Millennium & Copthorne adds Biltmore to portfolio

Hotelier Middle East Staff, May 1st, 2011

Millennium & Copthorne hotels has announced it has added Biltmore to its portfolio of hotel brands.

The first management agreement for a Biltmore Hotel in MENA has been signed for a property currently in the final design phase. The property in the Al Bateen area of Abu Dhabi is expected to be opening its doors in 2013.

The original Biltmore Hotel in Hollywood is an original art deco design icon and was the setting of many of Hollywood’s most memorable scenes.

The company said it would “stay true to its illustrious past and drawing on its rich heritage”.

President and CEO Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and Resorts Ali Lakhraim, said: “Bringing the first Biltmore hotel outside of Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi is a coup. The timeless elegance and glamour of the Biltmore is certain to resonate with this market. This unique brand, synonymous with exclusivity and quality, will cater to both the business and leisure market in a select few gateway cities around the world, with Abu Dhabi leading the way.

“Across our brands, we continue to see strong growth in the MENA region, and the addition of a new brand adds another string to our bow as we build momentum for further expansion and increase in market share.

“With fantastic value summer offers at our existing properties, we hope to entice more regional guests than ever before to discover our Millennium & Copthorne properties across the region.”

The hotel group expects to triple in the Middle East and North Africa in less than three years.

The hotel company has also partnered up with ATM and HotelierMiddleEast.com to launch the ATM apprentice programme, a fast track programme for the brightest talent in the hospitality industry.

Lakhraim concluded: “To truly capitalise on our success we need to recruit, train and retain the industry’s best and brightest talent with a passion for excellence. Exhibitions like ATM give us an opportunity to meet with our peers and showcase the career opportunities we offer, as well as our exciting range of hotels.”