Bangladesh - Hotels, Motels, Resorts and Inns [Archive] - Page 2

nayeem007

April 18th, 2010, 11:13 PM

Ecopreneur: Buying Land in Bangladesh
Kristin Boekhoff Developer, Panigram sustainable resort

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-04-17-ontheriver42.jpg

http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-04-17-RiveratSitePhoto2.jpg

My team and I had worked hard for two years to get to this point -- the first land purchase. Two weeks before I wasn't sure if the project would even go forward; some early investor commitments fell through and the villagers were in an uproar because for over a year we had been telling them we would buy their land, but had not delivered on our promise. One angry villager went as far as cutting down some of the beautiful mahogany trees on our intended project site. We got the local government to intervene to save the trees, but this created additional ill will (understandably) with the community.

Fortunately, just a couple of days before our trip to Jessore, after months of meetings and negotiations, I convinced a few forward-thinking Bangladeshi businessmen to invest their faith and their taka in me and my dream of creating a socially and environmentally responsible resort out of mud.

Because all of the legal paperwork that would allow my investors to own the company had not yet been completed, one of the investors came to Jessore with me to co-buy the land in his name for collateral (when he receives his company shares he will transfer the name back to Panigram Resort).

I anticipated problems with the land purchase; this was the first time that we had done it and the first time for anything in Bangladesh is always a struggle as we figure out the system. Sure enough, our day started with a delayed flight and an hour wait for our colleague who was on another plane.

When we got to Jessore, I learned that none of the sale deeds had been printed yet because we still had to consult the local attorney about some issues with the complicated Islamic inheritance laws. (Because few people have wills when a landowner dies, their land is distributed among their heirs. This means that even small pieces of land in Bangladesh are often owned by many people.) The land registration office was outside of Jessore City, so we drove a half hour to the proper thana (a Bangladeshi legal division, similar to a U.S. county) intending to print the documents when we arrived. When we got there, however, the power was out, so we had to wait an hour for the electricity to come back on. When it did, my local agent, Koli, got to work on the documents, but unfortunately twenty minutes into the work the power went out again. My investor started to become frustrated with the disorganization.

Forty minutes later the power came back on and Koli finished his work. I told him to print whatever he had and said that if there were any small changes we could make them by hand. Ten seconds after I said that the power went out again for an hour. (Panigram Resort will have alternative energy not only because we want to be "green", but also because the municipal power in this part of the world is woefully unreliable!) Finally, in the middle of the afternoon, we were able to get a printed set of documents.

The villagers were waiting for us at the land registration office. Because we still had not told the villagers that I am the owner of the project (I hate the dishonesty, but I lost two pieces of land before because the price increased by a factor of ten once they found out it was a foreign owner), I went into a small room to privately sign the documents before we handed them over to the landowners for signatures.

Koli took all of the landowners around to the back side of the land registration building for the signing; there were several bamboo stalls set up in between the date palm and jackfruit trees that villagers use to conduct business. It took the rest of the afternoon for all fifteen people to sign the documents that sold me just an acre of land (our first parcel). When the sun went down we migrated into the land registration office which was now lit by candles.

When the first group of people finished signing the documents they came to us to get their money before we filed the registration; my investor, Pintu, gave them pay orders. The villagers had never seen a pay order before and did not believe that we were giving them real money. We explained to them that they just had to open a bank account and that the bank would cash the check immediately.

Koli took them to the local bank to open an account, but sadly the bank teller had never seen a pay order before either and told the villagers that it would take a week for them to get their money if the check cleared. The villagers were understandably upset, as were we because the entire point of a pay order is that we pay beforehand and the money comes directly from the bank so that we can avoid the check clearing process.

We called several other banks in Jessore city and we were told that because the pay order came from a different bank and originated in Dhaka, it would take a week for the money to clear. The villagers almost walked away from the deal, but Koli worked with the banks to convince the villagers that they would be able to get the money, they just would have to wait for it. The villagers agreed to proceed with the sale, but they would only let us register our documents after the money had cleared the bank.

I drove Pintu back to the airport so he could catch his evening flight. We were all frustrated that the land registration didn't finalize that day. I assured Pintu that it would go through in a few days and tried to relieve some of his annoyance with the disorganization by having him read my Huffington Post article about my first investor meeting ("Ecopreneur: Never Let Them See You Sweat"); he felt better after reading about that adventure!

A week later the pay orders cleared and the land registration was finalized. A few days after that, the investors officially closed on the first round of equity and I went back to Jessore to buy the next piece of land. For the second purchase, all of the land documents were printed beforehand, we arranged to pay the villagers in cash, and Koli had procured a generator for the print shop near the land registration office, just in case we needed to make some corrections...

Buying land in Bangladesh wasn't easy, but just look at my new view!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristin-boekhoff/ecopreneur-buying-land-in_b_541551.html

nayeem007

April 18th, 2010, 11:20 PM

Few interesting things I found in her blog, might be useful for others willing to invest in Bangladesh:

Forming a Company in Bangladesh

Like the road system of Bangladesh, the path to company formation is fraught with potholes, u-turns, and unpaved roads, but for the intrepid entrepreneur starting a business here can be very rewarding – both economically and personally. Foreigners are allowed to 100% own land and companies and they can repatriate 100% of their profits – a rare financial find in the developing world. Businesses also bring jobs to the country’s 150 million inhabitants, many of whom live on less than a dollar a day.

Since forming a company in Bangladesh is a complicated process, I have decided to document the process in the hopes of saving the next entrepreneur a bit of time navigating through the system.

I will use this as the index page for my blog entries so others will be able to link to this single blog entry and will be able to easily find all of my other posts on the subject. I will update this page whenever I add a new entry. If any one else has any other tips that they would like to add, please feel free to add them here.

Company Formation in Bangladesh:

Company Formation Part I - 5/8/08
Company Formation Part II - 5/26/08
Company Formation Part III - 6/17/08
Company Formation Part IV - 2/12/09
Company Formation Part V - 5/17/09
Company Formation Part VI - 6/1/09
Company Formation Part VII - 3/18/10

In Part 1 I cover the following things:

Starting the process
The different types of companies in Bangladesh
Forming/ incorporating a company
Registering with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies

Obtaining encashment certificates
In Part 2 I cover the following things:

Steps you need to take to form a company (from A to Z!)
What order everything needs to be submitted in
In Part 3 I cover the following things:

"Commercial Side" vs. "Industrial Side" of the Bangladesh Board of Investment
Opening a corporate bank account
"Non-operating" vs. "Operating" bank accounts
In Part 4 I cover the following things:

BOI Registration
Fees for BOI Registration
Getting a Bank Draft
Getting a Tax ID Number (TIN)
Getting a Trade License
Land requirement of BOI Registration
In Part 5 I cover the following things:

Investor Visa Application Process
Work Permit Application Process
Finally Opening Your Bank Account!
In Part 6 I cover the following things:

Amending Your BOI Registration Letter
In Part 7 I cover the following things:

First Annual General Meetings
Overseas Document Attestation
Annual RJSC Filing
Filing Documents with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC)
Audited Financials

http://kboekhoff.blogspot.com/2008/12/forming-company-in-bangladesh-like-road.html

(The site above has working link to all the Board of Investment site)

nayeem007

April 18th, 2010, 11:27 PM

The Trip That Inspired Me to … Say Farewell to Corporate America

Traveler: Kristin Boekhoff, founder and owner, Panigram Resort, Bangladesh
Inspirational destination: Cavo Branch Eco Resort, Belize, January 2006
Duration: Two weeks
At the time, I worked as …: Chief Information Office at CharterMac, a full-service real-estate financing company.
What happened: “I was inspired by the place and the experience that I had there. The owner lived at the resort. He told me how he had left corporate America years before and came to Belize to develop his resort. After speaking with him, I realized I had all the skills that I needed to create my own resort. I have always been interested in seeing the ‘real’ culture of an area that I travel to. This desire was strengthened during my Fulbright Fellowship in Bangladesh.”
Her “motorcycle moment”: “On the beach in San Pedro, I drove a motor scooter for the first time in my life down the beach, and I had this incredible feeling of freedom and limitless possibility. I hadn’t experienced that sense of pure joy in a very long time. I got a glimpse of a life that I could have, one where I didn’t have to put on a suit and go into an office every day, a life where I could decide my own schedule and have the freedom to decide for myself how I could best make a difference in the world. Eight months later, I quit my corporate job in New York, donated everything that I owned to charity, and moved to Bangladesh.”
Baby steps from here to there: Boekhoff suggests building a financial safety net. “I was able to put $50,000 into savings before I left New York. This money is now covering my living expenses and initial start-up costs.” Most important, she says you simply need to take action. “Your idea is useless unless you take steps to bring it to fruition,” says Boekhoff.

http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/magazine/the-trip-that-inspired-me-to/879

DzzzMcGzzz

April 19th, 2010, 02:55 AM

Perhaps you know the answer as to why the scope of accommodation is so small and when is the project expected to complete?

I really don't know the answer to the first, but nayeem's posts with the bolded text I think provides insight. She's nearly doing this whole thing by herself, and has to work hard to get Bangladeshi investors to commit. The pavilion they built last summer was a great first step in attracting investors and get actual products, beyond just a vision.

Panigram's website says an early 2011 opening. Now that they finally have some land, they'll have the opportunity to really build. I'm excited to see what it'll turn out to be.

She's done a great job cataloging every step of the process, so you can see what it takes to build a resort. Her Huffington Post thread (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristin-boekhoff/) is a good synopsis.

kboekhoff

April 19th, 2010, 02:10 PM

Dear mirzazeehan,

The photos that you posted were actually from my vision book. The vision book is made up of photos that I have taken of the project area and images from magazines. I use the vision book to give people an idea of what the resort will look and feel like. We are actually in the process of coming up with the architectural master plan and resort design now.

In a few weeks we should be posting the master plan on our website: www.panigram.com (http://www.panigram.com), so you may want to check back then!

Best,

Kristin Boekhoff
Owner
Panigram Resort

kboekhoff

April 19th, 2010, 02:16 PM

Perhaps you know the answer as to why the scope of accommodation is so small and when is the project expected to complete?
Dear Towhid,

Panigram Resort will have a guesthouse with 10 rooms, 10 stand-alone bungalows, a restaurant, bar, tea house, full service spa and wellness center, hammock house, business center, and gardens.

I am initially keeping the number of keys (or "rooms") small for a few reasons:
1) I am interested in boutique resorts; by definition a boutique resort has less than 50 keys.
2) This is a concept that hasn't been tried yet in Bangladesh and I want to see what the response is before building a larger property.

The good news is that if Panigram does well, however, we have allowed space for the possible addition of an additional guest house and another 10 bungalows. Also, this is my first resort in Bangladesh. In a couple of years (after Panigram is up and running) I will be putting together a fund to develop more socially and environmentally responsible properties in Bangladesh and other countries in southern Asia.

Best,

Kristin Boekhoff
Owner
Panigram Resort

kboekhoff

April 19th, 2010, 02:26 PM

I presume the pricing will be quite high, eh? At least USD 200 a night? The place looks amazing!
Dear SAS,

Our room rates will range from 4,500 Tk ($64) to 10,000 Tk ($143) per night for our guest rooms and from 10,500 Tk ($150) to 40,000 Tk ($571) night for our bungalows. The bungalows range from two to four bedrooms. The average daily rate (ADR) for the rooms is $100 a night and the ADR for the bungalows is $260 a night. Quite reasonable by international standards (especially for the quality of facilities and service that we will be providing).

The room rates will be integrated into our reservation system, so they will not be posted on our website until the reservation system goes live next spring.

Best,

Kristin Boekhoff
Owner
Panigram Resort

DzzzMcGzzz

April 19th, 2010, 05:56 PM

Hi Kristin! Welcome to the forums! We were having fun discussing Panigram. Were your ears itching? :)

TIslam

April 19th, 2010, 07:46 PM

Dear Towhid,

Panigram Resort will have a guesthouse with 10 rooms, 10 stand-alone bungalows, a restaurant, bar, tea house, full service spa and wellness center, hammock house, business center, and gardens.

I am initially keeping the number of keys (or "rooms") small for a few reasons:
1) I am interested in boutique resorts; by definition a boutique resort has less than 50 keys.
2) This is a concept that hasn't been tried yet in Bangladesh and I want to see what the response is before building a larger property.

The good news is that if Panigram does well, however, we have allowed space for the possible addition of an additional guest house and another 10 bungalows. Also, this is my first resort in Bangladesh. In a couple of years (after Panigram is up and running) I will be putting together a fund to develop more socially and environmentally responsible properties in Bangladesh and other countries in southern Asia.

Best,

Kristin Boekhoff
Owner
Panigram Resort

Thank you for your reply, Kristin. It was very nice of you to take the time to educate us about your project. Needless to say we are very excited and waiting for its inaugural, impatiently, I might add.

I hope you have budgeted for some marketing, i.e. advertising in prominent travel magazines, to be particular. Hopefully, we will have your resort reviewed by Conde Nast with much acclaim.

Best wishes and Godspeed.

Manazir

April 19th, 2010, 07:49 PM

^^
Hey Kristin, welcome to the forum too :) , out of curiosity, are u from somewhere in Europe/ Scandinavian? :P

tanzirian

April 19th, 2010, 08:00 PM

Kristin, welcome to the forums! I have enjoyed your pics on flickr and elsewhere for a few years.

A special request, if acceptable to you. We have a thread in the General Photography section of Skyscrapercity, to showcase photos of Bangladesh. If you have high-res versions of your wonderful Jessore photos, with the date trees and flowers, please consider posting them there. If not, thanks anyway. Best of luck on your venture.

The link is:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=741148

TIslam

April 19th, 2010, 08:46 PM

Boutique hotels are new additions in the local hospitality sector. These are small hotels, consisting of a few dozen stylishly decorated rooms, spread over a multi-storied structure. These hotels are well-equipped with almost all the latest gadgets and gizmos. Competing with the giant international hotel chains here, these chic abodes have already carved a niche for themselves.

Ascott,The Residence, opened in Dhaka on the first week of April, 2010. It spans over six floors of a six-storied building. Each floor is complete with a number of bedrooms and suites. There are different colour schemes for each floor. Maroon, beige, green, are some of the colours which dominate the floors. For each floor, the colour codes are maintained in each and every feature on that floor. Each room is complete with latest amenities like LCD televisions, internet, Wi-fi and broad-band connections and of course other regular features like freeze, tea and coffee facilities etc.

Also, there is a lounge on each floor, which gives enough space to the guests to have their own time and space. Apart from the regular rooms, there are deluxe rooms, premium roo-ms, royal suites and executive suites at Ascott.

Touch the sky---the spa at Ascott is the place where the guests can refresh and de-stress themselves, whereas Energize is the fitness hub where one can treat oneself to rejuvenating exercises.

The hotel has two restaurants: Chill and Grill and Nabibah Deli. Chill and Grill is the rooftop restaurant, which is a unique combination of a barbeque joint and a coffee-shop. This can be used as a party venue also, as and when needed. Nabibah Deli is the 24-hour restaurant, where there is an array of food to cater to different tastes. The menu, designed and prepared by expert chefs, offers a wide variety of cuisines.

Apart from these regular features, there is a business centre, a conference room, that can accommodate 20 guests and one banquet hall which can provide for 100 guests. Other provisions include in-house laundry, a gift shop, guided tour of the city, pick-and -drop from the airport and complimentary breakfast.

The hotel is located at an idyllic setting in Baridhara Diplomatic Zone, (House # 13, Road # 8). The entire place is done up exquisitely, with Jamdani and other ethnic tapestries and art decors. Soothing melodies of Tagore welcomes the guests as they step into the hotel. This marvelous duo of Jamdani and Tagore adds a lot of local flavor to the place, which is international in terms of other feature. Laced by a tree-lined lake and lush greeneries, the site is a treat for the eyes. The roof-top restaurant offers an excellent view of the neighbourhood, with the blue of the sky and green of the nature creating a wonderful collage.

Ascott is an international chain of serviced-apartments that has branched itself into 60 countries. If the local outlet is able to meet their requirements, then it can become the newest addition to this reputed global hospitality chain. With it's present state of operation and performance, wherein it is offering a world of luxury in all it's features and functions, it should not be difficult for Ascott, The Residence, in Dhaka to attain this goal in the near future.
-Asma Ali

http://bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1377&CID=7&archivedate=

mirzazeehan

April 19th, 2010, 10:04 PM

Those pictures aren't of Panigram, so don't go too crazy. They are from the project's vision document, so it is what the creator envisions the project will look like, using photographs of other successful ventures worldwide.

Sorry guys,my bad.....Lines like "enjoy our gardens" or "designed by architect marina tabassum" that were embedded in some of the pics led me to believe that they were of Panigram and I completely overlooked the "vision" part of the file name.Anyhow,I like the vision of the people behind the project.A resort like this would definitely contribute positively to the tourism industry in Bangladesh.:cheers:

shuvon

April 20th, 2010, 02:02 AM

^^ Thanks for posting Mirza! I was just about to ask Sas if he could post here (I had seen his link in the Dhaka Hotels thread). This looks like a great place to stay if touristing around Sylhet.

Sas, if you are aware of other new hotels are resorts outside Dhaka, please consider posting about them in this thread.

Also, I wonder what option there might be for someone coming through Sylhet and wanting to see the wonderful waterfalls on the Indian side of the border? Does anyone know where the border crossing(s) is / are between Meghalaya and Sylhet and what options there are for transportation for someone with Indian tourist visa? If I ever visit Sylhet in Shorot season I would love to cross over and check out the falls there, if possible.

right...there is a crossing in near Jaflong border [just few miles ahead of jaflong also known as Tamabil check point]. there is a connecting road [mostly used for coil transportation] which will connect you to Shilong. there are border office in both side of Bangladesh and India. this route is one of the popular as it connects you to the beautiful Indian side Shilong. during the night you can actually see the big bazar take place in mountain on the Indian side .

ofcourse you will need a indian visa to go through Tamabil checkpoint to Shilong. if you are to cross India, I would suggest cross it during morning and before 4pm in the evening. it is much safer for tourist during that time.

hope that helps

shuvon

April 20th, 2010, 02:11 AM

Wow. Are those really pictures? That means the project is almost complete. The entrepreneur is an impressive American lady who had come to the company I had earlier worked for possible financing. The pictures are fantastic! I think they beat Nazimgarh anyday, no?

nazim garh is doing terrific business in Bangladesh. most of the time it is full with foreigner. from foreign ambassador to tourist...they are now planning to construct tennis court, mini golf club etc [so buying lands].

on the higher note they are planning to open another resort in the Tamabil Point , right on top of Indian border and mountain. as far as i know they are on their last stage of completion. apparently you will have to use speedboat to go to the resort [which they will provide]

nayeem007

April 20th, 2010, 02:22 AM

How is the road connection from Dhaka to Jessore?(I believe there is an airport there, but very few in Bangladesh fly domestically outside of Dhaka or Chittagong). Secondly, does Panigram resort have ties to other attractions in the region? (maybe some sort of package tour to Sundarban or trip to 60 domed mosque in Bagerhat). In order to make a long trip outside of Dhaka, people would prefer to bundle few activities together.

I think the reason Nazim garh has been so successful is due to the good rail and road connectivity of Sylhet with Dhaka city and also because it is located in the midst of tea gardens,hills and waterfalls-- so visitors can use the time for sightseeing and not just relax in the resort. Moreover, Sylhet city itself has lot of expatriates from london, spiking up demand for luxury resorts..

tanzirian

April 20th, 2010, 05:03 AM

right...there is a crossing in near Jaflong border [just few miles ahead of jaflong also known as Tamabil check point]. there is a connecting road [mostly used for coil transportation] which will connect you to Shilong. there are border office in both side of Bangladesh and India. this route is one of the popular as it connects you to the beautiful Indian side Shilong. during the night you can actually see the big bazar take place in mountain on the Indian side .

ofcourse you will need a indian visa to go through Tamabil checkpoint to Shilong. if you are to cross India, I would suggest cross it during morning and before 4pm in the evening. it is much safer for tourist during that time.

hope that helps

Thanks for the info...I don't know if I will get the opportunity, but I would like to see some of the waterfalls in Meghalaya some day.

mirzazeehan

April 20th, 2010, 11:54 AM

nazim garh is doing terrific business in Bangladesh. most of the time it is full with foreigner. from foreign ambassador to tourist...they are now planning to construct tennis court, mini golf club etc [so buying lands].

on the higher note they are planning to open another resort in the Tamabil Point , right on top of Indian border and mountain. as far as i know they are on their last stage of completion. apparently you will have to use speedboat to go to the resort [which they will provide]

Great to know that Nazim Garh is doing good.Are they planning to open the resort at Tamabil or is the resort already in the last phase of completion?
Thanks for the info bro

shuvon

April 20th, 2010, 02:50 PM

Thanks for the info...I don't know if I will get the opportunity, but I would like to see some of the waterfalls in Meghalaya some day.

its awesome! there are lots of them..

Great to know that Nazim Garh is doing good.Are they planning to open the resort at Tamabil or is the resort already in the last phase of completion?
Thanks for the info bro
yeah its in the last phase of completion. last time the manager of Nazimgarh told me they finished constructing the building....i think they are doing the final bits and bites...just cannot recall the name of the resort..i will surely let you know once i bang my head on lamp post and remember it ...but as far as i can remember its called something [B]"Jaintapur resort". .

guys also try Lalakhal river. you can just get boat from the riverside or Nazimgarh resort has their own boat. it few miles away from Nazimgarh and by the Jaflong Tamabil Highway. if you hire a boat from the riverside it shouldn't cost you more than tk 500 taka for return trip. on average it will take nearly 2 hours of boat journey which is great...damn that sandy river is either plain blue or green..the water is filtered through the sand. It is one of the most pristine rivers in Bangladesh.”.there is tea garden happen to owned by Agricultural minister Motia Chowdhury MP... ..

its just like the way written on the nazimgarh website.

Lalakhal: This is a beautiful location at the point where the Sharee river enters Bangladesh from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. In the winter dry season, the river bed resembles a white sea beach with crystal clear water. It is ideal for swimming, boating (canoes and kayaks are available) and lying on the beach in the sun. Nazimgarh has its on private riverside camp ground. Next to this is the Resort's private hilltop camp site and observation point. 360 degree panoramic views of the hills (Meghalaya) and valley (Bangladesh) will keep visitors enchanted. For those who like to trek, there are miles of interesting paths among the hills and tea gardens.

In the monsoon Lalakhal takes on a pristine green look. The river is a torrent onto which the clouds (megh) of Meghalaya decent. The sight of the Janta Hills rising from the foothill's green foliage and forests of Lalakhal is indeed an unique experience.

a review of http://bangladeshtraveller.com/2008/03/02/nazimgarh-resort-a-taste-of-bengali-luxury/

DzzzMcGzzz

April 20th, 2010, 04:17 PM

How is the road connection from Dhaka to Jessore?(I believe there is an airport there, but very few in Bangladesh fly domestically outside of Dhaka or Chittagong). Secondly, does Panigram resort have ties to other attractions in the region? (maybe some sort of package tour to Sundarban or trip to 60 domed mosque in Bagerhat). In order to make a long trip outside of Dhaka, people would prefer to bundle few activities together.

I think the road from Dhaka to Jessore is just fine. I took my parents along this route in 2008 during their short visit, and they thought the ride was fine. They especially loved the launch crossing of the Padma (too bad it'll be a bridge soon :))

The Panigram website mentions tours they'll arrange to the Sundarbans, and I'm sure Bagherhat isn't out of the question either.

kboekhoff

April 20th, 2010, 04:51 PM

^^
Hey Kristin, welcome to the forum too :) , out of curiosity, are u from somewhere in Europe/ Scandinavian? :P
Manazir,

I am actually American, from New York. ;)

-Kristin

kboekhoff

April 20th, 2010, 05:07 PM

@Donnie
Yes my ears were itching! Or rather my website monitor! I noticed that there were several people coming to my website from this location so I thought I would check it out to see what is going on. It is really nice to find a group of people saying such nice things about my project! :) (Thanks all!)

@Towhid
Yes, we do have an advertising budget. Amazingly though we have gotten a lot of local and international PR for free because our resort concept is so interesting. If you would like to see the publications that we have been featured in so far, you can check out the Press Room page on our website: http://www.panigram.com/press-room/

@Tanziriam
I will try to have my intern post some of our photos on the site when he arrives at the end of May. (Sorry just too swamped with everything right now to do it myself!)

@nayeem007
The road access to Panigram is quite good, but because you have to travel by ferry it will take 5-6 hours to drive. The road on the other side of the Mawa Ghat has to be the best one in Bangladesh, however, so as soon as the bridge over the Padma River is finished it will only be a 2.5 to 3 hour drive to Panigram.

There are at least 4 inexpensive (5,200 Tk round trip) half hour flights a day from Dhaka to Jessore, however, so I anticipate that is how most of our guests will arrive; from that standpoint it is more accessible than even Nazimgarh.

As for the activities, yes we will have many activities (including Sundarban tours) that our guests will be able to enjoy. You may want to check out the Activities page of our website for a preliminary list: http://www.panigram.com/activities/

Best,
Kristin Boekhoff
Owner
Panigram Resort

nayeem007

April 20th, 2010, 06:22 PM

Kristin, thanks for the response and goodluck on your project! It truly is a global world nowadays... I am a Bangladeshi posting from NY now whereas a Newyorker is down in Jessore creating resorts :)

Once Padma Bridge is completed, I believe demand for Panigram resort is gonna skyrocket.. also the upcoming 2011 Cricket World cup in Bangladesh should be a good way to publicize the place as lot of tourists will be coming in then.

shuvon

April 20th, 2010, 08:16 PM

.....

tanzirian

April 20th, 2010, 08:30 PM

The Panigram website mentions tours they'll arrange to the Sundarbans, and I'm sure Bagherhat isn't out of the question either.

I think those would be very good ideas. I spent most of my youth in BD but never visited either location, so having a nice place such as Panigram as a base for such excursions would be a very nice idea for some time in the future.

shuvon

April 21st, 2010, 03:07 PM

i am already making plans to visit panigram next year if its open by thn.

Manazir

April 21st, 2010, 06:59 PM

Manazir,

I am actually American, from New York. ;)

-Kristin

haha ur name didnt sound American, it rather sounded European / Scandinavian :)

tanzirian

April 22nd, 2010, 12:47 AM

haha ur name didnt sound American, it rather sounded European / Scandinavian :)

American names can sound like anything, since people here are of pretty much every origin.

Manazir

April 22nd, 2010, 01:34 PM

^^
yep lot of diasporas there

sas

April 22nd, 2010, 08:48 PM

nayeem007

April 25th, 2010, 04:47 PM

La Vinci in talks with Marriott to build hotel

Sayeda Akter La Vinci Hotel, a Bangladesh-Italy joint venture, plans to build a 270-room five-star hotel on Inani beach in Cox's Bazar soon.

The hotel will invest more than Tk 300 crore initially in construction, which is likely to begin by the end of July, a La Vinci official said.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts, a US-based hotel chain, is expected to partner the venture as management operator.

Tapash Ghosh, marketing and operation manager of La Vinci, said a meeting between officials of La Vinci and Marriott was held in Dhaka on Thursday.

“We will start construction once we reach an agreement with an international hotel chain to manage the hotel. We are in talks with Marriott. Any deal will take a little more time to get through," he said.

"The new hotel is likely to start operations by 2011," Ghosh said.

Kiran Andicot, director of Marriott (Indian subcontinent), represented his company in the meeting with La Vinci officials.

La Vinci, a three-star hotel, is managed by US-based Best Western, the largest hotel company operating under a single brand name with 4,000 independently owned and operated hotels in 80 countries across the world.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts is Marriott International's flagship brand. The company, based in Washington DC, has operations in nearly 500 hotels and resorts across the world.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=135788

TIslam

April 25th, 2010, 05:28 PM

nayeem007

April 25th, 2010, 06:43 PM

It takes about two to three years on the average to complete a six story apartment building in Bangladesh, and they are going to inaugurate a 200+ room hotel in less than a year? Even with state of the art construction technology they cannot achieve that feat in the west.

Towhid bhai, Bangladeshi newspapers report in DST(desi standard time). So Padma Bridge in 2013 means 2020, nuclear plant by 2014 means 2025.. just add +(5-20) years on any "estimated opening day" based on your discretion.. And if a report says things like Deep Sea Port Phase 3 is planned for 2035, it actually means after armageddon :lol:

TIslam

April 25th, 2010, 06:47 PM

Towhid bhai, Bangladeshi newspapers report in DST(desi standard time). So Padma Bridge in 2013 means 2020, nuclear plant by 2014 means 2025.. just add +(5-20) years on any "estimated opening day" based on your discretion.. And if a report says things like Deep Sea Port Phase 3 is planned for 2035, it actually means after armageddon :lol:

:lol::lol:
I'll have to keep that in mind.

Manazir

April 25th, 2010, 07:11 PM

^^
HAHAHA :lol: :lol: :lol: :rofl:

sas

April 25th, 2010, 07:26 PM

It takes about two to three years on the average to complete a six story apartment building in Bangladesh, and they are going to inaugurate a 200+ room hotel in less than a year? Even with state of the art construction technology they cannot achieve that feat in the west.

I see agree with you there TIslam. This is by no means materializing anytime soon. While we'd never mind the project completing this early, the end of 2011 is really pushing it.

dopekhor

April 25th, 2010, 08:36 PM

Silv3r

April 26th, 2010, 10:39 PM

whats the point of building a hotel where it takes 10hrs to get and charge in the likes of thailand i cand spend more then a weekend in malaysia with 450ish usd, why would someone bother spending that much in cox?

Cox Bazar needs more than just beach and 3/5 Star hotel.
Can some tell me what other tourist attraction and/or activities i can do when i am spending 4 days and 3 nights?

nayeem007

April 28th, 2010, 08:29 PM

Eco-resort for sustainable tourism -Panigram

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2010/04/29/2010-04-29__b501.jpg
A view of Panigram Resort in Jessore. The resort will bill itself as 'a taste of Bangladeshi village life'.

The term 'sustainable tourism' is a buzzword in the world of today's tourism. But only tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and hosts regions, while protecting and enhancing the area for future generations, is worthy of the term 'sustainable tourism'. Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that underpins all tourism activities. As such, it must be integrated into all aspects of tourism development and management, rather than being just an add-on component.

Should these visionary words inspire practical actions in Bangladesh? Yes indeed, as a sustainable tourism development highly benefits developing countries as well as destinations with a cultural or ecological vulnerable environment. In Bangladesh, examples of these vulnerable environments are the tribal cultures in Bandarban and the environmental balance in the Sundarbans.

As an initiator of the 'Views On Tourism Project', which encourages sustainable tourism in Bangladesh through online knowledge and network, I am excited to witness an emerging sustainable tourism in Bangladesh. There are many lessons to be learnt from these pioneers. One example is an upcoming Panigram eco-resort in Jessore, which I visited as part of a media trip to experience what responsible hospitality and high quality customer service could be in Bangladesh.

The journey started with a drive through the gorgeous, fertile countryside followed by a short boat trip on a quiet, picturesque river. There on the riverbank, at the intersection of two rivers, was the pavilion. We were greeted by two waiters, dressed in beautiful, traditional white panjabis, who offered us a variety of homemade drinks and lemon-scented towels to wash off the journey and refresh us. I took a deep, relaxing breath and started to take in all of my impressions -- would this upcoming resort be, in the true sense of the word, sustainable?

The full day programme at Panigram included a walking tour of the project site, a seven-course lunch at a beautifully decorated table with a river view, boat and rickshaw tours of the countryside, and an evening snack that we enjoyed from our hammocks while watching the sunset. The values of sustainability and excellent service were striking in even the smallest details. Panigram's developer, Kristin Boekhoff, presented all of us with gift baskets filled with items that highlighted some of the resort's sustainable aspects. Examples included:

- A small pottery vase that was made in a nearby pottery village. Panigram hopes to work with the pottery village (which is just a fifteen-minute walk from the resort) to develop modern designs derived from village-style pottery that can be used in the restaurant and sold in the gift shop at fair trade prices.

- An elaborate hand fan made from palm leaf. Beautiful, high quality fans in Bangladesh are slowly being replaced by the cheap, mass-produced, low-quality variety. Panigram is working with a pakha (a hand-made fan) village near the resort to revive this art that is slowly dying out.

- Fruits grown in the area. The resort will be built on sixty bighas (20 acres) of land. There will be extensive organic gardens where fruits and vegetables will be grown to be used in the restaurant. This will be supplemented with produce from the local farmers whom Panigram hopes to share their environmentally friendly organic farming techniques with.

- The gift basket itself was made by a socially responsible craft company in Jessore that trains and employs impoverished rural women.

Panigram is currently under development; its anticipated opening is in mid-2011 and construction is expected to start in the spring. The resort will bill itself as “a taste of Bangladeshi village life” and managed both environmentally sustainable as well as socially responsible.

The architectural design will be done by award-winning Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and built from mud and bamboo -- ancient, local building materials that are extremely sustainable. Alternative energy, composting, organic farming, and grey water recycling are just a few of the eco-friendly aspects of the resort.

The resort will obviously employ many of the local villagers, but just as important for the local employment rate is the cooperation with the community to develop ancillary businesses that will cater to the resort and the burgeoning tourist market it will create. It is the vision that the local community will offer activities that savvy tourists would enjoy -- like fishing with a local fisherman, taking a class in the pottery village, and boating on the river.

Along with other local tourism pioneers, Panigram is a sustainable best practice, which will hopefully inspire others and demonstrate that Bangladesh can have a tourism industry that is both sustainable and profitable.

Although Bangladesh is still in the nascent stages of developing an international tourism industry, responsible hospitality could be one solution to the many social and environmental challenges that the country is currently facing. Social and environmental sustainability would fit in much better with the local culture and environment than typical “big box” hotels with discotheques and casinos would.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=136340

nayeem007

April 28th, 2010, 10:03 PM

Nazimgarh Resort: A taste of Bengali luxury
Posted on 02. Mar, 2008 by Mikey Leung

~story by Mikey Leung~

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/2301825708_618a97ef46_m.jpg
There are some rare moments as a guidebook writer that I am given a chance to enjoy the peace and serenity offered to me by the natural beauty of Bangladesh, and I try to seek out these experiences whenever possible.

One of these rare moments came as I sat on the terrace outside my room at the Nazimgarh Resort. The highway traffic hummed from a distance, but my attention remain fixed on the sound of a dozen different birds chattering away in the trees, most of whom were winter migrants like my Canadian self. I had just taken a stroll around the well-tended grounds of the resort. The sun broke through the winter morning clouds, painting the nearby mango trees in a golden hue.

In short, I felt my soul replenishing.

After experiencing the utter chaos of so many Bangladeshi cities, after dodging rickshaws, sewers and killer busses, after crashing out in some of the cheapest rooms the country has to offer, I finally had a moment of peace. A glimpse of what is currently quite rare in Bangladesh: luxury of a soon-to-be international standard.

I’d been invited to Nazimgarh as their guest, to sample the service and to hear about the future vision of tourism development for the Sylheti region, specifically Jaintapur. My host is the intelligent and affable Nizam Kamran Chowdhury, a former politician and now Managing Director of the resort. As we sat in one of the dozen terraces, his visionary ideas for his region’s development flew thick and fast. It wasn’t long before he instructed his staff to pull out table-sized satellite images of the region patched together from Google Earth. Wielding a ruler, he showed me what the region will eventually become.

The former member of parliament envisions a master plan that will promote its exhilarating natural beauty to visitors. The resort is in fact situated in a river basin that catches water from neighbouring Assam and Meghalaya—known as the wettest region in the world for its record rainfall. As monsoonal water comes down from the hills into Bangladesh from India, it floods the vast areas nearby the resort (no, the resort itself would not be flooded!). Chowdhury’s ideas, if successful, will make this region the national hotspot for what I will bill “Monsoon Tourism.”

“The pre-conceived notion of tourism in Bangladesh is that it is a winter season,” says Chowdhury. “But the monsoon itself is something that people would like to see. What is less known is that we are a few miles from the wettest places in the world.”

For most visitors, it is no secret that Bangladesh floods every year, and for this it is often painted as a victim to the natural calamities that befall it. But in fact, people have lived here for millenniums, and what is less known is that the annual floods bring with them a rich deposition of silt and new topsoil, breathing agricultural life force into the land, which gives rise to the rice that fuels its people. These same people have written lyrical folk songs about the region’s beauty, in their unique dialect of Sylhoti, and have imbued the people here with a rich culture and heritage that forms a unique piece of the puzzle of the patchwork that is Bangladesh.

“We are trying to open up these beautiful mountain rivers,” says Chowdhury. “The colour of the water is emerald green. This is because the river is a sand river, and the water is filtered through the sand. It is one of the most pristine rivers in Bangladesh.”

Back on the ground, Chowdhury spoke of a multi-layered plan that would develop the infrastructure required to attract and support any manner of guest, local or foreign. The first project in this slate of ideas is the resort, which, once the other services come online (health facility, spa, beauty center), will become a most attractive and accessible destination, and hopefully remain more financially accessible than other luxury resorts I have experienced (but still far from inexpensive). During my visit in February 2008, the construction of these value-added facilities had yet to come online.

I did raise some concerns with him, knowing full well that the region is also populated with indigenous Khasia people, who should be considered partners in the region’s development. I also expressed my concern that the region should be developed sustainably, given that some of this nation’s other tourist attractions have been pillaged for the sake of tourism (Saint Martin’s Island is a particularly sad example of this). Below you will find a podcast with Chowdhury’s thoughts on those very questions.

“We’d like our guests to explore these areas,” says Chowdhury. “We would like to improve the communication to these areas and at the same time, as a development, we are trying to secure, clean and comfortable places for our guests to stay.”

“This is where the government has to play an important role in creating infrastructure so that other people can build facilities and resorts to cope with the growing demand. If the government is an active partner with the private sector in the development of infrastructure, then I think these issues could be addressed.”

Speaking of issues, there were minor indications that the newly opened resort still had a little way to go. With a Thai General Manager, one might have expected the rooms to be more warmly decorated with the more stylish elements of Thai or Bengali style. The decor was best described as spartan–additional touches of colourful furnishings or more tasteful upholstery would have helped spruce things up and modernize the “feel” of the resort’s interiors. We also had fairly low water pressure in our second floor room, and so the hot water came out in a dribble. The service was impressive, but do remember that English is not a first language in Bangladesh. However, none of these are serious ticks against a decision to stay at Nazimgarh, as its price is still well below other luxury resorts around Asia.

Lalakhal: Inland blue waters
Later in the day, Chowdhury invited us to tour Lalakhal, one of the first places he is targeting for tourism development. Earlier, the satellite images revealed a snaking, small river, surrounded by brown, dry landscape, which during the winter season would be more beach-like than flooded. During the monsoon, however, it was not hard to imagine the torrents of water sweeping down from the hills, filling up the region with its life-disrupting force and flooding the entire area with water.

Earlier, he described how the place is mythologized in Sylhoti folk songs, but remains undiscovered and unknown by most people, even Bangladeshis. In part this was due to the location’s inaccessibility, which, given the certainty in the way Chowdhury spoke, will change in the coming years with the assistance of his guiding hand. For now, the spot remained accessible only by boat.

As we approached the border, the Khasia hills of India began to appear from the winter haze, looming over Bangladesh’s flatness with a sentinel’s stillness. For the internationally-enabled traveller, the hills looked enticing, full of forests and tiny villages waiting to be explored. But on the Bangladeshi side, the beauty took on a different form—the area would become an inland sea when the monsoon was in full swing.

At the resort’s boat launch, we clambered into specially-equipped vessels that use Thai-style longtail engines to keep them moving in shallow water. In 30 minutes, we were whisked to Lalakhal via the Sharee River. The journey was picturesque: locals were seen doing their daily rituals of washing and bathing; boatloads of sand-miners chugged past us in wooden boats—a stark contrast to our brightly painted tourist boat. Most impressive however, was the colour and quality of the water. Because of mineral deposition, all the rivers of the area are a striking turquoise hue, surreal in the sense that such water normally belongs in the Gulf of Thailand, not here in Sylhet.

It was winter season, and so Lalakhal was not filled with water at this time. Instead, there was a sandy pitch over 300 meters long. Just off the river bank, Chowdhury had a small campground set up in a betel nut grove. The tall, narrow trees offered some delicate shade, and instantly I could imagine bringing a group of friends up with nothing but a frisbee, firewood and a guitar to pass a peaceful night by the river.

I have agreed to visit the area again when it floods, not only to experience this extraordinary geographical phenomenon, but to see the beauty of monsoon played out across the Bangladeshi landscape.

People who come to Bangladesh are in fact quite hardy, but we do need more places to recharge our batteries, and rest our nerves, for the cities of Bangladesh are chaotic places that flow only to the rhythm of anarchy. Chowdhury’s Nazimgarh Resort is one such place, which takes the Bangladesh travel experience far off the beaten path, by offering its antidotal charms to intrepid Bangladeshi adventurers.

And that’s what made it all the much harder to leave for Dhaka once again.

http://bangladeshtraveller.com/2008/03/02/nazimgarh-resort-a-taste-of-bengali-luxury/

dopekhor

April 30th, 2010, 11:44 AM

Cox Bazar needs more than just beach and 3/5 Star hotel.
Can some tell me what other tourist attraction and/or activities i can do when i am spending 4 days and 3 nights?
there is nothing much too do there no surfing no jet skiing, there isnt much of a tourist attraction left, the hotels have come up like apartments in dhaka too clogged togather, there is no planing and in terms of international standards the quality is poor but the price is way above that!

sas

April 30th, 2010, 08:04 PM

there is nothing much too do there no surfing no jet skiing, there isnt much of a tourist attraction left, the hotels have come up like apartments in dhaka too clogged togather, there is no planing and in terms of international standards the quality is poor but the price is way above that!

Agreed! I was writing just that in this other thread. While there isn't too much in terms of amenities, we're seeing hotels springing up like mushrooms from all quarters. And the pricing leaves a lot to be desired. But this pricing problem applies to Dhaka as well.

dopekhor

April 30th, 2010, 09:09 PM

Agreed! I was writing just that in this other thread. While there isn't too much in terms of amenities, we're seeing hotels springing up like mushrooms from all quarters. And the pricing leaves a lot to be desired. But this pricing problem applies to Dhaka as well.
how do u see cxb 5 years from now

shuvon

May 1st, 2010, 03:08 AM

how do u see cxb 5 years from now

Sea/Ocean/Beach version of River Buriganga :storm::storm:..

the first beach with BLACK water

Silv3r

May 1st, 2010, 03:54 AM

there is nothing much too do there no surfing no jet skiing, there isnt much of a tourist attraction left, the hotels have come up like apartments in dhaka too clogged togather, there is no planing and in terms of international standards the quality is poor but the price is way above that!

Well, people cannot do a road trip to CXB cause the roads between Chittagong and CXB isnt the best. So a sleep over at one of these hotels wouldnt mind staying if the price is worth it

Silv3r

May 1st, 2010, 03:55 AM

dopekhor

May 1st, 2010, 07:24 AM

:lol: they will have more rooms than Dhaka in 5 years time
they already too!

sas

May 1st, 2010, 11:01 AM

how do u see cxb 5 years from now

Well I'm optimistic some good quality hotels will come up, along with some more things to do. Without sounding too pessimistic, you must admit that a growing proportion of the middle class is definitely retreating to Cox's Bazar on a regular basis. I feel if the security situation is improved and with better infrastructure, we can definitely expect it to be a reasonable tourist spot in 5 years. Places such as Mermaid Cafe and along have received good reviews.

sas

May 11th, 2010, 06:56 PM

Westin plans IPO by July, Beximco to take stake

Mohammad Mufazzal

The company owning Dhaka's posh Westin Hotel will go public by July and has finalised a move to sell a minority stake to Beximco Group, its owner said Sunday.

Noor Ali told the FE that money raised from initial public offering would be used for building four five-star hotels including one in the resort town of Cox's Bazar. The hotels would cost more than Tk20 billion.

"We have already readied a plan to sell 20-25 per cent of our stake through the IPO. We are also going to sell a minority stake to Beximco Group," Ali said.

"We are planning to make an announcement next week," he said.

Ali said raising money through public offering would boost his company's, Unique Resorts', standing and prestige. "It is also much cheaper than bank credits," he said.

When contacted, Beximco vice-chairman Salman F Rahman refused to make comment on the purchase of a stake in Westin. Sources, however, confirmed Beximco has already bought a significant stake.

Set up in 2007 at Gulshan, Westin has emerged as the city's leading five-star hotel with occupancy rates averaging high 80s. The hotel managed by US chain hotels operator Starwood has 241 rooms, six restaurants and five meeting venues.

Early this year, Unique Resorts rolled out an ambitious plan to set up three more hotels in Dhaka and Chittagong. Ali said the company was also planning to build a five-star hotel at Cox's Bazar. The four hotels would be operated by Starwood.

Beximco is one the country's leading conglomerates having interests in textile, jute, pharmaceuticals, ceramic, trading and aviation. Most of its companies are listed with the country's two bourses.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=99740&date=2010-05-10

tanzirian

May 12th, 2010, 03:08 AM

^^ Will look forward to these developments, they seem likely to happen. CTG especially needs accomodations of high global standard as it seeks to become a city of real importance.

jjsheed

June 4th, 2010, 05:51 AM

Radisson to set foot in Cox's Bazar
Sayeda Akter

Clewiston Group, a Chittagong-based company, is set to build a 350-room five-star hotel on Kalatoli beach in Cox's Bazar, officials said yesterday.

Radisson, the flagship brand of US-based international chain Carlson Hotels Worldwide, will manage and operate the hotel.

Clewiston will initially invest Tk 350 crore to build Radisson Hotel Cox's Bazar, said an official of the company. Construction is likely to begin in September.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Carlson and Clewiston last night at Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Radisson is going to be the second five-star hotel in Cox's Bazar, the country's most popular tourist destination. Earlier, La Vinci took an initiative to build a five-star hotel on Inani beach, which is expected to start construction by July.

Sakhawwat Kamal, manager of Clewiston, said: “We will start construction in the hotel-motel zone of Cox's Bazar in September.

"The hotel will start operations by the end of 2011."

Over the years, the hospitality sector has seen significant growth, led by the five-star hotel segment. Three new five-star hotels opened in Dhaka in the past four years.

Industry experts said Dhaka has around 1,250 five-star rooms and they experience full occupancy only in winter. An average occupancy rate of around 75 percent can easily make the business profitable, they added.

Radisson is the most profitable five-star hotel in Bangladesh. The hotel owns a 40 percent share of the total market.

Clewiston, a maker of garment accessories for the last 15 years, has grown to Tk 1,000 crore in annual turnover, Kamal said.

Faruk Khan, commerce minister, and MA Alim Chowdhury, managing director of Clewiston Group, were present at the deal signing ceremony.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=141326

tanzirian

June 4th, 2010, 06:11 AM

sas

June 4th, 2010, 10:05 AM

^^ The Radisson seems promising. I'm really not a fan of the cookie-cutter concrete boxes that have populated Cox's Bazar thus far. Hopefully this is better.

Am a a little skeptical of "five star" attribution to La Vinci, even given our liberal usage of the term...the Best Western La Vinci in Kawran is fine for a mid-range hotel, but hardly luxury. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

With hotels cropping up in Inani it seems development is spreading south, for better or worse. In a decade or two there may not be any quiet or secluded streatches of beach left in the southeast.

Which brand is La Vinci bringing to Inani? Also any updates on the Westin scheduled to open Cox's Bazar? It's funny how we don't see any other brands, we're just stuck with the Westin and Radisson even outside of Dhaka.

TIslam

June 4th, 2010, 01:51 PM

TIslam

June 4th, 2010, 01:57 PM

^^ The Radisson seems promising. I'm really not a fan of the cookie-cutter concrete boxes that have populated Cox's Bazar thus far. Hopefully this is better.

Am a a little skeptical of "five star" attribution to La Vinci, even given our liberal usage of the term...the Best Western La Vinci in Kawran is fine for a mid-range hotel, but hardly luxury. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

It would be a BIG stretch to label the Best Western La Vinci as five star. It is not even mid-range. I've seen better Holiday Inns than the La Vinci.

With hotels cropping up in Inani it seems development is spreading south, for better or worse. In a decade or two there may not be any quiet or secluded streatches of beach left in the southeast.

I'm apprehensive about the same. I think these folks badly need a trip to a place Bhutan or Costa Rica to see and learn first hand about sustainable development.

tanzirian

June 4th, 2010, 03:37 PM

It would be a BIG stretch to label the Best Western La Vinci as five star. It is not even mid-range. I've seen better Holiday Inns than the La Vinci.

To be fair, they never claimed the Best Western to be five star. I just meant that they do not have a record of running luxury hotels in BD...I don't know what experience they have in other countries.

TIslam

June 4th, 2010, 05:31 PM

To be fair, they never claimed the Best Western to be five star. I just meant that they do not have a record of running luxury hotels in BD...I don't know what experience they have in other countries.
As far as I know, the Best Western brand/chain does not operate any luxury (five star plus) hotels anywhere (US or elsewhere).

tanzirian

June 4th, 2010, 06:21 PM

As far as I know, the Best Western brand/chain does not operate any luxury (five star plus) hotels anywhere (US or elsewhere).

True, but if my understanding is correct, La Vinci is separate from Best Western...they just happen to operate the Best Western in Dhaka. Maybe someone who knows more can comment...

TIslam

June 4th, 2010, 07:16 PM

True, but if my understanding is correct, La Vinci is separate from Best Western...they just happen to operate the Best Western in Dhaka. Maybe someone who knows more can comment...
Unless they have completely upgraded/refurbished by now, La Vinci fits perfectly within the motel realm (as in Best Western). It is a small hotel with a tiny lobby (not on first/ground floor) and one restaurant. I stayed there some years ago. The rooms were mediocre. The only difference was the bathroom. Unlike the cookie cutter motel bathroom, it had better amenities and fixtures.

sas

June 5th, 2010, 08:39 PM

True, but if my understanding is correct, La Vinci is separate from Best Western...they just happen to operate the Best Western in Dhaka. Maybe someone who knows more can comment...

Absolutely - fully agreed. To the best of my knowledge, I don't think they ever said that hotel owned by La Vinci at Inani would be a Best Western. But clearly we don't have enough information to work with.

mirzazeehan

June 17th, 2010, 12:25 AM

Wow...first Infinity pool in Coxsbazar?That sounds terrific!:cheers:

Sea Pearl Beach Resort to offer timeshare

_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Country's holiday-makers will soon be able to enjoy luxury holidays at five-star resorts across the world under timeshare, a form of ownership or right to the use of a holiday property in which multiple parties hold rights to use the property, and each sharer is allotted a period of time_ typically one week_ in which they may use the property.

Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa, the five-star sister property of Sea Crown Hotel, will offer international timeshare for the first time in Bangladesh. The resort is expected to be formally launched later this month. Construction of the resort, which started in January this year is expected to be completed in April 2012.
Members of Bengal Vacation Club of the resort will be able to own the 150 time sharing suits of Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa Ltd. as the time sharers. "Though the hotel will be completed in 2012, members of the club can enjoy timeshare holidays at Interval International's 2500 resorts at prime locations in 75 countries, just after becoming members," said Alwyn Dixon.

"The members of the club, who will pay US$119 exchange fee, will also be able to exchange their vacations with any of these 2500 resorts and will not have to pay the rent of these foreign hotels because of their memberships," explained Dixon.

Dixon, who has been very successful in managing timeshare property in Thailand, has been deputed by Interval International in Bangladesh to see that the resort conforms to II's rigorous standards.

Based in Miami, Florida, Interval International which has been offering timeshare for more than 33 years has approximately 2 million members.

"Located on 7.14 acres of land at Inani beach of Cox's Baxzar, Sea Pearl Beach Resort will have 200 suites and studio apartments, among which, 150 will be reserved for the time sharers and the rest 50 will be used as the normal hotel condominiums," said Md Atoar Hossain, Vice President, Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa.

There will be two large swimming pools, infinity pool - pool at the sea level, where one will be able to feel as being drawn by the tidal waves, amphitheatre, full fledged spa, complete sewerage recycling system for the very first time in Bangladesh. Every international standard room will have the equal sea view.

There will also be 3D cinema, clubhouse, health club, Jacuzzi, restaurants featuring Oriental seafood, Indian and Continental cuisines, tennis and water-skiing facilities along with boat rentals, horseback riding etc., he said.

He feels the resort will be a landmark in the history of tourism sector of Bangladesh. It is the first genuine international timesharing five-star resort, affiliated with the Interval International. It is designed to bring about a revolution in the concept of beach resorts among the Bangladeshis along with the global appeal to come, visit and explore Bangladesh, Vice President, Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa said.

The resort is built to high eco-friendly standards embodying the principles of "recycle, renew, reuse, reduce and rethink." Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa Limited is going to be the first complete eco-friendly green resort in Bangladesh to provide the visitors the completely pollution free environment. "With us, you will be experiencing an international holiday in Bangladesh," Atoar Hossain added.

His company plans three to four more resorts.

He said, compared with congested Cox's Bazar beach, Inani beach offers deep blue sea water and corals which is quite similar to the St Martin's Island. The beach itself has as its background a chain of hills that run parallel to the coast for almost its entire length, and towering cliffs, colourful, ancient pagodas and Hindu temples make it a natural attraction. Waterfalls, a game park, coral islands and tribal villages nearby also add to its charm, he went on.

"We decided to affiliate with Interval International because we found their exchange and marketing programmes to be very effective, customer satisfaction is high and among their affiliates are high-end brands which will complement our image."

Among all the international timeshare providers, only Interval International has the chain of only five star resorts and never compromises with the quality. Their decision makers are very transparent, forthcoming and helpful and we plan to affiliate our other future exotic resorts with Interval as well. We believe Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa will appeal to our members worldwide, Atoar Hossain added.

Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1514&CID=1

nayeem007

August 8th, 2010, 09:06 PM

Cox's Bazar to get another luxury hotel

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2010/08/09/2010-08-09__buss01.jpg

Star Business Report Fort Hotels Group is developing a 720-room five-star hotel in Cox's Bazar, and the 15-floor luxury hotel will open for visitors in 2014, its officials said.

Initially, the company plans to invest $40 million to build the hotel, Best Western Premier Fort Marino Hotel, at Kolatoli.

US-based Best Western, a leading hotel company operating under a single brand name, is partnering the venture as the management operator.

Best Western Premier and Fort Hotels Group signed an agreement yesterday at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

"The number of local and foreign tourists is increasing fast in Cox's Bazar, which creates a demand for better accommodation and services. This scenario makes us take initiative to develop the biggest five-star hotel of the country there," said Sayeed Parvez Reza Latif, managing director of Fort Marino Hotel.

He said the number of tourists will increase further once the proposed airport and a railway connection from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar is established.

"We have started the construction in July and are optimistic about completing it by 2012. After that it will take one and a half years to add other amenities to make it an international standard hotel," said Latif, also the architect of the hotel.

He said the hotel would be developed using state-of-the-art technology and 'green architecture' so the establishment becomes eco-friendly and carbon-neutral.

Initially, local corporate executives and family tourists, and foreign travellers are the main target group of the hotel.

Latif also said his company plans to open three more five-star hotels in Dhaka, Chittagong and Rangamati in the next five years.

"The partnership between Best Western International and Fort Hotels Group will position the new hotel as the largest international hotel in Cox's Bazar," said Glenn de Souza, vice president of Best Western International.

"Best Western's strong sales and marketing network and distribution channel will be instrumental in bringing international guests to the destination and boost the country's tourism sector," added Souza.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader launched the project at the agreement signing ceremony.

Sandra J Ingram, acting deputy chief of US Embassy in Dhaka, and Mohammad Liaquat Ali, executive member of Board of Investment, were also present.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=149984

dopekhor

August 8th, 2010, 11:25 PM

its just the fort marino hotel thats gonna be under best western management...

man i cant even imagine coxbazar few years down the line its like boxed out!

King Nothing

August 9th, 2010, 05:43 PM

man i cant even imagine coxbazar few years down the line its like boxed out!

They're gonna fcuk up the whole area. They need a lesson on sustainable develpment and tourism.

TIslam

August 9th, 2010, 06:39 PM

They're gonna fcuk up the whole area. They need a lesson on sustainable develpment and tourism.

The government needs to formulate and implement a strict development and growth policy like Bhutan for ecologically delicate areas of the country.

dopekhor

August 9th, 2010, 10:44 PM

The government needs to formulate and implement a strict development and growth policy like Bhutan for ecologically delicate areas of the country.
yeah and then people will go out on the streets amader pet e bhat e lathi marche shorkar...

seriously i see no prospect.. i dont know about others but with all these hotels opening in coxs bazar and esp the high end ones i dont see prices going down...

like in dhaka at the raddison a Spice Special - Deluxe Guest Room is $235 US where as the same room at the same hotel in toronto harbor front costs $219 CAD which translates to $213.17 USD

i wonder once they open in coxs bazar how are they going to price it... i dont know about you but i hardly see people around me going to vacation in coxs bazar last time i went there was in jan that too to attend someones wedding better vacation deals are available if you go to malaysia, thailand, indonesia, uae, india, bhutan, nepal and since the war has ended in sri lanka some people are heading there too a relative of mine is heading there as we speak!

King Nothing

August 9th, 2010, 11:38 PM

i wonder once they open in coxs bazar how are they going to price it... i dont know about you but i hardly see people around me going to vacation in coxs bazar last time i went there was in jan that too to attend someones wedding better vacation deals are available if you go to malaysia, thailand, indonesia, uae, india, bhutan, nepal and since the war has ended in sri lanka some people are heading there too a relative of mine is heading there as we speak!

Thats only the boroloks. The middle class will go to places like Coxz Bazar, Kuakata, Shundorbon, St. Martins, etc. Ofcourse they wont stay in the 5-star hotels tho.

I find Cox's over-rated and prefer St. Martins. An awesome place to be during the winter. Lots of yummy seafood and shutki bhorta. Cheap Burmese booze available too. :lol:

dopekhor

August 10th, 2010, 12:00 AM

Thats only the boroloks. The middle class will go to places like Coxz Bazar, Kuakata, Shundorbon, St. Martins, etc. Ofcourse they wont stay in the 5-star hotels tho.

I find Cox's over-rated and prefer St. Martins. An awesome place to be during the winter. Lots of yummy seafood and shutki bhorta. Cheap Burmese booze available too. :lol:
if the middle class wont go to the 5 star hotels and the boroloks not going there

what am i missing here? where is the market dynamics? :confused:

nayeem007

August 10th, 2010, 12:25 AM

if the middle class wont go to the 5 star hotels and the boroloks not going there

what am i missing here? where is the market dynamics? :confused:

No need to worry about market dynamics.. if well known International Hotel brands are not doing market research to open chains in Bangladesh, then shame on them.. We don't need to bothered about it, since tax payer's money is not going into these investments (like state owned Parjatan coporation).If the initiatives are not profitable, then the owners will simply close the hotels, pack up and leave..

TIslam

August 10th, 2010, 01:06 AM

yeah and then people will go out on the streets amader pet e bhat e lathi marche shorkar...

seriously i see no prospect.. i dont know about others but with all these hotels opening in coxs bazar and esp the high end ones i dont see prices going down...

like in dhaka at the raddison a Spice Special - Deluxe Guest Room is $235 US where as the same room at the same hotel in toronto harbor front costs $219 CAD which translates to $213.17 USD

i wonder once they open in coxs bazar how are they going to price it... i dont know about you but i hardly see people around me going to vacation in coxs bazar last time i went there was in jan that too to attend someones wedding better vacation deals are available if you go to malaysia, thailand, indonesia, uae, india, bhutan, nepal and since the war has ended in sri lanka some people are heading there too a relative of mine is heading there as we speak!

Don't expect the prices (rates) to come down to what you consider "affordable", anytime soon. If the demand exceeds supply, prices will remain higher. Realize that even in India, most three to five star hotel rates are higher than in most North American cities, even though the major Indian cities have a good number of hotels (quantity). Ditto London, Moscow, Tokyo.

While you may perceive most Bangladeshi vacationers go abroad for their holidays, it simply does not add up, as far as economic demography is concerned. Far fewer can afford to go overseas than take a trip to Cox's Bazar.

If there is indeed hotel rooms glut in Cox Bazar, new ones wouldn't spring up every now and then.

TIslam

August 10th, 2010, 01:08 AM

No need to worry about market dynamics.. if well known International Hotel brands are not doing market research to open chains in Bangladesh, then shame on them.. We don't need to bothered about it, since tax payer's money is not going into these investments (like state owned Parjatan coporation).If the initiatives are not profitable, then the owners will simply close the hotels, pack up and leave..

Agreed. My concern is about environmental degradation.

dopekhor

August 10th, 2010, 01:14 AM

No need to worry about market dynamics.. if well known International Hotel brands are not doing market research to open chains in Bangladesh, then shame on them.. We don't need to bothered about it, since tax payer's money is not going into these investments (like state owned Parjatan coporation).If the initiatives are not profitable, then the owners will simply close the hotels, pack up and leave..
well we have too... most of these projects are built on loans... 70% if they fall the banks suffer look at the amount of bad debt in our country!

dopekhor

August 10th, 2010, 01:20 AM

Don't expect the prices (rates) to come down to what you consider "affordable", anytime soon. If the demand exceeds supply, prices will remain higher. Realize that even in India, most three to five star hotel rates are higher than in most North American cities, even though the major Indian cities have a good number of hotels (quantity). Ditto London, Moscow, Tokyo.

While you may perceive most Bangladeshi vacationers go abroad for their holidays, it simply does not add up, as far as economic demography is concerned. Far fewer can afford to go overseas than take a trip to Cox's Bazar.

If there is indeed hotel rooms glut in Cox Bazar, new ones wouldn't spring up every now and then.
most of the high end hotels in the city hardly cross 40% occupancy and they only target the business traveler

in bangladesh when someone starts a business and sees a high amount of profit come in another 100 people without investigating the sector will jump in and create chaos they and the ones who come in and destroy the business and leave

you can get deals at 20000 taka which is roughly a little less then $300 for a back n forth trip to malaysia and 3 nights stay per person

what they do in bangladesh is market scheming they try to milk the same people over and over again! the same reason an lcd tv which is like 1500 in america is like 4000 usd over here!

and coxs bazar is sizzling with the middle class budget traveler and i dont think they'd spend $100 for a night at these western hotel chains!

King Nothing

August 10th, 2010, 06:26 PM

you can get deals at 20000 taka which is roughly a little less then $300 for a back n forth trip to malaysia and 3 nights stay per person

$300 for round trip and hotel?? What? How much for just a round trip then?

sas

August 10th, 2010, 09:41 PM

$300 for round trip and hotel?? What? How much for just a round trip then?

Believe it or not, AirAsia has offered (offer might even be on as of now!) rates of USD 1 one-way + applicable taxes.

mirzazeehan

August 13th, 2010, 01:48 AM

Alright guys,here are renders of six new "*****5 STAR" hotel projects,four of which are located in our booming beach city of Coxsbazar

Radisson Bay View Hotel,Chittagong

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

Hotel Blue Banshee 2,Coxsbazar

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

The Cox Titanic,Coxsbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/coxtitanic2.jpg

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

Hotel Blue Banshee 1,Coxbazar

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/hotelbluebanshee1.jpg

Best Western Premier Hotel,Coxsbazar

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

Titanic Kuakata,Kuakata

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

TIslam

August 13th, 2010, 02:26 AM

^^
Call it Titanic and some day it may sink.

sas

August 13th, 2010, 01:24 PM

Alright guys,here are renders of six new "*****5 STAR" hotel projects,four of which are located in our booming beach city of Coxsbazar

Radisson Bay View Hotel,Chittagong

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

Thanks for the usual useful updates Mirza. So the Radisson Bay View is going to be the one owned by Clewiston Group, correct? I think Cox's Bazar will be transformed very soon at this rate.

I've also heard from reliable sources that Unique Hotels & Resorts, who currently own The Westin Dhaka, that in additional to the current expansion of The Westin, Le Meridian in Banani, Westin in Chittagong, that they are thinking of setting up a Sheraton in Cox's Bazar.

TIslam

August 13th, 2010, 08:09 PM

^^
How many three star (plus) hotels are there in CXB at present, and what will be the total count in the next five years?

If there are good number of first class hotels (not necessarily 3/5 star), I think the tourism bureau ought to advertise in the foreign media for Cox's Bazar tourism.

mirzazeehan

August 14th, 2010, 01:51 AM

Coxsbazar will be unrecognizable in just three years time.The number of luxury projects the city is attracting is pretty crazy.Its second only to Dhaka...even dhaka would not have as many luxury hotels as coxsbazar within a few years.The beach city is going through a big construction boom.

^^
How many three star (plus) hotels are there in CXB at present, and what will be the total count in the next five years?

If there are good number of first class hotels (not necessarily 3/5 star), I think the tourism bureau ought to advertise in the foreign media for Cox's Bazar tourism.

Cox Bazaar at present has one 5 star hotel that is known as Sea Gull.

If no new project is announced from now on,then within the next 3 to 5 years,Coxsbazar would have atleast 16 five star hotels as per my count.

Most of these five star hotel projects are ofcourse self proclaimed five stars,just like the existing five star hotel of Seagull.

mirzazeehan

August 14th, 2010, 01:56 AM

Thanks for the usual useful updates Mirza. So the Radisson Bay View is going to be the one owned by Clewiston Group, correct? I think Cox's Bazar will be transformed very soon at this rate.

I've also heard from reliable sources that Unique Hotels & Resorts, who currently own The Westin Dhaka, that in additional to the current expansion of The Westin, Le Meridian in Banani, Westin in Chittagong, that they are thinking of setting up a Sheraton in Cox's Bazar.

Thanks for the info,Unique Group did always talk about Coxbazar and Chittagong as their next destinations.Even Chittagong is expected to get 4 new five star hotels in the next 3 to 5 years: 1.Radisson Bay View 2.Hotel Niketon 3.World Trade Center Hotel 4.Westin Chittagong

I think the Radisson Bay View hotel project at Chittagong is owned by Sena Kalyan Sangthsa while the Radisson to be built at Coxsbazar is from the Clewiston Group.The render for that is not available yet unfortunately.

sas

August 14th, 2010, 10:56 AM

Coxsbazar will be unrecognizable in just three years time.The number of luxury projects the city is attracting is pretty crazy.Its second only to Dhaka...even dhaka would not have as many luxury hotels as coxsbazar within a few years.The beach city is going through a big construction boom.

Cox Bazaar at present has one 5 star hotel that is known as Sea Gull.

If no new project is announced from now on,then within the next 3 to 5 years,Coxsbazar would have atleast 16 five star hotels as per my count.

Most of these five star hotel projects are ofcourse self proclaimed five stars,just like the existing five star hotel of Seagull.

Well Long Beach Hotel in Cox's Bazar is said to be five-star as well. Along with Sea Pearl which will be opening soon.

sas

August 14th, 2010, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the info,Unique Group did always talk about Coxbazar and Chittagong as their next destinations.Even Chittagong is expected to get 4 new five star hotels in the next 3 to 5 years: 1.Radisson Bay View 2.Hotel Niketon 3.World Trade Center Hotel 4.Westin Chittagong

I think the Radisson Bay View hotel project at Chittagong is owned by Sena Kalyan Sangthsa while the Radisson to be built at Coxsbazar is from the Clewiston Group.The render for that is not available yet unfortunately.

Hey what about the one being set up by AK Khan Group in Batali Hills? We had heard stories of that being of a Dusit Thani brand.

mirzazeehan

August 14th, 2010, 11:47 PM

Hey what about the one being set up by AK Khan Group in Batali Hills? We had heard stories of that being of a Dusit Thani brand.

The one by AK Khan Group is the one called Hotel Niketon.The group repeatedly focuses on the importance of joint venture with foreign partners so I am sure they will have some int. chain manage it,not sure if it will be Dusit Thani though.

sas

August 15th, 2010, 07:23 AM

The one by AK Khan Group is the one called Hotel Niketon.The group repeatedly focuses on the importance of joint venture with foreign partners so I am sure they will have some int. chain manage it,not sure if it will be Dusit Thani though.

What about the World Trade Center in Chittagong? Who owns that? Fully private? That going to have an international affiliation too?

mirzazeehan

August 17th, 2010, 02:29 AM

What about the World Trade Center in Chittagong? Who owns that? Fully private? That going to have an international affiliation too?

The World Trade Center is being built by Concord but I think Chittagong Chambers of Commerce has stake in it.Not sure about who will manage it though...

Best Western International joins forces with Fort Hotels Group to open luxury hotel in Cox's Bazar
A Monitor Report

Dhaka : Best Western International_ The World's Largest Hotel Chain - announced a partnership with Fort Hotels Group Ltd to open the luxury Best Western Premier hotel in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
Best Western International's Vice President of Interna-tional Operations - Asia and the Middle East, Glenn de Souza and Fort Marino Hotel and Artisan Group's Managing Director, Architect Sayeed Parvez Reza Latif, introduced details of the project at a launching ceremony held at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on August 8.
The event started with the project launching session by the G M Quader, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Shafique Alam Mehedi, Secretary of Ministry Civil Aviation and Tourism and Sandra J. Ingram, the Acting Deputy Chief of US Embassy Bangladesh. Among the guests in attendance were Abu Reza Khan and Mohammad Liaqat Ali_ the members of Board of Investment, Abdul Gafur_ the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh and Nasrul Hamid MP, the President of REHAB.
Due to open in 2014, the new 720 room luxury hotel in Cox's Bazar will rise on the world's longest white sand beach. Targeting a wide range of family vacationers to large corporate conferences, the property's facilities will include four restaurants and two juice bars, three swimming pools, world-class health centre and beauty services, spa, bowling track, theatre hall, mini golf, tennis court, board room, seminar room, business centre and two Grand Banquet Halls with capacity for 3,000 guests. With state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology, green architecture and carbon-neutral establishment, the hotel is designed to offer utmost safety and security against natural disasters such as Tsunami of 25-feet high, earthquake of 7.5 Richter-Scale and 260km/ hour wind velocity.
"The partnership between Best Western International and Fort Hotels Group will position Best Western as the largest international hotel group in Cox's Bazar. The chain's strong sales and marketing network and extensive distribution channels will be instrumental in bringing international guests to the destination and boosting Bangla-desh's national tourism industry" said de Souza.
The addition of this hotel marks the arrival of the chain's luxury Best Western Premier brand in the country and is part of Best Western's key strategy to expand the presence in Bangladesh. Best Western's growth will add the chain's world-renowned hospitality to Bangladesh's tourist appeal, along with its expertise in hospitality and tourism marketing.

Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1701&CID=7

manbil777

August 21st, 2010, 07:51 AM

Here's a video of the proposed Pan Pacific Sonargaon addition on Hatirjheel. Looks nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coKFUVqtj0Q&feature=related

sas

August 21st, 2010, 10:06 PM

Here's a video of the proposed Pan Pacific Sonargaon addition on Hatirjheel. Looks nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coKFUVqtj0Q&feature=related

Interesting. I thought Sonargaon just got a facelift recently. The pool area is fantastic and I feel is second only to the one at Radisson. Are they done with land acquisition for the expansion?

TIslam

August 21st, 2010, 10:38 PM

Interesting. I thought Sonargaon just got a facelift recently. The pool area is fantastic and I feel is second only to the one at Radisson. Are they done with land acquisition for the expansion?

For all we know, it may remain that way forever, "proposed expansion".

mirzazeehan

August 22nd, 2010, 12:12 AM

For all we know, it may remained that way forever, "proposed expansion".

The guy behind Orion Group(the company given responsibility for Sonargoan expansion and 7km Jatrabari to Gulistan flyover) fled the country during caretaker,and now he is back in town resuming some of his company's projects.Work is resuming on the flyover...it would be nice if expansion work starts on sonargoan as well.

TIslam

August 22nd, 2010, 12:28 AM

The guy behind Orion Group(the company given responsibility for Sonargoan expansion and 7km Jatrabari to Gulistan flyover) fled the country during caretaker,and now he is back in town resuming some of his company's projects.Work is resuming on the flyover...it would be nice if expansion work starts on sonargoan as well.
Isn't the hotel owned by GoB? Is the said expansion all that the youtube video illustrates and is supposed to the finished product, when completed?

sas

August 22nd, 2010, 05:55 PM

Isn't the hotel owned by GoB? Is the said expansion all that the youtube video illustrates and is supposed to the finished product, when completed?

That is correct. Obaidul Karim is back in town. I actually went out of town today and it seemed like the Jatrabari-Gulistan flyover construction work was 'maybe' resuming.

Yes the Pan Pacific Sonargaon is owned by the Government of Bangladesh. However, after the tender for the expansion was floated, Orion Group won the rights for the expansion, even though to the best of my knowledge, there were lower bidders at the time. It's all about money under the table I guess.

TIslam

August 23rd, 2010, 03:09 AM

That is correct. Obaidul Karim is back in town. I actually went out of town today and it seemed like the Jatrabari-Gulistan flyover construction work was 'maybe' resuming.

Yes the Pan Pacific Sonargaon is owned by the Government of Bangladesh. However, after the tender for the expansion was floated, Orion Group won the rights for the expansion, even though to the best of my knowledge, there were lower bidders at the time. It's all about money under the table I guess.
I'm sure we all can live with that since that is the fact of life in Bangladesh. We'd be satisfied if there is no delay and the completed work actually matches the proposed upgrade.

shuvon

August 24th, 2010, 10:41 PM

I'm sure we all can live with that since that is the fact of life in Bangladesh. We'd be satisfied if there is no delay and the completed work actually matches the proposed upgrade.

towhid bhai i like the way you accept such things... as if "oh that..!! come on"..hahahaha...."houk churi kaaj hoilei hoise"..hahah:lol:

i have to agree with you ...thats all we can hope for though..

TIslam

August 24th, 2010, 11:16 PM

towhid bhai i like the way you accept such things... as if "oh that..!! come on"..hahahaha...."houk churi kaaj hoilei hoise"..hahah:lol:

i have to agree with you ...thats all we can hope for though..
You know, I used to complain and protest all the time until quite a few members in this forum made me realize that I'm whistling to myself in the wilderness, nobody can hear me and nobody (in Bangladesh) cares. Now I chalk up everything to the "cost of doing business" and "getting things done". That is all that's relevant.

shuvon

August 24th, 2010, 11:17 PM

agreed.

pepeng_agimat

August 28th, 2010, 02:56 PM

Meridian Hotel & Restaurant

1367, CDA Avenue
Chittagong, Bangladesh
T: +88 031 654000-1
F: +88 031 650 154
E-mail: mhr@meridiangroupbd.com

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41052_430283478800_594118800_4779005_5453024_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41052_430283483800_594118800_4779006_1832793_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs314.snc4/41052_430283488800_594118800_4779007_1443911_n.jpg

sas

September 17th, 2010, 01:12 AM

Radisson Water Garden Dhaka enjoying record occupancy

A Monitor Report

Dhaka : Bangladesh is one of the buoyant, positive markets in Asia. Business continues to grow and develop not only in Dhaka, but also in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and even now in Sylhet. It's a joy to be in this market. Hospitality has every potential to become a high growth industry in this country as this sector is not very much explored. The number of five star hotels even in Dhaka is not enough.

Andre A. Gomez, General Manager, Radisson Water Garden Dhaka said this while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor at his office recently. Saeed Ahmed, Executive Assistant Manager of the hotel was with him.

Andre Gomez said, "Last year was generally tough but Radisson Water Garden Dhaka was not that much affected. Occupancy this year has been the best in four or five years - June was a record with 91+, and July was approximately 90 per cent on an average year to date."

We feel we can grow the business even further. We have also received record number of enquiries not only from executives, organisations, companies but also other hotels.

This is a very strong showing indeed. Very few countries including Singapore can match these figures. If this trend continues, this year will be a record for Radisson Water Garden Dhaka in terms of both revenue and occupancy, he hoped.

He said, "We are the No. 1 preferred hotel for both local and international guests. In addition to repeat guests, there has been influx of businessmen from new organisations coming in for new ventures - RMG has been a major segment."

The Westin Dhaka is also doing well, he said. About other five-star hotels, he said, they are not underperforming.

Airlines are trying to get into this country. It augurs well for us - connectivity is important for hotels. Airline crew of Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Kuwait Airways stay in Radisson Water Garden Dhaka, while that of another airline is in the pipeline.

Location is a major advantage for us. Besides being near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Baridhara and Gulshan, the wide open spaces and resort ambience has been a major draw for corporate executives after a long, hard day. Wandering around the hotel and the swimming pool you do not feel you are in the city.

Andre Gomez said, Food and Beverage has been very strong and rooms stronger. Forty per cent of total business has been F&B. We have the best banquet facilities - have been the venue of leading corporate and upscale social events.

We take great pains to hold food festivals on a monthly basis bringing in not only chefs, ingredients, cultural troupes, but also as in the case of the recently-held Thai Food Festival - a Director F & B from a five-star Thai property as well.

This costs us a lot, but we don't pass on the expenses (to the guests) as we feel, we owe this to the community we serve. There is a transfer of knowledge and techniques. Our local staff get training in those cuisines working with them and also as those chefs stay back for a day or two. We send our chefs overseas on a regular basis. One chef recently returned after a stint with a six-star property in Australia.

Good understanding

"Radisson Water Garden Dhaka is a high-traffic hotel. Rooms hardly go empty, but expansion is not in our minds now as it would need closing down certain facilities and construction will disturb the guests." On Radisson managing Water Garden Hotel in Chittagong, he said, "There is a strong possibility, it will be with us - it will be a Radisson hotel. We have a very good understanding and relationship with SHDL.

Radisson recently signed a hotel development services (HDS) agreement with a hotel developer in Cox's Bazar. "They want our management expertise and we are willing to go with any organisation with a strong financial background," he said.

Asked whether managing any hotel in Khulna or elsewhere was on his mind, he said. "We are open. We'll explore any location or opportunity. We'll grow with our own resources."

Human resources

"Training is a continuous process. Things get changed. Our corporate headquarters require us to follow new processes, even in security (matters) and we have to adjust ourselves accordingly," he said on human resources training.

Explaining global vision "Ambition 2015" he said, "Globally we have 1000-plus hotels. It will rise to 1500 in five years. It will be a tremendous growth - 500 hotels in five years. We'll need experienced people to run them.

Tourism

Andre Gomez said, domestic tourism is gradually growing in Bangladesh. With the growth in domestic tourism, regional tourism will grow and the growth in number of regional tourists will attract international tourists. This growth is important for any hospitality organisation.

The government's role will be to ensure infrastructure. Giving an example, he said development of the airport at Cox's Bazar will take the beach city to a new level.

Pointed out that duties are very high and on a query whether the hospitality sector will get necessary attention of the authorities, he gave the example of RMG sector and said, "Compared to Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore duties are very much high here. They need to create incentives for the industry."
Concluding on a positive note, he felt, "the authorities streamlined many policies for RMG sector. Similarly policies will evolve over time as they know hospitality industry can contribute a lot and as they realise everybody gains from it."

"We have seen improvement. We believe with growth, many aspects will be addressed. When they look at the growth of this sector in the past five years, they will definitely give more attention and come out with policies that will support this growth. We are very optimistic about changes in policies."

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1828&CID=4

mirzazeehan

September 19th, 2010, 10:26 AM

Recharge at Arunima eco-tourist resort
A Monitor Report

Dhaka : In recent years, a number of resorts have come up in the country responding to people's demand to escape the din and bustle and traffic jam of the city. These resorts have tried to offer different facilities.

Arunima Countryside and Golf Resort, spread over some 60 acres, provides golfing and grass court tennis facilities set amidst rural greenery. Its pollution free air and fresh food from farms, guarantee a complete rech-arge.

Tourists will feel definitely recharged after staying a few days at its chalets, having fresh food at its floating restaurant, watching boat race or taking in fresh air leisurely walking along the banks of the rivers of the resort.

Nestled near the confluence of the rivers Madhumati and Naboganga, the nature-based resort is four hours from the capital city via Mawa and five hours via Paturia, one hour forty-five minutes from Jessore airport, one hour from Khulna and only 20 minutes from Gopalganj.

To go to the resort the guests can choose from public transports, go on own vehicles or avail Arunima transportation. The drive to Arunima on the new Dhaka-Khulna highway is very smooth and comfortable. Arunima transports its guest by speedboat from the Mawa Ghat crossing on request and operates ferry on the Madhumati approved by BIWTC.

Giving a background of building the resort, Khabir Uddin Ahmed, Chairman, Shabaz Tourism Ltd., the mother company of Arunima Countryside and Golf Resort, said he had the opportunity to travel across the globe as the worldwide Vice President of JCI and visited ecotourism resorts wherever and whenever he was able to do so.

"I found that they do not have even 10 per cent of the ecological resources Bangladesh has, yet they were promoting those places. Look at the Maldives. Where they are now?"

"I visited a small island in the Caribbean, crowded with tourists, which was earning huge amount of foreign exchange."

"These inspired me to advance ecotourism in the country and I chose this spot to highlight the life in rural Bangladesh and promote tourism with local resources involving people of the locality. I got a road built which is now benefiting the residents of the area."

"Tourists can eat 'dheki-chhata' rice, pick mangoes or other seasonal fruits from trees - there are 3,000 of them, have fresh 'Khejurer Rosh,' 'laddu' or 'chira-muri,' go for bird watching, river cruise or angling, catch fish with local nets in 19 ponds and a lake, enjoy fight between bullocks or otter fishing, a ride on horse carriage or watch boat race in the rivers," he said, adding, "these fast moving boats were used by Nawabs in earlier days to send messages to far corners of the country."

"They can have the fresh fish barbecued for them or vegetables grown in the resort premises, go for walks amidst the paddy and jute fields and in the evening can enjoy cultural evening where Jari, Sari songs and Jatra are presented."

"Golfers can test their skills at the challenging nine-hole 36-par golf course with water hazards at the resort. Local young boys are being trained in the sport so that they can go abroad and earn foreign exchange serving in international famous golf courses," he said.

"There is also a grass tennis court, a very rare thing in the country," Khabir Uddin Ahmed added.

The boutique resort is already the favourite of the corporate crowd, expatriates and painters. Leading painters of the country and West Bengal state of India attended a five-day Madhumati Art Camp organised by Bengal Art Gallery at the resort this year.

Hash House Harriers of Bangladesh organised a Hash Run at Arunima where a number of high profile expatriates participated in the run and stayed. The Hash House Harriers (HHH, H3, or referred to simply as Hashing) is an international group of non-competitive running, social and drinking clubs.

Mashrafi, the Narail Express, visited and stayed at Arunima Resort with a group of his friends.

Arunima hosted the Mehram Arunima Golf Tournament 2009 at its golf resort. Golfers from Dhaka Club Ltd, Kurmitola Golf Club and Savar Golf Club participated in the tournament.

Arunima's chalets and cottages, set amidst trees, provide a touch of Bangaliana.

The resort has three dormitories, including an airconditioned one, with attached bath and with accommodation facility for over 100 persons.

Dwip restaurant, set the centre of a lake, has to be reached through a pathway made of bamboos. The Dinner Boat is there to allow diners to relish their dinner while floating on the lake. Fresh mango, guava, papaya, green coconut juice are available.

Arunima's Chitra Convention Hall on a manmade island can accommodate 300 person, in theatre style while S. M. Sultan Conference hall is ideal for 62 people.
The large area of Arunima Countryside provides the opportunity of various sports like football, cricket, badminton, volleyball, Hadudu and even mud wrestling. All these have to be requested beforehand.

Tourists can visit the mazar of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which is located at nearby Tungipara. Sundarban is only 60 miles away. There is 1700 years old terracotta Hindu temple, 'Shishu Shorgo (Children's Heaven)' of famous painter S.M. Sultan, Sen and Sankarbari, ancient Zaminders' houses. Shankarbari is the maternal grandfather's house of legendary actress Suchitra Sen. Bardia Lysar temple houses rare Shivalingam made of white stone.

Children can enjoy Nagordola, merry go round and many other entertainment featured at the 'Children's Corner.'

Arunima Transit Home in the city, is a tourists' home of Shabaz Tourism Ltd., which also operates tours around the country.

On this Eid ul Fitr too this scenic resort was busy entertaining guests bringing back the touch of days gone by

Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1840&CID=4

TIslam

September 19th, 2010, 03:41 PM

mirzazeehan

September 22nd, 2010, 07:03 PM

Some pictures of this resort would be nice.

As you wish your majesty....hehe

Arunima eco-tourist resort near Gopalganj

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TIslam

September 22nd, 2010, 07:36 PM

As you wish your majesty....hehe

Thank you for the lovely pictures, mi lord! :) Who says Bangladeshi folks cannot learn from others and emulate? This eco-tourist resort is a good example.

mirzazeehan

September 23rd, 2010, 01:40 AM

Thank you for the lovely pictures, mi lord! :) Who says Bangladeshi folks cannot learn from others and emulate? This eco-tourist resort is a good example.

Yep..this is a great start...but i am hoping that the upcoming resort named 'Panigram' will surpass this by a long way and set new standards.

tislam84

September 23rd, 2010, 04:39 AM

Wow, this resort looks really good!

mTDI

October 2nd, 2010, 06:07 AM

those cottages at the eco tourist resort looks amazing!

sas

October 3rd, 2010, 02:38 PM

Yep..this is a great start...but i am hoping that the upcoming resort named 'Panigram' will surpass this by a long way and set new standards.

What is the present status of Panigram by the way?

jason.kazi

October 3rd, 2010, 11:43 PM

http://www.panigram.com/. Expected opening Fall of 2012. Don't know how recently that was updated.

jason.kazi

October 3rd, 2010, 11:44 PM

New Guest House IDEAS Shilpi

Bison Hospitality recently opened their newest and premier Guest House IDEAS Shilpi - in Gulshan Road 53. Using the experience of IDEAS Manzil, they have set up 3 suite rooms and 2 single rooms in a quiet part of Gulshan very close to the convenience of DIT 2 and the shops and restaurants. Only a short walk away are also the German, Danish, Swedish and Australian Embassies together with the Australian, US and Nordic clubs.

Source: www.bisonhospitality.com

TIslam

October 4th, 2010, 02:44 AM

:: ANNOUCING ::

New Guest House IDEAS Shilpi

Bison Hospitality announces the opening of our newest and premier Guest House IDEAS Shilpi - in Gulshan Road 53. Using the experience of IDEAS Manzil, we have set up 3 suite rooms and 2 single rooms in a quiet part of Gulshan very close to the convenience of DIT 2 and the shops and restaurants. Only a short walk away are also the German, Danish, Swedish and Australian Embassies together with the Australian, US and Nordic clubs. We look forward to expanding the agencies that utilize our services. Please contact us for our special corporate rates - which are extremely competitive.

This appears and sounds more like a commercial advertisement than a news item. I'm afraid such is not allowed. Otherwise the forum will become a haven for free advertisements. Please edit your original post so that it becomes a news item, appropriately backed up by its source (quote from newspaper, url, etc.).

Thanks.

mirzazeehan

October 4th, 2010, 11:30 AM

Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort set to open soon .
Monitor Report

Cox's Bazar : Almost unnoticed elsewhere in the country, a 325-room hotel, which is expected to add a new dimension to tourism in the country, is going up in Cox's Bazar.

The physical structure of Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort is up. Interior and airconditioning work is in progress. "We hope to start operating within three months," said Zahid Mahmud, General Manager of the hotel.

The Bay of Bengal can be seen from the bed of 90 per cent of the guestrooms of the two-wing V-shaped structure which has a helipad and space for 2,000 people to enjoy BBQ and events like concerts on the rooftop.

Besides Super Deluxe and Deluxe guestrooms, there will be nine suites including a Presidential Suite and a Honeymoon Suite, shopping arcade, tennis court, billiard room etc. Every guestroom will have a private balcony.

The kitchen of the hotel will be configured in three different concepts and will be able to cater multi-cuisine food at 3,000-people event. The hotel will have its own power supply, he said.

Designed by Shahin Malik, the hotel is set on 1.5 acres of land. The oceanview ballroom of the hotel will be able to accommodate 1,000 (600 for sitdown dinner) while two banquet facilities will be able to accommodate 200 and 100 guests.

"We are hiring 400 people and will soon go for training. Lots of expats returning from Middle East, UK, Ireland, Romania, Cyprus have applied to work in our hotel," the hotelier, who himself returned to Bangladesh after working in the hospitality trade in US for 38 years, said.

MN Karim, Chairman and Noor-e-Elahi, Managing Director, Ocean Paradise Ltd. planned to construct the hotel some four years ago. It started small but has grown to the present stage as the largest five-star hotel in the private sector as they thought of offering different facilities at the hotel, Zahid Mahmud said.

A huge number of local people travel to foreign countries every year but there is no reverse flow. Keeping this in mind, MN Karim has taken the initiative to flourish the tourism section in the country so that travellers from abroad become interested to travel to Bangladesh. More employment can be generated in the country which will be able to earn more foreign currency.

MN Karim believes it is now the prime time for the government to take some aggressive decisions in tourism sector, partnering and helping private investors develop the hospitality industry by providing long-term interest-free or low-interest loans. Also duty free facilities for import of capital machinery and consumable items should be ensured by the government for the investors of the tourism sector, being the thrust sector, so that potential investors may become more interested in this sector.

He felt that Cox's Bazar has the longest natural sea beach in the world. But amusement and recreation facilities for the tourist are still poor at Cox's Bazar. So the hotel will be promoting culture of the locality to guests.

Welcoming diferent positive steps of the present government to develop the tourism sector in Bangladesh and declaration of the Hotel Motel Zone the beach city, he said, infrastructural facilities are yet to be developed by the government.
Private sector investment is also required in this sector and already some leading and dynamic promoters in the private sector have started their activities to develop the tourism sector at Cox's Bazar.

MN Karim emphasised on providing a high level of security to the tourists and improving road lighting and beach lighting system, proper drainage system, upgrading the present stadium adjacent to the beach and inviting organisations for holding international level games to utilise the stadium and to turn the airport into an international one.

He called for developing the present Golf course to an international standard and inviting our neighboring countries for holding international tournaments as in Thailand and also to develop various parks and spots for amusement and recreation.

For example, on the river Bakkhali, a floating Meena Bazaar may be started on the boats including one flower garden, elephant show, bird show, fishing, culture show, salt cultivation show etc.

"There are so many historical attractive spots in Cox's Bazar to which access facilities should be developed as tourist spots and highlighted to the local as well as foreign tourists through our embassies and high commissions.

Since 1986 MN Karim is engaged in business with Bangladesh Railway. For last 24 years his innovative entrepreneurship helped him design, develop and manufacture spareparts in Chittagong for the railway locomotive engines.

He has also taken the initiative for manufacturing of railway signaling equipment locally which he successfully installed, tested and commissioned in about 100km of Bangladesh Railway, thus saving huge amount of foreign exchange and also generating employment in the country.

MN Karim feels, If the rail communication system is developed from Chittagong to Myanmar through Cox's Bazar reducing the distance between the cities, a large number of tourists will be interested to travel in this region throughout the year.

Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=1891&CID=2

jason.kazi

October 24th, 2010, 10:45 PM

Royal Resort, journey into the past

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/images/news_photo/2009051801171207.jpg

Tangail : A visit to Nawab Ali Hasan Ali Royal Resort is like a journey into the past. The magnificent 300-year-old palace of the Dhanbari Nawabs has been turned into a resort recently by Light House Group. The original designs of the palace, mosque, 'Manzil,' villa and cottage have been retained, the whole complex maintained well and the latest conveniences added by the group which is running the complex as a hospitality property.

The Dhanbari Nawabs are renowned for setting up a large number of educational institutions including university. Dhaka University was co-founded by Nawab Bahadur Syed Nawab Ali Choudhury, the first Muslim minister from undivided Bengal during the British rule. His forefathers from Baghdad were mystic saints.
The grand Nawab Masjid (mosque) in the property is said to be over 700 years old, while some of the other structures are 100 to 200 years old. The extension of the mosque was done over 100 years ago. The beautiful mosaic, china work on the floor, domes, minarets, prayer areas are seldom seen in any other mosque.

Under one of the domes is the Mazar Shareef of the Nawab Bahadur Syed Nawab Ali Choudhury where the holy Quran is being recited 24 hours without any break for the last 75 years.

There are large dighis (ponds) for boating and fishing. Some horses are available. For outdoor games, there are two large playgrounds. In the sprawling gardens there are badminton courts and facilities for indoor games.

Situated on the Madhupur-Jamalpur highway, the resort is only 80 miles from the capital city. It takes three hours to cover the distance. At Elenga, Tangail, one has to turn right to go towards the famous Madhupur forest. At the Madhupur roundabout one can then turn left to proceed towards Dhanbari which is only seven miles miles from there. Direct buses leave Mahakhali Busstand in Dhaka for Dhanbari every 15 minutes. The closest railway station from the resort is 18 miles away at Jamalpur, a district headquarter where buses, cars and microbuses are available on rent.

The famous Madhupur National Park, a reserve forest area with scenic beauty, is only 20 minutes from the resort. The rubber plantation, the rubber processing factory and the pineapple gardens are about 15 minutes from the resort.

The tribal people known as the Garos live in the vicinity of the resort about 10 minutes away by car. Garos have a very distinctive culture and these can be witnessed in their traditional attire, songs and dances. The Jamuna Bridge is 30-40 minutes by car from the resort.

This resort caters to a wide range of clientele from students to dignitaries.

Comfortable rooms and suites in four categories are available at the resort. The guest rooms have all amenities including provision of hot and cold water, dining hall, and lounge with TV and cable facilities. Separate arrangements can be made to provide budget rooms and facilities for male and female students. For families, exclusive accommodation is available. Food is prepared by experienced Chef well-known for catering large number of guests.

Corporate bodies, embassies, banks and industrial establishments can hold their marketing meetings, conferences and cultural events at this resort. Big open space with sprawling garden with shade trees, large pond and playground is ideal surroundings for leisure and relaxation.

The Convention Hall in the complex has a capacity for 300 persons, while the Banquet Hall for 200 persons in Buffet style.

There are several picnic spots within the Resort where facilities for water, toilet, and umbrella, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery are provided within the package. If required, the resort can also provide a cook with assistants for preparing food for the picnic party. The ponds and 'dighis' can be used by the tourists for swimming, boating, angling. One can also opt for horse riding or go horse cart riding. Garo cultural programme and traditional Lathi Khela are also arranged.

The Royal Resort provides complimentary special sweets, curd of Dhanbari and tea to guests of the resort. This has been the tradition of the Nawab Bari since the last 200 years.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

jason.kazi

October 24th, 2010, 10:46 PM

Pakshi, a resort by the river Padma

Pabna : The northern districts, like other parts of the country, are rich in beautiful natural attractions and places of historical interest. The prospects for tourism in this region are bright. Lack of promotion of these places and quality accommodation had been hindering the growth in this region.

With the opening up of the districts after the construction of the Jamuna Bridge, private sector entrepreneurs are coming forward to construct different tourist facilities including highway inns, hotels and resorts in this part of the country.

Pakshi Resort, a concern of Musk Group is a riverside resort, full of lush tropical plants, on the banks of the mighty river Padma, perfect for an escape from the monotonous life in the cities.

Businessman Akram Ali Khan, well-known in the readymade garment sector, observing the increasing flow of tourists in the area and particularly to his house, transformed his residence into a river view resort.

"People used to come to my 33-acre property to admire the beauty of the mighty Padma, enjoy the gre-enery, listen to the chirping of the birds and the fruits of different fruit-bearing trees or hold picnics."

"When TATA wanted to hold a meeting, they held it here as they did not find any other suitable place."

"So I asked myself why not turn the house into a resort, allowing me to serve guests in a professional manner," said Akram Ali Khan. Thus the Pakshi Resort was born.

Since its launching, the resort has hosted a number of seminars and conferences.
Once upon a time Paksey was the main point of river communication with Kolkata.

Paksey then became known as a Railway Divisional town where people used to come to admire the beauty of the Padma, taking advantage of the different facilities offered by the railway. The town's woes began when the offices of the railway were shifted to Rajshahi.

"The resort is my humble effort to bring back the tourists back to Paksey as well as create employment locally," he said.

Located within the walking distance of the famous Hardinge Bridge, the resort is three hours drive from Dhaka and one hour's drive from the Jamuna Bridge.

Atomic Energy Centre, Sugarcane Research Institute, Pulses Research Institute, Ishurdi EPZ, Paksey Paper Mill, Lalan Shah Bridge are located nearby Khan Manzil and River View, located within the resort area and constructed in duplex style, together offer 20 luxury and deluxe guest rooms, business centre, food court, conference rooms, Jalsha Ghar for listening to traditional songs, television with satellite channels, barbecue facilities, laundry service, boutique, gift shop, a small lake with seating arrangement all round it, lawn tennis, badminton, volleyball courts and ground for holding football or cricket matches. There are special facilities for the children to enjoy themselves. There is also a spot for shooting films and holding campfire.

The Resort offers day package tours for corporate houses, groups and FITs to the Kuthibari of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and to the mazar of mystic poet Lalan Shah and other nearby attractions. It is actively promoting Lifetime Membership (LTM) Programme. Payment of Tk 50,000 entitles three days' free stay with spouse every year on full meal basis, 20 per cent discount for family members of every LTM, a prestigious membership card and special gifts.

Pakshi Resort is continuing to add different features. Future plans of Pakshi Resort include construction of Flumes, Tubes, Alligator and Lazy River, ideal for both adults and children to enjoy themselves in water and beat the heat.

Though a late entrant, Akram Ali Khan is actively promoting the resort and took part in the recent Dhaka Travel Mart-2009. Bookings for the Resort can be made in Dhaka from its head office at Banani DOHS, Tour Planners Ltd. at Uttara, Pathik in Dhanmondi, Wonderland Amusement Park in Gulshan and at the resort itself.

North Bengal needs more such accommodation for tourists and promotion of different attractions of the region. Hope-fully they will be forthcoming.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

jason.kazi

November 6th, 2010, 12:32 AM

Fire evacuation drill at Westin Dhaka
-A Monitor Report

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Fire evacuation drill at Westin Dhaka -A Monitor Report Dhaka : The bi-annual fire evacuation drill was held at the Westin Dhaka on October 21 in close co-operation with Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence. They were assisted by a contingent of police personnel from Gulshan Police Station. The clock was ticking at 2:55 in the afternoon when the fire alarms went off indicating fire in the hotel and directing the guests and associates to evacuate. The associates assisted the guests to evacuate in an orderly manner. Immediately afterwards the Fire Service vehicles rushed to the hotel to help fight the fire and evacuate any guests or associate to the hospital in their ambulance. The fire was contained and controlled in an efficient manner within an hour. After the drill, certificates were awarded to the associates of the Westin Dhaka, who had undergone three-day First Aid, CPR and Fire Evacuation training. The Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence and the General Manager of the Westin Dhaka distributed the certificates.

Dhaka : The bi-annual fire evacuation drill was held at the Westin Dhaka on October 21 in close co-operation with Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence.
They were assisted by a contingent of police personnel from Gulshan Police Station.
The clock was ticking at 2:55 in the afternoon when the fire alarms went off indicating fire in the hotel and directing the guests and associates to evacuate.
The associates assisted the guests to evacuate in an orderly manner. Immediately afterwards the Fire Service vehicles rushed to the hotel to help fight the fire and evacuate any guests or associate to the hospital in their ambulance. The fire was contained and controlled in an efficient manner within an hour.
After the drill, certificates were awarded to the associates of the Westin Dhaka, who had undergone three-day First Aid, CPR and Fire Evacuation training. The Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence and the General Manager of the Westin Dhaka distributed the certificates.

TIslam

November 6th, 2010, 12:50 AM

shuvon

November 6th, 2010, 06:50 PM

it is so uncommon that newpaper and TV has to broadcast it....shob shombhover desh bangladesh

tanzirian

November 8th, 2010, 09:57 PM

New cottages being built at Nilgiri resort - photos by Faisal:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1323/5154412657_188003910c_b.jpg

raptor7

November 10th, 2010, 09:43 AM

New cottages being built at Nilgiri resort - photos by Faisal:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1323/5154412657_188003910c_b.jpg

These are not the new cottages. These are the frames for tents. I've talked with the Brigadier of Bandarban Brigade. They make arrangement for tents in winter when it's not windy.

raptor7

November 10th, 2010, 09:48 AM

Akashlina.....

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raptor7

November 10th, 2010, 09:57 AM

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Dhrubo_Alam/Bandarban%20Tour/IMG_3557.jpg

mirzazeehan

November 11th, 2010, 12:30 PM

Thank you for sharing thse beatiful pictures!hope u have some more in store for us:cheers:

nayeem007

November 23rd, 2010, 06:07 PM

Best Western International Signs on New Luxury Hotel in Khulna, Bangladesh

Best Western International Signs on New Luxury Hotel in Bangladesh
Published by Ozgur Tore
Tuesday, 23 November 2010

Best Western International - The World's Largest Hotel Chain® - has signed on its fifth property in Bangladesh, a new hotel being built in the country's third largest city of Khulna.
Currently in the development stage, the luxury 150-room Silver Hotel is scheduled to open in 2013. It is the latest step in Best Western's expansion plans for Bangladesh, which comes at a key stage in the country's tourism development.
"Best Western sees a tremendous growth in tourism sector in Bangladesh. The country's attractions are plentiful, ranging from archaeological sites and historic mosques to beautiful beaches, dense forests, its culture and traditions. Hand in hand with the government's growing attention to tourism, the private sector's role in this development is increasing and Best Western is also playing an important role. Not only do we add new hotels in more destinations, we also bring to the table our global marketing and sales network to benefit Bangladesh's tourism development" said Best Western International's Vice President Operations for Asia and the Middle East, Glenn de Souza.

Khulna is the second biggest seaport, located on the banks of the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers and is home to the Khulna Shipyard operated by the Bangladesh navy. The city is a major industrial and commercial centre and, like other big cities in the country, is undergoing a transformation due in part to its fast growing population.

http://www.ftnnews.com/content/view/10913/26/

TIslam

November 23rd, 2010, 08:07 PM

CoolSimple

November 30th, 2010, 05:47 PM

mirzazeehan

December 1st, 2010, 10:15 PM

hi, first time posting here. Can someone help me find a guest house or rental apt for 1 month in Dhaka? I am a 40 year old man visiting with my sons (8 & 9) and would like a 2-bedroom apt or suite for about 4 weeks. Minimal furniture and at least access to a kitchen is needed. I checked Craigslist but didnt see anything short-term. I am willing to pay more than 1 months rent for 4 week occupancy. You can also reply to don_75243 @ yahoo . com without the spaces. Please help!

Hey there....I am not sure if these guys have 2 bedroom apartments,but I had some relatives who stayed here and there prolly is kitchen access.....however,this is a hotel and tho it's cheap in comparison to other hotels,it wud still b expensive unless u talk urself into a special weekly deal with these guys

http://www.easternresidence.com/

If ur visiting Dhaka,I strongly recommend that u stay in either gulshan,banani or baridhara.....eastern residence is in banani area and most guest houses are located in these three areas too.

CoolSimple

December 3rd, 2010, 05:20 PM

I had no idea everything has become so much more expensive in Dhaka! I will be going after 12 years and a lot must have changed. Nice to see Bangladesh is doing so well. However, I am only willing to spend about Taka 35000 for the entire 4 weeks I'll be staying. I would like to stay close to the main city but not Old Dhaka. Not fond of staying in hotels for long term. How about sublets, private rentals, bed & breakfast type of accommodation? Dates are Dec/12-Jan/9. Thanks!

Update on the original post: need a place just for me, kids are not visiting at this time.

hi, first time posting here. Can someone help me find a guest house or rental apt for 1 month in Dhaka? I am a 40 year old man visiting with my sons (8 & 9) and would like a 2-bedroom apt or suite for about 4 weeks. Minimal furniture and at least access to a kitchen is needed. I checked Craigslist but didnt see anything short-term. I am willing to pay more than 1 months rent for 4 week occupancy. You can also reply to don_75243 @ yahoo . com without the spaces. Please help!

TIslam

December 4th, 2010, 12:36 AM

I had no idea everything has become so much more expensive in Dhaka! I will be going after 12 years and a lot must have changed. Nice to see Bangladesh is doing so well. However, I am only willing to spend about Taka 35000 for the entire 4 weeks I'll be staying. I would like to stay close to the main city but not Old Dhaka. Not fond of staying in hotels for long term. How about sublets, private rentals, bed & breakfast type of accommodation? Dates are Dec/12-Jan/9. Thanks!

Update on the original post: need a place just for me, kids are not visiting at this time.

I'm afraid $500, which is roughly Tk35k, will not afford you any decent accommodation in Dhaka, for a month. Also, the problem is no landlord would want to rent you a house/flat for just a month. Best if you could find somebody in Dhaka who could scout out any short term house/guesthouse for you.

jason.kazi

February 1st, 2011, 04:30 PM

New hotel to be built on Motel Shaikat premises

-A Monitor Report

Dhaka : A new hotel well be constructed on the premises of Motel Shaikat in Chittagong in 2010-2013 fiscal year, while the extension of Hotel Shaibal in Chittagong has been approved by ECNEC at a meeting on January 25.

Md. Hemayet Uddin Talukdar, Chairman, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) said this while addressing the 27th Commercial Conference of BPC at Hotel Abakash in the city on January 27.

Joint Secretaries Jamal Abdun Naser and Anant Kumar Chowdhury, unit chief, and other officials were present at the conference.

The 37 commercial units run by BPC earned a net profit of Tk 213.10 lakh in the three months of October, November and December 2010. This was revealed in the report presented at the conference.

Different activities of the units as well as problems and their solutions were discussed at the conference. Rise in occupancy following raising of service to the guests was the reason behind increase in income and profit, it was felt.

Hemayet Uddin Talukdar urged upon all to work hard to maintain this trend of commercial success by further improving the standard of customer services.

sas

February 1st, 2011, 05:22 PM

Fifth property? Where are the other four? I only know of one, the La Vinci Hotel in Dhaka (Kawran Bazar).

Yeah that is a good point. There is only one Best Western property currently in operation - La Vinci in Kawran Bazar. Two other Best Western Premier hotels are currently under construction - one in Cox's Bazar and the other in Nikunjo (within close proximity of Regency) in Dhaka. Where's the fourth?

nayeem007

February 2nd, 2011, 07:46 AM

Yeah that is a good point. There is only one Best Western property currently in operation - La Vinci in Kawran Bazar. Two other Best Western Premier hotels are currently under construction - one in Cox's Bazar and the other in Nikunjo (within close proximity of Regency) in Dhaka. Where's the fourth?

In Khulna.. there is a post on it earlier in the thread.

sas

February 4th, 2011, 08:02 PM

In Khulna.. there is a post on it earlier in the thread.

Exactly bro. The write-up says the one in Khulna will be the fifth Best Western property in the country.

babui

February 12th, 2011, 01:08 PM

http://babui.webs.com/mad.jpg ([IMG]http://babui.webs.com)
Babui Eco Resort (http://babui.webs.com) is one of a kind in the southern coastal region of Moheshkhali Island, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh.

www.babui.webs.com

Moderator's note:

This forum cannot be used for free advertisement. I have retained pertinent information that can serve as an FYI.

babui

February 16th, 2011, 04:33 PM

First Eco Resort for Accommodation at Moheskhali Island, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

http://babui.webs.com/mad.jpg (http://babui.webs.com/)

E-mail :019777babui@gmail.com
Web : www.babui.webs.com

sas

April 22nd, 2011, 06:50 AM

This is just unbelievable... at least the rendering:

http://www.imaginehotels.com/

TIslam

April 22nd, 2011, 05:08 PM

This is just unbelievable... at least the rendering:

http://www.imaginehotels.com/

We can only hope the the real McCoy will be just as good.

tislam84

April 22nd, 2011, 09:13 PM

^^ The prices of each penthouse on that property ranges from 50 Lacs to 1.7 crore. Wow, people in Bangladesh sure are getting rich!

TIslam

April 23rd, 2011, 01:42 AM

^^ The prices of each penthouse on that property ranges from 50 Lacs to 1.7 crore. Wow, people in Bangladesh sure are getting rich!

If I was (Bangladesh) IRS, I would have gone after each and every person who bought a piece of this property to prove their source of funds.

tislam84

April 23rd, 2011, 07:02 AM

^^ Maybe we should tell the revenue board this idea!

The government should just implement a tax on buying luxury properties like this, that can solve a lot of the problem.

TIslam

April 23rd, 2011, 04:19 PM

^^ Maybe we should tell the revenue board this idea!

The government should just implement a tax on buying luxury properties like this, that can solve a lot of the problem.

They do it in India. That is why you will often read about some notable personalities (businessman, movie star) getting in trouble with their Inland Revenue or being investigated by tax collectors after buying some luxury property or a luxury brand automobile.

In Bangladesh since the internal revenue is as corrupt as the judiciary and law enforcement, people literally get away with murder.

TIslam

April 28th, 2011, 08:29 PM

BDNews24.com
Fri, Apr 29th, 2011 12:15 am BST

Dhaka, Apr 28 (bdnews24.com) – Come 1st May and Dhaka Sheraton Hotel will be known as Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.

Hotel's assistant manager (communication) Zia Mohiuddin on Thursday told bdnews24.com that the official announcement would be made at an introductory press conference at the hotel on Saturday.

The hotel started its business in Bangladesh in 1967 as Hotel Inter Continental. Thereafter, from 1973 until 1983, it operated under the overseer company Inter Continental Hotel Corporation.

Later, in 1984, the management of the hotel was handed over to Sheraton Overseas Management Corporation, and it took the name of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. Its contract ended in 2008 only, but it was renewed until this year.

The state-owned Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL), owner of the hotel, will now decide whether to renew its deal with the hotel's last overseer or appoint any other corporation.

Earlier on Thursday, a press release from hotel's marketing communication manager Mohammad Shahidus Sadeque Talukder stated that the press conference would be held around 11am on Saturday for making the announcement.

"I am the communication officer of Sheraton until now. From Saturday on, I'll be posted as the manager (communication) of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel," he wrote in the release.

http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=194372&cid=2

Manazir

April 28th, 2011, 10:22 PM

^^
I thought they were looking for foreign investors?

jason.kazi

April 28th, 2011, 10:33 PM

Well there goes another "international" hotel. Hopefully, the quality of services will remain. What's the status of the Best Western Premiere Hotel on New Airport Road?

dopekhor

April 29th, 2011, 04:29 AM

whats the point of investing in coxs bazar whats the investment return ratio? if ones doing it to show off thats a different story!

nayeem007

May 15th, 2011, 04:51 PM

Nazimgarh Resorts, Sylhet

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229577_10150178712868123_16379483122_7217761_1783904_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222083_10150178712568123_16379483122_7217751_6199528_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227424_10150178712683123_16379483122_7217754_1565424_n.jpg

nayeem007

May 15th, 2011, 04:52 PM

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227411_10150178710893123_16379483122_7217694_2469570_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224620_10150178711003123_16379483122_7217696_1954821_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223403_10150178710513123_16379483122_7217681_5745483_n.jpg

nayeem007

May 15th, 2011, 04:53 PM

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230110_10150178711933123_16379483122_7217731_7437424_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226721_10150178712083123_16379483122_7217736_7966896_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224243_10150178712178123_16379483122_7217739_2616647_n.jpg

jason.kazi

May 15th, 2011, 08:52 PM

Cox Bazar Hotels:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/3785980724_aee5021ce8.jpg
Hotel Saimon (2008)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2382604990_ef20cd9e22.jpg
Hotel Sea Crown (2008)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/15/20103408_dd123d18cd.jpg
Hotel Upal (2008)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2838008125_5b30cf19fc.jpg
Seagull Hotel (2008)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/375038133_15c74b167c.jpg
Hotel Prasaad Paradise (2006)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4094739962_02c4fcc3f6.jpg
Seagull Hotel (2009)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5404876119_913eafdf1b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5404888793_cc3fd3fb2b.jpg
Long Beach Hotel (2011)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4083161134_e862f7d52d.jpg
Hotel Palace (2011)

Source: Flickr

jason.kazi

October 6th, 2011, 04:52 AM

Ocean Paradise Hotel & Resort a grand affair in Cox's Bazar
-A Monitor Report
Cox's Bazar : Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort, is the haven of luxury and comfort. Not only do 90 per cent of the rooms face the sandy beach and rolling waves, even the Banquet Hall and multi-purpose Terrace have spectacular sea view.

This is the only property in Cox's Bazar that offers such a magnificent stimulating experience.

With 296 spacious rooms and suites spread over two wings - the Deluxe Building and the Superior Deluxe Building, Ocean Paradise is the largest in the country. To cater to all types of guests, rooms range from Sea View with Balcony, Sea View with Terrace, and Mountain View to Executive Suites, Baywatch Suites and Honeymoon Suites, Chairman Suites and even Studio Suites with 360 degrees view!

The fitness centre is complete with swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna/steam room, and every suite in the Premier Building has a Jacuzzi. There are three restaurants, a Sheesha Lounge and a bar.

Curry Leaf multi-cuisine buffet restaurant offers patrons a pleasing choice of Bengali, Indian, Thai and Continental delicacies which are a gourmet's delight.

Sky Bar - Fun Food & Grill roof top restaurant, opening in November 2011, has an idyllic setting with the garden on one side and a bird's eye view of the ocean on the other. It is a fusion Barbeque restaurant serving traditional delicacies. The Chef will ensure that vegetarians too have their choice of grilled delicacies.

Faham - Sheesha Corner, opening December 2011, will enable you to chill for hours to the cool tunes playing until midnight. For the total Cox's Bazar experience, grab a Sheesha, sink into the comfortable sofas and be soothed by the soft sea breeze.

KALATOLI - Lobby Café 24 hours cozy coffee shop, is the appropriate place to meet and dine with the occasional visitor. It offers quick efficient service with all day scrumptious cakes, pastries and savories.

At H2O - Bar, opening in December 2011, it's about you and your experience. It is the only Bar in Cox's Bazar with such a breathtaking view of the ocean, as well as a few tables in its open air terrace.

Chairman of Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort, Engineer Lion Mohammad Nurul Karim of Nur E Elahi and Brothers and Managing Director Nur Elahi have pledged to provide authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people they touch.

Executive Director Hotelier Atique Rahman intends to offer their guests a true mix of business and pleasure. Guests not only can come for conferences, but simultaneously rejuvenate their body and soul.

The hotel gives priority to leisure activities for entertainment of its valued guests. While beach lovers will have a choice of a number of beach sports, others may prefer to stay indoors in The Game Room, playing pool, foosball, darts, chess or pin ball.

There is also a separate playground for children.

At the same time, apart from the two conference rooms and Business Centre, every guest room also offers a generous workspace and high speed Internet access. The hotel maintains the highest standard of safety with fire extinguishers on every floor and fire sprinklers in every room. It is equipped with state-of-the-art power back up.

This lavish property has all the services and facilities of a 5 Star hotel and assures their guests warm hospitality and utmost care. The exterior of the hotel undoubtedly gives a unique identity of its standard in Cox's Bazar.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

jason.kazi

October 6th, 2011, 04:54 AM

Grand Bay transforms Prasad Paradise
_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Another local management company has proven itself in turning around a hospitality property, this time in Cox's Bazar.

Grand Bay brought about a transformation in Prasad Paradise Hotel and Resorts after taking over the operational responsibilities of the guestroom property in Cox's Bazar in September 2007. Grand Bay started its journey in 1997.

At Prasad Paradise, guests can choose to stay in any of the 84 rooms in the seven-storied tower building or 10 exclusive garden cottages consisting of four bedrooms per cottage -two on first floor, two on ground floor, duplex style. The swimming pool is situated right next to the garden.

Syed Enamul Karim, Chairman, Grand Bay Tours and Resorts Management Ltd, said, "We have made it profitable and paying the owners regularly."

"First we took guest feedback and then brought about changes. The kitchen was too small. We made it larger. It used to offer only Bangladeshi food. Now it serves Continental, Thai, Indian, Chinese and other food as well. We also introduced steak, unknown in the beach city earlier."

Benajir Ahmed, Managing Director, Grand Bay Tours and Resorts Management said, "We launched Mehfil restaurant serving Indian food. It clicked among the tourists and Cox's Bazar clientele," he said, adding "we opened charcoal grill open-air BBQ with a show kitchen. It was not there before."

"Mehfil can accommodate 48 guests, Jerberra 78 guests while about 150 guests at the BBQ corner," he said.

Benajir Ahmed said, "We serve multi-choice buffet breakfast in the morning. The food requirements of the guests are also taken in the morning for the day."

Enamul Karim said, "We have provided training to upgrade human resources of the hotel, turning unskilled staff into skilled one. We also took measures including setting up dormitory for them nearby to keep the retention rate high. We provide laundry facilities to them too to keep their attires spic and span."

The hotel arranges live instrumental music every evening and Ghazal evening on weekends. December 31 is observed in a grand manner close to the beach. We also arrange campfire as per guests' wishes.

"The room occupancy has risen and at the moment averages 73 per cent," he said, adding, "we have been doing business round the year."

A large number of corporate events are being held at its brand new banquet hall which can accommodate 1000 persons theatre style and 500 on round tables.

Talking about the management company's role in looking after Prasad Paradise, Enamul Karim said, "It's a service oriented, monitoring job. It's kind of bringing up a baby."

Chairman, Grand Bay said setting up of a security zone for guests to enjoy the late into the night and 3D cinema hall for them are being contemplated. A kids' zone near the hotel and night drive in a car up to Banani are also under consideration.

Praising the security of the area, he said, "The new SP has pledged to improve the situation further."

Enamul Karim is planning to set up a "food bazaar" where different varieties of food will be available in a 10-storey building, with kids zone on the top floor. He is also pursuing Haldiram to open outlets in Bangladesh.

Grand Bay's success at Prasad Paradise has emboldened him to look for managing new properties.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

jason.kazi

November 6th, 2011, 06:00 AM

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2011/2011_10_23/content_zoom/2011_10_23_2_8_b.jpg

jason.kazi

November 6th, 2011, 06:03 AM

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2011/2011_10_23/content_zoom/2011_10_23_5_6_b.jpg

jason.kazi

December 30th, 2011, 03:58 AM

Khagrachhari
Café New Zealand and System Restaurant

I must confess that I am enjoying my job -- travelling across Bangladesh for campaign purposes, although the tropical heat is tiring me out a lot. Long queues at ferry ghats and the long drives sometimes can take its toll, however natural beauty is a most effective relaxant. So it was during these worthwhile journeys, that I gathered enough information to put together a helpful travelogue, one which will make someone else's journey an enjoyable one as well.

When travelling, the best options are either to journey to mountains or beaches wherever you go. Khagrachari was one such hill stop for me. Although I often come here for work, I have yet to be offered its best. It's a splendid place and one feels sad by the lack of coverage in Lonely Planet's outdated Bangladesh edition.

The scenery changes completely once you arrive at Khagrachhari. Surging hills fold and bend, making you wonder what is over the next rise and fall. Dhakaities really love Dhaka but it's an unliveable city given its numerous problems. Khagrachhari offers tranquillity and respite from it all. You will get some power cuts here too but no traffic congestion at all.

Pleasure starts about 15 minutes after you take the left from Feni towards Ramgarh. The hills start from this district. You can see the lush green tea plants and vibrant women collecting the leaves. It's a wonderful scene. Then, the tea gardens morph into forests as you go deeper towards Khagrachari.

If you have an expatriate with you, you will have to stop by and fill up the required paperwork. Insurgents and rebels, make military presence a must. If you enter Khagrachari through the cantonment, you will instantaneously understand who runs the show there.

In Khagrachari, I have stayed in only one hotel called “Meghla”, which is a government run hotel. Rest assured, the service you get here is much better than any other. The location of the hotel is nice and it there is plenty of empty space all around.

The food at Meghla is eatable. Whoever prepares it, however, is not a food enthusiast. You have to wait almost about an hour after you have ordered. Another option could be my personal favourite, the "System Restaurant" at Khagrachari.

It's a wonderful place serving indigenous food. It's small but caters to a large number of regulars. The restaurant is owned by a wonderful person called Mong Marma, popularly known as Mong Da.

There's a bamboo dish here which is actually very good and is preferable with rice. The tenderness of the dish is like that of a squid. A must try whenever you get the chance. Apart from that, one can also try this writer's personal favourite; the mushroom egg fry. Prepared using salt, pepper and a bit of egg with mushroom, the key ingredients are fried to perfection.

Word of caution; beware of the "shutki" (dry fish) preparations. It is really spicy. One mouthful can leave you red-faced.

There is no shortage of items at System. However, there is no menu though. It works like this; you take a seat and almost everything will be presented before you. Then, you can pick and choose. Once you are done, Mong Da will inform you of the price, which is usually between Tk120-180.

Besides System, there is another interesting place in Khagrachari with yet another interesting name - New Zealand. It's basically a cafe that serves some munchies nestled among the paddy fields. It's an almost magical place to dine. Carrying a mosquito repellent is advisable though.

During summer, Khagrachhari can be a torture. You have to walk a few miles in remote areas to visit certain places and have lunch way past routine hours and once you are back to your hotel room, you'll find no electricity due to the load shedding. But if you want to look on the brighter side, you have fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh air and a calmness which Dhaka can never offer you.

By Taskin Rahman

Source: The Daily Star

jason.kazi

January 6th, 2012, 12:58 AM

http://www.theindependentdigital.com/contents/2011/2011_12_31/content_zoom/2011_12_31_29_2_b.jpg

samiprostar

February 11th, 2012, 06:24 PM

Please inform us the contact details of Tetulia resort.

Tks // Samiullah

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/tetuliaresort2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/tetuliaresort5.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/tetuliaresort11.jpg[/QUOTE]

jason.kazi

March 16th, 2012, 04:49 AM

Long Beach Hotel makes a name for itself

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/images/news_photo/20120315170658longbeach.jpg

Cox's Bazar : Long Beach Hotel, a concern of Alam Group of Industries famous for consumer items Pocha soap and Ma-laysian Para-tha, is a fairly new entrant in the Cox's Bazar hospitality scene but has made a name for itself specially among those who seek quality ambiance and enough space.

The suites and guestrooms are spacious and so are the other facilities at this hotel which has taken its name from the longest beach in the world here at Cox's Bazar.

The state-of-the-art luxury rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, balcony and a contemporary décor while the Presidential Suite and Honeymoon Suite have Jacuzzi and private entrances. Jacuzzi is also there in the 1,500 square feet three-level swimming pool, one level being designated for children.

The owners made every effort to design the hotel and refurbish the interior as a place the guests would like to stay and feel comfortable. They took personal care in choosing the materials for the hotel interiors, for the rooms and also amenities, always thinking what they would personally like to have in the hotel they would put up in Cox's Bazar and selected all materials accordingly. They judge guest satisfaction by their own exacting standards, said a hotel official.

Dining under the stars at Sunset poolside BBQ is another experience that its guests, local and foreign including foreign diplomats relish and remember. Besides big, well-equipped 1200-person Forum banquet hall, there are 200-person Chorus conference hall and 45-person Conclave conference room.

Cozy restaurant on Level-1 can accommodate 135 gues-ts and serves Western, Thai, Chinese, Italian and Bang-ladeshi dishes. It also has an intimate Cigar Balcony.

Café 14 coffee shop has be-come famous for its Brazilian coffee which is grinded in front of the guests before serving. It also offers all-day dining in stylish atmosphere, serving among others, pizza, pasta, pastry and Movenpick Ice Cream.

"We try to give them Eastern pampered ser-vice combined with Western efficiency. I be-lieve service should be courteous, from the heart," said ABM Kamal-uddin, General Manager, Long Beach Hotel.

Indian Idols
Even neighbouring countries do not know much about Cox's Bazar. We believe we have earned some publicity in Indian electronic media bringing in Indian Idols on the occasion of December 31. The Idols, their manager and others were surprised to see such a big state-of-the-art well equipped banquet hall, the biggest in Cox's Bazar, which is able to accommodate 1200 persons theatre style.

All amenities, be linen and other fixtures are imported from abroad. every seven and a half minutes.

Mohammad Imran Humayun Khan, Manager Sales and Marketing, who handles bookings from Dhaka said, the 115-suite and guestroom Long Beach Suite is likely to open in Dhaka in the middle of next year. Besides specialty restaurants, coffee shop and spa, there will be swimming pool on the top floor.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

British-Bangladeshi

March 26th, 2012, 08:31 PM

New 4-star hotel goes into operation in city today

FARS Hotel and Resorts Limited, a 4-star quality hotel goes into operation in the city from today (Monday).

Managing Director of the hotel Akram Hossain made the announcement Saturday. The hotel is situated in the city's Bijoy Nagar area.

According to the hotel authorities, the 15 storied hotel has one hundred and fifty four rooms of different categories with ultra modern facilities.

The facilities include coffee shop, ice-cream parlour, pastry shop and gift shop, health club, billiard room, business centre, roof top swimming pool and barbecue restaurant, and also arrangement for local, Chinese and continental food support.

Besides, family lounge and meeting room for fulfilling any exclusive demand of its customers are also available in the hotel.

"A group of experienced hotel staff have been recruited for providing better services to our boarders," Akram Hossain said.

He added, "Some of the staffs worked in different well reputed hotels abroad. Besides, experience in local hotels was also a selection criterion."

Mr Hossain said that any company or association can arrange its annual general meeting or any special programme with an accommodation of 450-500 people at a time.

Former Commerce Minister Abdul Jalil, MP, is scheduled to cut the tape of opening of the hotel, according to the hotel authorities.

Director of the hotel, Azgor Hossain and General Manager Ashfaq Hosain Chowdhury were present at the programme among others.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=124730&date=2012-03-26

sas

April 18th, 2012, 03:48 AM

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts signs agreements to manage hotels in Bangladesh

-A Monitor Report

Dhaka : Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts announce it has signed two agreements with Asian Resorts Holding Limited to manage hotels in Cox's Bazar and in the capital, Dhaka, marking the first foray into Bangladesh for the upscale international hotel company.
This was announced at a soft launching, held on April 12 at The Westin Dhaka.

Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Faruk Khan, was the Chief Guest on the Occasion.

Andreas Mattmüller, CEO of Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts for Middle East and Asia, Usama Aziz, Chairman, Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Managing Director of Ideal Group, parent company of the local sponsors and Dr. A Majeed Khan, former minister spoke, among others, on the occasion.

The Mövenpick Hotel and Spa Cox's Bazar hotel is due to open in 2015 and has a prime location on the longest beach in the world. The site also takes advantage of the close proximity to Cox's Bazar Airport (10 km) and is just one hour's flying time to Dhaka. The hotel will incorporate modern architectural elements in its towering 18 floors with sea facing rooms and bathrooms. The 280 rooms and suites will range from 36 sqm up to 70 sqm. Catering to the anticipated high demand of leisure guests, mainly from Bangladesh, India and other South Asian countries, a selection of restaurants, bars, meeting rooms and leisure facilities will be available.

The Mövenpick Hotel Dhaka will offer 275 guestrooms and the property is expected to open in 2015. Dhaka is well connected to destinations in Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia and the project will include facilities to suit both the business and leisure traveller including a state of the art fitness centre, a spa and five restaurants and bars, one of which will be a specialised art lounge café, displaying local creative talent.

Andreas Mattmüller, Chief Operating Officer of Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts for the Middle East and Asia commented, "These projects in Bangladesh are key milestones for us and signify our development within Asia. It is a partnership that will allow us to tap into the potential of the Bangladesh market and we are looking forward to working with Asian Resorts Holding Limited and taking the Môvenpick hospitality to the country."

Speaking on the occasion Usama Talha Aziz, Chairman of Asian Resorts Holding Limited, expressed : "The travel and tourism sector in Bangladesh has experienced significant growth in recent years and its direct contribution to the country's gross domestic product is forecasted to rise further by 7.3 per cent in 2012. Our agreement with Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts will capitalise on that growth in order to offer the traveller an upscale experience in a country rich with heritage."

Bangladesh is one of the emerging economies in the world and every year it attracts an increased number of leisure and business travellers. With its numerous historical and archeological sites, it has the longest natural unbroken sea beach in the world (124 km) and is home to several World Heritage Sites. Bangladesh also features Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Asia has been a major focus for expansion for Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts with the hotel company already operating two hotels in Thailand, two in Vietnam and one each in India, Singapore and the Philippines.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=3434&CID=7

mirzazeehan

April 18th, 2012, 01:27 PM

That's great news...any idea abt the location of the one planned for Dhaka?

jason.kazi

April 19th, 2012, 03:33 AM

Hotels mushroom in Chittagong
Target business, corporate visitors

Sohel Parvez

New hotels and guesthouses are coming up in the country's premier port city Chittagong to tap the rising demands for comfortable accommodation and better hospitality services for businesses including foreign buyers.

A rise in industrial activities and overseas trade has recently pulled in investments for establishing hotels in Chittagong, the major business city after the capital Dhaka.

In recent years, more than 20 hotels and guesthouses launched operation in Chittagong targeting local business executives and professionals, and foreign buyers, who frequently visit the port city for business purposes.

"We are here to mainly attract foreign buyers and corporate travellers," said SM Shahab Uddin, general manager of Well Park Residence launched last year.

He said Well Park launched operation targeting foreign buyers coming to negotiate prices with the garment factories in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) of Chittagong.

He added there are 5,000 to 6,000 factories in EPZs and more than 300 buyers come to Chittagong every month to place orders to these factories.

"They look for hotels with better standard that ensure safety and security along with comfortable accommodation, hygienic food and modern communication facilities," he observed.

These new hotels and guesthouses have come up finding a lack in the market of better hotels as there were only a handful of modern hotels in the port city until 2000.

The only known hotel that could partly meet the expectations of foreigners was Hotel Agrabad. But due to limited accommodation capacity in that hotel, many foreigners, especially buyers, tended not to stay in Chittagong overnight. Most of them used to return to Dhaka on evening flights, said hoteliers and businesses.

Insiders say investment to set up better standard hotels and guesthouses began to rise since 2000.

It got a boost further after the success of The Peninsula Chittagong which launched operation in the port city in 2005 in a bid to attract foreign travellers.

Shahab said over 30 hotels and guesthouses launched operation in the city in the past decade.

"There was a vacuum in the market earlier. And considering the prospect of growth in business centring the Chittagong port, a vacuum is still there," he added.

"Still there is a need to establish a couple of international standard hotels," said the official of Well Park, which registered 60 percent occupancy in the first year of operation.

"We have achieved our target," he said, claiming that many of the guests are foreigners, especially buyers of export-oriented garments.

Badruzzaman, manager of another newly established hotel, The Avenue Hotel and Suites, echoed Shahab Uddin.

"Still many foreigners don't spend nights here due to a lack of global standard hotels. I think two five-star hotels can easily do business here," he said referring to local and foreign top executives coming to Chittagong for business purposes.

But investment in hotel business did not come from entrepreneurs in Chittagong.

"Because, return on investment is slow in hotel business. But nowadays the entrepreneurs, who have seen the prospects, are investing," he said, citing the potential of growth of businesses in Chittagong in the coming days after construction of the deep-sea port.

ANM Shahed, general manager of Orchid Business Hotel, said the boutique hotel launched operation seven months ago and has been registering 40 percent occupancy on an average since then.

"We have yet to provide all amenities to attract corporate travellers including foreigners. We hope to log good business after we have all amenities such as banquet hall and spa in place within this year," he said.

Monowara Hakim Ali, owner of the oldest Hotel Agrabad, termed the growth in hotels and guesthouses a positive sign.

"It's a very good sign. Investment in hotel industry is needed to promote business," she said adding, "We are also expanding the capacity of our hotels considering the growth of demand in future.

"There will be a massive change in Chittagong and it will be a major hub for businesses in future," she said, citing possible construction of a deep-sea port in Sonadia and linking of Bangladesh with the Asian Highway through Chittagong Division.

Source: The Daily Star

mirzazeehan

May 16th, 2012, 03:14 AM

I have long Dreamt of the day when "Bandarban" would have world class resorts to welcome guests from home & abroad.Despite being one of the most beautiful places in Bangladesh,Bandarban could never attract the right number of tourists due to the complete absence of "Hotels & Resorts".
But all that...is about to change!

Yang Bong Hill Resort,Chimbuk,Bandarban

*Sitting on a massive 12 acre(36 bighas) of land at scenic Chimbuk, Yang Bong Hill Resort will have a built-up area of 233,200 sq feet.

*It will have 25 individual cottages & more than 50 hotel suites for guests to choose from.

*Along with multiple Swimming pools,Yang Bong Hill resort will have a restaurant, gym,spa,sauna ,health center and cyber center.

*The resort will have an outdoor game zone,along with a Tennis court,Bar-BQ area and Amphitheatre for recreation.

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The Osing Tong Resort,Bandarban

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mirzazeehan

May 16th, 2012, 03:28 AM

a Five Star Eco-Resort being built by a Thai developer

DuSai Eco Resort,Sylhet

A modern luxurious Boutique Villa Resort & Spa nestled within a small tropical forest on hillocks dotted with thousands of trees,
Dusai resort will have 85 different types of rooms and suites of the following types:

Accommodation in the resort shall comprise of 30 superior and premium rooms in the terraced main hotel, 24 deluxe rooms in five separate two-storied terraced villas and 8 two-bedroom suites on four separate two-storied terraced villas, and two large presidential pool villas, all on the slopes of the south-facing hillocks on top of a serpentine lake.

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The Reception

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Spa

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Convention Center

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Cottages & Villas

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Presidential Villa

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Hotel Building

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jason.kazi

May 16th, 2012, 04:06 AM

For those of you who have been waiting for some "official" word of the Marriott project in Bashundhara:

Marriott Hotel on Bashundhara landscape
→ Staff Correspondent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: The Daily Sun

Ironic that Bashundhara's newspaper is the only newspaper to publish it.

British-Bangladeshi

May 16th, 2012, 05:59 PM

^^
The Yang Bong Hill Resort,Chimbuk, Bandarban, The Osing Tong Resort, Bandarban and The DuSai Eco Resort, Sylhet look awesome. :cheers:

TIslam

May 16th, 2012, 07:45 PM

mirzazeehan

May 17th, 2012, 03:35 AM

So say Bashundhara folks. Still no "official" word from Marriott. Perhaps it is yet to be finalized and a deal has not been signed?

I heard the news about Marriott being set up in Bashundhara was broadcasted on TV yesterday.

TIslam

May 17th, 2012, 03:57 AM

I heard the news about Marriott being set up in Bashundhara was broadcasted on TV yesterday.

May very well be correct and true however, I'll believe it when I read about it in a press release by Marriott, or read about their upcoming project in Bangladesh.

jason.kazi

May 17th, 2012, 06:40 PM

Mamun made GM, Praasad Paradise Hotel & Resorts

-A Monitor Report

Cox's Bazar : Mahmud Ahmed Mamun has been promoted to the post of General Manager of Praasad Paradise Hotel and Resorts, operated by The Grand Bay Tours and Resorts Management Limited, with effect from April 13.
The management of Grand Bay promoted Mamun to the prestigious position in recognition of his outstanding contributions to make the hotel one of the most preferred accommodation destinations to the tourists of Cox's Bazar.
Mamun started his long carrier as hotelier 14 years ago and has vast experience in the field. He served in different local and foreign hotels including Manager, Food and Beverage in Hotel Sarina Restaurant and Executive Manager, Sales and Marketing in Hotel Civic Inn.
Prior to his appointment as General Manager, he was serving as the Head of Sales and Marketing of Praasad Paradise Hotel and Resorts.
Mamun completed his diploma in Hotel Management from Institute of Hotel Management (IHM)-Bangalore.

Source: Bangladesh Monitor

mirzazeehan

May 25th, 2012, 05:12 AM

In just a few months time,tourists in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to cruise to Sundarbans in the comfort of a "3 star hotel!

MV Tanguar Hoar:Bangladesh's first 3 STAR Floating Hotel
17 more of these will be built

The MV Tanguar Haor is fitted with fully furnished, locally crafted products, modern design A/C cabins with glass windows to enjoy the picturesque scenes, attached bathrooms with hot and cold water, spacious dining area, which can be converted to a conference room, and an upper deck where you can either relax under the sun with a fruit cocktail, or enjoy activities such as yoga and aerobics. If you are not particularly interested in the rich history and heritage of the country and are wondering how to keep yourself occupied, fear not! We not only have on board games such table tennis, board games and carom board, but also thrilling activities such as windsurfing and kayaking! Trained surfers from the Lifesaving and Surf Club in Cox’s Bazar will be at your service to help you.

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With a maximum capacity of 26 travellers, served by a crew of 18 friendly and welcoming young people, for whom hospitality is not just a skill but a continuing tradition, chefs from every port of call will serve their local speciality, sharing the benefits of tourism throughout the riverside communities with their own culture, traditions, entertainments and skills

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Silv3r

May 25th, 2012, 06:00 AM

Very Neat. only 26 ppl capacity :) could be a pricey trip :)

Tanjim91

May 31st, 2012, 01:32 PM

Sylhet is now going to get 2 new 5 star hotels.
Sylhet has already a 5 star hotel-Hotel Roseview Complex.Now UK resident 6 sylheti businessmen are investing in sylhet for 5 star hotel 'Hotel Grand Sylhet'.The most works have been completed.The inside works are going on.Perhaps In middle of 2013 the hotel will start its business.It has 200 rooms with all the facilities of 5 star hotels.The cost of the hotel is 230 crore taka.Another hotel is 'Exelcisor Height' in the centre of sylhet city.Its foundation is recently established.The hotel will start business probably from 2015.Its cost is 150 crore taka and 50 british bangladeshis are establishing it.Sylhet has another good hotel named 'Nazimgarh Resort' which is a 3 star resort will all modern facilities.Many guests from all around the country and foreigners rated it as the best resort of bangladesh.
For details please visit here:
http://www.bonikbarta.com/2012-05-19...ils/31767.html

manbil777

June 2nd, 2012, 01:09 AM

Very Neat. only 26 ppl capacity :) could be a pricey trip :)

Which is the point. It is a pricey trip and probably a week long one at that. Could be wonderful trip for eco-conscious people and bird watchers. 'Tanguar Haor' is the premier tropical bird sanctuary in Bangladesh. I am surprised the Govt. hasn't declared it a wildlife refuge yet. Or have they?

That floating hotel was designed by 'Marine House' Bangladesh. It is right there on their landing page (http://www.marinehousebd.com/).

Also -- I believe it was built at Khan Brothers Shipyard (KBSBL) at Meghna Ghat (next to Western Marine). Look at the video and see a snippet (http://youtu.be/p-mDO3xQjlE) of the ship at 0.28 and 4:05 seconds.

British-Bangladeshi

June 6th, 2012, 08:16 PM

That is something to say WOW about. The first 3 Star Hotel Boat. Nice:cheers:

Shihabshiraj

June 7th, 2012, 07:17 AM

Bangladesh is developing infrastructurally day by day.I think best 10 hotels of the country will be the following.According to travelers review and facilities i have made the list.
(1)Raddison Hotel & Blue Water Garden,Dhaka.
(2)Hotel Westin,Dhaka.
(3)Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargoan,Dhaka.
(4)Hotel Ruposhi Bangla,Dhaka.
(5)Hotel Sarina,Dhaka.
(6)Regency hotel & resort,Dhaka.
(7)Hotel Roseview,Sylhet.
(8)Hotel Seagull,Coxbazar.
(9)Hotel Peninsula,Chittagong.
(10)Hotel Naz Garden,Bogra.

jason.kazi

July 10th, 2012, 05:41 AM

The Palace Resort and Spa
Hobigonj, Sylhet

Planned opening December 2012

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Mosque

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Bar

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The Grand Lobby

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One-bedroom villa

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Signature room

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Theater

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Birds-eye view of resort

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Suspension bridge

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Two-bedroom villa

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The Tower

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Spa

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Children's playground

mirzazeehan

July 10th, 2012, 12:39 PM

what a find!Thx a million Jason

TIslam

July 10th, 2012, 01:23 PM

The Palace Resort and Spa
Hobigonj, Sylhet

Planned opening December 2012

Planned opening December 2012, yet all the pictures are artist's rendition (computer generated). How realistic is that date?

samaruf

July 10th, 2012, 05:21 PM

jason.kazi

July 11th, 2012, 06:37 AM

^^The resort looks very world class, at least in the rendering. As Towhid bhai mentioned, December is only five months away so they should be almost done with the construction. Would be nice if someone from the area could take a few snapshots.

Found some pictures taken in May 2012

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9th villa being installed and built

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mykebob

August 9th, 2012, 03:58 PM

Wow..... This project is looking fantastic and awesome. They are planning to construct a good hotel and its architecture is good also. Pictures are nice and I hope it will complete in the prospected time.

jason.kazi

September 1st, 2012, 07:50 AM

Some recent hotel projects in Chittagong outlined in Vistaara Architects 2012 portfolio:

Radisson Bay View Hotel Chittagong (pg. 93): Upcoming hotel in 2014

Rangs Hotel Chittagong (pg. 141): Five star hotel with 240 rooms

http://www.delvistaa.com/Download/ExT&InTERIOR_VISTAARA.pdf

jason.kazi

September 2nd, 2012, 10:14 PM

Shuktara Nature Resort, Sylhet

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An Eco – friendly Retreat in the Hills
For families, couples, groups of friends and single travelers seeking adventure or a couple of days of relaxation within a carefree nature retreat, amidst the green hills in Sylhet, only 20 minutes away from the chaos, noise and pollution of the city.

It is located about 40 kms from the Bangladesh - Indian border of Tamabil – Dawki into Meghalaya, the foothills of the Himalayas.

Shuktara Nature Retreat is an environmentally responsible organization and all efforts are made to achieve this end. All our structures have been crafted by hand using natural and local materials. Solar energy is being used to heat water. All the construction work at Shuktara Nature Retreat has been done by the local people thus providing employment and contributing towards community development and socially responsible tourism.

The Nature Retreat is accessible by air and it is surprisingly easier and quicker to get from Dhaka to Shuktara Nature Retreat than it does to get from one end of Dhaka to the other.

Medical Facility: There will be a doctor on call. The nearest hospital is 3 kms away; the Sylhet Medical College and several other private facilities are located in the nearby city about 5 to 7 kms. away.

Location: Shuktara Nature Retreat is located 7.5 kms from the Sylhet city centre on the Sylhet - Tamabil N2 highway.

mirzazeehan

September 2nd, 2012, 11:41 PM

^^Looks good!

jason.kazi

September 13th, 2012, 05:20 AM

Nazimgarh Resorts gets TripAdvisor award

Star Business Desk
Nazimgarh Resorts in Sylhet has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award, the resort said in a statement yesterday.

The award marks hospitality excellence, and TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site that helps travellers plan trips through advice from real travellers and other supportive features.

Approximately 10 percent of TripAdvisor listings receive the award, according to the statement.

Businesses must maintain an above four out of a possible five rating by travellers on TripAdvisor to get the award.

"Nazimgarh Resorts is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Nazim Kamran Choudhury, managing director at Nazimgarh Resorts.

“We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.”

“The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. We want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for business.

jason.kazi

September 24th, 2012, 02:40 AM

SHUKTARA NATURE RETREAT

Hideout in the hills

Nestled among the lush, green, lolling hills of Sylhet, Shuktara eco-resort awaits its guests. Barely 20 minutes away from the main city of Sylhet, Shuktara Nature Retreat provides the escape so many of us dearly crave. Still almost untouched and untamed, the greenery surrounding the cottages and rooms is testament to what Sylhet was when the land was the favourite haunt of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Climbing the steps to your room one feels the calm permeating the senses, while the ambience rapidly changes from urban to absolutely tranquil. Located on top of the hills are the cottages surrounded by breathtaking beauty. Hammocks strategically sling from trees offering a place to rest in the cool breeze, under the ample shade of the trees overhead. Bushes, shrubs and native species of plants dot the landscape, having been kept as they were for so many years. Lying in the hammock, a feeling of Zen replaces the worry of daily city life, whilst the sight of the majestic kites soaring overhead lends added serenity. However, this is just the beginning of the wonders that nature has gifted in this magical landscape.

Suites start from Tk.5000 to Tk.6000 excluding VAT. The rooms themselves are a sight to behold. Spacious and with plenty of natural light from wall-length windows, it provides an airy and cheery atmosphere to your indoor experience. The rooms too are on various levels, each with its self-described 'rustic charm' intact. Each room provides an unobstructed view as far as the Khasia Jaintai hills on the horizon, whilst on a clearer day one can see even further. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and have modern amenities. However, there is no TV in any of the rooms except the lounge, but the view itself compensates for that. The furniture in the room, along with everything else possible, are made from local materials as the entire project strives to support the local community.

Khadim National Park, Hazrat Shah Badr Mazaar and the Tea Garden Plucker's village are all additional attractions for visitors among others, with all being within a 30-minute distance. Khadim National Park, comprising of almost 100 acres of pure forest, is perhaps the best among all the attractions. Without the commercialisation and heavy crowds of Lawachara National Park, the forest of Khadim National Park remains almost virgin. Carefully tread through the dense forest paved with ample walkways, and if you are lucky you will be greeted by more than throngs of birds. A palm civet is also a resident of the forest, while wild monkeys repeatedly break the silence and can be spotted on the canopy, foraging for fruits. But be careful, these monkeys are wild and are still not used to big crowds and so can be shy but may also react if they feel threatened. Without people talking loudly or buses parked near the entrance blaring loud music, the animals still freely move about. A water body also snakes through the park, bringing fresh rain water from the mountains, purified by the numerous rocks, highlighting nature's efficient system.

Cycling, trekking and sight-seeing are all possible options. Then comes the other important aspect of any vacation: food. Rattan furniture and local art is one of the many bright spots of the resort's Acacia restaurant. Indian, Bangladeshi and Thai cuisine are all on offer. However, we suggest trying out the delicacies of indigenous items, prepared in the age-old Sylheti style. The ingredients are also procured fresh and are all natural and hence the prices may be higher than usual, but quality and taste are assured.

As the sun begins to set, take a seat on your veranda and witness God's finest canvas being worked on. The sky turns deep blue, then purple and as night slowly descends the entire sky darkens except one part which still glows from the setting sun; the experience is surreal, especially without the presence of competing city lights. And as night falls, the wilderness comes to life, the silence punctuated by the eerie howl of numerous foxes, which call this beautiful place their home.

While any season is good enough to visit, Shuktara should be high on your agenda for your next vacation while the wilderness remains intact. As the surrounding hill-cutting continues unabated, and with Bangladesh's remaining 17% forests and greenery threatened, very soon Shuktara may be the only place for nature lovers in the country. The virgin landscape is unbeatable and one should take the opportunity to witness what Bangladesh was and could have been, while enjoying the excellent treatment afforded by the hosts.

Shuktara Nature Retreat address: Uddin Hills, Shahporan Uposhohor, Khadimnagar, Sylhet, Bangladesh. For more information visit www.shuktararetreat.com, write to info@shuktararetreat.com or call 01764543535.

By Osama Rahman
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Location: Shuktara Nature Retreat

Source: Daily Star

jason.kazi

September 26th, 2012, 07:04 AM

Nokkhottrobari Resort:

Located in Dhaka district

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Jacuzzi, boating, swimming pool, restaurant, juice bar, table tennis, billiards, fishing, kids zone, library, movie room, fuseball, cultural events and musical events

Check it out here --> http://www.nokkhottrobari.com.bd

jason.kazi

September 26th, 2012, 07:08 AM

Jaintia Hill Resort, Jaflong, Sylhet:

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Gift shop, rent a car, cottages

Check it out here --> http://jaintiaresort.com

jason.kazi

September 30th, 2012, 08:55 PM

RK Greenland Group's Convention Center/Resort/Amusement Park, located in Godenail, Southeast of Dhaka

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Planned sketch

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Current image

jason.kazi

September 30th, 2012, 09:03 PM

Hotel The Cox Today receives good response
-A Monitor Report
Dhaka : The 276-room Hotel the Cox Today has been open for only over nine months but it is getting a very good response.
"We had our grand opening on December 9 last year. We are satisfied the response. What we have received is unexpected. We've done well both in season and offseason," said Mohiuddin Khan, Director, Sales and Marketing, Hotel The Cox Today adding "perhaps a day will come soon when nobody will talk of offseason."
The crafty marketer with nearly three decades of industry experience has attracted the corporate crowd by signing win-win deals with over 35 business houses including banks and affordable packages for families and individuals and even students.
The hotel has launched two-night three-day special packages for Eid-ul-Azha. The Jol Josna package is for Tk 17,500 for accommodation of three persons in suite, Khushi is for 14,500 for four persons in Cox Deluxe four-bed room, Cox Bilash is for Tk 12,500 for two persons in Cox Deluxe seaside room, Cox Ullash is for two persons in Cox Deluxe hillside room and Anondodhara is for Tk 9500 for two persons in standard room.
The packages include buffet breakfast, welcome drinks on arrival, mineral water and fruit basket in room, one buffet dinner, an hour in swimming pool, an hour in billiard zone, an hour in gymnasium, 10 per cent discount on food at its outlets and 20 per cent discount on spa.
"For families and individuals - we are targeting Middle Class as most of the emerging travellers are from this section of people. This class of people always dreams of a holiday in Cox's Bazar."
"Can you imagine four youths staying in one of four-bed room without burning a hole in their pocket? We offer free use of swimming pool, spa, gym, discount on our food and spa in our packages."
"We did well through our earlier packages like Jhoro Haowa, Badla Din, Modhu Jamini, Proshanti, Udjapon, Fuurti, Promod, Amod and Bondhu. We are confident our Eid-ul-Azha packages will also do well," said Mohiuddin Khan who is known in the trade as Khokon.
Constructed in urban contemporary design, the eight-storied hotel has suites and rooms, ranging from 335 square feet to 1900 square feet, which are well appointed - furnished with exclusive amenities to ensure maximum comfort, he said.
Edge Restaurant of the hotel offers buffet as well as A-la Carte menu boasting sumptuous Thai, Chinese, Indian and Bangladeshi dishes.
The Courtyard barbecue corner is set on the extended roof of fourth floor. The setting is unique and unrivalled to organise small programmes as well, he said.
Level-9 rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay accompanied by Mediterranean recipes. The outlet has hosted different food festivals.
Workshops, seminars, weddings, parties are being regularly being held at its futuristic conference room which can accommodate 1200 people. A smaller one can accommodate 250 persons.
Besides : swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium and other facilities; there is car parking arrangement for 100 cars and drivers' dormitory.
Mohiuddin Khan said, "Like every business, this business is challenging" and admitted that the "socalled hotels" were making business difficult. "We are optimistic about the future."
He is also trying to promote the hotel abroad. "We have a tie up," he said without revealing more.
"Things have improved in Cox's Bazar. Security is better," he said and called for connecting the beach city with railway line. "Travel will be more secure then."
He also called for improving the condition of the roads and regular flights on all days of the week by the airlines.
He felt the government and Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) should do more to promote the country abroad.
Mohiuddin Khan gave a novel idea of setting up billboards at the exit points of famous international airports of South Asia with the slogan "Let Bangladesh be your next destination," so that that people can see it when they come out of the airports and be inspired to plan their future holidays in this country.

nayeem007

October 5th, 2012, 02:39 PM

Construction work of upscale Radission hotel in Chittagong progressing

Pankaj Dastider

CHITTAGONG, May 20: Construction of the much-hyped 5-Star Radisson Hotel, the first ever in the port city, is progressing speedily with an eye to enter operation by April 2014.
Businesses and entrepreneurs feel the importance of a sophisticated hotel with convention centre of global standard as buyers and investors from the developed world visit the city on business purposes or as tourists.

Foreigners speak highly of the natural beauty and diversity of Chittagong with hills and dales and long seashore but allege that accommodation facilities for international tourists are absent due to lack of proper initiative from the government or local entrepreneurs.

The Army Welfare Trust, a concern of Bangladesh Army, came up with the project in April 2011 for construction of its second unit of Radisson Hotel between Chittagong Club and Jamiatul Falah Grand Mosque at the heart of commercial and port city, after Dhaka.

The 20-storey plus two basements, that is, 22-storey huge structure with approximately 86,000 square feet per floor on a vast land owned by the Bangladesh Army will cost around Tk 6.00 billion, concerned sources said.

"Works are going speedily. Main construction of two basement floors has been completed months back. You will find a huge structure here by early next year and the interior decors will follow," said Project Director Col Md Abdul Wahab.

He told the FE Sunday morning that the 5-Star Radisson Chittagong will have two Mesban (guest) Halls each with accommodation capacity of 1500 persons, two Banquet Halls each accommodating 500 persons, a lot of commercial space, health club, swimming pool, 280 guest rooms, conference rooms, bar, gym, 5-6 restaurants and all necessary amenities of a global standard hotel.

The entire structure will be fully ready by the beginning of 2015, he said, adding that the hotel will however start partial operation by April, 2014.

"We have an eye on the T20 ICC World Cup 2014. Hopefully, Chittagong Divisional Stadium will be selected as a venue for that international tournament. It may bring us a chance to render the best accommodation and services to the players from Bangladesh and other countries," said Col Wahab.

There is no facility for state guests to stay in Chittagong. The Radisson Hotel will have residential and semi-residential suits where state guests will be comfortably staying. Staff facilities will also be available. The hotel will open up another business arena in Chittagong, he added.

The Radisson Water Garden in Dhaka has been very successfully operating as a world class hotel since late 2006 and is drawing wide applause from the locals and foreigners, which has influenced the authority to do business in the port city that has immense potential to grow as an attractive tourist destination in the region, it is learnt.

Sena Kalyan Sangstha, another concern of Bangladesh Army, has undertaken yet another giant project in the port city for construction of an international convention centre with the 5-Star hotel complex at an estimated cost of Tk 2.50 billion.

Construction of the huge structure is likely to start this year on an area of 1.25 acres of land on the Sangstha's own land at Kazir Dewri, where its real estate division now stands at Enesel Mansion, near Chittagong Circuit House.

Brigadier General Sharafat Hussain, MD of the Sena Kalyan Sangstha, revealed his plan to CDA Chairman Abdus Salam at the latter's office on Thursday.

Deputy Town Planner of CDA Sarwar Uddin Ahmed, who was present in the meeting, said the Sena Kalyan Sangstha is preparing plan and design of the multi-storied structure. It is likely to apply shortly to the CDA seeking permission for raising the multi-storied project.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=130281&date=2012-05-21

mirzazeehan

October 6th, 2012, 04:54 PM

The list of 5 Star Hotels to be operating in Dhaka by 2016

1.Le Meridien,Banani

2.Le Meridien,Nikunjo

3.Westin,Gulshan

4.Westin 2,Gulshan

5.Intercontinental,Airport Road

6.Intercontinental,VIP Road

7.Holiday Inn,Airport Road

8.Holiday Inn,Hatirjheel

9.Sheraton,Purbachal Link Road

10.Hilton,Gulshan

11.Mariott,Purbachal Link Road

12.Movenpick,Unknown Location

13.Radisson Blue,Airport Road

14.Jamuna Future Park Hotel(Int. Chain to be announced),Bashundhara

15.Pan Pacific Sonargoan,Kawranbazar

16.Anabil's Project( Int. Chain to be announced),Gulshan

17.5 star Hotel Project,Rampura(Int. Chain to be announced)

The list of 5 Star Hotels that are underconstruction in Chittagong:

1.Radisson Bay View

2.World Trade Center Hotel(Name of Int. Chain to be announced)

3.Sena Kaylan Sangtha's Hotel Project(Name of Int. Chain to be announced)

4.Concord Hotel at Foy's Lake

5.Rangs Group's Hotel Project(Name of Int. Chain to be announced)

6.AK Khan Group's Hotel Project at Batali Hills

Manazir

October 6th, 2012, 11:07 PM

^^
few years back, this list was so small! amazing how fast this is happening :)

jahidus2005

October 8th, 2012, 08:34 AM

mirzazeehan

October 13th, 2012, 02:28 AM

Indesore Eco-Vacation Project,Ashulia

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/Indesore20Grou.jpg

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

jason.kazi

October 13th, 2012, 02:41 AM

More photos of the Palace Resort in Sylhet (as mentioned above)

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Deluxe bath

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The Palace

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Bar

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Bridge

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Car parking

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Children's playground

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Coffee shop

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Cottages

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Entry area

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Go Carts

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Hotel view

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Helipad

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Mosque

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River bed

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Swimming complex

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Tennis and basketball courts

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Swimming Pool complex

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Car parking

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Hotel Room

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Bathroom inside hotel room

jason.kazi

October 15th, 2012, 12:53 AM

Taj Mahal Restaurant and Resort at Turag, Uttara
Next to East West Medical College and Hospital

http://www.tajmahalbd.com/images/page4_img1.jpg

http://www.tajmahalbd.com/images/taj.jpg

http://www.tajmahalbd.com/images/taj1.jpg

http://www.tajmahalbd.com/images/page4_img4.jpg

http://www.tajmahalbd.com/images/page4_img3.jpg

http://www.tajmahalbd.com/images/page4_img2.jpg

www.tajmahalbd.com (http://www.tajmahalbd.com/)

jason.kazi

October 15th, 2012, 01:35 AM

nayeem007

October 19th, 2012, 07:50 AM

4 Star Hotel Naz Garden, Bogra,Rajshahi

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401141_335532386487908_1032727305_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422305_335534593154354_317276861_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417186_335533439821136_1870952304_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405907_335533623154451_1542025164_n.jpg

TanvirBD

October 21st, 2012, 01:55 PM

Greentech Resort, Gazipur

http://www.greentechresort.com/gallry/Picture-281.jpg

http://www.greentechresort.com/gallry/Picture-314.jpg

http://www.greentechresort.com/gallry/Picture-343.jpg

http://www.greentechresort.com/gallry/Picture-407.jpg

http://www.greentechresort.com/gallry/Picture-491.jpg

Visited the Resort. Very good place, well organized.

Recently they are including Swimming Pool & Coffee House:cheers:(an outstanding addition) in their Resort. WID Craft Enterprise (which I work in:bash:) based at Uttara is assisting Green Tech Resort with this project.

jason.kazi

October 24th, 2012, 06:48 PM

Hotel Sun Rim, Kuakata:

Upcoming 9-storied 5 star hotel on 5 bigha land just opposite Bangladesh Parjatan Corp. Guest House
Completion expected in late 2013

Restaurants, shopping areas, juice bar, swimming pool, party areas, rooftop convention hall, rooftop BBQ restaurant, business center, gym

http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/Sun%20Rim%2002.jpg

http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/2011009_AXIS_0290012.jpg

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http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/Ramp_01.jpg

http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/Rootop_01%20copy.jpg

http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/Sun%20Rim%2004.jpg

http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/Sun%20Rim%2005.jpg

http://www.nrbcapital.com/Project%20Data/Projectss/Hotel%20Sun%20Rim/02%20Location%20Sat%20&%20Norm.jpg
Location map

Project by NRBCapital and Hyperion Holdings Ltd

mirzazeehan

November 2nd, 2012, 01:59 AM

The rivers of Bangladesh are set to get yet another luxurious "Floating Hotel"

MV Flamingo is going to be a luxury river cruise in Bangladesh, featuring a floating hotel, cleverly named “Flotel”, which is going to be a star quality accommodation and dining experience for all guests.

MV FLAMINGO
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/01.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/04.jpg

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

jason.kazi

November 2nd, 2012, 06:15 AM

The list of 5 Star Hotels to be operating in Dhaka by 2016

1.Le Meridien,Banani (project on hold)

2.Le Meridien,Nikunjo

3.Westin,Gulshan

4.Westin 2,Gulshan (project on hold)

5.Intercontinental,Airport Road (project cancelled)

6.Intercontinental,VIP Road

7.Holiday Inn,Airport Road (project cancelled)

8.Holiday Inn,Hatirjheel

9.Sheraton,Purbachal Link Road

10.Hilton,Gulshan

11.Mariott,Purbachal Link Road

12.Movenpick,Unknown Location

13.Radisson Blue,Airport Road

14.Jamuna Future Park Hotel(Int. Chain to be announced),Bashundhara

15.Pan Pacific Sonargoan,Kawranbazar

16.Anabil's Project( Int. Chain to be announced),Gulshan

17.5 star Hotel Project,Rampura(Int. Chain to be announced)

The list of 5 Star Hotels that are underconstruction in Chittagong:

1.Radisson Bay View

2.World Trade Center Hotel(Name of Int. Chain to be announced)

3.Sena Kaylan Sangtha's Hotel Project(Name of Int. Chain to be announced)

4.Concord Hotel at Foy's Lake

5.Rangs Group's Hotel Project(Name of Int. Chain to be announced)

6.AK Khan Group's Hotel Project at Batali Hills

Note edited status above.

jason.kazi

November 2nd, 2012, 11:37 PM

Accor to open 2 hotels in Bangladesh

NEW DELHI, NOV 2:
French hotel firm Accor has announced its entry in Bangladesh with the expansion of its brand Novotel in Dhaka and Chittagong. The two hotels will have 350 rooms.

Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Accor Asia-Pacific, said, “Asia-Pacific is one of the most important engines of growth for Accor. We see Bangladesh as a tremendous opportunity for expansion.”

On the company’s plans for India, he said, the hotel company would have 20 hotels operational in India by the end of this year. Accor has plans to open 11 hotels next year across its brands Novotel, Ibis and Formule 1. The company has made investment commitments worth $250 million in the country. While Accor has invested in assets, it has also sold its stake in these assets as part of its global strategy to reduce ownership in hotels. Last month, the company sold 60 per cent stake in 15 hotels under the brand Formule 1 to hotel development firm SAMHI.

Issenberg said the hotel business was cyclical and the challenges of softening of demand and over-capacity of hotel rooms were not peculiar to India.

The company is also looking at opportunities to expand its hotel footprint in Sri Lanka.

Meenakshi.v@thehindu.co.in

Source: Business Line India

mirzazeehan

November 2nd, 2012, 11:53 PM

So Novotel is really coming to Dhaka!That means the the company that claiming to be building Novotel and Sofitel wasn't kidding..and Sofitel is prolly coming too:cheers:

mirzazeehan

November 3rd, 2012, 02:26 AM

Note edited status above.

Jason,why do you think Holiday Inn and Intercontinenta hotel projects at Airport Roadl have been cancelled?

jason.kazi

November 3rd, 2012, 04:18 AM

Jason,why do you think Holiday Inn and Intercontinenta hotel projects at Airport Roadl have been cancelled?

They have been there for nearly 8-9 yrs and those chains are opening hotels under the same brand at other locations in the city. Also CAAB took up a portion of their "illegitimate" land.

sas

November 3rd, 2012, 08:20 AM

Jason,why do you think Holiday Inn and Intercontinenta hotel projects at Airport Roadl have been cancelled?

Sorry to sound this pessimistic, but have you really seen any progress whatsoever in the past few months? Also as Jason so rightly pointed out, they are opening other hotels under the same brands in the city.

mirzazeehan

November 3rd, 2012, 02:38 PM

Sorry to sound this pessimistic, but have you really seen any progress whatsoever in the past few months? Also as Jason so rightly pointed out, they are opening other hotels under the same brands in the city.

I havent seen the site now in months....but did read that The ministry for tourism decided to make peace with The owners of the project and allow it to go ahead because its now owned by the ministers elder brother.Dont know what happened after that....

sas

November 3rd, 2012, 06:22 PM

I havent seen the site now in months....but did read that The ministry for tourism decided to make peace with The owners of the project and allow it to go ahead because its now owned by the ministers elder brother.Dont know what happened after that....

True, but haven't seen any progress whatsoever..

jason.kazi

November 3rd, 2012, 07:25 PM

Plus with the CAAB Community Center, the site is quite small now.

nayeem007

November 5th, 2012, 01:23 PM

ACCOR : Expansion of Accor in a new country with the signing of two hotels in Bangladesh
11/05/2012| 05:35am US/Eastern

Press Release
November 5, 2012

Expansion of Accor in a new country with the signing of two hotels in Bangladesh

The Group continues to strengthen its network throughout South Asia

Accor, the world's leading hotel operator, announces that it will enter Bangladesh, the Group's 17th market in Asia-Pacific. Accor will open two properties in the country under management contracts - Novotel Dhaka Gulshan Avenue in the country's capital and Novotel Chittagong. These developments will add over 350 rooms in Bangladesh's two largest cities. This announcement, which confirms the Group's commitment to the South Asian market, comes as Accor celebrates 30 years of operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Asia-Pacific is one of the most important growth engine for Accor" says Michael Issenberg, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Asia-Pacific. "The opening of two Novotel hotels in Bangladesh will add hotel inventory to Bangladesh's two largest cities, including the capital, Dhaka, and Chittagong."
Bangladesh offers strong growth potential. Along with its neighbour, India, Bangladesh has seen rapid economic expansion over the last decade, with annual GDP growth averaging six percent. Today, the country is the second-largest exporter of textiles in the world and the port city of Chittagong is a major regional manufacturing and transport hub.

"We see Bangladesh as a tremendous opportunity for expansion, given the country's growing manufacturing presence in the region," continued Michael Issenberg. "Dhaka and Chittagong, the country's two largest cities, have been the driving force behind much of the recent growth and serve as gateways to the country for business travellers. We are committed to offering our customers more choice in consistently high quality accommodation in the region."

Novotel Dhaka Gulshan Avenue will be located in the diplomatic and business district of Dhaka called Gulshan. Situated approximately 13 kilometers from the international airport, the site enjoys good visibility and easy access to the rest of the city. Various embassies, multinational companies, banks, retail and automobile showrooms are situated near the hotel. The 185-room Novotel Dhaka Gulshan Avenue will serve as a comprehensive meetings hub with state-of-the-art conference facilities. The hotel will have a speciality restaurant, a bar and The Square, Novotel's signature all-day dining restaurant offering international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy the leisure services of a swimming pool and gymnasium.
The 170-room Novotel Chittagong will be located in the main business district of Chittagong, the commercial capital and main sea port of Bangladesh. The hotel is approximately 30-35 minutes from the international airport and within easy reach of the main Export Processing Zones and the port. On-site, the property will offer three food & beverage options including a speciality restaurant, Sky Bar and The Square. To counterbalance with relaxation, the hotel will also house a swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and spa.
The announcement comes as Accor celebrates 30 years of operation in Asia-Pacific, having opened its first hotel in Singapore in 1982. This year, Accor celebrated its 500th Asia-Pacific hotel and its 100,000th room. By the end of 2012, Accor will operate over 560 hotels in the region, including 19 hotels in India.

"We are positive in our outlook for the future of the Group in the region, and especially in South Asia," adds

Michael Issenberg. "We are well on track to achieving our target of operating 700 hotels across Asia-Pacific

by 2015, which includes a targeted network size of around 90 hotels in South Asia."

Accor, the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 92 countries with nearly 3,500 hotels and 440,000 rooms. Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget and hotelF1 - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With more than 160,000 employees in Accor brand hotels worldwide, the Group offers its clients and partners
45 years of know-how and expertise.

Press contacts

Charlotte Thouvard
http://www.4-traders.com/ACCOR-4602/news/ACCOR-Expansion-of-Accor-in-a-new-country-with-the-signing-of-two-hotels-in-Bangladesh-15469265/

sas

November 5th, 2012, 07:04 PM