ACCOMMODATION

Giorgio Armani, the man behind one of the world’s biggest fashion chains, is in talks with advisers over funding to build his first hotel in Britain. He opened his first hotel in Dubai in collaboration with Emaar Properties in April last year and has a hotel in Milan. The two companies are working together on possible expansion in Paris, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai.

So any purchases a customer make while shopping on the high streets of London or enjoying dinner in Lebanon or any other activity they choose to do worldwide while on holiday will be handsomely rewarded. With this 5 percent cash back offer on all overseas spend, perhaps now its time to visit the Taj Mahal in India, or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai?

Buyers are homing in on branded residences managed by big hospitality brands offering year round services associated with the hotel brand. Many Indians are shopping for branded residences after getting a taste of it in the US and Europe. After Trump Tower in Mumbai and Armani Residences in Delhi, Bangalore too will soon have branded homes backed by big hotel brands.

Marriott International, the US-based hotel operator, plans to snatch the title of world’s tallest hotel tower building with the opening of its eighth Dubai property next year, it was revealed Monday. The current title holder, the Rotana-owned Rose Rayhaan hotel in Dubai, stands at 330m-high but will be eclipsed by the 355m JW Marriott Marquis Hotel after its 2012 launch.

Brian Caldwell, a resident of the Old Town Island in Downtown Dubai is proud to call the area home. "Back in the UK, everyone is astounded when I tell them I live next door to the world's tallest tower. It's a monument they watch on TV and cannot believe that for me, it's my everyday reality."

This summer, Emaar Hospitality Group is offering guests at The Address Hotels + Resorts in Dubai as well as Southern Sun's Al Manzil and Qamardeen hotels and the Nuran Serviced Residences with value summer packages that provide access to the city's premier leisure attractions as well as shopping vouchers.

Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group is scouting for partners to make its India foray. The company plans to bring in its five star hotel brand ‘The Address’ in the Indian market. “We are at discussion stage with some companies,” Marc Francois-Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality told Business Standard.

Designer properties seem appropriate for Dubai, where retail is the main tourist attraction and the skyline blazes with neon logos, but they will soon be appearing in a number of other locations. Next spring Bulgari will open a new hotel in London that will include one penthouse and six other residences, and Armani has plans to open two further hotel-residential complexes in Marrakech and Marassi by 2013.

Armani Hotel Dubai, designed by Giorgio Armani and situated in Burj Khalifa, is hosting culinary master classes led by expert chefs that allow participants to experience the eminent hospitality standards set by this iconic hotel. Armani Hotel Dubais team of chefs from Armani/Ristorante, Armani/Amal and Armani/Hashi will share their expertise, creating signature Italian, Indian and Japanese delicacies with the participating enthusiasts. The dishes will be prepared for serving to hotel guests, thus ensuring that the highest standards adhered to by the hotel are shared with those taking part in the classes.

First Class passengers will enjoy a free two-night stay at either The Armani Hotel located in Burj Khalifa or Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, located on the Palm Island. Business Class passengers will receive complimentary premium accommodation at The Address Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. A 96-hour visa for single or double occupancy is also included.