UAE based company Al Habtoor Group, signed a deal with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C at this year’s ATM, which will see the opening of the first property from the luxury brand in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Al Habtoor Group, which also has four properties in Dubai, including Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Metropolitan Hotel Deira and the Waldorf Astoria Dubai on Palm Jumeirah already boasts two current properties in Budapest with the Le Méridien Budapest and the InterContinental Hotel Budapest with the current signing taking the total to three in the European capital.
Located in the heart of Budapest, the 192-room hotel overlooks Erzsébet Square with views of St. Stephen’s Basilica and the property is set to undergo renovation work, which is due for completion in early 2016 in order to align it with the Ritz-Carlton brand.
The partnership heightens Al Habtoor Group’s offering in the city by elevating an already exquisite property to a new luxurious destination, and the announcement came after a meeting with Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, chairman of the Al Habtoor Group and Arne Sorenson, president and CEO, Marriott International with 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.
Commenting on the new signing, Al Habtoor explained, “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.”
Also adding input on the new partnership, Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company said, “Hungary represents the next great international expansion opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton and we are especially pleased that our initial presence will be in Budapest, the country’s principal political, cultural, and commercial centre.”