In a glittering ceremony at Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Raffles Makkah Palace was crowned Middle East's Leading Luxury Hotel by the World Travel Awards, the travel industry's version of the Oscars.
Votes were cast online by over 213,000 travel professionals around the world, from over 160 participating countries, who distinguished Raffles Makkah Palace above all others in the Middle East.
This year, the only 10 months old hotel, Raffles Makkah Palace was nominated for the first time in the category of Middle Easts Leading Luxury Hotel, following its successful opening in August last year.
Winning this Award after less than one year in operation, Raffles Makkah Palaces dedication to impeccable service has quickly given the hotel an established, eminent name in the Middle East hospitality industry.
"It is an honor to be named Middle Easts Leading Luxury Hotel", said Mohammed Arkobi, Vice President and Managing Director for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Makkah, "We are very proud to be the standard-bearer for hotels in the Middle East, and this award represents the culmination of our tireless efforts to provide the highest levels of the luxury hospitality and excellence while constantly seeking to surpass our own achievements."
Khaled Yamak, Group Director of Communications and Business Development, added: The win is particularly significant as travel industry professionals around the world have voted, carrying global recognition of our well-deserved reputation as the top luxury property in the Middle East.
Raffles Makkah Palace is located on the holiest city on earth, for approximately 1.6 billion Muslims, in the spectacular new Abraj Al Bait complex, featuring 209 suites with breathtaking views of the Grand Mosque and Kaaba.
Personal butlers exemplify heartfelt service to anticipate the needs of guests who opt for any of the signature, presidential or royal suites. The Hotel is only steps away from the Holy Mosque and offers easy access to King Abdulaziz Gate, the main entrance to the Grand Mosque.
The design of the hotel offers a residential feel with enchanting private spaces. Guests are introduced to an ambiance created with magnificent touches of local art, architecture and culture.
For business needs, a fully equipped business center features a gracious reception hall and a library containing more than 2000 Islamic books, in addition to five private meeting rooms and secretarial services.
Residents of Palace will be tempted to enjoy the exciting dining experiences offered, Al Qaser for Eastern, western and international favorites. The Narjes Tea Lounge presents its patrons with gourmet teas, coffees and freshly baked produce while Al Majlis takes its guests on a culinary tour of Levantine specialties from Lebanon, Turkey and Syria.
For lovers of sweets, The Creamery is a must with its custom-made Teppanyaki Ice cream served indoors or outside on the Terrace, overlooking the Grand Mosque.
The World Travel Awards was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the global travel and tourism industry and is regarded as the highest achievement a travel product could ever hope to receive. It has been described by Wall Street Journal as the OSCARs of the travel and tourism industry.
