Layia Oak Hotel & Suites was officially opened this morning in a ceremony attended by Lord Chris Patten, Former Commander in Chief and Governor of Hong Kong; HE Khalid Bin Sulayem, director general, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Dubai Government; Mohamed Abdalla Al Sari, managing director, Gulf General Investment Company (GGICO); and Daniel Hajjar, chief executive officer, Layia Hospitality.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Daniel Hajjar said: “This is a milestone for Layia Hospitality as Layia Oak Hotel & Suites is our first fully-serviced hotel property. Layia Oak Hotel & Suites represents a bringing together of exemplary hotel services with the luxury and space of a suites product, and we are confident this will prove a winning formula with visitors to Dubai.”

“Layia Hospitality represents the first investment into the hospitality industry for GGICO, and we are thrilled by the results of our first property, Layia Oak Hotel & Suites. We have an experienced team on board, and I am confident that Layia Oak will rise to become a popular lodging option with both business and leisure travelers,” added Mohamed Abdalla Al Sari, managing director, GGICO.

The 14-storey iconic glass and steel structure will become a new landmark in hospitality in Dubai’s bustling business district, conveniently located in the Tecom area (by the Greens), facing the Internet City and Media City, just 5 minutes away from Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall and 10 minutes away from the International Convention and Exhibition and Centre. Dubai International airport is 30 minutes away while the Jebel Ali Fee Zone and the new Al Maktoum International Airport are within a 15-minute drive.

Combining comfort and high-end services, Layia Oak Hotel & Suites offers a total of 161 rooms and suites.

Each unit is designed as a self-contained unit, with LCD TV, cooker, microwave, washing/drying machine, fridge, and safe in each type of accommodation. All units are spacious, modern, tastefully, and elegantly furnished. They are fully equipped up to the smallest detail including a premier quality of beds and high-speed internet facilities throughout the property.

With a fully-fitted kitchen in all units, guests can cater for themselves or choose from one of three stylish dining outlets offering mouth-watering dishes.

Three dining venues offer a wide choice of mouth-watering specialties in cozy, tranquil, and relaxing surroundings. Petals all-day dining restaurant, located on the ground level, is the main dining venue of the hotel. It showcases an extensive range of buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as offering an ala carte option. The cuisine is contemporary Middle Eastern with an international touch.

Vanilla café and lounge offers a comfortable lounge in the hotel’s lobby offering coffee, tea, desserts, and beverages. Vanilla is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends or to relax after dinner and enjoy chill-out music.

For those preferring al fresco dining, the Waves Pool Lounge offers snacks and chilled drinks around the swimming pool.

Layia Oak Hotel & Suites is also perfectly appointed for the business traveler. Enjoying a prominent position in the heart of ‘New Dubai,’ close to many of the Emirate’s leading business parks, the hotel is the ideal location for corporate guests.

Meeting and conferences facilities at Layia Oak Hotel & Suites provides guests with unsurpassed comfort and refined service.

Once business is completed, guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a Jacuzzi, or work up a sweat in the 24-hour Powerzone Fitness Centre.

Launched in early 2008, Layia Hospitality is creating a world-class collection of four- and five-star hotels and fully furnished apartments. Layia Hospitality is committed to delivering superior standards on all levels.

Three distinct brands will make up the Layia Hospitality portfolio: Layia Hotels, Living Courts, and a three-star hotel brand that is soon to be announced. Layia Hotels contains three elements: Layia Hotels, Layia Hotel & Suites, and Layia Serviced Villas.

Layia Hospitality currently has 11 properties signed, and these will be open by 2011. They are at the final negotiating stages for several others.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

The 14-storey iconic glass and steel structure will become a new landmark in hospitality in Dubai's bustling business district, conveniently located in the Tecom area (by the Greens), facing the Internet City and Media City, just 5 minutes away from Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall and 10 minutes away from the International Convention and Exhibition and Centre.
We have an experienced team on board, and I am confident that Layia Oak will rise to become a popular lodging option with both business and leisure travelers,” added Mohamed Abdalla Al Sari, managing director, GGICO.
Suites represents a bringing together of exemplary hotel services with the luxury and space of a suites product, and we are confident this will prove a winning formula with visitors to Dubai.