ACCOMMODATION

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 comprises a business centre covering an area of more than 200 square metres. The centre features a private conference room as well as a pair of boardrooms. Various amenities like audiovisual equipment, IT resources, conference facilities and remote-based lighting fixtures are installed in the rooms.

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.

Following the opening of the Armani Hotel Dubai - located in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building - the 95-room Milan hotel aims to continue Armani's commitment to create a atmosphere conducive to "work, relaxation and pleasure". As such, the hotel boasts a business centre, with conference rooms and IT facilities; a seventh-floor glass restaurant with views of the Duomo; and a eight-floor, panoramic beauty and treatment centre, gym and pool.

After all, Fashion TV will be up against the likes of the new Burj Khalifa Armani hotel, not to mention plans afoot for hotels in Dubai from Elie Saab and Karl Lagerfeld, the latter on Isla Moda, with uniforms designed by Victoria Beckham.

Bassel Al Masri, Senior Sales Director at Ocean View Real Estate, said, "The maintenance fee at Burj Khalifa is Dh55 per sq ft. Owners are happy as long as the rentals cover service charges and their apartments get used. Leaving them unoccupied has its own problems."

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).