Free four-day visas during transit in Qatar
Travellers transiting through Doha with a minimum five-hour layover can now receive a free, 96-hour visa granting them entry to Qatar for up to four days. Previously, travellers with at least an eight-hour layover could enter the country for up to 48 hours. The visa, which is designed to boost tourism in the country, is available on arrival at the airport with proof of an onward journey and is open to all passengers of all nationalities. A similar system was introduced in the UAE last year. Residents of GCC countries not transiting and whose final destination is Qatar will still be required to pay a 100 Qatari rials (Dh101) visa fee on arrival; this is a single-entry visa valid for one month. Those only transiting in Doha but not leaving the airport do not need a visa.
New Rotana opens its doors in Jeddah
The UAE hotel chain Rotana has opened a new hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Centro Shaheen has 252 rooms, a gym, swimming pool, all-day-dining restaurant, sushi bar and deli. Rooms cost from 612 Saudi riyals (Dh599) per night, including taxes, but excluding breakfast. For more information, visit www.rotana.com.
Sri Lanka gets its second Anantara
Anantara has opened a second hotel in Sri Lanka: the Anantara Kalutara Resort. While the company opened the Anantara Peace Haven Resort, near Tangalle, earlier this year, the Kalutara property is in a busier location on the coast, an hour's drive south of Colombo. The resort has 141 rooms, suites and pool villas, a spa, two outdoor swimming pools, beach access, a watersports centre, three restaurants and a gym. Rooms cost from Dh938 per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.kalutara.anantara.com.
Extra value European offers from Jumeirah
Until the end of October, travellers spending two or more nights at Jumeirah's properties in London, Frankfurt, Mallorca, Istanbul, Bodrum or Baku can get more included in their stay. The "Taste of Europe" packages include free tickets to cultural attractions, breakfast for two, late check-out and a €50 (Dh206) credit for restaurants or spa treatments. A two-night stay in London costs from Dh1,500 per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com/en/offers/a-taste-of-europe.
New Four Seasons in New York
New York City got its second Four Seasons hotel this week with the opening of the new Four Seasons New York Downtown in Lower Manhattan. The new tower at 27 Barclay Street contains 189 rooms and suites, a spa, indoor pool, fitness centre and a Wolfgang Puck restaurant. Rooms cost from US$1,053 (Dh3,867) per night, including taxes. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com.
rbehan@thenational.ae
