Hotel Openings

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has opened voco Dubai, the latest addition to its portfolio. The unveiling of the hotel on the famed Sheikh Zayed road marks the first of one of its newest brands, voco, in the Middle East.

voco, inspired by the meaning ‘to invite’ or ‘come together’ in Latin, focuses on the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. IHG launched voco in June of 2018, with the first property opening on Australia’s Gold Coast, and subsequent hotels opened in Cardiff and Solihull, UK. Earlier this year, IHG also announced that voco Al Khobar is to open in Saudi Arabia later 2019.

Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road, voco Dubai is 8km away from Dubai International Airport and close to the metro and World Trade Centre. Whether in town for business or pleasure, it is the perfect destination given its proximity to main attractions such as Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa and the city’s business hub.

All of the 471 well-appointed guestrooms have been recently refurbished with modern décor and come complete with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, offering sweeping views of Downtown Dubai. Designed with comfort and the planet in mind, guests can enjoy an invigorating aerated shower that helps to reduce water usage and lowers energy consumption without compromising the shower experience. Additionally, the voco bedding is from 100% recycled materials and the Aveda products in the bathrooms are in large-format bottles producing less waste than miniatures.

Commenting on the opening Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are incredibly excited to be opening the very first voco in the Middle East as it brings a vibrant and dependable guest experience to the region that stands out from the crowd. We look forward to welcoming guests from around the world who are looking for something different from your usual stay.”

At voco, Dubai guests can take advantage of multiple distinctive recreational facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and the award-winning spa, Spa Zen is an oasis of calm and relaxation in the heart of the city. In addition, guests can enjoy the delicious diversity of cuisines including Lebanese, Indian and international in stunning surroundings. Located on the 51st floor, Bar 51 constitutes a secret hideaway offering the atmosphere of an exclusive private club.

Corporate guests can also take advantage of a practical workspace and four floors dedicated to meetings and events. The 21 meeting rooms are designed to increase productivity, with the latest connectivity, while maintaining a comfortable and hassle-free atmosphere.

IHG currently operates 92 hotels across six brands in the Middle East, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and voco with a further 36 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.