25hours Hotel Dubai One Central...

James Berry brings nearly three decades of luxury hospitality experience

Ennismore lifestyle brand 25hours Hotel has appointed James Berry as General Manager of 25hours Hotel One Central in Dubai.

In his new role, Berry will oversee the 434-room UAE-based hotel, which is the brand’s first property in the Middle East and the largest 25hours Hotel in the world.

Known for its playful approach, 25hours celebrates individuality and creativity, with the Dubai outpost blending ancient Bedouin traditions with modern life, and featuring rooms uniquely designed by 200 artists, as well as five restaurants, a rooftop spa and experiences rooted in local culture.

“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a brand that thrives on originality and bold ideas,” said Berry. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to build on the hotel’s success and craft unforgettable experiences for our guests in the heart of Dubai’s dynamic business and cultural hub.”

Medium Bedouin Room, 25hours Hotel Dubai

Berry, a UK national, brings nearly three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, with particular expertise in fostering employee engagement, improving guest satisfaction and elevating hotel performance.

Over the last 20 years, he has held multiple GM roles across global hospitality brands, such as Accor, Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group, leading operations at properties including iconic London hotel, The Cumberland, as well as the Sofitel London hotels at Heathrow and Gatwick.

More recently as Cluster GM at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City and Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City, Berry successfully relaunched and refurbed F&B venue Icon, launched Jones The Grocer Express and received a special commendation award from the Dubai Police for the hotel’s services to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tolga Lacin, COO at Ennismore Lifestyle Collective said Berry’s "strategic vision" and dedication to delivering exceptional, personalised guest experiences would be “invaluable as we continue to push boundaries and innovate”.

Berry’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Ennismore in the region, with plans for three hotels in Saudi, one in UAE capital Abu Dhabi and two in Egypt, including brands Rixos, Mondrian and SLS.

Slated to open in 2025, the Mondrian Abu Dhabi will feature 300 accommodations, while SLS Red Sea will offer pool villas and a championship 18-hole golf course and Rixos Obhur Jeddah Resort and Villas will be the first all-inclusive, family-friendly lifestyle concept and beach resort in the heart of Obhur, Jeddah’s scenic waterfront destination.

Currently operating 17 hotels globally, from Jakarta to Copenhagen, the 25hours brand is set to open its second Middle East property in Trojena, Neom’s year-round global mountain destination in the Tabuk province of Saudi.

For more information, visit ennismore.com and 25hours-hotels.com/dubai/one-central, and bookmark Connecting Travel's Ennismore hub, www.connectingtravel.com/ennismore

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