Shangri-La hotel saves money with online booking

TEKÜN: event planners should not underestimate the potential of Abu Dhabi.

The Shangri-La Qaryat al Beri, Abu Dhabi is set to launch new technology designed to help planners choose the best time for their event, according to budget requirements.

Groups can already make use of a dedicated login ID on the hotel's website with pre-programmed rates and cut-off dates, so all delegates can book online.

"We have a new programme called IDEAS; a yield management system that can create the flexibility that a company needs - based on market trends - that can make predictions and show a greater flexibility to clients in terms of rates," said Levent Tekün, sales and marketing manager, Shangri La Abu Dhabi.

"With this system we will be able to advise event organisers when the best dates are and what would suit them in terms of meeting their budget requirements."

The system monitors the booking trends of the previous year and uses that information to forecast when meetings rates will be low.

"It gives you a good idea of what is happening in the city as well," Tekün added.

The property features one medium-sized ballroom that can seat 300 people for a cocktail reception, and several smaller meetings rooms, including a self contained majilis area for small to mid-sized functions.

"You have the main meeting room, then you have a boardroom to the side, plus a pre-function are and a terrace. Within that there is a buffet set up, butler service if needed, bathrooms and a small kitchen area," Tekün explained.

"Basically a company can go in there at 8am and they don't have to leave until 11 at night. They can hold their meetings and cocktail receptions in one area, so it is a one-stop-shop."

Several outdoor events venues make use of the hotel's location overlooking the Grand Mosque, including a pool deck and The Plaza, which can cater to 300-400 people for product launches or brand promotions, according to Tekün.

The hotel's unique location - "Between the Bridges" - means delegates attending events at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) are only five minutes away from the centre, and 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

"For event planners across the Middle East and in Europe with their eye on this part of the world - they shouldn't underestimate the potential of Abu Dhabi," said Tekün.

"The growth that is happening here is happening at a phenomenal pace and the unique aspect of this emirate is that it is still at its infancy."

The hotel is still in its soft opening phase, but when the project is completed later this year, it will feature 214 rooms, 161 serviced apartments, six stand-alone villas, a small shopping mall in the style of an Arabic souk and the largest stand-alone spa in Abu Dhabi.

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