As tourists discover the charms of Eritrea, the Hotel
As tourists discover the charms of Eritrea, the Hotel
Situated in the capital city Asmara – referred to as Piccola Roma because of strong cultural and architectural influences the city absorbed when Italy dominated early last century – the Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara is booming, both as a tourist destination and conference and event venue. After seven years of Eritrean independence and sustained recent stability, the country now makes accessible strong historical sites and year round weather ideal for outdoor leisure activities.
Six Continents Hotels, which owns the Inter-Continental brand, finds its hotel becoming an important development catalyst. Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara`s second anniversary recently was marked, not with glitz, but by donating its services to address the country`s development needs.
As the only five-star hotel in Eritrea, we hosted the launch of the United Nations and Eritrean Government`s 2002 appeal to raise about $120m for development, which was attended by diplomats and dignitaries from all over the world, says Andre Saade, Director of Sales and Marketing. This was in keeping with the country`s needs and we were quite content to mark a successful two years with something of value to the country as a whole. Other tourism related industries such as tour operators, dive schools, restaurants and photo kiosks have also developed around the hotel`s success.
Rarely a week passes without at least one VIP to the hotel. Recent arrivals have included Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E Willem Alexander, the Crown Prince of the Netherlands and many Presidents and Prime Ministers.
Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara has 108 deluxe balconied rooms offering amenities associated with luxury accommodation, such as direct dial telephones, voice mail, valet, working desk, mini fridge, movie channels, satellite stations etc.
The 34 Club Inter-Continental rooms meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers by providing Internet connectivity, VCR, fax, separate check-in, private meeting room and a private Club lounge, complete with complimentary continental breakfast and evening cocktails. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are available throughout the day.
Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara has a total of 22 Presidential, Ambassador, Executive and Junior suites, which all offer exceptional space for luxury living.
Guests have a choice of a pool bar and Irish pub. Restaurants provide both buffet and a la carte international cuisine, with health and children`s options. Genuine Italian fare is offered at its Trattoria Vecchia Bergamo restaurant and Cafe Milano.
Conference facilities cater for up to 420 people in theatre style with six-language translation facilities while its four other smaller venues are adaptable for dining with the added attraction of being lit with natural daylight.
With baby sitters available and an indoor children`s playroom, adult guests can use its heated indoor and outdoor pool, Turkish bath and male and female massage sessions. Aerobics, tennis, swimming and the fitness center have qualified monitors in attendance.
Photo: Helping to bring success to a new nation…the Hotel Inter-Continental Asmara plays an important development role in Eritrea.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
