Aldar Properties PJSC has appointed Marriott International to manage its hotel on Yas Island, which is currently flagged as the Viceroy Abu Dhabi.
Effective July 1, 2018, Marriott International will assume operations of the Yas Island hotel, which will go through a refurbishment period before opening under W Hotels. This will mark the debut of the brand in Abu Dhabi; it already has one operational in Dubai, with a second due to open this year.
Areas across the hotel will be refreshed and redesigned as per W Hotels’ brand standards, with an upgrade to its lobby and pool facilities, whilst remaining open to guests.
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Exactly one year ago, the Viceroy on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah was taken over by its owners Five Holdings. Since then, the dispute between the operator and Five Holdings has continued, and Five Holdings has also taken over operations of the under-construction Jumeirah Village property which had previously been signed with Viceroy as an operator.
Viceroy Hotels and Resorts first entered the market in 2011 by signing the deal to take over the Yas Island Hotel.
Aldar Properties chief executive officer Talal Al Dhiyebi said in a statement: "Appointing Marriott International to manage the operations of our Yas Island hotel supports our strategy to employ the most reputable international operators and reflects our active approach to the management of our portfolio."
Marriott International president and managing director, Middle East and Africa Alex Kyriakidis added: "We are delighted to work with Aldar to introduce W Hotels on Yas Island, bringing a new dimension to the luxury and lifestyle hospitality offering on the iconic landmark. Marriott International and Aldar share a similar vision for this project and we look forward to infusing the energy and innovative mind-set of the brand into a vibrant destination such as Yas Island."
This property, which overlooks the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race track, marks Marriott International's 13th property in Abu Dhabi, and is one of seven hotels owned by Aldar on the island.