WE’RE THE ONE!

THE Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre has been celebrating its first anniversary this week packed with promotional activities, the launching of a new nightspot and impressive occupancy rates.

It opened its doors to the astonishment of industry analysts at a time when the kingdom’s hospitality sector had taken a severe battering as a result of unrest and the country was reeling from the cancellation of its annual F1 race.

General manager Stephan Kaminski urged the kingdom’s residents and visitors to experience the hotel chain’s acclaimed personalised service in its multi-million dinar brand new, modern and sleek setting … and they listened.

Mr Kaminski said: “Last September was a challenging time in the country, but a hotel needs to be open. We believed in success and were confident in our product and brand, and our pre-opening preparations were thorough and comprehensive. We were ready operationally and keen to bring some good news back to the island. It was a difficult decision to open at that time, but definitely the right one.”

Mr Kaminski, who comes from the German city of Munich and although boasting more than 30 years experience in the hotel industry knew he had his hands full delivering on the promise.

“A new property and a new crew always face challenges, be it engineering or logistical issues,” he admitted, “but the biggest challenge has been hiring staff that fit the Kempinski standards, and providing the strenuous training expected of all Kempinski employees for our 265 staff.

“The biggest success is in seeing our food and beverage outlets open to great success. The Bizarre Lounge in Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre is the next on the list to open tomorrow. With DJ Monica spinning the decks and surprises in every corner, we are very much looking forward to it.”

 ‘Location, location’ is always the key to success, property developers are quick to suggest, and Mr Kaminski believes the hotel’s particular setting alongside the popular shopping mall has paid dividends.

“The key to our success is our brilliant concept of being attached to Bahrain City Centre,” he said. “Our location in Seef, our proximity to the airport and the largest convention/exhibition halls on the island, and our consistency in delivering the Kempinski 5-star European standard of hospitality have made us one of the most desirable hotels on the island.”

And, fortunately the big-spending tourists from neighbouring Saudi Arabia have felt confident enough to regularly visit the island once more as stability has returned, despite the regular tyre-burning antics of anti-government protesters.

Occupancy rates are believed to be around 90 per cent of rooms currently available.

“Yes, we have a good mix of Saudi, as well as Kuwaiti, Qatari and other GCC nationals,” said Mr Kaminski. “We are amongst the top choice for Saudi Arabian travellers who frequent the hotel with their families, especially over the weekends.

“The international business trade is making a welcome return during the weekdays as well, and we have corporate clients coming from all over the world.

“We look forward to a promising future. We are very happy and remain optimistic!”

As part of the first birthday celebrations guests whose own birthdays fall on a Friday were invited to dine at the celebrated Saveur restaurant and enjoy a gourmet brunch with a friend for free during September.

Kempinski in Bahrain is a Majid Al Futtaim property. The hotel brand is expanding its operations in the Middle East too.

Scheduled to open next year, Kempinski Hotel, Riyadh, in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, will feature a commercial tower with 300 rooms and suites, two restaurants, three cafes, conference facilities, a 2,000-capacity ballroom, two spas and a wellness centre for men and women separately, selected boutique style retail outlets, Manhattan-style smart apartments and offices in addition to business facilities.