Dubai's Layia puts two hotel projects on hold

Dubai-based Layia Hospitality has put its only two upcoming hotels, the Layia Dahlia Hotel and the Layia Orchid Hotel, on hold. “The projects in the pipeline are on hold under careful study and consideration for the time being,” Mohamed Awadalla, area vice president, Layia Hospitality told Hotelier Middle East. The 114-room Layia Orchid Hotel in Dubai had been due to open in the first quarter of 2011 while the 240-room Layia Dahlia Hotel, also in Dubai, was expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2012. The hotel management firm founded by Daniel Hajjar currently operates five hotels in Dubai and one in Sharjah. “I am pleased to highlight that our existing properties have witnessed successful operations in 2011. Layia’s brand awareness has soared high lately due to the leadership skills of its executives and the dedication of its team members. “We are currently exerting great efforts to maintain guest loyalty and expanding our customer base,” Awadalla said.