Neal Ungerleider, whose blog at the excellent True/Slant is called Falafel Mafia, reports that Movenpick is about to open a branch of its luxury hotel chain in Ramallah.
Excerpt:
Currently, the Ramallah hotel scene is a mix of homegrown properties
catering to the constant influx of United Nations and NGO employees
into town. They also have a sideline in serving business travelers. Due
to the time-consuming roadblocks that are a persistent feature in
Palestinian life, travel in the West Bank (approximately the size of
northern New Jersey) can be extremely lengthy. However, the depressed
Palestinian economy makes it impossible for all but the rich and
upper-middle class to afford regular hotel stays. When traveling in the
West Bank, most overnight stays are made at the homes of friends and
family. For this reason, Ramallah's hotels cater towards foreign trade.
Nonetheless, most high end hotel rooms in Ramallah go for ~US$100
nightly - a far cry from the standard prices of the first world.
Ramallah currently hosts several luxury and upscale hotels such as the Royal Courts Suites and the Grand Park. None of them are chains, although there is the charmingly named Best Eastern Hotel.
The Movenpick project is opening after a staggering nine year delay.
Construction was previously placed on hold due to both the Second
Intifada and financial problems among investors.
Click here to read the whole thing.
Posted
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12 Nov 2009 10:31 AM
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