IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement to turn an existing site in Saudi Arabia into the Middle East’s first Vignette Collection hotel.

The deal with the owners of Carlton Al Moaibed Hotel in Al Khobar, which was founded by the late Abdulrahman Al Moaibed and the late George N. Frem back in 1977, will see the property refurbished and rebranded by 2024.

Fresh luxury

The signing of the 150-key hotel in the Eastern Province capital marks a milestone in IHG’s over 40-year presence in the Kingdom and is aimed at bringing a fresh luxury experience to discerning guests.

Business guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s five multi-purpose meeting rooms and convention spaces, as well as other MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities that will accommodate up to 1,500 guests.

The rebranded site will be a part of a luxury community village with entertainment facilities, five food and beverage outlets, experimental spa and health club. The community village will offer an Olympic-sized outdoor pool among other sporting facilities.

Ambitious target

Haitham Mattar, MD, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said: “A great Vignette Collection hotel is on its way to Saudi Arabia to cater to a growing number of guests in the Kingdom who seek luxury experiences that differ from the conventional hotel offering. This signing is also in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the government’s efforts to bring new, refreshed brands and experiences to the Kingdom.

“As a long-established hospitality player in the country, we are well positioned to add over 10,000 additional rooms to our existing portfolio in the next 2-3 years, largely focussed on the luxury and lifestyle segment. Our Vignette Collection brand debut is a testament to our commitment and marks a milestone in our journey in the country.”

Remarkable capabilities

Jamal al Moaibed, chairman of Al Moaibed Group Co, added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG to bring Vignette Collection to Saudi Arabia, providing world-class guest experiences for business and leisure travellers alike within the Eastern Province’s business-driven hub of Al Khobar. We are confident about IHG’s remarkable capabilities in driving tourism and business demand at the hotel, whether guests are looking to relax or conduct business affairs.

“To complement the hotel’s ideal location, where guests can visit shopping centres and cultural hubs, IHG knows how to create a unique experience for every guest, supported by its IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, which we’re excited to see them bring to life with this new Vignette Collection hotel. The support of our consultant, ‘The Unit’ was essential to reach this deal.”

Rapidly expanding brand

Promising luxury with purpose, Vignette Collection hotels are designed to weave responsibility, community, and locality together, and exist to make a positive impact. The rebranded Vignette Collections Hotel in Khobar will join existing Vignette properties across countries including Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Australia.

Helping to achieve IHG’s 10,000 additional key target in Saudi Arabia will be InterContinental The Red Sea, with 210 rooms arriving in Q4 2023; the 225-key Kimpton Riyadh landing in Q3 2023; and preceded by the huge 681-room voco Jeddah Gate in Q2 2023.

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