Marriott opens second Aloft hotel in Saudi Arabia

Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc, has opened the Aloft Dhahran in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Owned by FAS Hotels, division of Fawaz Al Hokair group, Aloft Dhahran is located across from the Mall of Dhahran and in close proximity to Dhahran Technovalley.

The opening of the hotel marks Aloft’s second property in the country, after Aloft Riyadh, and third for the brand in the Middle East.

“We are delighted to open our second Aloft in the Kingdom with the Fawaz Al Hokair Group, further strengthening our position in the country,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International in a statement.

Turki Al Hokair, CEO of Fas Hotels, said: "By introducing the tech-forward Aloft brand into Saudi Arabia with Aloft Riyadh and now Aloft Dhahran, Fawaz Al Hokair group along with Marriott International are aligned in meeting the evolving needs of today's hyper-connected traveller.”

Aloft Dhahran will offer 262 loft-inspired guest rooms with modern design and plush signature beds. Hotel facilities will include an outdoor rooftop splash pool, a 24-hour re:charge fitness centre, flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, re:fuel– a 24 hour grab & go snack bar, and the brand’s signature W XYZ bar.

Guests can also enjoy Dine, the hotel’s international restaurant and Crush, the outdoor pool-side cafe.

Titus Rosier, general manager Aloft Dhahran, said: "Everything from the way our guests check-in with SPG Keyless to the design-centric styling will bring innovation to our guests’ travel experience."

With the launch of SPG Keyless, Aloft Hotels introduced the hospitality industry’s first mobile, keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smart phone as a key.