in 2007 and features 103 delux rooms

visit http://www.hashoogroup.com/gh.htm > hotels and resorts > Pearl Contonental Hotel Muzaffarabad

The problem with the Hashoo group is that they spend all the money on interiors. all their Marriot and pc hotels look like crap from exteriors.

I couldn't find a render of the hotel, only some interior pics.

The problem with the Hashoo group is that they spend all the money on interiors. all their Marriot and pc hotels look like crap from exteriors.
PC Hotels are very very old. Except for I think the one near Murree. The Karachi Marriott isn't all that bad, I personally like it. And it started as Holiday Inn.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is to manage a 200-room hotel in Lahore as part of a spectacular mixed use development by Centaur Private Limited.

The signing ceremony, held in July at IHG's Asia Pacific head office in Singapore, was attended by the IHG CEO Asia Pacific Tony South, Paul Logan, VP Development, Centaur CEO Zarar Ali Khan and His Excellency Sajjad Ashraf, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Singapore.

InterContinental Hotels and Resorts is the flagship five-star brand of UK-based InterContinental Group.

Centaur Private Limited is part of the diversified Rockville Group of Companies, also known for the prestigious Froebel's International School network in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and shortly in Lahore.

The InterContinental Lahore, scheduled to open in late 2010 would offer the luxurious facilities associated with the InterContinental brand including meeting rooms, ballrooms, signature restaurants, fitness centre and spa.

The glamorous 38-floor skyscrapers, located in the fashionable nucleus of Main Gulberg, would also include 100 elegant offices, 77 chic-serviced residences, select retail spaces and ample parking capacity.

"Centaur is proud to put Lahore on the map as a prominent gateway to Asia and a sought-after destination for business and leisure travellers from every corner of the world," said Zarar Ali Khan of Centaur.

"Sophisticated travellers expect and deserve contemporaneous international standards. Our project design is on par with modern buildings in New York, London, and Tokyo," he said.

The towers, with their cosmopolitan-flavoured world-class luxury, are certain to play a prominent role in Pakistan's burgeoning hospitality and tourism industry.

Already posted.

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz performed the inauguration of the Grand Mercure Hotel on Saturday. The 118-room hotel with five star facilities is located close to Jinnah International Airport.

Governor Sindh, Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Khan, Federal Ministers Ameer Muqam, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Ministers of State Senator Tariq Azeem Khan and Ali Asjad Malhi were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the PM said that opening of the new hotels in the country especially in Karachi is the need of the hour because in a country, which is growing with the economy moving ahead, the movement of people is linked to the growth of the economy. He said there is also a need for tourist facilities and that 2007 is the `Visit Pakistan Year’.

Mr Aziz said that Pakistan with its historical past and Mughal and Gandhara period as well as Indus Civilisation attracts a fair number of people who want to explore these areas. He stated that aircraft and air travel is undergoing a major transformation and we are trying to improve our national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and encourage competition. The PM pointed out many more airlines are coming to Pakistan as they see growth in business. He said that Pakistan also has about seven million people working overseas, in Europe, North America, Middle East and Far East. Mr Aziz said that airport management has also become a specialised field.

He pointed out that two major airports are being constructed in the country. The construction of Islamabad Airport has started and will be completed in three years’ time. Another airport would be built at Gwadar. He was of the view that airports really are the first impression a visitor gets when he visits a country. He said that as far as tourism is concerned the government would do whatever it could to bring more passenger traffic into the country. The PM said that with the increased activity in the economy, the need for hotels is growing across the country. New hotel projects are coming up in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. app

Formerly Midway House hotel taken over by Accor hotels. The Grand Mercure hotel Karachi airport is a 5 star hotel offering 118 rooms including 3 suites, located a few minutes from Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah International airport on a beautifully landscaped site with extensive green spaces, the hotel features the Opera cafe open 24 hours, La Terrasse, an all day dinning restaurant and the pool bar for snacks and refreshments.

The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, massage and jacuzzi. Phase 2 will see the opening of 50 colonial style chalets including 1 suite overlooking the garden.

Rates start at US$ 173.49 for a single room and US$ 223.06 for a double room.

***
Quite expensive i would say ( but yeah its a 5-star hotel then).

Funny thing is, not a single person knows about this hotel. Wonder how they think they'd get customers without any advertising? It's not at a place where you can just pass by and see. I think they must have some really good contacts with foreign Travel Agents who'd send their customers here. I was looking around, not many travel sites feature it. That should get better with time.

CARLTON HOTEL, KARACHI

http://www.southtravels.com/asia/pakistan/carltonhotelkarachi/gifs/hotelview1.jpg

SHANGRILA HOTEL MURREE

http://www.shangrilamurree.com/images/gallery8.jpg

http://www.shangrilamurree.com/
FOR GALLERY http://www.shangrilamurree.com/gallery.html

there is a shangrila in murree? when did that come up? :eek:

there is a shangrila in murree? when did that come up? :eek:
Shangrilla has many locations in Pakistan and they are trying to get on up in Fairy Meadows but the locals are fighting them quite well. I never heard about this Murree one either!:nuts:

shangri la?

This just goes to show you that the military men even build better hotels. LMAO!

Funny thing is, not a single person knows about this hotel. Wonder how they think they'd get customers without any advertising? It's not at a place where you can just pass by and see. I think they must have some really good contacts with foreign Travel Agents who'd send their customers here. I was looking around, not many travel sites feature it. That should get better with time.

I think mostly it will be used by airlines having connecting flight passengers with longer stay and business meetings for people on either tight schedule or those who wouldn't like to go to the city center itself.

Anyway, here's a little infor and a pic I found of it.

Grand Mercure Karachi Airport
Star Avenue Terminal 1
Jinnah International Airport
Karachi, 75200
Pakistan

http://images.worldres.com/property/a99500/99915/hotel.jpg

More info:
5 star hotel offering 118 room including 3 suites, a few minutes from Jinnah international airport on a beautifully landscaped site with extensive green spaces. The hotel features the Opera Cafe open 24 hours, all day dining at La Terasse restaurant anda pool bar for snacks and refreshments. The hotel also offers an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, massage and jacuzzi. Phase 2 will see the opening of 50 colonial style chalets including 18 suites overlooking the garden. From the airport, turn right onto Star Gate. From the city centre, take Faisal St and head in the direction of the airport. At the airport turn left onto Star Gate.

Wonder if there's any connecting traffic in Karachi. It's pretty much O&D.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/1093721425_2241ee6374_o.jpg
Reagent Hotel, Karachi

shangri la?

No, this is not the real Shangri-La. The real Shangri-La chain have no hotel in Pakistan. The hotel of same name in Skardu and Murree are violating the copyrights, just as the fake Crown Plaza in Blue Area is doing.

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/findahotel
http://i12.tinypic.com/63utef7.jpg

No, this is not the real Shangri-La. The real Shangri-La chain have no hotel in Pakistan. The hotel of same name in Skardu and Murree are violating the copyrights, just as the fake Crown Plaza in Blue Area is doing.

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/findahotel
http://i12.tinypic.com/63utef7.jpg

Yes, this is not the international Shangri-La chain, but, owners of Shangrila in Skardu, Murree and Nathia gali are not violating any copyrights, Skardu Shangrila existed before the International Shangrila chain.

Yes, this is not the international Shangri-La chain, but, owners of Shangrila in Skardu, Murree and Nathia gali are not violating any copyrights, Skardu Shangrila existed before the International Shangrila chain.

What does Shangri-La mean btw?

What does Shangri-La mean btw?

Shangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. In the book, "Shangri-La" is a mystical, harmonious valley, gently guided from a lamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains. Shangri-La has become synonymous with any earthly paradise but particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia—a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world.

A popularly believed inspiration for Shangri-la is the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan, close to the Chinese border, which Hilton visited a few years before Lost Horizon was published.[1] Being an isolated green valley surrounded by mountains, enclosed on the western end of the Himalayas, it closely matches the description in the novel. A Shangri-la resort in the nearby Skardu valley is a popular tourist attraction.


:colgate:


Source: Wikipedia

It's from Wikipedia, so it must be true!

j/k

I have read that at a lot of other places, the second part I'm talking about. Don't know how true it is though.

There is a BBC documentary on the lost village of "Shangri-la" too. And that's also the same story as the one mentioned in wikipedia.

Yes, this is not the international Shangri-La chain, but, owners of Shangrila in Skardu, Murree and Nathia gali are not violating any copyrights, Skardu Shangrila existed before the International Shangrila chain.

Exactly, if anything those guys in Skardu can sue Shangri-La International!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/1093721425_2241ee6374_o.jpg
Reagent Hotel, Karachi

Isn’t this use to be Taj mahal long time ago??

Yes, a long time back, its been Regent for a while now.

Not that expensive too I might add.

A loooooooooong time ago. Then it became Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza (When Holiday Inn became Marriott), then now it's been Regent Plaza for quite some time.

By the way, is that plot behind and on the right of the hotel theirs?

Don't really know. It's just used for parking.

hahaha.. I wrote that paragraph on Shangri-la's relation to Pakistan on Wikipedia. :)

Shangri-La was located in Tibet in James Hilton's imagination:

The Legend

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts began in 1971 with our first deluxe hotel in Singapore. Our name, Shangri-La, was inspired by James Hilton's legendary novel Lost Horizon. A tranquil haven in the mountains of Tibet, Shangri-La cast a spell on all who resided there.

Today, Hong-Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts brings to life the uniquely Asian hospitality, serenity and caring service our name represents.http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/aboutus/overview

I am not sure that is right considering BBC did a documentary on that and they looked for it in Pakistan. They concluded it was Hunza...

I am not sure that is right considering BBC did a documentary on that and they looked for it in Pakistan. They concluded it was Hunza...
Depends really. I don't know the story, but I think different people may reach to different conclusions based on how they tried to reach them.

Well considering the fact that James Hilton's traveled in this part( and that Tibet was not under British rule) Hunza is the most likely place he was referring to. For more details you can watch the BBC documentary.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514146

Check out my topic it has something on Hunza and Shangri-La.

Hey kbboy can you please clean that topic out.

Abu Dhabi firm to build Rs20bn hotel in Lahore




By Our Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Sept 24: Capital Investment Overseas — an Abu Dhabi based company, will build a five-star hotel in Lahore, comprising 602 rooms with an estimated investment of Rs20 billion.

The construction of the hotel will be completed by the year 2011, said chairman of the company Abdulhamid Saeed in a meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz here on Monday.

This will be the second big venture of a UAE-based private company to make huge investment in the hotel industry during the last two years.

Mr Saeed informed the premier that as a result of stable economic policies and good governance, coupled with consistent growth in the economy, UAE looks at Pakistan as a destination for its investment.

He said that close links between the two countries would lead to UAE’s increased investment in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that a level-playing field to both local and foreign investors and government’s macro-economic policies and structural reforms has greatly encouraged foreign investment in Pakistan.

He appreciated the Capital Investment Overseas’ investment in the real estate sector in Pakistan and said that the government of Pakistan would continue to provide every possible facility to foreign investors.

Mr Aziz said this would add to the tourism and corporate interest in the historical city of Lahore, in addition to relieving pressure on existing hotels and creating job opportunities

He said that with a growth rate consistently ranging between 6-8 per cent, the expansion in middle class and significant rise in per capita income Pakistan has become a destination of choice for all foreign investors.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/09/25/ebr6.htm

EOBI to construct 4-star hotel, commercial complex in Lahore: MoU with French firm signed
RECORDER REPORT
KARACHI (October 26 2007): Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) will construct a four-star hotel and a commercial complex near Lahore Airport at a cost of rupees five billion.

For the purpose, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Pakistan Real Investment and Management Company Limited (PRIMACO), a subsidiary of EOBI, and ACCOR Hospitality SA, France, here on Thursday to develop and operate an international standard four-star hotel under the brand name of Novotel.

CEO PRIMACO Farhat Adil, representing the EOBI, and ACCOR Middle East Managing Director Christopher Landais signed the MoU. According to MoU, the ACCOR will manage and operate the proposed NOVOTEL hotel initially for 15 years. The hotel and commercial complex, costing over rupees five billion will be constructed on plot measuring 13,000 square yards.

The hotel will have 250 rooms and suites, restaurants, banquet and meeting halls, state of the art business and broadband facilities as well as a fully equipped health and leisure club. The hotel is expected to open in August 2011.

The commercial complex will comprise a four level shopping mall, housing a hypemarket, departmental stores and brand name boutiques. A luxury serviced apartment block will also be a part of the project. The shopping mall will be managed by PRIMACO.

Speaking on the occasion, EOBI Chairman Brigadier Akhtar Zaman (Retd) said that EOBI would enter into technical advisory contract through which the ACCOR would provide technical assistance to the local consultants and contractors during the design and construction stage.

The EOBI Chairman said that the government organisations used to invest in National Saving Schemes only, but in view of their declining margin of profit, the board of trustees of EOBI decided to invest in the real estate. He said that for this purpose the PRIMACO was established.

He further said PRIMACO had been given a capital of Rs 100 million and had been registered with Securities and Exchange Commission Pakistan (SECP) and this company had launched many real estate projects.

Farhat Adil said during the first year of its existence, PRIMACO had undertaken many projects, including an office complex in Islamabad, a commercial centre at Karachi and housing scheme at Lahore. Apart from this, mega projects have also been planned at Karachi and Lahore.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=644134&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/1093721425_2241ee6374_o.jpg
Reagent Hotel, Karachi

I just saw this thread and was wondering why the double-helix DNA molecules are so prominent part of the exterior design?

Carlson Hotels is expanding its presence in South Asia with the targeted opening of its second hotel in Islamabad, the Radisson Hotel Islamabad Capital Park, in April 2008.

The 164-room hotel, to be developed in partnership with Pakistan-based Corotyle International, will be located in the heart of the city around the bustling Sector F-8 Markaz. The other Radisson hotel to be opened by Carlson in 2009 is the 171-room Radisson Hotel Islamabad Civic Centre.

Martin Rinck, president and managing director of Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific, said, "As the administrative and economic centre of Pakistan, Islamabad is becoming a major travel destination in South Asia. We are confident that this new development will lead to exciting growth opportunities for Carlson Hotels in South Asia, adding to the continued expansion of our portfolio in the region. The outstanding locations of both our Radisson hotels in Islamabad, coupled with our world-class services, will ensure their future success."

The Radisson Hotel Islamabad Capital Park will offer world-class facilities and services including a spa, health club, beauty parlour, swimming pool, and a fully equipped business centre.

The hotel will also feature meetings facilities including function rooms for banquets and conference events. A choice of restaurants and bars, as well as recreation and fitness facilities, will also be available

April 2008 ? probably a conversion or it was started a long time ago? anybody got any pics of hotel being built in F8??????

http://dawn.com/2007/11/08/local4.htm

http://dawn.com/2007/11/08/local4.htm
As much as I want progress, this is wrong. The work should be halted.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C11%5C08%5Cstory_8-11-2007_pg12_8

KARACHI: Accor Middle East and Employees Old-age Benefit Institution (EOBI) signed an agreement for construction of first Novotel hotel at Lahore airport on Monday. The Novotel Lahore Airport will be owned by PRIMACO on behalf of EOBI and managed by Accor. Managing director, Accor Middle East Christophe Landais said at a press conference “it is a very exciting step for us as we further our presence in Pakistan. We not only expect to cater to frequent business and leisure travellers, but also our facilities will see that the local market demand is met.” “We have high expectations for our first Novotel property in Pakistan, following the great success of the brand in the Middle East. The opening will reaffirm our leading position as the only international hotel chain to operate in the country,” added Landais.

I have heard about the Hotel in F-7 markaz (Jinnah Super) Islamabad is opening on 1st Jan 2008, can anyone confirm that report and if yes whats the name.

Hashoo to open 20 new hotels



Commerce Reporter

LAHORE: Hashoo Group will establish 20 new hotels, with 6 locations beginning operations in the coming three months in Lahore, Sialkot and Faisalabad, Hashoo Group CEO Murtaza Hashwani said in a press conference.

He said Hashoo Group had unveiled the concept of Hotel One, having identified the potential of budget accommodation in the region. He said approximately 250 rooms will be developed at an average of 40-50 rooms per property in the next three months. The expected investment for this ambitious project by the Hashoo Group would be between Rs 2.00 to 2.50 billion. Respecting employment opportunities, nearly 3000 employees will be hired in the next two years with 500 of those individuals becoming resource personnel and staff members in the next 3 months, he added
http://thepost.com.pk/CorpNews.aspx?dtlid=133342&catid=8

3 months?

If my sources are correct, Grand Mercure Karachi might close down.

If my sources are correct, Grand Mercure Karachi might close down.

But whyy?? They should be closing down their crappy branches in Frankfurt first. :bash:

But whyy?? They should be closing down their crappy branches in Frankfurt first. :bash:
It's not doing all that well. But they hardly advertise. No-one knows about it.

HYDERABAD, Jan 24: District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jamil said on Thursday that the district government was preparing a tender to be floated in the first week of February for the construction of a five-star hotel near Niaz Stadium.

He told journalists during his visit to the Niaz Stadium where an international cricket match was being played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe that EDO of revenue Barkat Rizvi was preparing the tender and the district government had identified a five-acre piece of land near Niaz Stadium for the hotel.

The district government would try to ensure that people who were running five star hotels within the country and abroad participated in the bidding process, he said.

Mr Jamil said that the tender would mention deadline for the construction of hotel to stop builders-cum-investors from joining the race.

He said that he had spoken to the governor of Sindh about Hyderabad Airport and the “governor is very keen to see the airport fully functional. He has proposed a meeting between the district government and PIA management to discuss (commencement of) flight operations.”

He said that the Pakistan Cricket Board planned to raise structures in certain portions of the stadium to increase its seating capacity.

http://www.dawn.com/2008/01/25/local19.htm

Is that the first step towards diversifying economic activities in sindh that are mostly clustered in karachi?

btw, never been to hyderabad so any folks know how developed it is in relative terms?

Is that the first step towards diversifying economic activities in sindh that are mostly clustered in karachi?

btw, never been to hyderabad so any folks know how developed it is in relative terms?
It's a stretch to call it a city.

Is that the first step towards diversifying economic activities in sindh that are mostly clustered in karachi?

btw, never been to hyderabad so any folks know how developed it is in relative terms?

Hyderabad is linked to more cities and towns of sindh than karachi.Most of people from interior sindh go Hyderabad for shopping,study etc If it gets developed it'll have immediate effect on other cities/towns/parts of Sindh as well.

what happened to mercure karachi? accor say they have retreated their brand name and any association in today's DAWN..

see epaper.dawn.com

what happened to mercure karachi? accor say they have retreated their brand name and any association in today's DAWN..

see epaper.dawn.com

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17847719&postcount=315

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4916/karachigrandmercuread29be1.jpg

Sunday, March 02, 2008
By Saad Hasan

KARACHI: International hotel chain Accor pulled back its franchise from Karachi Airport Hotel after the owner started negotiating better terms with other brands, The News learnt on Saturday.

Mercure, one of the brands of Accor, was running the managerial affairs of the airport hotel opened in March 2007, as part of a Civil Aviation Authority drive to utilise its commercial estates effectively.

On February 10, Accor, which has over 4,000 hotels and other brands like Sofitel, Pullman, Novatel and Suitehotel around the world, cancelled its contract with United International Group (UIG) and later announced that it no longer guarantees hospitality standards associated with Mercure.

Despite repeated attempts, Akhtar Qureshi, CEO of UIG Private Limited, could not be reached at his office for comments.

Ideally located at a few minutes’ drive from Jinnah International Airport Terminal in the security limits of CAA, Grand Mercure Karachi International Hotel was the first international brand to come to Pakistan in the last two decades.

Alqra Atiq, Director Commercial CAA, told The News that land has been leased to UIG on condition that they bring a brand of international repute to run the management. “They have assured us that they will come up with a name in a few weeks.”

The CAA has set a two-month deadline, from the date Mercure stopped its operations, for the group to find a suitable match.

However, while Atiq and Director General CAA Farooq Rehmatullah stressed the French management of Mercure left because of internal rift, a UIG official said that the worsening law and order situation was behind that decision.

Afaq Ahmed, a sales manager at the hotel, said that the departure of the international brand is a setback, but soon another foreign franchise would take over the operation. He said the hotel was doing roaring business as most foreign passengers and guests of multinational firms were staying there.




Source: The News (http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=99119)

It wasn't due to law and order. It had to do with the Pakistani partner. Sad really.

Any guesses who might be be joing this "Pakistani partner"?

Any guesses who might be be joing this "Pakistani partner"?
I don't think any itnernational firm can do that within 2 months. Also, they must be wary of what has happened.

Jehangir Siddiq was the aprtner.

It may become Le Meridien

Jehangir Siddiq was the aprtner.

It may become Le Meridien
Yes, the JS Group. I'm not too sure about Le Meridien. They turned down the offer last time round, didn't they? But I think they are the only ones who can do it within 2 months.

a muslim kenyan once told me... "no offence to you in any way ..do whatever but never do business with a Pakistani.."

seems like someone listened to him

:hilarious

Islamabad Marriott Hotel received two international awards in recognition of team efforts in enhancing hospitality business and performance as per the best standards followed in the world.

Speaking at a press briefing here on Tuesday, Marriott General Manager Clive Webster said that since 1994, Islamabad Marriott has received a number of prestigious international awards for its high levels of customer satisfaction, now adding another feather to its crown with the current 2008 awards given to Marriott at a ceremony held in Beijing.

Answering questions regarding the status of hospitality business in the face of current security situation in the country, he said, “Business is buzzing once again with activities”. “Though business is not as good as previous years, but things are starting to look rosy once again,” he said. He said that hotel business in Pakistan looks promising with significant improvement, showing a recent upswing trend in occupancy.

Giving details about the recent awards received by Marriott, Clive Webster said that the Mustang Award and Sales Leadership Awards 2007 was given to Marriott Islamabad, chosen out of 120 full service properties in the Asia-Pacific region and 450 full service Marriott International properties globally in 68 countries.

The Mustang Award was given to GM Clive Webster and his team for achieving exceptional business results under prevailing market and economic conditions.

Hotel Industry Flourishing In Pakistan: Marriott GM

Thursday March 13, 2008

ISLAMABAD, March 13 Asia Pulse - The hotel industry in Pakistan was flourishing with the passage of every day and more development was expected in future.

This was stated by the Clive Webster General Manager Marriott Hotel, while speaking at a news conference here Tuesday.

He said that hotel industry of Pakistan has been recognized at international level while steps taken by the government was luring foreign investors. There was an equal opportunity for the local and foreign investors in this field, he added.

He said that Islamabad Marriott Hotel recently received two International Awards, The Mustang award and Sales Leadership Award during the running year. The ceremony was held in China, last month and the Islamabad Marriott was chosen from 120 full service properties in the Asia Pacific region and 450 full service Marriott International properties globally in 68 countries.

He said that Mustang Award was conferred to the General Manager and his team in recognition of achieving exceptional business results while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

The sales Leadership Award recognizes the expertise of GM and excellent results he achieved under prevailing market and economic conditions he added. He termed this achievement as a great pride for Pakistan.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/080313/3/16512.html

^^ Awesome news!

but we are lacking a eye catching, tourists louring hotel or resort which is world famous. We need to build one and then it will expand our industry even more.

Friday, March 28, 2008
By Saad Hasan

KARACHI: American hotel chain Ramada Plaza, has agreed to franchise its brand name to Karachi Airport Hotel, which up until last month, was run by the management of European market leader Accor, The News learnt on Thursday.

Mercure, one of the brands of Accor, was running the managerial affairs of the airport hotel opened in March 2007, as part of a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) drive to utilise its commercial estates effectively.

In February last, Accor, which has over 4,000 hotels and other brands like Sofitel and Novatel around the world, announced the annulment of its contract with local United International Group (UIG), which owns the airport hotel property, without citing any reasons.

Ideally located at a few minutes drive from Jinnah International Airport Terminal in the security limits of CAA, Grand Mercure Karachi International Hotel was the first well-known foreign brand to come to Pakistan in the past many years. “We will file a lawsuit against Accor in Pakistan,” said M Azeem Qureshi, Director Operations at UIG. “They have violated terms of the agreement whereby Mercure was supposed to run the management till its replacement was found.”

Deliberating on reasons behind Accor’s rollback, he said hotel operator believed that UIG was not letting its management work by questioning its performance. “(Grand Mercure) management had failed to meet revenue target, and expenditures crossed initial estimate as well,” he said reflecting on the cause of disagreement, and added that this forced UIG to seek an explanation. “I think that offended them.”

Qureshi said UIG will use Ramada Plaza’s franchise while retaining existing human resource as part of the management. Notwithstanding the swift change in managements of Karachi Airport Hotel, the hotel industry in Pakistan is poised to see a lot of growth in the coming years, provided that the security situation improves, people associated with hospitability business say.

Hashoo Group, which runs Pearl Continental and Marriot hotels in Pakistan, has already announced the introduction of a new network of budget hotels across the country, in a bid to target the booming middle class that is looking for better standards of hospitality.

Lack of good hotels is believed to have impeded tourism growth in the country, which is blessed with diversified cultures, beautiful scenery and historical sites. Tariq Bin Yousif, General Manager of Destination of the World, an international tour facilitator, regretted that a lot of potential remains unexploited because of insufficient number of resorts. Citing Karachi as a case, he said more than a quarter million picnickers throng the seaside every weekend, and have to use the shabby huts in the absence of a hotel.

Chairman Pakistan Hotels Association Mustansir Zakir said there was a wide room for hotel business to expand here since the country had only 10-15 international quality hotels. However, he said government assistance in terms of right policy decisions was necessary. He said 8-10 per cent bed tax in addition to a 15pc sales tax, has artificially taken up the room rent, making hotels an expensive proposition. “Bed tax is charged on basis of capacity available in a hotel,” he said, adding the tax should be collected on basis of actual utilization of capacity. “We would really want the new government to waive bed tax, at least now."




Source: The News (http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=103395)

i believe the Multan Holiday Inn became RAMADA also...

i believe the Multan Holiday Inn became RAMADA also...

That is correct. You can check it out on the Ramada website. Does anyone know why it was re-branded from the Holiday Inn?

Whats better? Holiday Inn or Ramada? :dunno:

And who are the owners of both? And their nationality?

I searched. The Ramada Hotel in Multan is the 1st one in Pakistan.

Ramada Multan
76 Abdali Road
Multan, PK

Phone: 92-61-458777796
Fax: 011-9261-4512511

Hotel Overview

- This property is located in the heart of the Multan City. It is only 3 Kilometers away from the Multan Airport. It offers Free Shuttle Service to the Airport. The property is the only 4 Star in the area. It is the only Hotel with a pool. There is a well equipped GYM and Health Club Facilities for Gents and Ladies.

Hotel Features

- Airport Shuttle
- Free Continental Breakfast
- Gym/Fitness Center
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities
- Pool
- HOTEL AMENITIES/SERVICES:
- 4 Star Hotel Rating
- 24 Hour Switchboard
- Airport Shuttle, Free
- Audio Visual equipment
- Banquet Room
- Board Room with Hi Speed Internet Access
- Conference Room with Hi Speed Internet Access
- Dataport, Message Alert
- Dry Cleaning Services, Laundry Services, Multi-Lingual Staff, Valet
- Electric Locks
- Elevator
- Exercise Room with TV, Treadmill, Stair Climber, Exercise Bike and Universal Weight Machine.
- Express Check Out
- Extra Bed RS 500
- Free Newspaper
- Full American Breakfast, Childrens Breakfast, Pakistan Breakfast (local) and Continental Breakfast
- Interior Corridors
- Iron and Board On Request
- No Pets Allowed
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Outdoor Pool - Not Heated
- Public Transportation
- Safe at Property, In Room Safe
- Suites Available
- Wake Up Service
- Wheelchair Accessibility
- IN SOME ROOMS:
- Refrigerator
- Work Desk
- IN ALL ROOMS:
- Clock Radio
- DirecTV - HBO, Star News, Sky, BBC, CNN, V, PTV, GEO, ARY, NGeog, TenSports, ESPN, Star Movies, Star Plus, Sony
- Hairdryer
- High Speed Internet - Charge
- TV - 29 Inch

Some PICS:

http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/Booking/branded/RA/images/19764_b1.jpg

http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/Booking/branded/RA/images/19764_b2.jpg

http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/Booking/branded/RA/images/19764_b3.jpg

http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/Booking/branded/RA/images/19764_b4.jpg

http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/Booking/branded/RA/images/19764_b5.jpg

LINK: http://www.ramadainternational.co.uk/

Whats better? Holiday Inn or Ramada?

I believe they both occupy a similar space in the market ie. int'l 3 star. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to know the reasoning behind the brand change.

^ Thanks! :)

I am trying to get a feel for which new hotels in Lahore are either under construction or there is an official announcement on the relevant hotel brand's website relating to construction/opening. To my mind the following fit into the category:

1. Pace Circle Lahore Airport - Hyatt Regency

2. Lahore Airport - Novotel

3. Main Gulberg - Intercontinental (any ideas anyone of the specific location?)

4. Mubarak Centre - brand to be confirmed (it was originally meant to be a Grand Hyatt but reference to the development has been removed from the Hyatt website).

Hotel Faran, karachi

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2511328098_0df3119acb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2511328096_498312d16f_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2511328108_35ddc7b9ee_o.jpg
pics by Majid_sheikh from flickr

^^ How many stars is this hotel? By Pakistani and Int'l standards? I'm guessing 3 stars and 2 stars. :dunno:

^^

This hotel would be stars 1 in England, but in Pakistan about star 3.

:nuts:

^^How ignorant. Having actually stayed in British hotels..I think it is the other way round.

^^How ignorant. Having actually stayed in British hotels..I think it is the other way round.

Exactly! My parents stayed in a London hotel and they said it was worse than some of the remotest places of Pakistan.

yea looks decent.

^^

This hotel would be stars 1 in England, but in Pakistan about star 3.

:nuts:

Pakistani hotels are in a process of development so they are more concious about their quality,costumer services, etc. They will deliver u best costumer service to catch u back next time (and like this) to take their hotel on the peak.

while in developed world every hotel has a contract with some of the big companies around and in any case they have their fixed costumers. So they dont care :bash:....

nhf ffdfd:cheers:

^^ How many stars is this hotel? By Pakistani and Int'l standards? I'm guessing 3 stars and 2 stars. :dunno:
2.5 stars or so. It;s not really a 3-star.

^^ Thanks.

^^How ignorant. Having actually stayed in British hotels..I think it is the other way round.

Exactly! My parents stayed in a London hotel and they said it was worse than some of the remotest places of Pakistan.

Pakistani hotels are in a process of development so they are more concious about their quality,costumer services, etc. They will deliver u best costumer service to catch u back next time (and like this) to take their hotel on the peak.

while in developed world every hotel has a contract with some of the big companies around and in any case they have their fixed costumers. So they dont care :bash:....

You guys are crazy saying stuff like that! Pakistani hotels are in no way equal to the hotels in Britain or the rest of the developed world! Let alone them being "better"! LOL! Compare a 1 star hotel in Pakistan with a 1 star hotel in the UK/Developed world and so on and so forth. You will get your answer then! And Hasan. Your comment about developed world hotels not caring anymore is very naive. They very much care! Customer satisfaction, Customer care, quality, every single thing is given attention. More so than in Pakistan. Even many poorer countries have better hotels than ours, so I don't see how you guys can say that Pakistan has better hotels than the UK?

The representative of Avari Hotel, assured the participants of a public hearing meeting held here in a local hotel Saturday that the proponent is committed for safe and secure environment in and around the proposed project, the construction of Avari Hotel in Islamabad.

In the meeting held to review Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of M/s Avari Hotels Limited for its project, ‘Construction of Avari Hotel at Islamabad’, he said that Avari Hotels enjoy international repute and through forthcoming project, they would be providing facilities of world-class quality and comply with international environmental standards thus promoting eco tourism.

Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) Director General Asif Shuja Khan

chaired the meeting that was attended by stakeholders including representatives from general public and private sector organisations.

As a follow-up of review and public consultation process, the public hearing was held in compliance with section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, and IEE/EIA Regulations 2000.

The DG, Pak-EPA in his opening remarks appreciated M/s Avari Hotels Limited, for fulfilling the legal requirements under Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and expected that they would make the project environment friendly.

Representative of M/S Avari Hotel gave a presentation on EIA report and mitigation plan of the project to offset environmental impacts.

The participants took keen interest in the project and raised pertinent questions related to water consumption of the hotel while in operation, handling of solid waste, sewage disposal, recycling of water, energy conservation, vehicular traffic management, parking space, ensuring of green spaces, rain water harvesting, seismic viability, reflection, shadow and etc.

Representatives from general public residing near the site of project appreciated the project, as it would be replacing the old redundant structure, which was standing incomplete since 1980.

There was however, a concern on the delay in submission of the EIA report by the proponent as the construction work has already started.

The representative of M/s Avari Hotels and his team assured the participants that

the issues raised by the stakeholders would be incorporated in the design of the project to make the hotel environment friendly.

The executive summary of the EIA report of the project contained that during regular operation of the hotel, wastes including sewage, solid wastes in the form of plastic, aluminium, empty packing, paper, shopping bags, vegetables garbage, fruit peels, glass and wet kitchen wastes would be generated however a comprehensive account of mitigation measures would be adopted to manage environmental issues.

All solid wastes, which can be recycled/reused, will be sold in the market under a methodical system.

These wastes constitute about 30 to 35 per cent of all the solid wastes to be generated from the hotel.

The leftover solid wastes (about 60-65% of the total wastes) would be duly disposed off in the City District Solid Waste Management System, says the EIA report.

"construction work has already started"

Great! :) I used to hate the fact that we only had Avari Hotels (such good Hotels) in Lahore & Karachi. :ohno:

if I am not wrong, they would be using a renovated building near where British council is (used to be)....thats why the project never excited me

^^ Oh! :( But still AVARI in ISLAMABAD!! :happy:

Two informative posts from the "Le Meridien Karachi" thread. :cheers:

Serena Hotels is a project of Agha Khan Foundation, Serena Hotels in Pakistan are Owned & Operated by AKDN (Agha Khan Development Network).

5 Star Properties in PAKISTAN

Serena Islamabad (Member of leading Hotels Of the world)*
PC Karachi (Member of leading Hotels Of the world)*
Marriott Islamabad
Marriott Karachi
PC Lahore
PC Bhurban
Sheraton Karachi
Avari Karachi
Avari Lahore
PC Peshawar
PC Rawalpindi

Only the first four hotels have the certification of being a 5 star hotel from a reputable establishment. The rest pretend to be 5 Star properties e.g. most of the Sheraton properties in the world are 4 star but they claim that the one in KHI is a 5 star property, where as PC and Avari are Pakistani brands and they don't follow the standardized procedure. All the above Hotels are in sequence according to the standard and services they provide i.e. the hotel above is better then the stated below according to the studies that have been carried out in the Hospitality Industry in PAKISTAN.

*The Leading Hotels Of The World (http://www.lhw.com)
Hospitality Industy Pakistan (http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=351227)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=8675424&postcount=33

No doubt PC Lahore is a world class hotel(but what PC LHR lack is parking space, staff training n few more things....), the list is based on few fact like location, facilities, occupancy, Average rate(Serena 7000+, PC LHR 5500+, PC RWP 3500+[2005 figures]), etc ...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=8687955&postcount=37

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3388787025_93851c51cf_o.jpg

EOBI, French group start work on hotel project



Saturday, May 23, 2009
By our correspondent

LAHORE: Federal Labour and Manpower Minister Syed Khurshid Shah has said that the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) is fulfilling the dream of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by providing relief to industrial workers.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of EOBI Novtel Hotel and Complex here, he praised the EOBI board of management for investing money of workers in profitable ventures.

The EOBI was established by PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the current management was successfully fulfilling his dreams, he remarked.

Talking about EOBI investment in the real estate sector, Shah said the hotel industry was vital for the growth of any economy. “A flourishing hotel industry is a sign that the economy is growing and people of the country are also hospitable,” he added.

He said Novtel was a French group and was the third largest in the world’s hotel industry, adding Pakistan had good ties with France and the hotel joint venture would further strengthen it.

He hoped the joint venture would further encourage and motivate foreign investors to make investment in Pakistan as it was a safe place for investment.

French Counsellor for Economic & Commercial Affairs in Pakistan, Dominique Simon, said no country progressed without economic growth. “Last week, I have in Lahore inauguration of a hypermarket and now the foundation laying stone of EOBI Novtel Hotel. Indeed, this a good sign for Pakistan’s economy and particularly for Lahore,” he remarked. Fifteen other French companies were already operating in Pakistan, he mentioned.

EOBI Chairman Asadullah Sheikh said EOBI Novtel Hotel would be four-star and the Complex would have residential apartments and a modern business centre. Total cost of the project was Rs5.75 billion, he mentioned.

Talking about EOBI, he said 62,000 proprietors and 3.4 million workers were registered with the organisation. “It is giving Rs500 million in pension to old-age pensioners monthly.”

Management Agreement Between EOBI & ACCOR Signed for
First NOVOTEL Hotel in Pakistan



A management agreement was signed between PRIMACO a wholly owned subsidiary of EOBI and ACCOR Hospitability SA, France to develop and operate an international standard four star hotel along with commercial complex in Lahore under the brand name of NOVOTEL.

The management agreement was signed by Mr. Farhat Adil, CEO, of PRIMACO representing EOBI and Mr. Christophe Landais, Managing Director, ACCOR Middle East on behalf of ACCOR.

The hotel and commercial complex costing over Rs. 5 billion shall be constructed on a 13,000 sq. yards plot near Lahore International Airport. The hotel will have 250 rooms and suites, restaurants, banquet and meeting halls, state-of -the-art business and broadband facilities as well as a fully equipped health and leisure club. The hotel is expected to open in August 2011.

On the occasion Brig (R) Akhter Zamin, Provincial Home Minister and Chairman EOBI expressed his satisfaction at the progress in finalization of agreement between EOBI and ACCOR. He further said that this company has launched many real state projects which includes a Commercial Center at Karachi, an office Tower at Islamabad, and housing scheme at Lahore. An independent Power Project in Karachi. EOBI has recently purchased two plots in Karachi at I.I. Chudrigar Road and Kala-Pul for state -of-art mixed projects.

Managing Director ACCOR, Middle East, Mr. Christophe Landais said that signing of the NOVETEL Lahore airport is a very exciting step for us as we continue to further our presence in Pakistan and Middle East. By opening this new modem hotel in a significant development, we not only expect to cater to frequent business and leisure travelers but also out facilities will se that the local market demand.

He further said that the Novotel Lahore will be ACCORS second airport hotel in Pakistan, following the Grand Mercure which opened at Karachi Airport in April 2007.

The ceremony was attended among others by the Federal Lahour Secretary, Malik Asif Hayat, H.E. Mr. Regis de Belenet the Ambassador of the Republic of France in Pakistan, Director General EOBI, Syed Abu Ahmed Akif and other dignitaries.

On the occasion Brig (R) Akhter Zamin Provincial Home Minister and Chairman EOBI said that EOBI will enter into technical advisory contract through which M/S ACCOR shall provide technical assistance to the local consultants and contractors during the design and construction stage.

ACCOR had closed its GRAND MERCURE HOTEL in Karachi and is building SOFITEL HOTEL & TOWERS

I used to hate the fact that we only had Avari Hotels (such good Hotels) in Lahore & Karachi. :ohno:

Do u know that AVARI GROUP also owns BEACH LUXURY HOTEL in Karachi
Even Mr. Avari lives at the BEACH LUXURY HOTEL with his family

ACCOR had closed its GRAND MERCURE HOTEL in Karachi and is building SOFITEL HOTEL & TOWERS
They didn't close down. They had a problem with JS (I think that's the group, or some other rich guy group) who scared them away. Now they have Ramada Inn there. It's a long story, I think I posted it here a year ago or so, don't remember it all now.

JS is third/fourth rich person of pakistan!

I read in todays Miami herald the US govn is trying to buy the PC Peshawar and make it a US consulate( obviously they will base it into CIA HQ) could there be any more reason for attacking it from the crazy fanatiic militants...:bash:

^^ Or the Miami Herald might be the US version of Akhbar-e-jahan.

In addition to the expansion in Islamabad, the United States would revamp its consular buildings in the eastern city of Lahore and in Peshawar, the regional capital of the militancy-plagued North West Frontier Province. The consulate in the southern megacity of Karachi has just been relocated into a new purpose-built structure.

According to diplomatic and business sources, the U.S. plan for the mission in Peshawar involves the purchase of the luxury Pearl Continental hotel, the only five-star hotel in the city, set in expansive grounds.

The hotel is owned by Pakistani tycoon Sadruddin Hashwani. The purchase is “pretty much done, though it's not yet complete,” according to a businessman familiar with the Pearl Continental deal, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue.The Peshawar consulate would be moved to the hotel, which would also provide living accommodation for U.S. staff.

Peshawar is an important intelligence station, for gathering information on the tribal area that surrounds the city on three sides. The tribal area is the base for al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Jonathan Blyth, director of external affairs at the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations in Washington, part of the State Department, acknowledged that a new home for the Peshawar consulate was sought but declined to comment on the hotel plan.




http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/islamabad-to-get-giant-us-embassy/article1156484/

PCHM

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/9eb7bfa6.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/550ab8b5.jpg

Zaver PCH Gwadar

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/f6584a15.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/268b1a8f.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/8028b4bc.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/c52c354d.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x167/KhurramAK/b7cc3921.jpg

Amazing pictures of Zaver PC........

nice pics dude!!!

any sign of development at the ISLAMABAD hotel(former Holiday INN) into Radisson????

The Pearl Continental Hotel here would open its doors to guests today after remaining closed for almost seven months due to a devastating bomb explosion that killed 11 people and badly damaged parts of the property.

Its management gave a briefing to members of the media Thursday to announce the reopening of the lone five-star hotel in Peshawar. Arjumand Azhar Hussain, general manager of the hotel and Tahir Mahmood Khan, general manager, media and communication, Hashoo Group, spoke to the reporters.

They said 56 renovated rooms initially would be available for guests along with two wedding halls, a conference room, the swimming pool and health club, the laundry service and outdoor catering. The Marco Polo restaurant in the lobby was also being opened.

They explained that within few months the damaged portion of the hotel would be repaired, renovated and reopened. They added that security measures had been upgraded by installing two road barriers and establishing a checkpoint near the fountain sited in front of the entrance to hotel lobby.

According to the managers, all employees would be gradually accommodated in jobs while some had already been taken back. They said families of hotel employees who lost their lives had been compensated by the Hashoo Group, owners of the property.

They denied reports that the negotiations took place for selling the hotel property to the US government for locating its consulate and other offices. The media was told that international airlines flying to Peshawar, businessmen and others had been asking for reopening the hotel. The Pearl Continental Hotel, it was pointed out, was more than a hotel as it was deeply missed by the people.

Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker of the NWFP Assembly, also came to the hotel to show solidarity with the management and express his good wishes on its reopening. The hotel manager praised his efforts in getting the facility reopened.

The suicide bombing at the hotel on June 9 killed 11 people, though the media gave the final death as 19 without providing the names of all those who perished in the attack. Among those killed was Syed Kamal Ahmad, who had taken over as manager of the hotel only three months before the blast. Three other hotel employees, the Taipan restaurant manager Lali Jan, senior chef Shaikh Mateen Ahmad and security guard Shahzada Khan, were also killed by the explosion. Another hotel employee Insafullah Khan and some security guards were injured.

good news for peshawar!

Taliban gone, hotels in Swat offer free stay to woo tourists

PESHAWAR:

To woo back tourists to one time idyllic resort called as the 'Switzerland of Pakistan', hotels in scenic Swat valley are offering a ten day free stay to visitors.

Swat was a popular tourist destination till Taliban fighters led by Maulana Fazlullah took over the place two years ago launching a campaign to enforce sharia or Islamic law.

Tourists stopped flocking the region as militants beheaded security personnel, set up their own courts and blasted girls' schools, some of them renowned all over Pakistan.

But with the Taliban evicted by the army in a military campaign, the hotel owners hope to be back on business.

At a seminar held at Madyan on Wednesday, they resolved not to levy any charges for rooms from tourists in the festivities for the new year from January 1-10 to woo back visitors.

Enhanced security increases cost

Pakistan’s hotel industry remains in the red for the last two years because unabated incidents of terrorism and violence have not only slashed room-occupancy to less than 40 per cent, but also the number of daily customers, top industry officials said on Wednesday.

The planned construction of at least five hotels, including Avari Islamabad and Sheraton Lahore, have been put on the hold, while completion of big projects such as Sofitel Hotel in Karachi are being delayed, they said. And those, which are operating, are finding it difficult to remain afloat, they added.

With the top hotels being the prime target of terrorists, all of them have literally been converted into high security zones, with armed guards, barricades, walk-through scanners and dogs to sniff every vehicle entering their premises.

“We as a family used to visit a hotel or a restaurant almost every week,” said Rushda Tariq, an exporter living in Islamabad. “Now we hardly visit these places because of the security threat.”

And the concerns of citizens are understandable. Terrorists have targeted posh hotels and restaurants in every major city, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Then the overall security climate has also hit the hotel businesses as many foreign travellers have stopped coming to Pakistan.

Pakistan Hotels Association Chairman Mustansir Zakir told The News that many leading hotels were barely managing to stay afloat.

“Business travellers, who use to fill rooms in the upscale hotels, are too scared to come, while added security measures have pushed up the cost even as revenues fall.”

The Hotels Association of Pakistan, which represents more than 100 hotels across the country, says room occupancy dropped to 40 per cent on an average, much below the numbers needed even to breakeven.

Several big hotels have reduced the number of operational rooms to save cost.

Zakir, who is also a deputy director at Hashwani Hotels, which runs Marriott and Pearl Continental franchises, said that due to the security threat the number of guards had to be increased by up to more than 400 per cent. “Where we required 30 guards, now we have to deploy at least 150,” he said. “Then there is a need to have at least 10 dogs trained to detect explosives. Each of these dogs cost around Rs1 million and we have to spend a lot to maintain them,” he said.

Enhanced security measures, including building a security wall such as in Marriot Islamabad, which witnessed two deadly attacks in recent years, also cost millions of rupees, industry officials say.

Investors, who had put money in the hotels in early part of the decade when economy was growing, are now grumbling at decline in revenues and rising costs.

“Thirty out of 180 rooms at Ramada have been closed,” said Anwar Qureshi, the financier of the hotel. “Everyday I have to face 80 employees who have no work to do. I am not sure for how long the hotel can keep this additional staff.” “Just after attack in Lahore, a lot of our customers handed over the keys.”

The absence of a viable domestic tourism industry is also working against the hotels, he said. “If it had not been for the business we get from airlines, the hotel would have been closed. Hotels are being seen as dangerous place. People coming from other cities prefer staying with their relatives or friends.” he said.

Abdul Rehman Naqi, the managing partner in Sofitel Tower, said that he never expected the situation to be like this when the decision was taken to invest in the project.

The 28-storey hotel is being built in Karachi at the cost of around seven billion rupees. The project has delayed and the work will now complete in 2012 instead of July 2010.

This is really bad news :(

http://parkplazalahore.com/

Does anyone know the story of the Falletis Hotel in Lahore? Is it still operating as a hotel? It is quite a historic place....

http://pakistaniat.com/2010/06/22/ava-gardner-in-lahore-for-bhowani-junction/comment-page-9/#comment-202375

Does anyone know the story of the Falletis Hotel in Lahore? Is it still operating as a hotel? It is quite a historic place....

http://pakistaniat.com/2010/06/22/ava-gardner-in-lahore-for-bhowani-junction/comment-page-9/#comment-202375

Its closed now...

How sad ..........

I love faded glory ........... and walking through aging grand hotels is thrilling. If you have seen one new PC, you have seen them all !!!

one interior lobby?? render can be seen for Islamabad Intercontinental hotel


http://www.be-lit.com/

EDIT

any workers at this site? any progress last few months?


http://gmms-my.com/essemshoppingmall.html

^^Faisal OR Abid can update us....

any workers at the Intercontinental hotel site? if not can we say this is a "double fail" project since they claimed that the shopping area would open in oct 2011..and no one has seen or posted any info to this project

No more "Holiday Inn" in Lahore, it has been replaced by "Hospitality Inn"...

Website (http://www.hospitalityinnlahore.com/html/)

Hospitality Inn, not the best name choice!

Is that a joke? :no:

Also Best Western, Lahore has been closed & replaced by smart hotel...

Also Best Western, Lahore has been closed & replaced by smart hotel...

best western was shitty anyway.. is smart hotel any good?

Best Western Karachi in the 80's used to be awesome!

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

is SMART a chain? never heard of it

“SMART Hotel Lahore, a place like home”, is owned and operated by Lahore Regency (Pvt.) Ltd., under the license from Maverick International United States. We as Smart Hotel, represented by highly professional management will focus and ensure even better quality service, compassionate care and modern amenities.

WTF!! So now Lahore officially has no foreign operating Hotels in it.

i stayed at best western a few years back, was very good. however i they lost the licence from best western and changed the name to best westn or something like that.

^^ true.

Islamabad's Best Western is also good (on Murree road)...

Lahore has the new PARK PLAZA HOTEL(carlson brand)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPUHevQaBs

^^ yep .. recently we got many good quality hotels, Avari and PC are second class in front of them

Lahore has the new PARK PLAZA HOTEL(carlson brand)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPUHevQaBs

Hotel opening date is June, 2012 according to their website but many restaurants are already open. Nice looking building too with roof top restaurants as well...

Carslon hotels has also plan of Radisson Islamabad but that was shelved couple of years ago...

Folks dont forget Crown Plaza Lahore too. In the end it is not important that a hotel must be a foreign chain to be a good hotel.

^^ where is it in Lahore?

click this link,

http://crownplazalahore.com/

All the three Holiday Inn in Pakistan has been closed:

1). Holiday Inn, Lahore (now Hospitality Inn)
2). Holiday Inn, Islamabad (now Islamabad Hotel)
3). Holiday Inn, Multan (now Ramada Hotel)

what the crap??????????

video of new sheraton islamabad project

http://bahriagolfcity.com/

^^ Already posted in "Sheraton Islamabad" thread....

UAE-based Cristal Group to expand to Pakistan

http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/pictures/Back%20of%20House/310x213/cristal%202.JPG
L-R:Peter Blackburn, president and CEO, Cristal Group Holdings and Mehroz Manzoor Rufi, group director of Business Development, Rufi Group.

Cristal Group Holdings plans to increase its portfolio to 25 hotels in the Middle East within the next five to 10 years, plus 10 hotels in Pakistan.

Cristal Group currently operates the modern and sophisticated Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi and opens its new UAE property, Cristal Salam Hotel, in September 2011.

In addition, the company has just signed an MoU for a Joint Venture with Rufi Group, one of the largest real estate development companies in Pakistan. The new joint venture is targeting to open at least 10 contemporary properties in the forthcoming five years in Pakistan ranging from budget to luxury hotels..

Commenting on the announcement Peter Blackburn, president and CEO of Cristal Group Holdings, said: “This is Cristal’s first venture out of the MENA region composing an essential part of our aggressive expansion plan. With its vast population, strategic location, a noticeably developing infrastructure and an impressive growth perspective, Pakistan is a very promising market for us and definitely a key to the rest of the Asian markets. Having known Rufi Group for a long time, I am convinced that it is the best possible marriage between the two groups, each representing an enormous wealth of experiences in their own fields.”

Mehroz Manzoor Rufi, group director of business development, at Rufi Group added: "Building on the success of our core business we are excited about the prospect of diversifying the hospitality industry with Cristal Group Holdings that offers a logical synergy to Rufi Group’s presence in Pakistan. Cristal brand carries its own distinctive and unique aura along with its highly experienced top management team including Mr. Blackburn who has assisted in making over thirty hotels successful throughout the MENA region and worldwide. Rufi represents three generations of trust and reputation, and joining hands with Cristal Group Holdings we will break new grounds in the hospitality industry of Pakistan".

anybody ever see or heard of this Cristol...but rest assured the project like previous projects wont be completed;),,,,,,,just a realistic opinion

If it is budget hotels, and managed properly...it might be built and even be sucessful. We have a dearth of good, clean budget hotels.

The thing lacking is not luxury but simple management.

PAKISTAN needs simply 2-3 star new budget hotels similar to IBIS...(which were gonna build in pakistan but never happened) at or near the 3 big airports

PAKISTAN needs simply 2-3 star new budget hotels similar to IBIS...(which were gonna build in pakistan but never happened) at or near the 3 big airports
PAKISTAN needs simply more than 2-3 people visiting it every year for hotels to be of any use.

PAKISTAN needs simply more than 2-3 people visiting it every year for hotels to be of any use.

And what about domestic travels?

Here's something you can do..try going to Murree or Naran on a weekend in summers and find a decent accommodation. Or for that matter all year round in Islamabad. These days, its the guest houses that are filling in the gap. A decent, clean and budget hotel is indeed needed.

And may be just try going to Islamabad airport too to see whether there is a demand for hotels or not.

Decent hotels in Pakistan are ridiculously expensive!

And what about domestic travels?

Here's something you can do..try going to Murree or Naran on a weekend in summers and find a decent accommodation. Or for that matter all year round in Islamabad. These days, its the guest houses that are filling in the gap. A decent, clean and budget hotel is indeed needed.

And may be just try going to Islamabad airport too to see whether there is a demand for hotels or not.

Decent hotels in Pakistan are ridiculously expensive!
I know about that, but he was talking about airport hotels.

With a rising middle class I think there is a desperate need for good quality hotels at affordable prices in Pakistan. No everyone wants or can afford Marriot, PC or Avari. In Karachi there are some good hotels at affordable prices but Lahore and Islamabad are lacking these.

Centaurus's website states that it wont be a 7-star hotel bt it will be a 5-star hotel, is it true?

There's no such thing as a 7-star hotel. That's just another ridiculous term invented in Dubai. By international standards a 5-star rating makes you a top-of-the-line hotel.

it seems as instead of conrad hilton it will be now "centarus hotel' ???

which i guess is like be downgraded

Park Plaza Hotel, M.M.Alam road, Lahore

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6080819010_a5f64ff73a_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6080284079_0b3d411be8_b.jpg

Bahria Hotel, Lahore


http://www.bahriagrand.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=10

^^ This hotel is too far from city center...

in my opinion this bahria hotel is nice from inside but looks plain and cheap from outside almost ugly !!!


and is PC faisalabad open? i was reading its a franchise of PC and not their own property

^^ Yes, PC Faisalabad was opened almost a year ago...

PC Faisalabad (http://pcfaisalabad.com/)

new islamabad DHAI hotel(and mall_)..i think they no longer plan a Jumeriah though some render had their logo covered up with the word Hotel


http://www.wtcisb.com/images/brochure.pdf

new islamabad DHAI hotel(and mall_)..i think they no longer plan a Jumeriah though some render had their logo covered up with the word Hotel


http://www.wtcisb.com/images/brochure.pdf
thats the new render of World Trade Center, they changed the design.

new islamabad DHAI hotel(and mall_)..i think they no longer plan a Jumeriah though some render had their logo covered up with the word Hotel


http://www.wtcisb.com/images/brochure.pdf

I have seen the future hotel plans of Jumeriah, they have not mentioned this project...

So, no more Jumeriah in this project...

Where is this Hotel located?


http://najmibilgrami.com/2011/05/05/margalla-hotel-islamabad/



http://najmibilgrami.com/2011/01/25/margala-hotel-islamabad/

this hotel Margalla seems to be an amzing project ..looks awesome like a large boutique hotel

like out of nowwhwere i mean we havent heard of it

^^ This is the proposal of extention of hotel building, so not yet completed. I have attended couple of weddings in Margalla hotel, Isloo. It is located on Kashmir Highway (almost opposite Serena hotel)...

Where is this Hotel located?


http://najmibilgrami.com/2011/05/05/margalla-hotel-islamabad/



http://najmibilgrami.com/2011/01/25/margala-hotel-islamabad/
So Najmi Bilgrami is behind the roundabout in Karachi. Good to find out.

I Was reading the latest reviews on ISlamabad Marriott

the reviews were similar like good stay, nice hotel , clean extra but not many customers

like i then went to their website and they seem to have a starting rate of $180-600 a night?

WTF no wonder ist empty what kind of business model are they using ???

Hotels are insanely expensive in Pakistan for some reason. Having said that the online rates for Paki hotels are always bogus.

Marriott hotel rates i.e. from $200 to $1000 are like this all over the world & also those Marriott hotels which are in capital cities are more expensive than normal (we can compare rates of Marriott Isloo & Marriott Karachi)...

http://65.55.143.16/att/GetInline.aspx?messageid=75df7064-32df-11e1-ac81-002264c248a4&attindex=0&cp=-1&attdepth=0&imgsrc=cid%3aimage004.jpg%4001CCC6E4.88C50C40&shared=1&blob=MHxpbWFnZTAwNC5qcGd8aW1hZ2UvanBlZw_3d_3d&hm__login=ahmadrashid13&hm__domain=hotmail.com&ip=10.42.156.8&d=d4999&mf=0&hm__ts=Fri%2c%2030%20Dec%202011%2015%3a57%3a45%20GMT&st=ahmadrashid13&hm__ha=01_d7d67ae8bbac0c6e73e6ba5bb968449ef6b539787ae6772be7ba9af455e3da7c&oneredir=1

PC HOTEL FAISALABAD looks nice...anybody been there?

Shalimar Hotel Tower, Jail road, Lahore

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6840757093_1068b2d40b_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6840757573_0e09a0b042_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6840757883_a1d0953941_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6840758413_3d7a6e44cf_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6840758915_7e2b57feca_b.jpg

^^Decent addition to Jail road :)

I thought this was a hospital, are you sure this a hotel?

wow... its written on the building

I thought this was a hospital, are you sure this a hotel?

Yes it is a hotel!

Nice building, nice locaton too...

theres 3 or 4 new hotels in Lahore it would be better if they had franchise of some internationnal brand like some mid level brand like Holiday inn express get some more exposure etc more stays

http://www.me.en.sunguardglass.com/ProjectDatabase/ViewProject/index.htm?id=12004833



http://www.shalimartowerhotel.com/reservations.html

^^

I also think that brands such as Holiday Inn Express of Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), Super 8 of Wyndham Worldwide & Hotel Formule 1 of Accor etc. will be quite useful for Lahore...

THE hotels in Europe and USA that are non branded and under 100$ can be quite the dump imagine Lahore..lol

but these new hotels are nice and they would definatly get a franchise if they tried


i only travel now via branded hotels

See link: http://heiritagesuites.com/

Not impressive!

See link: http://heiritagesuites.com/

Not impressive!

http://heritagesuites.com/

I know that they haven´t spelt heritage correct but that was the link: http://heiritagesuites.com/ . It is not working anymore!


They also have a facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/TheMoorSuites?sk=wall&filter=1

LAHORE hotel near airport"NOVOTEL" looks like they need another 2-3 years to make it`


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTR_3Dgv-PU



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvXts1Hzc-o&feature=related


renders=

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1920&bih=912&tbm=isch&tbnid=m_msE-WAw1cQPM:&imgrefurl=http://primaco.comlu.com/gallery.html&docid=m5Cifsl08oYDHM&imgurl=http://primaco.comlu.com/images/hotel5.jpg&w=800&h=600&ei=ltdaT_mvHqaA2wWY8eHeDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=708&vpy=144&dur=1243&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=163&ty=92&sig=111967867295945942779&page=1&tbnh=123&tbnw=166&start=0&ndsp=55&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0

do we have a render for this hotel?

^^ See the above links again...

A decade of hospitality: Islamabad’s opulent Serena Hotel is 10 years old

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/348630-SerenaHotelAnniversary-1331482833-390-640x480.jpg
Serena Hotel celebrated its 10th Anniversary with traditional folk dances, diverse cuisine and other activities on Sunday.

A large crowd gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Serena Hotel on Sunday.

To greet the guests, dhol-walas clad in traditional attire, drummed out beats while dancing in the parking lot. The guests were led on the red carpet to the gardens, where food stalls served oriental cuisine with delights such as kulfa faluda, taka-tak and chaat. One side of the garden served fresh juices, oriental and Japanese food items such as salads and wok-fry noodles. “It feels like a carnival with excellent food,” said Jamal Khan, a guest.

Handicrafts from all over the country were put on display, while musicians and performers from Pakistan National Council of the Arts and International Promotion of Arts and Culture kept the audience captivated. They presented cultural dances, with props like swords in tow. Children lounged around face painting booths and watched a puppet show while the women browsed through the in-house shopping arcade.

Tania Arianda of Serena Management told The Express Tribune that they had been working for the past one month to put the event together. Serena Hotel General Manager Peter Hill said, “ [The hotel] has come a long way from commissioning of a small hotel in the northern areas of Pakistan to this flagship property. The journey has been rewarding.” The guest list included diplomats, politicians and heads of United Nations agencies.

IT would have been better if the NEW WING of serena was another hotel all together

like one could be luxury and one more econmical

any info on the 2 SHERATONS in islamabad? has ground breaking even happened? been many years

any info on the 2 SHERATONS in islamabad? has ground breaking even happened? been many years

Work is going on & according to Sheraton website, both hotels now will open in 2014...

Work is going on & according to Sheraton website, both hotels now will open in 2014...

so are both hotels located in Bahria Golf city??

so are both hotels located in Bahria Golf city??

One is in Bahria Golf City Resort while the other one is on Murree road...

Range Hospitality to set up new branches in Pakistan

Range Hospitality, a Dubai-based real estate developer, has announced of its expansion plans.

Recently, the company has opened its first office in Karachi, Pakistan, and intends to set up more branches in Lahore, Islamabad and Multan within the current quarter, planning also to expand Range Hospitality’s operations in other urban and semi-urban cities across Pakistan.

“Considering Pakistan as a potential and prosperous market with a positive outlook, we are promoting our Al Rawdatain Residences hotel here as well to people from all walks of life,” said business development director, Pakistan, Range Hospitality, Shafaat Hashmi.

“And we are sure that the property will attract Pakistanis with 50-years’ leasehold that Range Hospitality has instituted in the project. Thus as the religious tourism market is one of the fastest growing sectors, we have taken the lead and are confident that people will appreciate Range Hospitality’s offering.”

Range Hospitality already has offices in Dubai, London, Karbala, Bahrain, KSA, Karachi and Oman.

PARK PLAZA LAHORE HOTEL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcPUHevQaBs

http://ramadaislamabad.com/rooms/

doesnt look like its open yet

^^

According to Ramada Worldwide website, there are only two Ramada in Pakistan i.e. in Karachi & Multan...

^^

Now Ramada in Islamabad!!


Video by Me.

yH2PgVnV2Xc

^^


Thats great, thanks for sharing...

NICE VIDEO looks better than the renders...

Pics of PC Bhurban from their FB page taken in January:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/395277_321476204549865_308805829150236_1030280_1532000351_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/384919_321475964549889_308805829150236_1030278_915359831_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378915_321475801216572_308805829150236_1030277_339007526_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/405302_321475601216592_308805829150236_1030276_1270587250_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/374689_321475517883267_308805829150236_1030275_1047384690_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/397414_321475291216623_308805829150236_1030274_694001878_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/392642_321474621216690_308805829150236_1030273_705888685_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/388876_309334949097324_308805829150236_985618_1421772477_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/392670_309334765764009_308805829150236_985617_1548094466_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/388876_309334949097324_308805829150236_985618_1421772477_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/403341_348164521881033_308805829150236_1100529_711288026_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/423298_348164048547747_308805829150236_1100527_1394684401_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/422338_348162825214536_308805829150236_1100523_1750051127_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/404180_348162308547921_308805829150236_1100522_134362136_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/422383_348161741881311_308805829150236_1100521_1223675919_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/393995_348160905214728_308805829150236_1100519_1096102280_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/425274_348160448548107_308805829150236_1100518_1023472295_n.jpg

pc bhurban looks great

:)

Here's another beauty PC Muzaffarabad built in 2005:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429903_372502652768381_115073118511337_1398526_1010426487_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/383064_293068134074221_179812015399834_757136_897964202_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/383751_293202284060806_179812015399834_757417_71149881_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378805_293067867407581_179812015399834_757132_172817506_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/376987_293068434074191_179812015399834_757140_1527715748_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421244_3517143374234_354842171_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/395774_293067980740903_179812015399834_757133_672661909_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/429326_3517129293882_1441478890_33370092_1468395007_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/387649_293068227407545_179812015399834_757138_1186539779_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/376987_293068434074191_179812015399834_757140_1527715748_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/390430_293068044074230_179812015399834_757134_1218691059_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/405687_293068094074225_179812015399834_757135_1888707385_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/383751_293202284060806_179812015399834_757417_71149881_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/387387_293068177407550_179812015399834_757137_571218278_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/408744_293067814074253_179812015399834_757131_1337201334_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/409133_293068717407496_179812015399834_757142_1653673575_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/409104_293068820740819_179812015399834_757143_397325753_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/384425_293069164074118_179812015399834_757144_804154512_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/397497_293069524074082_179812015399834_757152_332072442_n.jpg

Nice pics...:okay:

nice thanks

pc should also construct a beautiful hotel or resort in federal capital

^^ unlikely as Hashoo group already has Marriott in Isloo plus they're expanding with Hotel One - budget hotels by PC.

fairly recent pics (Oct, 2011) of Ramada Karachi completed in 2008 I believe:

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296423_242405539139948_124994027547767_607599_2118563272_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302111_242405549139947_124994027547767_607600_2051062122_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/317839_242405479139954_124994027547767_607595_149067148_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294233_242405502473285_124994027547767_607596_1564951666_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299602_242406195806549_124994027547767_607604_779352789_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/302683_242406345806534_124994027547767_607609_565443458_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320800_242406245806544_124994027547767_607605_1088855215_n.jpg

Avari Group set for local expansion



Avari Group has decided to develop Avari Xpress three- and four-star residences and boutique hotels in secondary cities of Pakistan on a lease basis.
Avari Group Chairman Byram D Avari while talking to journalists on the sidelines of a press briefing on Thursday informed that two such properties already exist in Islamabad.
“We’ll have two more Avari Xpress properties in Lahore soon,” he said, adding that the group also planned to have similar properties in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan and Sialkot.
The Avari properties provide all room amenities that are provided by their larger counterparts, including gym, restaurant and meeting facilities. However, they are limited in the food service and without a swimming pool and banquet facilities. Avari noted that Hyderabad did not apparently have enough demand to justify the establishment of a full-fledged Avari hotel there. However, he said he wanted to set up a three-star in Hyderabad. He added that Sukkur seemed more feasible for a four-star Avari hotel.
Avari Xpress residences and boutique hotels are being established as joint ventures, he said. Under the management/lease basis, the owner sets up the entire hotel and gets a percentage of room revenue as lease money for a period of 20 to 25 years. The eventual profit and/or loss is the responsibility of Avari Hotels International. This ensures that the owner gets a guaranteed stream of income without having to worry about the expenses.

Hotel management: Five training centres approved for Sindh

SO the Avari islamabad is canceled then? their just gonna leave the big hole in islamabad ? article makes no mention of it

Etihad Airways strikes deal with Avari hotels


KARACHI: Etihad Guest, a loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has announced its partnership with Avari Hotels International, which will provide subscribers a new way to earn Etihad guest miles.

Speaking to media on Thursday, Etihad Airways Area General Manager for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal Amer Khan said that under the new partnership agreement, guests who stay at any Avari hotel worldwide will be eligible to earn one Etihad guest mile for every US dollar spent. Moreover, members who stay at any Avari hotel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Pakistan on or before June 30 will earn double guest miles.

The ‘Etihad Guest’ programme boasts over 1.5 million members to date. It offers its members an opportunity to accumulate air miles, which can be used to purchase more than 3,800 products in the airline’s own reward shop or convert it to make cash payments in more than 30 million retail outlets via PointsPay.

Khan said that Avari hotels international was the first hotel chain in Pakistan with which the Abu Dhabi-based airline had struck a strategic joint partnership. Etihad Airways has experienced double-digit, year-on-year growth in Pakistan. The country is one of the top ten markets catered by the airline, he added.

Currently, Etihad Airways operates 23 flights per week from Abu Dhabi to four destinations in Pakistan, namely Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar.


---

http://www.avari.com/property/media/home-special/golden-benefits-2012.jpg

SO the Avari islamabad is canceled then? their just gonna leave the big hole in islamabad ? article makes no mention of it

He mentioned about Islamabad site along with Lahore plans, not cancelled. Hope they start work in Isloo soon.