Danat's Tilal Liwa set for five-star expansion

Danat Hotels & Resorts' Tilal Liwa Hotel in Abu Dhabi could see its status upgraded from four stars to five stars by the end of this year as it embarks on a fresh expansion project.

Speaking to HotelierMiddleEast.com at the Arabian Travel Market, general manager Ayman Ashor revealed the desert resort hopes to begin work on the project in October or November, adding 75 rooms and 15 villas.

It will also add an infinity pool and introduce a restaurant/bar concept which can cope with 60 outdoor covers and 40 indoor covers. A dedicated spa centre will also be built, offering massage treatment, a Jacuzzi and an indoor swimming pool for ladies. Meanwhile, there will be a new rooftop pool and bar and a dedicated kids club.

According to Ashor, once the plans are approved by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority the resort, which opened in 2010, could get its five star status, even before it starts digging for the project.

However, despite this, Ashor says the hotel will still aim to maintain its competitive pricing. “We are happy positioning ourselves as a very affordable desert hotel," he said. "If you compare us with other desert destinations in UAE, they are all very expensive.

“I am very happy that we can offer the desert adventure and escapes at an affordable rate and this is what we aim to maintain.”