Spanish-based Barceló Hotel Group has announced plans to expand into the UAE with the opening of two new properties and seven more in the pipeline.

A family run business with over 85 years of history, Barceló Hotel Group operates more than 230 hotels under four brands in 22 countries worldwide. The brands include Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts and Allegro Hotels.

The group recently unveiled The Barcelo Residences Dubai Marina hotel, located on the south side of the Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai, and The Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel, which was previously Sharjah Grand Hotel. The alcohol-free property recently completed renovation and was rebranded under the group's Occidental brand.

Jaime Buxó, chief development officer of Barceló Hotel Group, said: "We are seeing that the Barceló Hotel Group is being widely welcomed along with its hotel brands thanks to the group’s values, which many Emirate businesses share, such as being a family-owned business with more than 80 years of history in the tourism industry, its solidity, and its flexible and personalised approach to the goals it sets."

"We are currently negotiating and looking forward to signing contracts for seven hotels in the Emirates between now and the end of 2018," he said.

The Barcelo Residences Dubai Marina caters to families, couples and friends, offering 220 modern, stylish apartments. The luxury hotel has facilities including an outdoor swimming, a hot tub, and a modern fitness centre. Located next to the Dubai Marina Mall, guests will have access to a number of popular locations in the emirate.

The family-friendly Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel boasts a private beach and 217 guest rooms with private balconies. Facilities at the beachfront hotel include a fitness centre, wellness centre and massage parlour, a kids’ club, a waterslide, a sun terrace, meeting rooms and a business centre. Guests can enjoy international buffet dining and a la carte cuisine at the alcohol-free Al Meena restaurant. - TradeArabia News Service