12 Nov 2009 10:31 AM



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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.

 

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