The Kurdish capital city of Erbil has welcomed the latest addition to its skyline with the reopening of the Bristoria Hotel Erbil. Following a recent refurbishment and a new management partnership with Keminski, the hotel began receiving its first guests earlier this week.
Situated within proximity to key areas of the city, the property boasts 118 rooms and suites and aims to offer a seamless blend of comfort and functionality for both business and leisure travelers to Erbil and the wider Kurdistan region.
Food connoisseurs will appreciate the three in-house restaurants, each offering a medley of international and regional cuisines, set against a backdrop of casual ambiance influenced by local products. For business patrons, the hotel features multiple meeting rooms tailored to diverse requirements.
Guests looking for a blend of work and relaxation can take advantage of the hotel’s recreational facilities. A swimming pool, gym with an adjoining sauna, and a healthy juice bar promise a wholesome experience for all.
Bernold Schroeder, CEO of Kempinski Group, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, emphasizing the deep-rooted partnership with the hotel’s owner, Mr. Jawad Al Kassab. Schroeder also remarked on their successful collaboration with Al Kassab in managing two other flagship hotels in Jordan.
Echoing the sentiment, Sebastien Mariette, Kempinski’s Area General Manager Levant, stated that the Bristoria Hotel Erbil aims to redefine convenience for travelers visiting the historic city of Erbil. He also noted that he envisions the hotel as the epitome of excellence, comfort, and efficiency.
With its rich tapestry of history, including attractions like the Kurdish Textile Museum and sprawling green spaces like the Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Erbil offers a unique blend of ancient charm and urban sophistication. And with the addition of the Bristoria Hotel Erbil, visitors now have one more compelling reason to visit and explore this age-old city.
More on Erbil
Erbil is a city with a rich tapestry of history that spans millennia. As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, its roots run deep into antiquity.
Ancient Roots
Erbil’s history stretches back for more than 8,000 years. It has been identified with the ancient city of Arbela, which played a significant role in the Assyrian period. The city was mentioned in Sumerian inscriptions as Urbilum, and it was an important center during the times of the Akkadian and Assyrian empires.
Dominating the city’s skyline is the Erbil Citadel, a fortified settlement that stands atop a mound in the city center. This fortress has been continuously utilized for thousands of years and has served many civilizations that called Erbil home over time. Because of its historical significance, The Erbil Citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
Medieval Beacon
During the medieval period, Erbil was a center for scientific learning and was home to many scholars. It was also during this time, specifically in the 13th century, that Erbil faced devastation from the Mongol invasion.
Modern History
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Erbil has been a focal point of political and economic activities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. With the establishment of the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government in the aftermath of the Gulf Wars, Erbil has become an important administrative and economic hub. Today, Erbil serves as the capital of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq.
A Cultural Melting Pot
Beyond its political and economic roles, Erbil has been a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities over the years and remains so today. The city is home to Kurds, Assyrians, Arabs, Armenians, Turkmens, and several other groups who call this city and this region home – a rich cultural mix is reflected in the city’s architecture, food, and festivals.
In essence, Erbil’s history is a reflection of the broader history of Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of civilization. As a city, Erbil has weathered invasions, upheavals, and changes, yet it remains a vibrant testament to the resilience and diversity of human cultures.
