Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first city-based hotel, Emirates Marina Hotel & Residence has been re-named The Harbour Hotel & Residence. The 52-storey luxury property, a USD 141 million investment for Emirates Airline’s luxury hotel division, formally opened its doors in November 2007. The re-branding which officially took effect earlier this month will be applied to all communication channels, external signage and operational items over the next few months.

Tony Williams, Vice President, Emirates Hotels & Resorts said: “Since 2005 when we first announced our plans to develop a city-based hotel at the Dubai Marina, the waterfront development has been at the centre of a construction boom with many new projects being branded under the name ‘Marina’. The presence of several Marina-branded properties is likely to cause confusion among first-time visitors.”

“Re-branding our property as The Harbour Hotel & Residence allows us to maintain a distinct, individual identity while at the same time retains the essence of the Marina waterfront development in the hotel’s name.”

“We have communicated the re-branding campaign to our partners in the travel industry, and are currently assisting them to update their promotional material,” added Tony.

The Harbour Hotel & Residence features 261 noticeably-large suites offering choices of 24 spacious studio rooms, six one-bedroom, 170 two-bedroom and 55 three-bedroom suites, as well as six penthouses. Ideal for Dubai’s frequent visitors that have both business and leisure, and even family travel requirements, the suites are equipped with luxury fittings and separate lounge and dining areas.

The Harbour Hotel & Residence is part of Emirates Hotels & Resorts, the airline’s premier hospitality management division containing a portfolio of luxury conservation-based resorts and spas. These include the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in the desert hinterland of Dubai; Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia; and Cap Ternay Resort & Spa in the Seychelles.

The expanding portfolio of Emirates Hotels & Resorts includes its next major opening –The Green Lakes due to open in May 2008. Located within the Jumeirah Lakes Towers, this property will feature 283 fully-serviced apartments with views over the Emirates Hills’ golf club.