Abu Dhabi's Cristal Group takes over Baghdad hotel

Abu Dhabi-based Cristal Group has signed a management contract to operate the Ishtar Hotel in Baghdad.

The 20-storey hotel with 307 rooms, one of the tallest buildings in the Iraqi city, has been renamed Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel.

“It is our honour to be the first international hotel operator in Baghdad in over 20 years and to be managing the prestigious Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel, where extensive development is underway," said Cristal Group president and CEO Peter Blackburn.

"We see it as the beginning, and we look forward to being part of Iraq’s growth and development. We invite business travellers to come and stay at Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel while in Baghdad and experience the same Cristal hospitality throughout your stay," he added.

In additiont to 92 Standard King rooms, 111 Standard Twin rooms, 62 Deluxe rooms, 40 Junior suites and 2 Presidential suites, the hotel features four food and beverage outlets including Al Warkaa fine-dining restaurant, Dananeer all-day dining, Larsa café and a lobby lounge within a five-storey atrium.

The hotel also offers conference and meeting rooms, a business centre, spa, gym facilities and outdoor pool.

The Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel originally opened in1982.