Media Rotana, a strategically located five-star hotel in Dubai’s bustling Barsha Heights district, has just opened its brand-new, exclusive-use lounge – Club Rotana, offering guests a more private and elevated experience.
We spoke to Sherif Madkour, General Manager of Media Rotana, to learn about the hotel’s recent and ongoing renovation programme, sustainability practices and his advice for new general managers. “Media Rotana enjoys a prime location in Dubai, offering easy access to key business districts, as well as popular leisure attractions and shopping malls. Our 537 modern and spacious rooms and suites, each equipped with the latest technology and amenities, welcome guests from around the globe. And now, for a more elevated experience, guests can opt for the Club Rotana rooms and enjoy exclusive benefits such as lounge access throughout their stay.” Media Rotana’s culinary offerings cater to diverse tastes, with five specialty restaurants serving Italian, British, and international cuisine. The hotel has ever-popular outlets such as Nelson, a British pub with a sports bar and restaurant, and Prego’s, a speciality Italian restaurant known for its high-quality food and creative Tuscan-inspired menu. Channels is the all-day dining restaurant with an impressive offering of iftars every year. For guests who would like to meet with friends, family or business associates, Connexions Lobby Lounge is the perfect choice. While, the outdoor lounge bar, The Terrace, serves a delectable selection of light meals, refreshments and shisha. Media Rotana also offers a range of leisure facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a swimming pool, temperature controlled outdoor jacuzzi and a kids’ club. With its convenient location, near the metro station, Mall of the Emirates, JBR and Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, as well as the newly refurbished luxury accommodations and diverse amenities, Media Rotana is the ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers, Madkour tells us. “The hotel caters to a diverse market segment, including leisure, group business, MICE, and long-term stays.” Media Rotana has 537 rooms and 16 meeting rooms, making it attractive for large groups and corporate events. The hotel even offers free shuttle transportation services to various attractions in Dubai as well. while the property is very well connected, you don’t have to venture out of the premises for quality conveniences such as beauty salon, barber services, grocery store and the like. Over the years, Media Rotana has built strong partnerships with local government entities, civic associations, and hospitals for supporting corporate social responsibility activities. The hotel’s go green initiative has achieved a 50 per cent saving in waste management year on year, an achievement that Madkour is very proud of. Media Rotana follows strict environmental and safety regulations, including HACCP requirements. “The ongoing renovations and software innovations in the hotel, have included upgrades to curtains, upholstery, flooring and TVs. The renovations are being done floor by floor to minimise disruption, with all the outdoor areas already refreshed. The hotel aims to enhance the guest experience by providing additional services and improving existing facilities,” he explains. Madkour believes in empowering people and not micromanaging, allowing team members to take ownership and make decisions. The success of the hotel is attributed to the dedication and hard work of the team, with open communication and collaboration being key. He believes in rewarding team members for their efforts and ensuring they feel valued and appreciated. The hotel’s leadership style fosters a positive and supportive work environment, where team members feel motivated and inspired to excel. Madkour has over three decades of experience in hospitality, having started his career in Germany and the UK. In 2000, when he moved to the UAE, he worked with Hilton and Hyatt prior to joining Rotana in 2005. During his extensive tenure with the brand, he has worked at various properties, including Sharjah Rotana and Rimal Rotana. He also led the successful pre-opening of Centro Al-Barsha. Madkour’s advice to newly appointed general managers is simple, yet profound: “You have to be good listeners and really listen. Hospitality is not a one-man show, you need your team to succeed, and you are always going to be only as good as your team. “Finally, hang in there – if you really love what you’re doing and give it your 100 per cent, you will eventually see results,” says Madkour.