Even as construction of the master-planned resort project continues on an accelerated schedule, Emaar Misr totally revamped the historic Alamein Hotel in record time, giving the local economy a major boost.
The 50-year-old Alamein Hotel has great social significance and is the first beachfront hospitality project in the region. With Emaar re-opening the hotel with a facelift, there is a further surge in visitor inflow to the region. Emaar Misr has renovated the hotel by retaining its traditional Egyptian character while adding on luxury finishes and modern amenities. To maximize on the summer rush, an array of summer-fun activities has been launched for guests and visitors.
Mr Sameh Muhtadi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Misr for Development S.A.E, said: "Marassi is redefining the cultural, social and tourist heritage of Sidi Abdel Rahman Bay region, which is one of the finest and most historic beaches in Egypt. While we are focused on completing Marassi as per schedule, we undertook the renovation of Alamein Hotel to create a vibrant lifestyle environment for residents and visitors, and thus give a glimpse of the differential that Marassi will bring to the locality. The work was undertaken in a record time of five weeks, highlighting the project execution capability of Emaar Misr."
He added: "The renovation of the Alamein Hotel was specifically undertaken to further build the tourism appeal of Marassi, create a robust platform of growth for the local population and also reiterate our commitment to the community. With the integration of the Alamein Hotel into Marassi, we are already creating a tourism growth module that will further derive impetus as the homes and resorts in the mega-project are handed over as per schedule."
The EGP 9.92 billion (AED 6.39 billion, US$1.74 billion) Marassi is a Mediterranean-styled self-sustaining lifestyle neighbourhood, easily accessible from the Burj El Arab and El Alamein airports, both offering direct connections to major European cities. The project is also in easy proximity to historic sites and offers residents the choice of desert safari, eco-tourism and diving pursuits. Work on the project is ongoing with site grading completed and the construction of the beach clubhouse – the first of its kind in the region – progressing. The 6.25 million sq m gated community features premier leisure amenities including a world-class beach resort, a vibrant town centre, marina, golf course and hotels set amidst lush greenery and lagoons.
For Alamein Hotel, Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality & leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties, decided on the toiletries, bed linens, kitchenware, catering and branding, in line with the international standards of the company. Heba El Dessouky, ID Co-ordinator, Emaar Misr for Development, said: "Guest reaction to the renovated Alamein Hotel is overwhelming. They are impressed by the new look of the property, the superior quality of finishes and modern amenities. This has put the spotlight on the international standards that Emaar brings to its projects."
A perfect showcase of Egyptian hospitality and culinary traditions, the Alamein Hotel was renovated on the basis of designs by a team of young Egyptian architects, MA Design Studio. Alamein Hotel has 70 guest rooms, 24 chalets and four presidential villas that are named after their first guests – President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Minister of Defence Abdul Hakim Amer. The hotel offers a range of food & beverage options, fitness facilities and business amenities, making it an ideal stop-over for leisure travellers.
Emaar Misr has also renovated the Alamein Hotel gardens and the approach road from the highway. The main entrance has been rebuilt, and an aesthetic lighting system introduced.
Emaar Misr is one of the largest investors in Egyptian real estate with an investment portfolio of EGP 31.67 billion (AED 20.33 billion; US$5.54 billion), and is developing the EGP 12 billion (AED 7.7 billion; US$2.1 billion) Uptown Cairo; the EGP 5.75 billion (AED 3.67 billion; US$1 billion) residential community located at the fifth district New Cairo City; and the EGP 4 billion (AED 2.56 billion; US$700 million) commercial cum residential development on the Cairo – Alexandria desert road.