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In Pictures: A history of Dubai hospitality
A look back on the story of a Dubai hotel that is nearly as old as the union itself, opened in 1978 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
“Back in the 1970s our owners felt there was a great need for accommodation in Dubai due to all the people coming on cargo ships; but there were just no rooms back then – guests were even staying in the homes of local people,” says Astoria Hotel general manager Kamlesh Rajani.
The Astoria Hotel and the Ambassador Hotel are now two of the oldest hotels in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Astoria Hotel in 1978.
“God bless HE Sheikh Mohammed. The drive he has got is to promote this emirate will take care of the big picture, and there will always be new markets opening up, especially for the mid-market – the arrivals will surely come,” says Astoria Hotel general manager Kamlesh Rajani.
The Astoria Hotel and the Ambassador Hotel have accommodated guests across five decades in Dubai.
The location of Astoria Hotel in Bur Dubai allows guests to experience the heritage of the old town, but with easy access to the more modern attractions of New Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Astoria Hotel in 1978.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Astoria Hotel in 1978.
Looking ahead, and speaking of the estimated 300 hotels in the pipeline to open before Expo 2020 – Rajani anticipates strong mid-market growth.
With a great deal of developments in the pipeline for Dubai Creek and Dubai Old Town – Rajani believes the mix of luxury and mid-sector hotels set to arrive will impact the Astoria Hotel positively.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Astoria Hotel in 1978.
“It is tougher now for a hotelier – the profit margin is getting smaller and smaller,’ says Rajani, acknowledging emerging patterns in the UAE.
To keep pace with the rate of development in the emirate the Astoria Hotel is preparing to undergo a US$544,000 (AED 2 million) investment to improve the quality of the rooms in-line with the coming influx of properties.
A further US$544,000 (AED 2 million) investment is being allocated to develop the food and beverage offerings at the hotel.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Astoria Hotel in 1978.
Today the Astoria Hotel employs 350 members of staff.
The Astoria Hotel benefits from 20% repeat bookings in 2016.
The Astoria Hotel is located two minutes’ walk from the Dubai Creek.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the Astoria Hotel in 1978.
Rajani acknowledges the importance of long term planning in the mid-market, suggesting that sustainability objectives set forth by Dubai’s leaders require foresight and commitment from hoteliers.
The full interview with Astoria Hotel general manager Kamlesh Rajani can be viewed in the April issue of Hotelier Express.
