Hospitality

The Ritz-Carlton: Inspiring Life’s Most Meaningful Journeys

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive interview with Christian Hoehn, GM, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

How does Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal align with the overall brand values of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company?

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and unparalleled service. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, embodies these brand values through its commitment to creating exceptional experiences that resonate with the rich legacy of the brand, making every moment ‘legendary’, ‘gracious’ and ‘inspiring’ to our guests. Situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the hotel mirrors the global reputation of The Ritz-Carlton while embracing the local culture and heritage, ensuring that every guest leaves with an indelible mark.

What unique aspects of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal contribute to creating an unforgettable guest experience?

One of the unique aspects of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, is its breathtaking architecture and design inspired by the Renaissance era, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Both the tangible elements, such as the meticulously landscaped gardens and luxurious interiors, and the intangible aspects, like the hotel’s dedication to personalized service, work together to create an unforgettable guest experience. This dedication is evident in every interaction, from the signature Emirati warm welcome at check-in ‘Hayyakum’ to the attentive assistance provided throughout the stay.

The hotel offers a variety of dining experiences, from Afternoon Tea at Alba to The Tomahawk Experience at The Forge. How do you ensure that each dining event meets the highest standards of culinary excellence?

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, offers an array of dining experiences that cater to diverse palates. At Alba, guests can indulge in refined Afternoon Tea, enjoying an assortment of delicate pastries and fine teas in an elegant setting. For a more robust culinary adventure, The Forge presents The Tomahawk Experience, where diners can savor expertly prepared prime cuts of meat. Ensuring that each dining event meets the highest standards of culinary excellence involves meticulous attention to detail, from sourcing the finest ingredients to employing skilled chefs who bring creativity and passion to their craft. Each dish and the overall dining experience is crafted to perfection, reflecting the commitment to quality that defines The Ritz-Carlton brand.

How do you integrate the local culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi into the guest experience at the hotel?

Integrating the rich culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi into the guest experience is a cornerstone of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal’s philosophy. Our team takes pride in embodying Emirati traditions to provide an authentic and enriching experience for our guests. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with a warm “Hayyakum” and offered traditional Emirati refreshments, including aromatic coffee and sweet dates. As a mark of respect and cultural appreciation, we always say farewell with “Fi-amaan-allah” and express our gratitude with “Shukran”.

Our commitment to showcasing Emirati culture extends to Mijana, our signature Middle Eastern restaurant, where guests can savor traditional Emirati dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. This dining experience is a culinary journey through the region’s rich flavors and culinary heritage.

Additionally, our concierge team is always at hand to arrange local tours to significant landmarks. Guests can explore the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and visit Wahat Al Karama, a timeless tribute honoring Emirati martyrs, located directly opposite the hotel. These tours provide guests with a deeper understanding of Abu Dhabi’s history and cultural significance.

By weaving these cultural elements into the fabric of our guest experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, ensures that every stay is a journey of discovery and appreciation for the local heritage.

Happiness: a journey or a destination?

Happiness is certainly a journey – at The Ritz-Carlton, we inspire life’s most meaningful journeys in line with our brand vision. By creating memorable experiences and nurturing a sense of well-being, we aim to enhance every guest’s happiness. From our personalized service to luxurious amenities and cultural immersions, every aspect of our hotel is designed to foster joy from the beginning to the end. Ultimately, we strive to ensure that each guest leaves with cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Hospitality

SKYLINE DRAW AT LEVEL 43 SKY LOUNGE

Published

7 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Level 43 Sky Lounge introduces Skyline Draw, a new weekly social media-driven promotion offering guests with a selected surname a complimentary first drink and 30% off their total bill. The winning surname will be announced every Monday at 12:00 PM via the venue’s Instagram Stories.

The selected surname will be determined based on a random selection of guest surnames from those who dined at Level 43 in the previous week.

Guests who share the chosen surname can enjoy the exclusive offer, adding an interactive and engaging element to their dining and social experience at the venue.

Details:
• Offer: Complimentary first drink and 30% off the total bill for guests with the selected surname
• Announcement: Every Monday at 12:00 PM via Instagram Stories
• Location: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• For reservations: +971 56 414 2213

Hospitality

AVANI+ LANEXANG VIENTIANE HOTEL OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE LAO CAPITAL

Published

1 day ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, introducing the brand’s premium lifestyle hospitality to the Lao capital. Set on Fa Ngum Road, overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, the 197-key hotel offers a fresh base for business trips, city breaks and riverside stays in Vientiane.

The opening marks Avani’s second hotel in Laos, following Avani+ Luang Prabang, and brings the brand’s practical, upbeat approach to the country’s capital. Designed for travellers who want comfort, flexibility and a sense of place, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel combines smart Page 1 of 5 guestrooms, connected social spaces, relaxed dining, wellness facilities and meetings and events spaces designed for both local and international guests.

Guestrooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to a Presidential Suite, with layouts that support both work and downtime. Clean lines, efficient space planning and warm contemporary details reflect Avani’s easy-going style, creating a stay that feels polished without being overcomplicated.

The hotel is opening in phases, with a curated selection of rooms, dining, leisure and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the months ahead.

Dining will play a central role in the hotel experience, with four venues launching in stages. Mekong Mosaic, opening on 1 July 2026, is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving international comfort cuisine alongside Lao-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, wellnessfocused options and flexible formats including in-room and poolside dining. Sabaidee Social will follow in Q3 2026, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired tapas and bar concept to Vientiane, with casual dining, drinks and live entertainment. The Pantry will offer a relaxed café and co-working space, serving specialty coffee, bakery items, desserts and grab-and-go options throughout the day. Salongxay, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, will present a refined Thai-Lao dining experience, with contemporary takes on traditional recipes, a strong wine programme and an intimate setting for dinners and special occasions.

Wellness facilities are also being introduced in phases. During the first stage of opening, guests can access the outdoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. AvaniSpa and expanded wellness experiences will be added as the hotel moves toward its full launch, bringing Avani’s balanced approach to wellbeing to the centre of Vientiane.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel is set to become a key address for meetings, events and celebrations in the capital. Lanexang Hall can accommodate up to 320 guests, supported by additional meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces. Select event facilities are available during the first phase of opening, with the full meetings and events offering to be introduced progressively.

Guests can also tap into curated local experiences and personalised concierge services, connecting them with Vientiane’s cultural heritage, riverside lifestyle and evolving urban scene. The hotel supports Avani’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients, support for local producers and artisans, seasonal menus, the reduction of single-use plastics where possible and thoughtful operational practices.

Hospitality

SUSHI & BEYOND IS NOW FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK

Published

1 day ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Toshi, the Pan-Asian restaurant at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, has its popular Sushi & Beyond promotion on four nights a week. Running every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the unlimited buffet is currently being offered at an exclusive limited-time price of AED 149 per person, making it one of the city’s most accessible evenings of quality Pan-Asian dining

Guests can expect the full Sushi & Beyond experience: the artistry of Sushi Master Chef Kot at the sushi and sashimi counter, alongside Mama Nata’s rotating menu of Pan-Asian appetisers, mains and desserts. The weekly schedule now makes it easier than ever to plan a visit, whether for a Thursday night dinner, a weekend outing, or a reason to end Sunday on a high.