Fashion man Armani to open ultra-luxury hotel in Dubai

Joining other fashion houses in entering the 'boutique' hotel business, Italian brand Giorgio Armani SpA has announced the opening of its first hotel, in Dubai on 18 March. The ultra-luxury hotel will be housed in the world's tallest building – the just-opened Burj Khalifa, earlier known as the Burj Dubai.

The luxe label, which is still managed by its founder Giorgio Armani, currently runs a variety of fashion lines as well as home accessory boutiques, spas, and cafés. Armani now joins the likes of Versace, Christian Lacroix, and Missoni, which have all opened fashion hotels in the past, with the latter planning openings in Brazil and South Africa.

Reports say that the Armani Dubai Hotel will cover 432,000 sq ft, with 160 guest rooms and suites and 144 private residences, and will be furnished with Armani's Casa line. According to Vogue UK, a swimming pool will be located on the 76th floor, for a dip with quite a view.

Bookings for Armani's first hotel will be accepted from late January, but eager travellers can already register online to receive updates on the hotel and its special offers.

Armani plans more hotels in Milan, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and London, although no dates have been specified at this point. The first Armani Resort is due to open in Marrakech, while 'Residency Villas' are under way in Marassi (Egypt). Overall, Armani "plans to open at least ten hotels and resorts within the next ten years", the company said in a statement.

The Armani Hotel Dubai has been built in collaboration with Emaar Properties, the state-owned Gulf developer that built the Khalifa tower. Eemar will also partner Armani in its other hotel projects.