JEDDAH, 14 October 2004 — Movenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R), the Swiss-based international hotel chain, has announced the operation of its second property in Jeddah.
The former Amoudi Hotel on Madinah Road at the SKAB Center is in the process of being completely renovated and the five-storied building will offer over 200 rooms and suites, according to Thomas Nikielewski, general manager of Movenpick Hotel, Jeddah. The hotel will become operational from Nov. 30.
“We’ve worked hard to renovate and upgrade the facilities at our new hotel to ensure the true excellence of Swiss hospitality here in Jeddah,” said Nikielewski, who managed the Al-Khozama Movenpick Hotel in Riyadh between 1989 and 1993.
Movenpick’s new hotel is being developed in two phases. The first phase includes 140 rooms, two restaurants, a take-away counter, a fitness center with outdoor swimming pool, together with conference and seminar rooms, a spacious ballroom and a business center. The second phase will focus on the remaining guest rooms and a second banqueting hall, which will provide an “ideal venue” for large functions such as weddings.
“We’ve a prime central location in an established hotel district in the city, a location with easy access to the King Abdul Aziz International Airport and various diplomatic, business, commercial and shopping areas,” Nikielewski said. An added advantage for its guests is the convenience of airline offices and travel agencies located in the same complex.
“Jeddah is of great importance to pilgrims on their way to Makkah and Madinah, for the domestic market, and for intra-regional travelers from GCC countries as well as the international business community. It is our aim to offer the highest possible quality and excellence of service,” said Nikielewski, whose 15-year career with MH&R includes assignments in South Africa, Turkey and Morocco, and the chain’s headquarters in Switzerland.
As a result of its aggressive policy of expansion, MH&R is now in 17 countries with 53 properties. Fifteen more projects are under development or in the process of construction.
