TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Somewhere Barsha Heights, located strategically near the business district in Dubai and close to the metro station, has completed one successful year of operation. Abdullatif Kabbara, General Manager, Somewhere Hotels, tells TravTalk about the hotel’s plans and future course of action.
Q What are the latest plans of Somewhere hotel for the summer?
Somewhere Hotels will be welcoming diners to break their fast this Ramadan with a lavish buffet as well as their Suhour at NAY Restaurant, Barsha Heights. Available for AED99 per person, from sunset to 9:00 pm, the Iftar buffet would comprise a variety of dishes across multiple courses and from hot and cold sections. NAY Restaurant, Somewhere Hotel Barsha Heights will also be offering guests Suhour daily from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Patrons would be able to enjoy signature dishes from the a la carte menu, which would host a selection of appetizers, soups, salads and main courses. Live entertainment will include a traditional Arabic Oud player throughout the evening.
Q Are there any special MICE activities for agents during this period?
In order to promote our brand, we keep organising familiarisation trips and host accommodation for bookers from different parts of the world so that they are able to experience our facilities. This summer too we would be following the same path.
Q It has been nearly a year since Somewhere Barsha Heights opened. How has the first year been?
The first year has enabled us to streamline our operations and position ourselves in the market. The figures have been in line with what we anticipated for room occupancy, but there was a constant pressure on average rates due to market over supply.
Q Could you share the type of travellers that the property attracts and from which countries they hail from?
Our main categories of guests include solo travellers, couples and corporate professionals primarily from the GCC region, although we attract guests from some European countries as well.
Q Do share the many programmes implemented for the ‘millennials’ by the property.
The focus on living healthier lifestyles has become quite popular in the last couple of years. For millennials who wish to keep up with their workout sessions, we offer a wellness programme through our gym and pool facilities. We also offer a food and beverage loyalty programme at our NAY Lebanese Restaurant. Social media is a huge component of the lives of millennials today and will continue to influence the way people go about their day-to-day schedules. Somewhere Hotels embraces social media platforms in ways that allow us to connect with guests on a more personal level. Presently, we are working on an overall loyalty programme for Somewhere Hotels that will be rolled out in the near future.
Q Technology now plays a pivotal role in travel, tourism and hospitality; how has Somewhere Hotel responded to this new trend?
Somewhere Hotels’ success comes from significant investment in two priority areas: technology and human capital. Technology is an area where, if you constantly invest and innovate, you strengthen yourself to compete with bigger and more established brands. The most exciting project we will soon undertake is placing kiosk check-in robots in the lobby. They will be similar to the kiosk concept at the airports but slightly different, having a more interactive design.
Q Do you have any special incentives for agents, bookers etc.?
Based on the frequency of transactions with various clients, we offer various discounts which can be utilised at the facilities of our hotel. The percentage of OTA business is 40 per cent.
