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THE first artistic-themed hotel will be launched in Bahrain by the end of this month with experienced general manager Joe Batshoun at the helm and set on delivering a ‘desired destination’ to locals and tourists alike.
According to the 57-year-old hospitality industry veteran, ART Rotana, siting serenely in Amwaj Islands, will be a hotel like no other.
The property, which features 311 rooms and suites, combines modern architecture, precious artwork, fabulous facilities, spectacular sea views and a tempting variety of dining out delights.
Mr Batshoun said: “ART Rotana will not only act as a vibrant component to the community but it will also provide a shot of energy to the hospitality industry in the kingdom. The offerings that we have are pretty unique, so much so that no hotel in Bahrain or in the Middle East will have them.
“For example, the dancing fountain is something that only hotels in Las Vegas have. Even though the Armani Hotel in Dubai has a dancing fountain close to it which guests can enjoy, it doesn’t really belong to the hotel itself. We are the only ones in the region who have our own dancing fountain.”
The dancing fountain blends colourful lights and music and promises to be a mesmerising experience. The resort will also feature other special attractions including a six-slide water park, 10 food and beverage outlets, spacious rooms all with sea views, high-tech meeting areas and banqueting halls catering for up to 850 people.
Mr Bathshoun added: “Our food and beverage offerings are going to be very rich and the overall quality of our interior design and guest rooms are superior, in my opinion. We also have the artistic angle.”
A variety of art work from the private collection of Abdulaziz Kanoo, the father of Saud Abdulaziz Kanoo, the chairman of Ossis Property Developers BSC, Rotana’s partners in Bahrain, will be exhibited throughout the resort.
Mr Batshoun said: “The collection is very valuable and includes a variety of art pieces collected over the years. This is where the hotel got its name.”
The permanent art collection is entitled ‘A moment in time’ and it will adorn the hotel lobby alongside a ceiling feature that changes colour like the fountain. Art work will also be featured in the rooms and suites.
Mr Batshoun said: “This building is very unique because in our terminology this is something we call a ‘single loaded’ building. Single loading means that all the rooms are facing the water on one side.
“When you look at the size of the property it looks like a 500-600 room hotel. The developers made sure every room has a waterfront view so that when you check in you won’t have to worry about getting a city view or sea view.
“We also have a very good mix of accommodation. The smallest room is a standard king-size room and then we have a classic, premium and club room followed by the suites such as the corner suites, the Amwaj Suites and then the Royal Suites.
“There are a lot of elements that everyone worked very hard on to make sure every guest will be content. For example, look at the size of televisions that we have in the rooms. We have the latest LED screen TVs in which guests can air play their videos from their phones. There is a lot you can do as far as technology is concerned.”
This same philosophy works in the conference facilities. Business is said to be ‘made easy’ at ART Rotana with its spacious meeting rooms, waterfront backdrop and digital boards.
Mr Batshoun believes that the resort will be a great place to mix business with pleasure. He said: “We have all the right tools for business people to complete their work and once they are done we have all the right tools for them to relax and unwind.”
The recreational amenities include a fitness centre, which is an upscale full service health club with modern décor and state-of-the-art equipment. There is also a spa providing a variety of relaxing treatments, steam rooms and massages.
Other facilities will include a crystalline outdoor pool, private beach and several children’s areas that will offer paddling pools, playgrounds, a maze, splash-pad, water slides, as well as an array of other exciting activities.
The hotel will also offer a beachfront stand-alone restaurant which will boast a lounge and an upper terrace to watch Amwaj’s picturesque sunsets. Other food and beverage outlets include an all-day dining restaurant, a steakhouse, a bar, an Italian venue, a lobby lounge and a patisserie.
Mr Batshoun aims to make the resort a food hub that will attract guests throughout the week and not just for special occasions. He said: “Food is very important to us. I’m sure our quality, service and variety will appeal to people here.
“In terms of weddings, we have a spectacular ballroom with everything needed to make a bride smile. For example, we can change the lights in the hall to match a bride’s colour combinations and theme. But aside from a great hall, it’s important to have great food and that is what we will offer.
“I truly think that the elements we have at ART Rotana, combined with the location of the property, makes it a haven for business people or leisure customers coming to enjoy the weekend or to visit the kingdom.
“I’m very excited about being a part of the hospitality industry here in Bahrain and looking forward to working very closely with everyone in the community to put Bahrain on the international hospitality map.”
The hotel will be opened in phases, starting with phase one which will include the launch of the all-day dining, the lobby cafe, the gallery and several floors, besides the main facilities such as the gym, the pool and part of the beach.
After three weeks, management will open the Italian restaurant followed by the lounge bar Cellar 59, then the steak house and for the finale in March, it will open the lounge terrace restaurant on the beach.
Mr Batshoun appreciates that opening a new hotel can be a challenging task but believes experience helps give him the edge. He opened Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island Abu Dhabi in 2009 and was instrumental in the operation of the two properties. Prior to joining the Rotana Group, he was area general manager with Marriott, overseeing three properties. He has worked in the US, Qatar and Hungary.
Mr Batshoun and his team of professionals are now working on the finishing touches. He said: “Eventually this team will be over 500 members from all walks of life and corners of the world. We are very proud of this team because it’s the team that will make it a leading hotel in Bahrain.”
The ART Rotana already has 25 rooms booked back-to-back starting January with German tourists. There is a special room waiting for Mr Batshoun as he will be residing in the property with his wife Pauline. At the moment, they are staying in Busaiteen at Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Hotel Management Corporation’s first property in Bahrain, the Majestic Arjaan.
