Switzerland-based hospitality group Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts is to open a new 1,487-bedroom property in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this summer.

It is the operator's first property in the Middle East and will welcome guests from the first day of the month-long religious festival of Ramadan, which this year starts on 20 July.

One of the largest hotels in Saudi Arabia, Swissôtel Makkah will offer bedrooms that either overlook the holy city or the Kaaba, the Islamic faith's most sacred site.

A signature restaurant and the Café Swiss casual dining eatery will also be on offer as part of the property. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city of Mecca.

Swissôtel president Meinhard Huck said: "We anticipate Swissôtel Makkah to be the preferred destination not only for pilgrims and Umra performers but also for business travellers, who will be visiting the holy city of Mecca."

Mecca is the Islamic faith's holiest city and welcomes millions of Muslim people each year for the Hajj, a pilgrimage that all able believers must make at least once during their life.

Details: www.swissotel.com (Swissôtel Makkah)
Details: www.wikipedia.org (Mecca)