Hotel, Organisations & Operators,

Maximising hotels’ potential, the Wafaifo Optimisers: (l to r) Pieter van der Hoeven, Managing Director; Uyen Ngo, Deputy Managing Director; Mikkel Krantz, Commercial Director
A new hotel business consultancy, Wafaifo Optimisers, has been launched in Vietnam to serve hoteliers in the country and across Indochina.The three initial Optimisers will draw on many years’ of hotel industry expertise of its co-founders: Wafaifo Hospitality Managing Director, Mr. Pieter van der Hoeven, Commercial Director, Mr. Mikkel Krantz, and Deputy Managing Director, Ms Uyen Ngo.
The Wafaifo Optimisers aim to appeal to local hotel owners in Indochina who want to emphasise local experiences for guests, maintain international quality hotel standards, and build profitability in a post-Covid-19 tourism era of growth.
The Optimisers’ goal is to help hotel owners assess and evaluate the relationship that the hotel may have with a management company. The Optimisers will make sure that the right brand is on a hotel. They will help determine if an owner is ready to run the property themselves, or would be better served with an international brand.
On sales and distribution, the Wafaifo Optimisers believe that with technological developments, efficient sales distribution doesn’t necessarily have to rely on major online travel agent platforms such as Booking, Expedia, Hotelbeds, Agoda and others, which can take over 20% in commissions.“Wafaifo Optimers will help independent hotels by conducting impartial, clear-eyed analysis of the hotel’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities,” said Mr van der Hoeven.
“Our aim is to empower hotel owners on strategic direction. With the owner, we will clinically evaluate whether the hotel is best served with a brand or operating independently. We will advise on pricing and positioning, create standard operating procedures and make sure the hotel meets the specific needs of its target markets,” he said.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to ensuring that hotels are compliant with health and safety requirements and relevant tour operator needs, the Optimisers can also make recommendations on food and beverage, spa, guest services, housekeeping, sales and marketing policies, and more.
“The needs and expectations of, for example, Western, Japanese, Indian and local guests vary,” said Mr van der Hoeven. “We will advise the hotel owner so that he or she can maximise results in an affordable and efficient way.”
After researching the hotel sector across Indochina, Mr Krantz said that many hotel owners are questioning whether hotel management contracts still provide optimum profits – in particular the benefits of loyalty programmes, which are always being re-invented.
“In these situations, Wafaifo Optimisers can come in and evaluate the hotel’s operations. We can then show the owners how they could potentially do it better and maximise results,” he said.
With new sales distribution channels and direct booking websites, there are global, regional and local opportunities like never before, said Mr Krantz, adding that Wafaifo Optimisers are independent and can appeal to all sizes of hotel operations and budgets.

The consultancy launches at an optimistic time when Vietnam’s GDP growth for 2022 was 8.02% (the highest rate since 1997), neighbouring China has lifted its Covid-related travel restrictions, and Vietnam Airlines reported that it carried 18 million passengers in 2022, up from 6.1 million in 2021.
In 2023, the Vietnamese government also plans to spend heavily on infrastructure developments that will boost domestic road and air connectivity.
On tourism arrivals in early 2023, Vietnam is seeing strong growth from relatively new markets such as India, the Middle East, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Against this backdrop, Wafaifo Optimisers are also developing the all-new Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, which is scheduled to open in the heritage city in central Vietnam in January 2024.
The new consultancy has also launched a monthly market insight report on the latest hotel developments, GDP, aviation and topline travel industry news from Vietnam and the region. The intelligence they gather informs their policy recommendations to hoteliers.
Hoteliers and others can subscribe to Wafaifo Optimisers monthly market insight reports at [email protected]
Further information on Wafaifo Optimisers is available at Wafaifo.com.

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Element Hotels and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy®’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands, together with The Ritchie Group and Garn Development, Utah-based commercial real estate development companies, announce the opening of Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown and Element Salt Lake City Downtown. The dual-branded property commemorates Element’s milestone 100th global opening and its first in Salt Lake City, complementing its location in Moab, Utah. The property also marks the first Le Méridien in Utah, and the first hotel with an expansive rooftop bar in the market. This first-ever combination of the two distinctly unique brands is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego-based hospitality management platform that provides an innovative approach to maximizing performance.
“This is a milestone moment nestled against the mountains for two of Marriott Bonvoy’s lifestyle brands as we open Element Hotels’ 100th hotel and our first Le Méridien property in Utah,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand & Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “With Element’s longer-stay lifestyle offering and Le Méridien’s essence of savouring the good life, intermixed with Salt Lake City’s high-altitude beauty, travelers can discover two unique experiences that allow for extraordinary memories.”
The hotels are ideally located just six miles from the airport and is within 30 miles of several popular ski destinations including Brighton Ski, Solitude Mountain Resort, Alta Ski Area, and Snowbird, making skiing and other outdoor excursions easily accessible. The property is also adjacent to Vivint Arena, home of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, and steps away from the Salt Palace Convention Center. The property is located in The West Quarter, a new mixed-used development which connects two halves of downtown with a mid-block pedestrian road called Quarter Row. In addition to Le Méridien and Element Salt Lake City Downtown, The West Quarter offers easy access to a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the heart of Salt Lake City’s Warehouse District.
The fusion of the two brands under one roof provides guests with flexible options for an experience that suits their needs and lifestyle including room categories, amenities, design, and more. Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown embraces the brand’s European spirit of savouring the good life with timeless mid-century modern design elements combined with inspiration from Salt Lake City’s landscape of deep evergreens, golds, and wood tones, and programming that encourages creative travellers to linger longer. Element Salt Lake City Downtown perfectly complements with spacious studios and one-bedroom suites with nature-inspired design ideal for active travelers who seek a healthy, balanced routine, whether visiting for a few days or for a longer stay. Sustainability is integrated in an unobtrusive way with low flow water features to reduce water consumption, electric vehicle charging stations, complimentary bike rentals, and more.
Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown features 144 sophisticated rooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with city views and emerald tile-adorned showers. Curated with design-forward and custom-made décor inspired by the brand’s celebrated mid-century modern flair, accommodations are a nod to the brand’s distinctive heritage and provide guests with the Le Méridien signature plush bed, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, and illy coffee.ADVERTISEMENTElement Salt Lake City Downtown offers 126 sustainable and bright rooms and suites with city view floor-to-ceiling windows, fully equipped kitchens, spacious spa-like bathrooms with eco-conscious amenities, and the signature Heavenly® beds. Accommodations feature ergonomic design elements with modern touches and relaxing earth-toned colors. Guests are treated to a complimentary daily Rise breakfast and a Relax evening reception. As part of the brand’s collaboration with Lettuce Grow, a nationally recognized leader of hydroponic gardening, travelers will have direct access to free, farm-fresh produce and herbs. Guests can collect their own green selections from an on-property Lettuce Grow Farmstand for use in their Rise breakfast or to bring back to their own in-room kitchens.
The dual-branded hotel’s signature restaurant, Adelaide, is an urban brasserie – French and New Orleans inspired with Cajun undertones. Located on the ground floor, the unique architecture of the brasserie creates a charming ambiance as guests savor delectable flavors and pairings. Globally influenced and locally curated, every meal is a work of art. Adelaide also features a full bar, oyster and raw bar, as well as a private dining room and outdoor patio space.
Casual dining meets vibrant sophistication at Van Ryder, the first full-scale hotel rooftop experience in Salt Lake City. Offering sweeping views of the city and the Wasatch mountains, the menu features artisan crafted libations with cocktail cuisine. The bar gets its namesake from Jack “The Rambling Kid” Van Ryder, an American cowboy and western artist. His soft, pastel-colored paintings captured the dusty, brooding Western twilight skies, and the venue keeps his art and legacy alive. A private dining area is also available.
Overseeing the vision and execution of the food and beverage program is Executive Chef Jacqueline Siao. With over 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Siao is a performance-focused, strategic leader with expertise in menu and recipe development in addition to operations and management. She previously served as Executive Chef at W Aspen in Colorado.
Two meeting spaces and one pre-function area make up a total of 8,355 square feet of inviting event and meeting space. The options feature open-concept design and natural lighting with adaptable configurations. The Triumph Ballroom holds up to 642 people; the Pierce Arrow Boardroom holds up to 82 people; and the pre-function space holds up to 220 people.Guests can keep up their fitness regime with the rooftop fitness center, which offers a pristine outdoor pool, cardio machines, and strength equipment. On-site valet and self-parking are both offered, plus vehicle charging stations. Pets are also welcome.
The property was designed by the award-winning architectural team, HKS, a firm of architects, designers, advisors, and makers driven by curiosity and devoted to creating places that combine beauty with performance. Interiors were designed by Studio HBA, the fastest growing arm of Hirsch Bedner Associates, who are known for delivering unique and contextually responsive design. The architect of record is Beecher Walker, one of the West’s top commercial architecture firms, with a team of architects and designers united by a passion for good design – a sustainable, technologically-forward fusion of aesthetic, emotion, function, and responsibility.
Both hotels will participate in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown is located at 131 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah and Element Salt Lake City Downtown is located at 145 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. Opening rates start at $219 for Le Meridien Salt Lake City Downtown and $189 for Element Salt Lake City Downtown.
About Le Méridien and Element Salt Lake City Downtown
Le Méridien and Element Salt Lake City Downtown brings two distinct experiences under one roof to Salt Lake City. Featuring inspired design embracing the ethos of each of the global brands, the property offers a combined 270 guest rooms, rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and approximately 8,355 square feet of meeting space. Guests can sample elevated French cuisine at signature urban brasserie Adelaide or try small plates & cocktails at Van Ryder Rooftop bar, offering breathtaking views of the city, Wasatch mountains and Vivint Arena – home of the Utah Jazz. Located in The West Quarter, the area connects Salt Lake City culture and community, serving as a hub for what’s next by bringing together urban life in a modern, authentic experience that builds on Salt Lake City’s past.

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The National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC), the premier resource for corporate America on Hispanic strategy development, announces Choice Hotels International, Inc. as its newest corporate member.Choice Hotels joins a growing list of Fortune 1000 companies and major organizations who turn to NHCC for insights on strategy development to effectively compete in the growing U.S. Hispanic segment. As a membership-based organization, NHCC provides its corporate members with resources to maximize the 62+ million individuals, $2 trillion-dollar U.S. Hispanic market opportunity.
“At Choice Hotels, we continue to take fresh actions to enhance our enduring commitment to diversity, equity and belonging – and by joining the National Hispanic Corporate Council, we’re once again living out our brand promise of ensuring everyone, from franchisees, guests and associates, feels welcome, wanted and respected,” said Corinne Abramson, head of associate diversity, equity and belonging, Choice Hotels. “We look forward to collaborating with the NHCC to build on our existing efforts, like our Hispanic Organization Leadership and Advancement employee resource group, to further opportunities for the Hispanic community within Choice and across the entire hotel industry.”
“On behalf of the NHCC Board of Directors and its corporate members, I am delighted to welcome Choice Hotels to NHCC. As a corporate member-focused organization, we look forward to enhancing its own Hispanic stakeholders’ opportunity by leveraging our national network of corporate leaders and member resources,” said Eduardo Arabu, Chief Executive Officer, NHCC.
NHCC’s Center of Expertise provides an enterprise-wide approach through executive leadership, talent/human resources, marketing, supplier diversity, community relations, and ERG within Hispanic and DEI framework. An affiliation with NHCC provides a collaborative community that shares thought leadership, best practices, solutions, and resources to elevate Hispanic talent, customers, suppliers, community relations, and ERG strategies.

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Turtle Creek, Dallas, is where the Rosewood story began. A peaceful, walkable neighborhood surrounded by grand parks and close to Dallas’s most celebrated sites, it’s not only one of the most coveted residential communities in the country, but also home to the brand’s first property: the iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Now, the globally-recognized leader in luxury lifestyle returns to the neighborhood with a landmark new offering, Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek, a standalone residential development that will set a new standard for high-rise living in Dallas’s metropolitan landscape.
The new 17-story tower, which combines Beaux-arts inspired elegance with a wealth of outstanding amenities, will comprise approximately 46 residences offering effortless luxury in a setting that’s perfectly appointed for experiencing everything Dallas has to offer. Developed by One Turtle Creek to reflect the best of this dynamic city, the property is scheduled for completion in early 2025, with sales to commence in 2023.
The Location
Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek occupies a prime location in Dallas’s Turtle Creek Corridor, a historic neighborhood nicknamed “Dallas’s Front Yard”. Nestled between fine parks and close to the Katy Trail, it’s a secluded but enviably connected destination just minutes away from the beloved neighborhoods of Highland Park, Uptown and Downtown. Thanks to its peaceful ambience, it has been favored as an exclusive residential enclave throughout the 20th century, and boasts many fine examples of modern and contemporary architecture.The Design
Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek reflects Rosewood’s A Sense of Place™ philosophy by embracing Turtle Creek’s beautiful setting and illustrious history in its architecture and design. The building, masterminded by Chicago-based architect Lucien Lagrange, offers a contemporary spin on the Beaux-arts inspired American architecture of the early 20th century, welcoming residents and their guests at its base with an elegant arched entryway before soaring upwards to embrace the sky with its asymmetric summit. Balancing the artful with the approachable, the tower will showcase Lagrange’s sophisticated style and singular approach to craftsmanship, dimension and detail. Ranging from approximately 2,000 to 6,380 square feet, with the option to combine units for an even more spacious abode, each light-filled residence will make the most of the surrounding area through distinctive architecture detailing. Of note will be the ceiling-height windows, stretching from ten to over twelve feet tall, that offer immersive city or park views. Interior schemes from renowned designer Dan Fink will continue to draw upon the colors, tones and quality of light along Turtle Creek’s nature-filled waterway to create harmonious living spaces that complement the building’s striking neoclassical sensibility. Fink’s canvas will further include the building’s many shared spaces, which will balance luxurious materials with a mix of feminine and masculine tones to create a harmony between the classical and the modern.ADVERTISEMENTThe Lifestyle
Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek has been conceived with the highest standards of enriched living in mind. Its wealth of exclusive amenities includes a rooftop oasis complete with an infinity pool and lounge, each boasting spectacular views of the Dallas skyline; a landscaped garden for intimate gatherings and events, and a fitness center, library, and private dining room spaces. The building will further feature a first floor lounge, full time concierge, and valet. Pet friendly offerings, meanwhile, include a dedicated dog park, pet spa, and garden. As hospitality is a defining factor of the Rosewood experience, residents will also benefit from round the clock support from a dedicated Rosewood Residential Team. This group of experts with deep knowledge of the area, will manage all aspects of the Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek experience to provide residents with a wide range of additional services.
A Tribute to Turtle Creek
“Given the symbolic significance Dallas holds for us at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, we are thrilled to be bringing our residential concept to this market,” said Brad Berry, Vice President of Global Residential Development at Rosewood Hotel Group. “Planting the Rosewood Residences flag in the same neighborhood as our very first hotel is a great moment for us as we continue to grow our footprint. But, of course, Turtle Creek is a special setting in its own right, and I think these one-of-a-kind residences embrace the area’s natural beauty, rich history and incredible location, and provide residents with an unrivalled quality of life in Dallas.”
“With this project, we are realizing our vision of bringing timeless architecture together with exceptional service in the upscale residential neighborhood of Turtle Creek,” says developer Preston Cheng of One Turtle Creek. “This hasn’t been done before in Dallas, and to do so with Rosewood, renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, and AD100 interior designer Dan Fink, adds another level of excitement.”
For more information about Rosewood Residences Turtle Creek, please visit www.residencesturtlecreek.com.

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Hyatt Announces Entry into Tokyo with the Opening of Hyatt House Shibuya in Mid-2024

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Tokyu Land Corporation for Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya.Slated to open by mid-2024, the 126-room hotel will be an ideal mid- to long-stay living accommodation situated just steps away from the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will mark the entry of the Hyatt House brand in Tokyo, further demonstrating Hyatt’s intentional brand growth in the Asia Pacific region.
Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will make guests feel genuinely at home with an elevated, spacious, and perfectly self-sufficient experience close to offices and commercial facilities in Shibuya. The Sakuragaoka area, just southwest of the Shibuya station where the hotel will be located, is being redeveloped as part of a major transformation of the Shibuya district, one of Tokyo’s most popular areas for entertainment, shopping, fashion, and dining. The area’s diverse new urban facilities will enhance Tokyo’s international competitiveness and create an ideal living and working environment for overseas guests.
Each of the hotel’s 126 spacious guestrooms, ranging in size from approximately 344 to 915 square feet (32 to 85 square meters), will offer home-like amenities including a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, plush bed, and cozy living room. The lobby will face an airy rooftop garden and the property will feature an indoor swimming pool, lounge, H Bar, and restaurant. In addition, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya’s communal space, Fitness Room, and other facilities will be designed to appeal to modern, self-sufficient travelers who appreciate relaxing, socializing and working as if they were at home.
“We are pleased to welcome Hyatt’s Hyatt House brand to the redeveloped Shibuya Station area, a project in which Tokyu Land is participating,” said Tatsuaki Tanaka, Director & Managing Officer of Tokyu Land Corporation. “Shibuya is both an active business district populated with many offices and a popular recreational district offering Tokyo’s latest entertainment, and Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will allow international travelers and locals alike to enjoy unique and iconic Shibuya experiences. We hope that this wonderfully convenient and exciting location will provide guests with fulfilling lifestyles for work and leisure as we continue to revitalize the overall area.”
“Shibuya is known around the world as one of the dynamic facets of Tokyo, and Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will play a vital role in the major redevelopment around Shibuya Station,” said Sam Sakamura, Hyatt’s vice president Japan and Micronesia. “We are honored to work with Tokyu Land Corporation on this once-in-a-lifetime project and look forward to the debut of the Hyatt House brand to Tokyo while providing travelers a home away from home.”ADVERTISEMENTOnce open, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will be the second Hyatt House-branded property in Japan, joining Hyatt House Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, as well as a global portfolio of more than 125 locations worldwide.
For more information, please visit hyatthouse.com.

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Meliá Hotels International has had another successful year in the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards. More than 200 of the company’s hotels have been rewarded this year for their exceptional performance and for having achieved a satisfaction rating above 8 in the reviews made by thousands of real customers on Booking.comThe award winners include hotels from all over the world and from all of the different company brands, and the results reflect the efforts made by Meliá Hotels International to offer the best possible experience to its guests, focusing on constant improvement and the evolution of its brands and their attributes to adapt to the changing needs of modern travellers. Among the more than 200 hotels, some of the company’s most luxurious properties achieved the highest scores, along with some of the most outstanding of the recently opened hotels: ME Barcelona, a new icon for luxury hotels in one of the most popular cities in Spain, and Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Meliá Hotel, which has revolutionised the luxury resort segment in Menorca by becoming the first carbon-neutral hotel in the destination. Other luxury hotels operated by the company performed well, including the Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Member of Meliá Collection (Tanzania), located in one of the most stunning natural environments in the world and with an approach to sustainability which has helped it earn the highest score among all the company’s hotels. Other strong performers include the Gran Meliá Iguazu (Argentina), which offers a luxurious experience with views of one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, and the Gran Meliá Xi’an, one of the luxury hotels the company operates in China. The Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand achieved high scores with both its city and resort hotels in Asia: Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort (Vietnam), Meliá Vinpearl Hue (Vietnam) and Meliá Chiang Mai (Thailand). Among other hotels operated under other brands that have achieved outstanding scores are:  INNSIDE Liverpool (UK) and INNSIDE Lima Miraflores (Peru), Paradisus Los Cabos and Paradisus Playa del Carmen (Mexico), Sol Beach House Ibiza (Spain) and Sol Oasis Marrakech (Morocco). According to Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, “Our service vocation is at the heart of our company, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that every detail makes a big difference to the experience our hotels offer. The constant improvement of our service and facilities has always been a priority objective in more than 60 years of operating hotels, and we are very proud to have received such a positive score from our customers and to have them place their trust in us to make their trip memorable”.​

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Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, today announced the acquisition of its first property in Switzerland as it continues its growth trajectory and international expansion. The flagship property – Le Richemond – was founded in 1875 and is located on the banks of Lake Geneva in a prime location at the heart of the city’s business district and a short walk from the city’s luxury designer boutiques. The acquisition forms part of the Group’s strategy to build its brand profile in gateway destinations across the world.
The move signals Jumeirah’s appetite for investment in key cities that support the diversification of its portfolio and build brand equity as a globally recognised luxury hotel operator. Geneva, as a thriving city, synonymous with luxury living, with a strong international business community and a robust high-end tourism sector, will support Jumeirah’s vision to become one of the world’s top five luxury hotel brands.
The art deco property with its charm and grandeur has been a popular destination for well-known personalities throughout the years. The hotel features 109 keys with 87 rooms and 22 suites, boasting stunning views across Lac Léman and the mountain peaks of Mont Blanc. The property will undergo extensive renovations, which will commence as soon as possible, to reposition and elevate the guest experience to a level consistent with Jumeirah’s brand expectations. Jumeirah plans to introduce its signature wellness and fitness concepts and will also focus on bringing its culinary expertise to the banks of Lake Geneva, a city well-regarded for its diverse culinary craftsmanship and innovative spirit, with the introduction of unique destination dining concepts.

Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group said: “This is an important acquisition for Jumeirah as it marks our entry into Switzerland, presenting guests with a prestigious address to stay in the heart of Geneva’s most desirable destination, as well as serving as a gateway to world-renowned ski resorts. Le Richemond is a legendary property with a 140-year legacy and impeccable pedigree, and we are committed to preserving this heritage as we redesign the hotel. We are in pursuit of the finest architects and designers to curate an exceptional hotel within the Jumeirah portfolio, and we are confident that the re-launch of this property as a new ultra-luxury hotel in Geneva following the completion of the planned renovation works (currently expected in 2025), will support the city’s tourism economy, attracting both domestic and international visitors for business and leisure.”ADVERTISEMENTGiannouka continued: “As the gateway to the mountains of Europe, Geneva is strategically significant for us as we look to diversify our portfolio in major cities with both summer and winter resort destinations.”

Jumeirah’s new property in Geneva is its fifth in Europe, joining The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London, UK; Capri Palace Jumeirah on the island of Capri, Italy; and Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca, Spain. Jumeirah Group, which originated in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, has a portfolio of 26 hotels and resorts across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Jumeirah Group is a member of Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with operations in over 13 countries, employing more than 20,000 people and with an extensive portfolio of over AED 130 billion worth of assets that support the diversification and sustainable growth of Dubai’s economy across key sectors.

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Dubai-based independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has signed an agreement to operate The Pelican Hotel in Accra, marking the Group’s first entry into Ghana.
Located in Cantonments, an affluent suburb of Accra home to various embassies, as well as shopping malls, dining and leisure facilities, the all-suite boutique hotel is set to open in June 2023. A 10-minute drive from Kotoka International Airport, the upscale property features 134 suites and apartments, a cafe, a speciality restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa and meeting room facilities.
Having won three international architecture awards, including the prestigious title of ‘Best Architecture Multiple Residence in Africa,’ The Pelican Hotel is the first of its kind in Ghana, unmatched in its contemporary design and luxurious accommodation.

Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said, “We are delighted to have been entrusted with the management of The Pelican Hotel in Accra and look forward to a very successful opening. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, many cultural attractions and tourism-friendly infrastructure, Ghana is an attractive destination for business and leisure travellers alike, and with tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors in the country, this is a very exciting time for us to enter Ghana.”ADVERTISEMENT
DevtracoPlus Limited, one of Ghana’s leading real estate companies under the Devtraco Group, is the developer and owner of The Pelican Hotel Apartments. John Kane Entsuah, CEO of Devtraco Group said, “We are excited to continue delivering on our promise of creating value for investors in this strategic partnership with Aleph Hospitality. With years of experience in working with the world’s largest hotel companies, Aleph Hospitality is the ideal partner to deliver the highest level of hospitality management services for Accra’s first hotel apartment. Together, we will be redefining the hospitality industry in Ghana.”Aleph Hospitality, which has targeted 50 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2026, manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independently branded hotels. 

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