ACCOMMODATION

The team at the Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa must be breathing a slight sigh of relief this morning after it was announced that the grand opening (due to take place on Wednesday) has now been delayed by a week after Iceland’s volcanic ash put a scupper on their party plans when the guest of honour –Giorgio himself – was grounded in Milan and unable to fly to Dubai.

Travelers visiting Dubai can look forward to putting up at a private apartment in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, as an UAE-based online company, mydubaistay.com, is offering to rent an apartment on the nineteenth floor of the 188-floor tower for $285 per night. The private apartment boasts of modern amenities including air conditioners, wireless connectivity, work desks with PCs, satellite TV, DVD player and more to offer you luxurious comfort. The apartment has a well-furnished bedroom with a double bed and two sofa beds.

Pink Slip Dubai, the UAE's pioneering recruitment and HR networking group teamed up recently with Hot Hoteliers, a leading hospitality networking group, to host a high-level recruitment forum that discussed the current state of recruitment within the local hospitality sector. Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group, was the keynote speaker of the night, addressing an audience of over 250 industry professionals on the importance of human capital to an organization and the ongoing need to train and develop staff.

The hotel, located in the Burj Khalifa and covering eight floors, was developed under an agreement signed in 2005 with Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC. In addition, 144 Armani Residences are located on floors 9 to 16.

Coming on the back of a host of 'designer hotel' openings around the world, including the Armani Hotel in the United Arab Emirates, it has now been revealed that the parent company of Louis Vuitton is set to venture into the hospitality sector.

Armani Hotel Dubai opened in April, and last year the people at Moschino launched Maison Moschino in Milan. The Missonis plan to open hotels in Kuwait, Oman and Brazil by 2012.

The Armani Hotel, Georgio Armani's first-ever hotel, drips luxury and style, with fashionable decor and 'lifestyle managers' instead of hotel receptionists, all dressed head to toe in Armani. The hotel also boasts an Armani sweetshop and florist ... oh, and the world's highest swimming pool.

Technology in hotel rooms is evolving at a rapid pace, making it very difficult for owners and operators to know when and how to incorporate the latest advances in their rooms, according to experts at the Hotel Show in Dubai.

First class passengers receive a complimentary two-night stay, including breakfast, at either The Armani Hotel, located in the Burj Khalifa, or the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, located on the Palm Jumeirah Island. Business class passengers obtain a one-night stay with breakfast at either The Address Dubai Marina or the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel.

Armani Ristorante draws on the rich gastronomic traditions of authentic Italian cuisine. The menu offers a mix of traditional and modern dishes that takes the diner in an adventure of exploring new horizons. The food is served in an attractive, elegant and mouthwatering fashion.