Pratibha Bankar was promoted to cluster GM of Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport and Abu Dhabi Capital Centre in 2023. Here, she explains the unique features of an airport hotel.
How does the experience at an airport hotel differ from that of a typical city or resort hotel?
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and as an airport hotel, it remains consistently busy. Typically, guests stay for a short duration, averaging one night while in transit between flights or during a layover. Consequently, the housekeeping team faces the challenge of swiftly turning rooms around to accommodate the high turnover.
Furthermore, we welcome many airline crew members seeking a comfortable rest before their next flight. In the past decade, the airport hotel sold 930,000 room nights, hosting 1,328,000 guests, catering to business and leisure travelers globally. Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport Hotel is committed to responsible business practices. It was Abu Dhabi’s first hotel to secure a two Pearl Green sustainability rating. Additionally, it has taken further green initiatives, including LED lighting, solar panels, water recycling and waste management systems.
How does the hotel create a welcoming atmosphere for transit guests?
For all guests, including transit visitors, Premier Inn offers a warm welcome and exceptional hospitality from arrival. Transit guests can benefit from our complimentary shuttle service from Terminal A directly to the hotel. In addition, we offer free on-site parking for those arriving by car.
We excel in supporting transit guests, providing options for early check-in or late check-out. Our team is always available to answer questions. Moreover, we offer an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Additionally, our various food and beverage outlets, including 24/7 Costa Coffee. Notably, our all-day dining restaurant and room service cater to guests throughout the day and night.
Over the past decade, the hotel has hosted numerous global guests. For instance, we hosted officials from the Crown Prince Court and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.
In what ways does the hotel cater to the demands of short-stay guests?
For short-stay guests, we offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as a free shuttle to local attractions, including The National Aquarium and Yas Island. Housekeeping and maintenance are crucial challenges. However, our dedicated 24-hour team ensures swift responses to guest needs, maintaining rooms to the highest standards.
Over the last decade, the housekeeping team has made up over 1,116,000 comfy beds.
How does the hotel capitalize on its location to offer unique experiences or packages for travelers, such as those arriving for special events or connecting flights?
Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport, we’re an ideal choice for travelers, just a 10-minute drive from Terminal A. We’re also close to Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hubs. Thus, we attract visitors for events such as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, concerts and festivals.
Additionally, our complimentary shuttle service takes guests to Yas Island, Marina Mall, Louvre and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Moreover, we collaborate with Abu Dhabi Tourism to promote local events within the hotel and through guest communications. Notably, with over 25,000 five-star guest reviews, the hotel stands as a preferred choice for travelers.
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