Armani opens first design hotel in March

(AFP PHOTO/MARWAN NAAMANI)

Italian fashion brand Armani has announced the opening of its first hotel in Dubai for March 18.

The luxe label, which is still managed by its founder Giorgio Armani and currently runs a variety of fashion lines as well as home accessory boutiques, spas, and cafés, has chosen the just opened Burj Khalifa (formerly Burj Dubai) - the world's largest tower - to host its first venture into hospitality.

More hotels are planned for 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 underway in Marassi (Egypt). Overall, Armani "plans to open at least ten hotels and resorts within the next ten years," according to a statement.

The brand 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.

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

http://www.armanihotels.com