Extended reach

When one thinks of the hotel market in the UAE, and particularly in Dubai, the first word that springs to mind is definitely not undersupply.

But a closer examination reveals that in the extended stay segment, particularly in the lower to midscale price points, there is actually a lack of inventory and an interesting opportunity for developers.

The Dubai hotel scene has evolved considerably from the time when it seemed every single project was trying to “out luxury” the next, and the variety on offer is now impressive. As we found on our recent trip to Dubai for Serviced Apartment Summit MEA, there is a strong appetite for limited service design-focused hotels such as our host property Rove Dubai Marina. Other brands such as Trypp by Wyndham and Studio One are meeting a similar need.

Wyndham’s VP development for the region Panos Loupasis says there is an opportunity for extended stay flags to diversify in to the lower price points in Dubai. Upscale branded residences abound but this market has potential for the extended stay offer to broaden in the same manner that the wider hotel sector has. Click here to hear more from Loupasis in a video interview conducted at the Summit.