Accor expands economy hotel portfolio

International hotel group Accor has officially opened its latest economy hotel in Dubai, bringing its total of ibis-brand properties in the Middle East to five.

With room rates starting from AED 299 (US $81), the 204-room ibis Mall of the Emirates is targeting “both business and leisure travellers with its year-round value pricing”, according to an Accor spokesperson.

The property comprises 153 double rooms, 49 twin rooms and two special needs rooms. All feature IDD telephones, satellite flat-screen TV and high-speed internet and WiFi connections.

Dining options include the all-day dining Italian restaurant Amici, a 24-hour ‘Snack Service’ offering and the Ezaz bar.

Other facilities include WiFi in the lobby and public areas, an underground car park, free safety deposit boxes at reception and a complimentary airport shuttle service.

Accor Hospitality Middle East managing director Christophe Landais commented: “ibis Mall of the Emirates hotel is a major component of our well planned expansion in the Middle East.

“This fifth hotel is one of the planned network of ten ibis properties for the short term in the Middle East: five ibis hotels with 1434 rooms are currently in operation (four in the UAE, one in Kuwait) and five more ibis properties totalling 1069 rooms are under development in UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman, to be open by 2011.

“ibis is our leading and resilient worldwide economy brand,” Landais continued. “We plan to maintain our number-one position in this segment in the region, acquired since the opening of ibis Dubai World Trade Centre in 2003.

“Simplicity, standardisation and a full food and beverage offering are the marks of success of ibis. These qualities strongly contribute to guest satisfaction and translate to higher profitability.”