JEDDAH: The M?venpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah, in the first year of its operations, gained the most business from the "group" category of travelers. With groups occupying 80 percent of the hotel's room nights, M?venpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah has bolstered its food and beverage offerings to best service this customer segment. "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 M?venpick 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." Under 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 personalized service offerings and special activities designed to cater to families and kids. 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. Al Diwan – Tea lounge offers oven fresh pastries, breads, cakes with the seating capacity to cater 180 guests besides it is offering M?venpick Ice Cream, Swiss Chocolates and M?venpick Coffee and refreshments. In addition, plans are afoot to offer several innovative Umrah packages. "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.
