Staybridge Suites opens its doors to Abu Dhabi

New concept hotel and Crowne Plaza opens in Yas Island

Today InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened two new hotels in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - a Crowne Plaza hotel and Staybridge Suites, its first extended stay property in the Gulf.

Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi is located in the centre of Yas Island, close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and within walking distance of the new F1 Yas Marina Circuit.

The property offers guests the choice of 164 suites, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and access to a 24 hour convenience store.

Bridging a gap between conventional hotels and serviced apartments, Staybridge Suites offers a home-from-home for people spending long periods travelling on business. Introduced in 1998, Staybridge Suites is one of IHG’s newest brands with 167 properties worldwide and 147 more in the pipeline.

The tiered rate structure ensures prices are discounted the longer a guest stays, making it a more economical and comfortable option for business travellers staying for more than a few nights.

John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa said: “The success and popularity of Staybridge Suites among guests seeking a home-from-home experience in the US and the UK, has led us to introduce this concept in the Gulf. For business travellers looking for an alternative to the traditional hotel environment, Staybridge Suites is the ideal solution.”

Crowne Plaza

The 428-room Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is the second Crowne Plaza hotel in the capital. Located on the banks of the Yas Creek, the hotel is near to both the city centre and Abu Dhabi International Airport, providing a great location for business and leisure travellers alike. Guests can also take advantage of the new F1 Yas Marina Circuit and the Championship Links Golf Course, both of which are located within walking distance of the hotel.

The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi has six restaurants, including the Sundowner Pool Bar with outdoor dining, as well as full business facilities, a 25 metre part shaded pool, steam rooms, sauna and a squash court.

Commenting on the growth of the Crowne Plaza brand in Abu Dhabi, John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa said: “With an expected 2.3 million visitors to Abu Dhabi each year by 2013, it’s important that we continue to invest and grow our presence in this region to maintain our position as the leading hotel provider. The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi will strengthen our offering in the region and provide a high-quality base for business travellers, helping them to make the most of their business trips.”

Paul Bell, managing director, Aldar Hotels & Hospitality added: “Yas Island is located between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has grown rapidly to accommodate the influx of visitors. Its attractions, unmatched anywhere in the world, make it a unique destination for both business and leisure travellers. The openings of the Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites hotels are great additions for Yas Island because they are international brands known to business travellers worldwide.”

The site of a $40 billion development project, Yas Island will also feature a host of attractions, including a brand new Formula One Championship Circuit, a movie theme park in association with Warner Bros, a motor sports theme park inspired by Ferrari and extensive retail, entertainment and hospitality projects. More than 100,000 people are expected to live and work on the island.

Featuring 32 kilometres of coastline, Yas Island will stake its claim as a super-yacht destination to rival those in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, with three exclusive marinas accommodating 1,400 luxury berths.