Morgans Hotel Group and IFA Hotels & Resorts to Launch a Delano Resort in 2017
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 13, 2015 — Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC), a global leader and innovator in ‘Creative Class’ boutique hotels, today announced its partnership with IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) to bring the Delano brand to the Middle East with Delano Dubai. Scheduled to open in 2017 as the third hotel in the Delano portfolio, Delano Dubai’s 110-key deluxe hotel apartment property will be situated on Palm Jumeirah and will form part of a contemporary mixed-used resort development known as The8.
“Dubai is an ideal destination for us to debut our first Delano property in the Middle East,” said Jason Kalisman, Interim CEO of Morgans Hotel Group. “The location and resort concept speaks to the Delano guest experience of providing an oasis of sensuality and soul, and where sophistication and ease seamlessly blend with timeless design. Delano Dubai’s prime beachfront island location on Palm Jumeirah has a sleek contemporary design and upscale resort facilities which will attract an international clientele who embrace style, elegance and luxury.”
The 110 distinctive apartments will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units fully furnished and equipped to the highest standards as well as a unique Presidential Suite. Guests of the Delano Dubai property will feel a sense of familiarity and affinity with the original Delano properties in South Beach, Miami and Las Vegas – all of which have a clean, elegant contemporary aesthetic and a whimsical nature.
“Managing this hotel with their specialist asset management and operational arm, IFA Hotel Investments, will enable us to benefit from their extensive experience in development and operations in this market, and allow us to work together to redefine Dubai’s resort scene,” continued Kalisman.
The8 is currently under construction and will feature both Delano-branded hotel apartments as well as residential properties offering diverse facilities and entertainment. IFA Hotel Investments (IFA HI) will oversee the asset management and operational aspect of the development. Launched in 2014, The8 has been architecturally designed as ultra-sleek and modern, drawing inspiration from the fashion, design, and lifestyle elements of Miami’s South Beach. The8 will contain resort-style facilities including extensive water-sports, a gym, tennis courts, a signature beachfront restaurant, beach cabanas, barbeque and event areas, as well as dedicated amenities for young families.
“The selection process saw many international brands interested in the project and I am delighted with the final choice of the Delano brand, backed by Morgans Hotel Groups’ expertise,” said Joe Sita, IFA HI CEO, who led the extensive operator search with the asset advisory team. “The entrance of Morgans Hotel Group into this region, working alongside our residential services teams, will augment a growing brand implementation strategy within the city.”
“This new management agreement with Morgans Hotel Group, one of the USA’s most celebrated boutique hotel brands, brings a new design aesthetic and style of service to the region,” said Khaled Esbaitah, CEO IFA HR Middle East. “We sought to ensure that whichever operator The8 introduced would add significantly to the development’s offer. We feel that with Delano we have achieved the perfect match.”
Morgans Hotel Group Co. is widely credited as the creator of the first “boutique” hotel and a continuing leader of the hotel industry’s boutique sector. Dedicated to building a differentiated brand portfolio and establishing properties in 24 hour urban and select resort markets, Morgans Hotel Group creates lifestyle hotels with a vibe that encourages guests to live every moment more intensely. Morgans Hotel Group is immersive, transformative and deeply engaging; embracing irony and style, elegance and luxury, with strong and daring vision. The group’s international hotel portfolio brings together the creative power of many – designers, artists, musicians – to bend the rules, stretch the realm of possibility and constantly push the boundaries of what a hotel can be.
For more information on Delano Dubai, please visit www.delanodubai.me
