Dubai opens world’s tallest hotel

The world’s tallest hotel, the 333m-hgh Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, has opened in Dubai.
A soft opening began at the 72-storey, 482-room Rose Rayhaan last week.
The hotel’s architect was Khatib & Alami Group and the contractor was Arabian Contracting Company (ACC).
The Rotana hotel looks set to be overtaken later this year by the Ritz-Carlton, however, which will occupy floors 102 to 118 of the 484m-high International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong later this year.
Both developments will be outdone by the Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Saudi Arabia though. Due to open in the third quarter of 2010, this 76-storey hotel will be 577m high, according to client Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
The Rose Rayhaan is alcohol free and its developers Bonyan International Investment Group say it “complements the Arabian culture”.
Construction began on the tower, which is near Dubai Mall, in 2004.
Omer Z Kaddouri, senior vice president UAE operations for Rotana, said: “Rose Rayhaan is not only the tallest hotel in the world but also the UAE flagship for Rotana’s alcohol-free brand Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts.
“Rotana will be operating 11 hotels in Dubai, with two more scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2010, which will add 547 rooms to Rotana’s inventory in Dubai.
“Rotana currently operates 1,344 rooms just on Sheikh Zayed Road.”

Building.co.uk

Free flowing indulgence at Cinnamon Lakeside

The monthly Wine Buffet is back again

Wining and dining is a favourite past time of many in Colombo, be it for business or social reasons - and what better way to enjoy the best than at a buffet? There are many buffets in town, but one of the most elegant and much-anticipated is the monthly Wine Buffet at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo.
An evening of indulgence, the Wine Buffet brings you a selection of the finest wines from across the globe. The ten red and ten white wines include Torres Gran Vina Sol, RM Cabernet Merlot, Vinfruco Arnis Ruby CA, RM Semillon Chardonnay, WB Red LBL Tram Riesling, Harbord Tendril Shiraz, Yvon Mau Chardonnay, Yvon Mau Sauvignon Blanc, KMV Cathedral Chardonnay, KMV Cathedral Tripych and Stello Dell Poggio Dolcetto, among others. The wines are available in unlimited quantities to tantalise your palate and are accompanied by cheese, crackers, asparagus courtesy Sun Agro, pƒt‚, roasts and vegetables.
This month, the Wine Buffet will be held on Wednesday, 20 January from 7.30-9.30 pm at The Lounge at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. Priced at Rs.2,500 nett per person, this is a mid-week break with a distinct difference, and certainly not to be missed going by the past attendance and great reviews!

Cathay offers fabulous fares

Are you craving for rest and relaxation or simply need a change of atmosphere after the busy season and dream of a fabulous vacation at your own time and pace? Cathay Pacific has the ideal solution for you. Treat yourself to a well-deserved holiday with Cathay’s fantastic fares to Australia and Bangkok. These surprise offers give you the perfect opportunity to indulge yourself in the delightful and diverse attractions and experiences offered by these wonderful destinations.
If you are a serious shopper or seek an escape to savour authentic Thai culinary delights, energetic night life and immerse yourself in a host of fantasies at world class spas in Bangkok, then Cathay Pacific provides the perfect antidote for you to experience all of this with the ‘Fabulous Fare to Bangkok’ offer. Hurry and book your tickets as this special fare is available only till the 25th of January, with travel dates between the 1st and 17th of February.