Seasoned hospitality leader takes the reins at Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City
John Raffoul’s new role at Cheval Collection
Dubai : Cheval Collection, the UK-based, award-winning luxury hospitality company, has appointed John Raffoul as Cluster General Manager for its two serviced hotel apartment properties in Dubai.
With 23 years’ experience in the Middle East hospitality sector, John takes the reins at the award-winning Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City, which have 282 keys between them.
John was previously GM at Cheval Maison The Palm, which opened in 2023. A year later, the property was crowned Best Debut Hotel Apartments*, and has now received the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Cheval Maison Expo City opened in 2024 and took Best Debut Hotel Apartments* title in 2025.
His appointment comes as Cheval Collection embarks on a key phase of growth in the Middle East, with two luxury serviced apartment complexes under construction in Riyadh. The company also recently entered the branded residences sector, choosing the Middle East for its first property: Cheval Residences Dubai Islands.
Nick Pilbeam, Chief Commercial Officer at Cheval Collection, said: “John’s well-deserved appointment is a testament to his skills, performance and unwavering dedication, which are reflected in consistently high ratings in customer feedback and guest satisfaction. John is playing a key role in further elevating our brand, reputation and offering in the Middle East, and as we continue our regional expansion, we are delighted to have him at the helm of our stunning flagship properties at The Palm and Expo City.”
Cheval’s Dubai properties are pet-friendly, conveniently-located with excellent transport links, and boast spacious, high-end studios and 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, each with their own kitchen and sweeping views. Both properties have a rooftop swimming pool, a gym and onsite dining outlets.
Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City recently progressed from Bronze to Silver in Green Tourism’s sustainability rating scheme, with the company now aiming for Gold in line with its regional – and global – environmental goals.
A major refurbishment project is nearing completion at Cheval Maison The Palm, with several upgrades also under way at Cheval Maison Expo City.
Strengthening Cheval Collection’s Luxury Hospitality Offering
John Raffoul’s appointment comes at a time when Dubai continues to attract international visitors seeking premium accommodation that combines hotel services with the flexibility of residential living. Serviced apartments have become an important segment of the hospitality market, particularly for extended stays, families, business travellers and guests who value additional space and self-catering facilities.
With kitchens, spacious layouts and access to leisure amenities, Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City cater to travellers looking for a more personalised stay. Their distinct locations also provide guests with different ways to experience Dubai, from the waterfront lifestyle of Palm Jumeirah to the business, entertainment and event facilities surrounding Expo City.
Leadership Focused on Guest Experience
As Cluster General Manager, Raffoul will oversee two properties with a combined inventory of 282 keys. His previous experience leading Cheval Maison The Palm provides continuity as the company looks to maintain guest satisfaction, strengthen operational performance and deliver consistent service standards across both locations.
Guest feedback and recognition from the hospitality industry remain important indicators of performance in the competitive serviced apartment market. Continued attention to service quality, property maintenance and personalised hospitality can help reinforce the company’s reputation among leisure and corporate travellers.
The ongoing refurbishment work at both properties also reflects the importance of maintaining contemporary accommodation standards. Upgraded facilities and refreshed interiors can improve comfort while ensuring that established properties remain competitive as guest expectations evolve.
Regional Expansion and Sustainable Hospitality
Cheval Collection’s planned developments in Riyadh and its entry into branded residences through Cheval Residences Dubai Islands highlight its wider ambitions across the Middle East. These investments reflect the company’s interest in serving different accommodation needs, from luxury serviced apartments to residential offerings associated with established hospitality brands.
Sustainability is another part of the group’s development strategy. Progressing from Bronze to Silver under Green Tourism’s rating scheme demonstrates movement towards its environmental objectives, while the ambition to achieve Gold signals further work ahead. Measures that improve resource efficiency and responsible operations can support these goals while contributing to a better-managed guest experience.
As Cheval Collection expands its regional footprint, Raffoul’s leadership across its Dubai properties will be important in maintaining service quality during this period of growth. By combining experienced management, ongoing property improvements and a focus on sustainability, the company aims to strengthen its position in the region’s luxury serviced accommodation sector.
Related reading: Robert Nicolas appointed Cluster Director of Sales for Cheval Collection in Dubai | Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai scoops Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
