Dubai's New Armani Hotel Opening Postponed to April 22

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(DUBAI, UAE) -- No one can tell just by looking up at the Burj Khalifa why the Armani Hotel opening is delayed, but according to a report in The National newspaper the world's first Armani Hotel won't be opening on March 18 as previously announced. The launch ceremony is now scheduled for April 22 with hotel guests being admitted two days later.

See related prior stories on REAL ESTATE CHANNEL:

• Armani Dubai Hotel Set to Open March 18th in Burj Khalifa Tower (February 3, 2010)
• First Armani Hotel Opens March 18 in Burj Dubai (January 4, 2010) 

Neither hotel management nor Emaar Properties, the developer, was willing to explain the reason for the delay. Last month the observation deck on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa was suddenly declared off limits to visitors, allegedly for maintenance. It has not yet come back into service as a tourist attraction, and no one has been told why.

The Armani Hotel is on floors 1-8 and 38-39 of the tallest building in the world. The 160 rooms were designed by Giorgio Armani. The tower also includes 150 apartments that are due to be available to the buyers before the hotel opens.

Emaar Properties and the Giorgio Armani company agreed to establish Armani Hotels and Resorts in 2005. The Dubai Armani is to be the first of 10. The second Armani Hotel is planned for Milan, Italy, home of the Armani company, and also due to open in 2010. Additional hotels and resorts are scheduled for New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, and London.

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