Hilton Worldwide has entered into a new agreement with Al Habtoor Group for three hotels in the Middle East; two in Beirut, Lebanon, and one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The deal marks Hilton's first move into the Lebanon market with the conversion of the 195-bedroom Habtoor Grand and the 183-bedroom Metropolitan Palace in the heart of Beirut.
Both the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and the Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace will be run under the Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand and are expected to open in early 2012.
Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand will feature two swimming pools; three restaurants; two bars; a fitness suite; and one of the region's largest spas at 3,500sq m (37,674sq ft).
The property's Elixir Spa is spread across three floors, with the second floor including heat cabins; hydro spas; snow rooms; heated lounges; fog showers and relaxation areas.
An extensive range of face and body treatments are on offer on the third floor, while the spa also includes a yoga pavilion; a sun deck; Volcano steamrooms; and a beauty salon.
Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace will feature a health club; a swimming pool; two bars; and four restaurants, as well as extensive meeting and function space.
Meanwhile, Dubai is now in line to get its first Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts property as a result of the agreement between Hilton Worldwide and Al Habtoor Group.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah will incorporate a large health club and spa; a private beach; two bars; four signature restaurants; and a 600-capacity ballroom.
Image: Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace - (c) 2011 Hilton Hotels and Resorts
