“Our staff are all trained and have a savvy attitude — able to embody and communicate our brand personality to guests. Key to this is that they know how to deal with millennials, a part of our client base. Our team knows how to follow up and engage with guests in the right way that reaches them,” he added on the hotel’s hiring strategy.
Originally from The Netherlands, Wiegerinck has spent the last decade in the UAE. He joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2011 at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, as pre-opening hotel manager and later served as Starwood’s regional general manager for new builds and transitions in the Middle East.
“We started this project years ago in collaboration with DTCM who, along with Marriott, felt that it was important to have differently priced hotel options available on the Palm. This area is known for its five-star hotels and it was an excellent opportunity to provide a select-service brand that could provide more value for the guests,” Wiegerinck says.
While the hotel does not have direct beach access, it does have a private beach which is a short walk away. However it was not quite yet finished when Hotelier Middle East visited the premises in early February.
Traditionally, Palm Jumeirah hotels are known for properties with direct beach access, and despite not having that, Wiegerinck explains that there’s a number of places within the hotel where guests can make the most of the view, and the beach is just a two minute walk away.
“We have different places you can enjoy the sun and the water. We have a splash pool and an infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Dubai skyline,” he explains.
World over, Aloft Hotels has strong connections with their local communities, such as by highlighting local musicians at the W XYZ bar or holding Facebook contests to find the best local musicians. In this respect, Aloft Palm Jumeirah will not be any different from its international counterparts.
The GM reveals that the hotel is also striving to appeal to Palm Jumeirah residents who want to make the most of living on the Palm and it’s essential to offer something special.
Its F&B offerings are diverse. The hotel has a signature W XYZ Bar by its splash pool with a resident DJ. It is also home to East & Seaboard Restaurant, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, the Afterdeck Lounge, where guests can enjoy lounge beats, and Re:mix Lounge, which will include global Live At Aloft Hotels programming showcasing live acoustic performances by up-and-coming artists. There’s also Re:fuel by Aloft, its grab-and-go venue, with light meals, healthy bites, beverages and more. Plus, it features a Mexican restaurant called Luchador on its rooftop, with views of the Burj Al Arab.
There’s also a 24 hour Re:charge fitness center and Splash pool — an infinity pool with ocean views.
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