The Al Habtoor Group has signed a deal with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., which will see the opening of the first property from the luxury brand in the Hungarian capital. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market 2015 (ATM) in Dubai in May.
Located in the heart of Budapest, the 192 room hotel overlooks Erzsébet Square with commanding views of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The property will undergo renovation work, which is due for completion in early 2016, in order to align it with the Ritz-Carlton brand.
The official signing, conducted by Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group and Arne M. Sorenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, took place at the Al Habtoor Group head office on Al Wasl Road on Monday May 4, 2015.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Ritz-Carlton for such an exquisite property to build on our unique portfolio of hotels. We are bringing together two of the best names in the business, both dedicated to offering world class luxury and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the renewed property in early 2016,” said Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Al Habtoor Group.
“Hungary represents the next great international expansion opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, “We are especially pleased that our initial presence will be in Budapest, the country’s principal political, cultural, and commercial centre,’ he added.
The Al Habtoor Group first teamed up with Marriott International earlier this year when the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa became the first hotel in the Middle East to join Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. The hotel has since been rebranded as the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection.
Al Habtoor said, “It is a pleasure to meet Arne Sorenson again. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Marriott International. It has a great reputation around the world. The Al Habtoor Group has partnered with some of the best names in the hotel and automobile industry reinforcing our brand. We have big plans for the future.”