The Middle East is famous for its gold-lined, satin-wrapped, glass-fronted hotels — if it’s taller, grander, and glitzier than its predecessor, the prestige alone can push some projects, otherwise best left on the drawing board or, dare we say it, in the bin, ahead, says Louise Oakley.
But, size and shine aside, no-one has really been bold enough to play with the architectural structure of our hotels…yet.
Reports have been circulating of plans for the first ice hotel in the Middle East. Norwegian developer Lofoten Trading has revealed ambitions to create boutique ice hotels in Turkey and Dubai.
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Following the successful launch of the Magic Ice Museum in Turkey, which uses 370,000 tonnes of ice and requires 1000 ‘ice glasses’ daily for its accompanying bar. the contractor is hungry for more, its general manager told the Hurriyet Daily News newspaper.
According to Odd Roar Olsen, the firm’s GM, Lofoten wants to build a small hotel in central Istanbul and has unveiled a six-room concept, including an ice restaurant and an ice bar.
“We would like to simulate a regular hotel room with a bed, tables and chairs,” Olsen said. “No hotel may become rich because it has an ice room, but it might gain prestige.
“We are close to a deal with a Kuwait-based investment company. This company sees a big potential in taking the concept to the Middle East,” he stated.
He also expressed an interest in the Dubai market, but as yet, Olsen has not found a partner.
Before you scoff, Times Square Centre in Dubai is already home to an ice bar, aptly called Chill Out. Gimmick or genius? You decide.
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