ACCOMMODATION

This Armani Hotel is the second in the Armani Hotel chain, the collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties (one of the Arab world’s largest developers) opened another Armani Hotel in Dubai in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa last year.

Armani is focusing on its plans to open resorts in Egypt and Morocco before expanding its joint venture with Emaar further. Upheaval has forced developers to reassess plans throughout the region, while many projects have been shelved until there are signs of stability.

The hotel features 95 rooms and suites (from Armani Deluxe Rooms to Armani Signature and Armani Presidential Suites) and super-luxe details like showers with one-way glass (to see out, but not in), Amrani/Casa furniture, and “lifestyle managers” to cater to guests’ every need.

Certainly the Gulf has seen a minimal number boutique hotels developed to date, but examples are popping up in certain locations. "The prime example is of course the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa, which appears to have filled a glamourous and exclusive top-end niche in the market,"

An exciting new brunch destination has debuted in Downtown Dubai, with the launch of a signature, all-Italian experience, the Friday Vita at Armani/Peck, the authentic Milan-inspired deli atArmani Hotel Dubai. Guests can select from different free flow packages from arrival, starting at AED 240 featuring soft beverages, AED 340 with selected house beverages, and AED 550 with premium beverages.

Under the new ratings, five-star hotels will have three categories - Platinum, Gold and Silver. The criteria for other hotels categories, ranging from four- to one-star properties, have also been overhauled. Hotel apartments will now be rated in three categories (Basic, Standard and Deluxe) instead of two.

In spring, Missoni opened Hotel Missoni Kuwait (00 965 2577 0000; www.hotelmissoni.com). Double rooms in a riot of multi-coloured zigzags and stripes start at £245, room only. On 10 November, Giorgio Armani will open the second Armani Hotel in Milan at 31 via Manzoni (www.armanihotels.com).

Emaar Properties and the Armani Group Tuesday said the world's second Armani hotel would officially open for business on November 10 in Milan, Italy. The duo opened its flagship Armani Hotels and Resorts in Dubai's Burj Khalifa in April last year.

Armani, which also designed residences in Burj Khalifa in Dubai is setting up its first-ever gallery in India on the World One premises in Lower Parel. And, to announce the studio’s impending arrival, the developer is offering a select group of potential buyers the opportunity to book flats and get furniture from the studio for a single room complimentary, up to September 15.

Emaar owns and manages a portfolio of assets such as the Address hotel brands, serviced residences, golf resorts and the Dubai Marina and yacht club. It also has an agreement with Armani to own and run its branded hotels.