A top executive for New Jersey based Windham Hotels and Resorts said they will introduce their global brand portfolio to the Middle East soon. President and chief executive of the hotel group, Eric Danziger, said they have an aggressive strategy for the Middle East and Asia. Earlier in the week the company announced it will open a 12th Ramada in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and signed an agreement for a new hotel in Qatar. Yesterday the Ramada Downtown Burj Dubai hotel opened for business.
Mr. Danziger said Windham Hotels and Resorts will bring its five star brand to the region with the first hotel opening in Riyadh by 2011. He said “There are nine other mid-scale brands we can concentrate on to hopefully introduce into the region. Days Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Microtel –these are just some of our labels that could fit the market.” The company now owns 11 hotel brands and 7,040 properties around the world. Ramada is their most prominent property in the GCC.
Tall and triple roofed, this temple sits at what once was the site of the ancient city during the Licchavi period (during the 4th and 8th centuries). This temple is a Shiva one as specified by the bull on the steps and the mildly erotic carvings on the temple struts. To the west of the temple you’ll find the Ram Chandra Temple, named after Ram – an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the Hindu e...
This is another remnant of the Portuguese occupation of Muscat and has been recently restored. It is a sight to behold, especially at night, when it is illuminated amidst the fountains that dot the surrounding area. The climb up is worth the energy, as tourists are treated to a beautiful view of the sea. Stairs to reach the tower can be accessed from behind Al-Inshirah Restaurant. Timings: Da...
Address: Paseo El Calvario, Urbanización El Silencio, Caracas Timings: open daily 7am to 10pm Go for stroll though these lush gardens containing an enchanting chapel and a brilliant white stone arch, all of which were built to emulate the city of Paris. The park contains classical elements out of the gardens at Versailles, including delicate metalwork benches, gazebos, statues of eminent p...
This synagogue is the largest outside of New York City and can seat 3000 worshippers in its Romantic and Moorish style prayer area. Built in 1859, it has been renovated over the years; in an annexe you’ll find the Jewish Museum (342 8949, VII Dohany utca 2) which has objects related to Jewish religious and general culture. Amongst the items is a handwritten book of the local Burial Society, circa ...