Mövenpick Hotel Offers 1,000 Jobs

Accra is gradually becoming the economic hub of West Africa following the official opening of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel by Vice President John Mahama and the Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed on Monday.

The hotel, according to Mr Mahama, offers 300 direct and over 1,000 indirect jobs and contains 260 rooms. It blends every aspect of 21st century excellence alongside original artwork from contemporary Ghanaian artists with stunning wooden carvings of animals, artifacts and design features. The lobby’s striking chandelier and the rich hues and colours of the hotel’s tapestries and paintings evoke the magic and mystery of West African culture.

This spellbinding collection of over 1,500 pieces of art adds to the unique quality of the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra. Many works have been lovingly restored from the days of the old hotel and are displayed in the main lobby and behind the reception area.

The collection includes an impressive portrait of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, dating back to 1956, while two large murals splendidly displayed at either end of the ballroom also maintain the link with the hotel’s heritage.

The originals were painted by the distinguished artist Kofi Antubam, one of the founders of Ghana’s National School of Painting, who inspired the painstaking reproductions created for the hotel by his students.

Originally built and presented as a gift by the United Kingdom to Ghana after gaining independence in 1957, the completely rebuilt Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra is ideally located downtown in the central business district, close to government ministries, major financial institutions, Accra International Conference Centre, and only seven kilometers from Kotoka International Airport.

Each room has at least two original paintings by local artists and the corridors on each floor feature works from more of Ghana’s prominent artists. All the hotel rooms are spacious and contemporary and designed to deliver a restful stay and a comfortable work environment with a large desk, free high-speed Internet and a 40-inch LCD TV.

Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra also features 61 Executive Club rooms with their exclusive dedicated 24-hour Club Lounge, 15 junior suites and a palatial 350-square-meter presidential suite, all overlooking the pool and gardens.

The Club Lounge’s exclusive benefits include express check-in and check-out at the Lounge reception desk; complimentary private use of the board room for three hours per stay, and complimentary pressing of two items on arrival. Club floor rooms include DVD players with access to the DVD library and an extended range of luxury designer bathroom accessories.

Mövenpick Hotel Accra offers its own sublime escape from the bustle of city life. The 16 acres of lush landscaped gardens give the hotel a resort-like feel and include the largest swimming pool in Ghana – so large that the staff serves poolside guests on roller blades to ensure the drinks stay perfectly chilled.

Jean Gabriel Pérès, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts said: “Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra is a shining example of expanding our portfolio internationally and regionally with upscale city-center hotels in vibrant urban locations.

“We have overwhelming confidence in the region both for business and for its fledgling tourist industry and are committed to developing more hotels in strategic locations on the African continent.” On his part, the hotel’s General Manager, Stuart Chase said: “We are very excited with the hotel opening.

“Now with the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, we blend the warmth of West African culture with the quality, reliability and the personalized service that Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts offer.”

Vice President John Mahama advised the workers to work hard and contribute their quota to its development.

Leisure facilities of the hotel include two floodlit tennis courts, jogging track, and a health and fitness center offering cardio and weight training, sauna and massage rooms.