By Anton Constantinou
Where would the world of business travel be without AccorHotels? The French multinational hotel group oversee more than 4,000 properties in 95 countries. With a strong focus on innovation and hospitality, they’re continually expanding, and, in recent years, have gone through an impressive transformation.
Al Ghurair Living and the Al Ghurair Hotel are two luxury properties managed by AccorHotels that offer upscale accommodation in the heart of Dubai.
Patrizia Bernardi, their Director of Sales, paid a visit to our London office, and was only too willing to answer some questions we had about the Al Ghurair brand. She even let us in on a few fun facts about herself:
Tell us more about your role in the company?
As Director of Sales for AccorHotels, I look after the properties Al Ghurair Hotel and Al Ghurair Living. I’m responsible for defining the sales strategy of our different contracted segments including corporate, leisure and long-stay travel.
The Al Ghurair hotel has 428 rooms, whilst Al Ghurair Living boasts 192 fully furnished deluxe one, two and three bedroom apartments.
We understand that Al Ghurair is now run by AccorHotels. How has this change in management impacted on you as a provider?
That’s correct. We are now part of the big AccorHotels family and this will give us more visibility and distribution, worldwide, moving forward.
Talk us through the Al Ghurair rebrand to Swissôtel Living this month?
In July 2017, AccorHotels sealed a deal with UAE group, Al Ghurair, to open new Swissôtel-branded residences in Dubai. This venture will result in the properties being renamed Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Al Ghurair Living respectively.
The Swissôtel brand is all about vitality and sustainability, and these attributes will help to enhance our guest experience. A soft renovation is being carried out to bring vibrancy to the properties, including the introduction of typical Swiss amenities like Purovel products and Nespresso.
What makes your guest experience special?
We pride ourselves on quality and attention to detail. Our professional employees take the utmost care in providing a memorable stay for all guests, and, with our newfound Swiss hospitality we’ll be able to give them exactly what they need.
Just for fun
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset.
Red wine or white wine?
Neither. But I do love Limoncello.
Mac or PC?
Mac all the way.
Train or plane?
Plane.
