World's first Armani Hotel opens in Dubai

The 160 rooms and 144 private residences were announced to be ready for occupancy following the opening on Tuesday, which was delayed by a few days. The hotel and residences occupy floors concourse to 16 and 38 and 39 of the world's tallest tower and have been designed by Armani himself.

"It was marvelous to see how the project in Dubai came to life after five years of hard work," the Italian based designer said at the launch. Armani said his company would, in partnership with Dubai-based Emaar Properties, open 10 more such hotels over the next 10 years.

"I am thrilled to open the doors," he said. Opening of the Dubai hotel was scheduled for September 2009, which was then rescheduled for the end of last year. That date too was not met and April 21 was set as the new date. The volcanic eruption in Iceland and the resultant flight disruptions forced another delay to April 27.

The hotel is a joint venture between Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Khalifa, and Giorgio Armani. It will also have a nightclub called the Armani Prive, a spa, an Armani Dolci confectionery store and an Armani Galleria.

Armani said his Armani Hotels and Resorts Group will target Milan as the next venue of an Armani Hotel, followed by Marrakech, Egypt, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and London. Room rates at the Armani Hotel start at 4,000 dirhams (USD 1,089) per night.