Emirates to open the world’s tallest hotel: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

The world’s tallest hotel truly deserves a grand opening, and it will happen on February 27 as JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is all set to take luxury to new heights.

Officially recognised as the world’s tallest hotel at a height of 355 metres by, the property is only 26 metres short of the Empire State Building in New York. Spread across two iconic 77-floor twin towers each with 804 rooms and array of 14 restaurants, bars and lounges, the hotel is set to be one of the region’s most desirable destinations.

The Marquis endorsement is reserved for iconic properties in the Marriott International portfolio, defined by their scale, grandeur and location.

The new JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is only the second JW Marriott Marquis-branded property in the world and has huge strategic importance for the world-class luxury JW Marriott brand’s global expansion.

The Dubai property, owned by Emirates airline, opened its doors to its first guests in the middle of November last year, but kept some secrets to unveil the unique luxury experience.

“Soft opening means [there will be] first guests this November and there will be a big event for official opening in February next year,” Rupprecht Queitsch, general manager of the tallest hotel, told Khaleej Times during an exclusive interview in October.

He added: “We are opening the first tower with 804 rooms and at the beginning it is enough. The second tower is expected to be ready by the end of 2014.” JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. Currently, there are 55 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio will encompass 78 properties in 28 countries.

Marriott International’s portfolio in the Middle East and Africa, or MEA, currently comprises 42 properties in 12 countries, offering 12,237 rooms across seven lodging brands. It is set to expand by 48 properties and 11,567 rooms by 2017.

Middle East, Africa results

In response to the Marriott International’s global sales results, which reported a 22 per cent year-on-year growth, the company has announced an 8.3 per cent increase in RevPAR figures across the MEA for 2012 compared to the previous year.

Driven predominantly by a 5.3 per cent growth in occupancy, the company’s year-end results clearly demonstrate global traveller’s desire to stay at Marriott International properties, comprising some of the world’s strongest and most respected brands. These positive results follow the company’s second-place ranking by Great Places to Work Institute and .

Marriott International’s performance was boosted by three openings in 2012: the Courtyard by Marriott Diplomatic Quarter, Marriott Executive Apartments Riyadh Makarim and the flagship JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.

Marriott International’s development pipeline in the Middle East and Africa continues to grow with the announcement of five new property signings, adding a further 1,027 rooms to its system.