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Marriott International plans to introduce its Residence Inn by Marriott lodging brand for extended stay travelers in Bahrain later this year, under a long term management agreement with International Trading And Investment Co. W.L.L. The 78-unit property will open in the Juffair district of Manama and will be the first Residence Inn-branded property in the Middle East. Late last year, Marriott announced it would also operate a Residence Inn-branded property in Jizan, Saudi Arabia in 2012; a third Residence Inn-branded hotel will open in Algiers in 2014.
We’re thrilled by the continued expansion of our presence in Bahrain and are excited to introduce our third lodging brand in the country, giving travelers a growing choice in accommodations when they visit the country," said Ed Fuller, president & managing director for international lodging at Marriott.
Sheikh Hisham Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, chairman of International Trading & Investment Co., said, "We are delighted to develop the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the Middle East. This reflects our full confidence in the economic growth of Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. We are grateful to the Marriott team for their support to develop the Residence Inn. After the success of the Marriott Executive Apartments, the opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott will provide more options of branded serviced apartments in Bahrain and will further strengthen our valuable association with Marriott."
The Residence Inn by Marriott Juffair will be located at adjacent to the Marriott Executive Apartments in an attractive suburban neighborhood of Manama that is popular with international visitors and upwardly mobile Bahrainis. Juffair is the site of Bahrain’s largest mosque, the huge domed Al Fateh Mosque, as well as the adjacent new National Library.
The Residence Inn by Marriott Juffair will offer a mix of spacious and stylishly appointed studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Designed for stays of five days or more, each suite will have a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living area, flat screen TV and state-of-the-art connectivity. Rates will vary depending on length of stay.
A special feature will be the Residence Inn lobby with its club-like atmosphere and a restaurant that serves breakfast and small snacks for lunch and dinner. A business center including a 20-square meter meeting room, a "Grab and Go" kiosk/market offering snacks and basic food items for those in a hurry, and retail space for sundry items will also be available as part of the lobby.
Among special amenities to be offered by the Residence Inn by Marriott Juffair will be a weekly complimentary social hour for its guests and weekly grocery shopping. Recreational amenities will include an outdoor swimming pool and a health and leisure club with men’s/women’s lockers with separate sauna and whirlpool.
Residence Inn is Marriott International’s second largest lodging brand with more than 600 properties in North and Central America and the Caribbean with additional development underway in Europe and the Middle East and Africa.
Marriott International currently manages the following hotels in Bahrain:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa
- Marriott Executive Apartments Manama
Residence Inn is a pioneer in the extended-stay hotel segment, being the first to serve the needs of business travelers seeking apartment-style accommodations for longer stays. Opening its doors to guests in 1975, the brand quickly assumed a leadership role, spearheading design and service standards for this lodging segment. Residence Inn’s brand mission is to help business travelers thrive on long stays. Combining style and functionality, its suites are spacious, allowing travelers the ability to work and relax, and maintain balance while on the road. Featuring fully functional kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas in every unit, Residence Inn offers guests flexibility and options that fit their routine. Personalized service and attention to detail help guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Amenities such as connectivity to home and office, health and fitness options, comfortable public areas in which to socialize or relax make Residence Inn the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
