🏨 1. Introduction
Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group is a dynamic and fast-growing mid-market hotel brand that offers vibrant simplicity, exceptional hospitality, and real value for money. As a subsidiary of the Landmark Group—one of the largest and most diversified retail and hospitality conglomerates in the Middle East—Citymax has become a recognizable name in the region’s hospitality sector. The brand focuses on budget-conscious travelers who do not want to compromise on comfort, quality, or style.
Designed to cater to millennials, business travelers, families, and tourists alike, Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group offers stylish rooms, round-the-clock service, and an exciting array of dining and entertainment options. With several award-winning properties across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group has grown into a formidable force in the mid-scale hotel segment.
This comprehensive article explores the growth, locations, venues, and unique appeal of Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group. We’ll dive deep into its food and nightlife offerings, guest services, awards, and future expansions, and explain how the brand is redefining hospitality in the region.
🌍 2. Brand Heritage & Positioning
2.1 Origins & Growth
Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group was launched in 1998 under the broader umbrella of the Landmark Group. The intention was to offer an affordable, comfortable, and stylish accommodation solution that aligns with the group’s retail ethos, providing quality at unbeatable prices. With decades of expertise in consumer-centric services, the Landmark Group quickly established Citymax Hotels as a reliable choice for modern travelers.
Citymax began with a modest presence but has expanded its footprint across the UAE and into neighboring countries. Its focus on combining functionality with flair has allowed the brand to grow even in competitive urban hubs like Dubai and Riyadh. The chain has maintained steady growth, thanks to its agile business model and continual reinvestment in property upgrades and guest experiences.
2.2 Brand Identity
“Vibrant Simplicity” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the core of the Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group identity. The brand appeals to younger, tech-savvy travelers who appreciate affordability without sacrificing ambiance and modern convenience. The brand’s refreshed logo and visual identity, launched in 2021, reflect this youthful and energetic ethos, emphasizing bold color palettes, interactive communal spaces, and Instagram-worthy designs. Each Citymax hotel is designed to be lively, social, and full of life.
By aligning itself with a vibrant lifestyle approach, Citymax stands apart from its more traditional mid-market competitors. With personalized service, contemporary interiors, and tech-enabled rooms, Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group aims to offer more than just a bed—it delivers an experience.
📍 3. Current Locations Overview
Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group currently operates eight hotels, strategically located in urban centers and emerging tourist destinations. Each location reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible luxury and community-centered hospitality.
- Citymax Hotel Al Barsha, Dubai (3★) — Located near Mall of the Emirates, this hotel caters to shopping enthusiasts and families.
- Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai (3★) — A favorite among business travelers and budget tourists.
- Citymax Hotel Sharjah (3★) — Serving the cultural heart of the UAE.
- Citymax Hotel Ras Al Khaimah (3★) — Nestled in a growing tourism hotspot.
- Citymax Hotel Business Bay, Dubai (4★ flagship) — The crown jewel of the brand with premium amenities.
📌 3.1 UAE Properties
Citymax’s presence in Dubai and Sharjah puts it at the heart of the UAE’s tourism and commerce. Al Barsha and Bur Dubai offer easy access to major malls, tourist landmarks, and metro lines. Citymax Sharjah brings affordability to a city known for art, culture, and education, while Ras Al Khaimah offers tranquil retreats with views of the sea and mountains.
📌 3.2 Flagship Hotel – Business Bay
The Business Bay property, opened in 2021, signifies Citymax’s transition into upscale hospitality. This hotel features larger room sizes, upgraded décor, and exclusive amenities like rooftop bars, coworking lounges, and high-end restaurants. It’s a modern, design-forward hotel that appeals to digital nomads and corporate guests.
🍽️ 4. Key Venues: Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife
One of the standout features of Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group is its emphasis on food, beverage, and nightlife. While many mid-market hotels offer limited dining options, Citymax transforms its properties into social hubs with eclectic F&B venues.
4.1 Citycafé – All Day Dining
Citycafé is the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant. With an open kitchen concept and a variety of international cuisines, it’s ideal for business lunches, buffet breakfasts, and family dinners. Many Citycafé outlets also offer themed nights and live cooking stations.
4.2 Lavazza Coffee Shop
This Italian café concept provides gourmet coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go snacks. It serves as a quiet retreat for remote workers and coffee aficionados, with comfortable seating and high-speed Wi-Fi.
4.3 Brew House & Beer Garden
Located in Business Bay, this lively venue is styled like a contemporary rustic pub. Offering live sports, curated cocktails, hearty meals, and even weekend brunches, it attracts both hotel guests and walk-in visitors. Its outdoor beer garden is a rare find in city hotels.
4.4 Sizzling Wok
Sizzling Wok brings pan-Asian flavors to the Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group portfolio. With an open kitchen, bold interiors, and fiery dishes, it’s a favorite for lovers of noodles, sushi, and dumplings.
4.5 Claypot – Fresh Desi Flavours
This restaurant delivers traditional Indian cuisine with modern presentation. Known for its butter chicken, biryani, and regional thalis, Claypot emphasizes taste, ambiance, and affordability.
4.6 The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill
One of the most popular venues at Citymax Hotels, The Huddle is a sports lover’s paradise. With multiple TV screens, live match streaming, happy hour deals, and classic American grill fare, it creates an energetic and communal vibe.
4.7 The Stag Pub
The Stag is styled after classic British pubs with a modern twist. It offers everything from shepherd’s pie and fish & chips to ales and lagers on tap. Its cozy, dimly lit interiors are perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
🛎️ 5. Amenities & Guest Experience
Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group delivers an experience that balances cost-efficiency with modern comforts. Their properties are designed to be intuitive, guest-friendly, and loaded with smart conveniences.
5.1 Room Features
Standard rooms are equipped with high-thread-count bedding, power showers, smart TVs, and multi-device charging hubs. Business Bay rooms add luxe touches like rain showers, blackout curtains, and ergonomic desks. Family-friendly configurations, like triple rooms and pull-out beds, are also available.
5.2 Facilities
Most properties include:
- Rooftop pools
- 24-hour gyms
- Meeting rooms with AV setups
- Concierge and tour desk
- Free high-speed internet
5.3 Loyalty Program
The integration of Shukran loyalty points across hotels and restaurants encourages repeat visits. Guests earn and redeem points across Landmark brands, creating a seamless retail and hospitality ecosystem.
🏆 6. Recognition & Awards
Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group has been recognized repeatedly for excellence in service, cleanliness, and value. Four properties earned Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award, putting them among the top 10% globally. These awards reinforce guest confidence and validate Citymax’s high service standards.
Other accolades include hospitality excellence awards at regional events and sustainability certifications for energy management and waste reduction.
📈 7. Expansion & Future Outlook
With the hospitality sector booming in the Middle East and North Africa, Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group is poised for strategic growth.
7.1 New Markets
Plans include entering Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman with both 3★ and 4★ properties. Talks are also underway for franchising and management contracts in India and Pakistan.
7.2 Citymax Premium
The upcoming “Citymax Premium” sub-brand will focus on 4-star offerings with boutique-level experiences, targeting business districts, airports, and leisure corridors.
7.3 Tech Integration
Digital check-ins, app-based room controls, and AI-driven concierge services are currently being tested in Business Bay before rolling out network-wide.
📌 8. Conclusion
Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group has redefined what mid-scale hospitality can offer. By fusing stylish design, varied F&B offerings, and exceptional service, it stands out as a brand that delivers on both quality and value. From humble beginnings to flagship properties in premium neighborhoods, the brand’s evolution is a testament to its adaptability and relevance.
Whether you’re a business traveler, a family on vacation, or a solo explorer, Citymax Hotels by Landmark Group offers everything you need—and more. With a promising expansion strategy, loyal clientele, and fresh brand identity, the future is undoubtedly bright for this landmark hospitality venture.
🔗 External Links
- Citymax Hotels’ official website
- Landmark Group
- TripAdvisor Awards for Citymax
- Zawya: Landmark Group’s hospitality growth
- Citymax Business Bay
Also Read: Why You Should Live in Sharjah and Work in Dubai: A 2025 Guide for Expats