Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah has bolstered its food and beverage offerings to focus on the ‘group’ segment, which occupied 80 per cent of the hotel’s room nights during its first year of operations.

“This year, our cuisine will take center stage. We plan to hold a year-round new gastronomy concept across all our restaurants showcasing different international and local cuisines,” said Omar Boujlid, general manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah.

“Last year saw higher demand for Arabic and Oriental cuisine, as well as Asian food, which reflects the makeup of nationalities we host as guests in our hotel. We are well-equipped to cater for an international range of cuisines for both 'group' or 'individual' guest requirements.”

As per the 2011 plan, the hotel, which was recently rated in the 5-star category by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), will line up a year-long exotic food festival themed Flavours of the World and provide customized services to guests.

This will be coupled with personalised service offerings and special activities designed to cater to families and kids.

The hotel’s Al Nasim restaurant offers an all-day buffet, targeting smaller groups of guests while Al Firdous 1 & 2 and Al Naeem restaurants cater to larger groups, a statement said.

Al Diwan – Tea lounge offers oven fresh pastries, breads, cakes with the seating capacity to cater 180 guests, while also offering Mövenpick ice cream, Swiss chocolates and Mövenpick coffee and refreshments, it added.

“We want to make it easier for worshippers to complete their Umrah rituals comfortably throughout the year. For this, we have made available particular amenities and services for 'Short Umrah Breaks,' as well as offerings for families that include a special children's menu designed for children’s entertainment,” said Boujlid.

In 2011, the hotel intends to give away two nights for free, with a minimum booking of seven nights. In addition, guests could get the added value of a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, based on availability, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service