---
title: Advisory Services | Stirling Hospitality Advisors
description: Discover how our advisory services transformed hospitality projects — strategy, operations & value creation in action.
---

L o a d i n g

# Advisory Services

We advise across the full lifecycle of hospitality projects—bringing clarity to complexity and helping clients make confident, data-driven decisions.

[ Enquire Now ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#contact-form)

## Turning Insight Into Advantage

We uncover opportunities, assess risk, and guide decisions that accelerate growth. Our advisory team brings clarity, speed, and confidence to every stage of your project.

## United Arab Emirates

[![Radisson RED Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah-1](https://stirlinghospitality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rak%20Stirling%20Hospitality/Images/Case%20studies/Radisson%20RED%20Marjan%20Island%2c%20Ras%20Al%20Khaimah-1.png?width=435&height=242&name=Radisson%20RED%20Marjan%20Island%2c%20Ras%20Al%20Khaimah-1.png) 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_173749026384941) [ Radisson RED Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_173749026384941)

 Radisson RED Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

 HOTEL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY & FRANCHISE OPERATOR SEARCH 

[Read More ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#)

[![Four Seasons RAK 2](https://stirlinghospitality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rak%20Stirling%20Hospitality/Images/Case%20studies/Four%20Seasons%20RAK%202.jpeg?width=722&height=406&name=Four%20Seasons%20RAK%202.jpeg) 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_173749026384942) [ Four Seasons Hotel & Residences, Location Confidential, Ras Al Khaimah 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_173749026384942)

 Four Seasons Hotel & Residences, Location Confidential, Ras Al Khaimah

 MIXED-USE PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY & DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY 

[Read More ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#)

[![Nikki Beach RAK 2](https://stirlinghospitality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rak%20Stirling%20Hospitality/Images/Case%20studies/Nikki%20Beach%20RAK%202.jpg?width=600&height=360&name=Nikki%20Beach%20RAK%202.jpg) 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_173749026384943) [ Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Ras Al Khaimah 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_173749026384943)

 Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Ras Al Khaimah

 HMA NEGOTIATIONS 

[Read More ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#)

#### GOALS

To bring a distinctive lifestyle hotel experience to Marjan Island, Stirling Hospitality Advisors was appointed by BB Holding to lead the full development advisory for a landmark hospitality project. Stirling was responsible for evaluating commercial viability, selecting an optimal location, securing an international brand, and overseeing all phases of development for the first franchised Radisson RED hotel in the UAE.

#### MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

- Conducted feasibility study and market analysis, leading to the selection of a prime plot on Marjan Island 4.
- Executed a competitive operator search and successfully signed Radisson RED under a franchise agreement—the brand’s first franchise in the region.
- Overseeing full development scope: from project visioning, brand negotiations, and stakeholder alignment, to construction oversight and pre-opening planning.
- Selected and onboarded SSH as the lead consultant on the project, as well as Colliers PM as the project managers.  
  Supported Radisson in introducing the new RED design language, tailored for a resort setting, marking a significant evolution of the brand in the Middle East.

#### **STEPS TAKEN**

- Stirling conducted a full commercial feasibility study of the Marjan Island hospitality market, identifying a strong demand for an upscale lifestyle product that aligns with the emerging entertainment hub on Island 4.
- Following the study, Stirling secured a strategically positioned land plot adjacent to the upcoming Wynn integrated resort and future waterfront attractions.
- Stirling then launched a targeted operator search, evaluating leading hotel brands and negotiating the franchise agreement with Radisson RED—a milestone for the brand’s regional expansion.
- Working alongside SSH International Consultants as Lead Design Consultant, Stirling shaped a refreshed Radisson RED concept: blending the brand’s iconic loft-industrial character with softer, resort-inspired elements using natural textures and muted tones.
- Worked alongside Colliers to insure smooth and timely progress of the project design and preparation for construction.
- Our team led coordination with all stakeholders including brand, designers, and contractors, ensuring alignment across design, budget, and project timelines.
- Development plans include 269 keys, four F&B outlets (all-day dining, specialty restaurant, lounge bar, pool bar), a spa and wellness zone, a gym, outdoor pool, extensive kids’ facilities, and MICE spaces.
- As Owner’s Representative, Stirling manages all aspects of development under its Development Advisory vertical—ensuring smooth execution from design through to pre-opening.”

#### GOALS

Stirling Hospitality Advisors was mandated to support a prominent local developer through the end-to-end feasibility and operator selection process for a flagship ultra-luxury mixed-use development, featuring a Four Seasons Hotel, branded residences, and private villas. The engagement included commercial planning, financial modelling, project efficiency optimization, and negotiation of the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Four Seasons.

#### MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

- Defined an optimal development mix based on site analysis and market positioning, combining a 130-key luxury hotel with 128 branded residences and 32 high-end private villas.
- Built a robust, dual-stream financial model with detailed 10-year forecasts, hotel operating projections, branded residential sales assumptions, and project-level margin analysis.
- Optimized design efficiency and project layout through close collaboration with consultants and contractors, significantly increasing NSA/BUA ratios while reducing overall development costs.
- Successfully led the HMA negotiation process, ensuring a balanced agreement that aligned Four Seasons’ brand standards with the Owner’s commercial objectives and long-term flexibility.
- Achieved material concessions on technical services scope, capex contribution thresholds, and approval rights for senior hotel appointments—ensuring alignment between operator standards and Owner objectives.

#### **STEPS TAKEN**

- Conducted a detailed feasibility analysis and market study to define the ideal commercial mix and validate financial viability across all components of the development.
- Created the overarching development concept and participated in all design and brand operator workshops to align the project’s spatial planning with its commercial intent.
- Worked closely with design and cost teams to enhance sellable efficiency, reconfigure layouts, and identify value-engineering opportunities to improve project returns.
- Partnered with the appointed contractor in budgeting workshops to assess cost structures and protect margins while maintaining Four Seasons brand standards.
- Led the HMA negotiations with Four Seasons, balancing adherence to brand expectations with key commercial protections for the Owner.
- Collaborated across legal, brand, and consultant teams to ensure cohesive execution and smooth coordination across all project workstreams. Stirling’s advisory ensured that the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences project progressed with strong commercial fundamentals, efficient design, and coordinated execution—laying the foundation for a successful ultra-luxury mixed-use development.

Stirling’s comprehensive advisory—spanning feasibility, financial structuring, design efficiency, and operator negotiations—ensured that this landmark Four Seasons development in Ras Al Khaimah advanced with strong commercial underpinnings, strategic clarity, and long-term investment viability.

#### GOALS

Stirling Hospitality Advisors was engaged by a prominent local developer to lead the final stages of the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) negotiation with Nikki Beach for a luxury beachfront resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The mandate was to ensure that the final contract safeguarded the Owner’s interests, provided sufficient flexibility for long-term operations, and could be concluded within a compressed deadline to meet broader development milestones.

#### MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

- Successfully concluded all commercial and legal negotiations within just two weeks, compelling the Operator to adhere to the Owner’s development timeline.
- Negotiated significantly improved Owner protections, including a robust Area of Protection, enhanced termination rights, approval rights over key personnel and brand standards, and a performance test mechanism to monitor operator delivery.
- Achieved reductions in key fee structures, including lower base and incentive fees and the exclusion of several pass-through corporate charges that would typically burden the Owner.

#### **STEPS TAKEN**

- Conducted a line-by-line review of the HMA, flagging risks and identifying negotiation opportunities based on market precedents and brand-specific practices.
- Prepared a targeted negotiation brief with the Owner, prioritizing financial control, brand flexibility, and operational governance.
- Acted as the lead negotiator across all commercial rounds, coordinating closely with the Owner’s legal counsel to integrate commercial outcomes into binding language.
- Ensured efficient collaboration between the Owner, brand, and advisors to expedite approvals and deliver a well-balanced agreement that serves both commercial and brand positioning goals.

Stirling’s focused and time-sensitive advisory ensured that the Nikki Beach resort project advanced on schedule, with an HMA that balanced operator brand standards with strong protection for the Owner’s long-term investment.

## International

[![Jabal Akhdar, Oman](https://stirlinghospitality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rak%20Stirling%20Hospitality/Images/Case%20studies/Jabal%20Akhdar%2c%20Oman.png?width=435&height=261&name=Jabal%20Akhdar%2c%20Oman.png) 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_175084238844631) [ Jabal Akhdar, Oman 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_175084238844631)

 Jabal Akhdar, Oman

 SITE & DESTINATION MASTERPLANNING 

[Read More ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#)

[![Gabala, Azerbaijan](https://stirlinghospitality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rak%20Stirling%20Hospitality/Images/Case%20studies/Gabala%2c%20Azerbaijan.png?width=435&height=238&name=Gabala%2c%20Azerbaijan.png) 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_175084238844632) [ Gabala, Azerbaijan 

](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#module_175084238844632)

 Gabala, Azerbaijan

 DESTINATION STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & INDEPENDENT ASSET PORTFOLIO 

[Read More ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#)

#### GOALS

Working with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) alongside Atkins Realis, Stirling participated in the development of the masterplan for the Jabal Akhdar mountain range plateau. Our team was responsible for tourism & hospitality elements of the development, including hotels, leisure activities, and alternative offerings in line with the Nation’s and region’s tourism vision.

#### MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

- Participated in the compilation of market insights and analysis, elaboration of estimates for future financial performance & demand growth, calculations of ROI from the government’s perspective, taking into consideration ancillary tourism revenues, job creation, and community inclusion, as well as demand/supply gap analysis based on current supply and pipeline, which lead to the development of a comprehensive masterplan for one of the largest mega projects in Oman.
- Helped the Ministry select customer personas & target segments, which led to the choosing of preferred hospitality asset types, placemaking & sizing depending on the asset’s purpose.

#### **STEPS TAKEN**

- We conducted a comprehensive approach that involved directing extensive market research, forecasting the demand, and leveraging our expertise in hospitality and activities to creating a holistic vision for the mountain region.
- First, we conducted a thorough assessment of the existing infrastructure in Jabal Akhdar, identifying its strengths and areas for improvement. This evaluation allowed us to understand the current state of the region and determine the necessary enhancements required to support future development.
- Participated in a multitude of workshops with all project stakeholders, steering the direction of the hotels & hospitality components of the master plan.
- Additionally, we forecasted the tourism demand for the region and formulated recommendations based on the required lodging & leisure infrastructure to be developed, including service-level and average price segments of hotel accommodation, zoning of the location as well as phasing of the properties and recreational activities to be developed, in alignment with the anticipated needs of the growing visitor base. 
- Our involvement in Jabal Akhdar centered around urban planning, and it was a collaborative project in partnership with multiple advisory firms. Working directly under the guidance and supervision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning of Oman, we actively contributed to the country's development initiatives thanks to our firm’s experience in advising governmental institutions. Together with our partners, we aimed to create a comprehensive and visionary plan for the mountainous region.
- Our shared goal was to shape the future of Jabal Akhdar in a way that honored its natural beauty, preserved its cultural heritage, and met the needs and aspirations of its residents and visitors.
- This plan serves as a roadmap for sustainable development, infrastructure enhancement, community enrichment, and economic growth in the region.

#### GOALS

Stirling’s goal was to provide strategic insights and recommendations to strengthen the touristic destination as a whole and the Client’s Portfolio of independent hotels and attractions (Qafqaz Riverside, Qafqaz Tufandag, Qafqaz Hotel, Tufandag Ski Resort, Gabaland Amusement Park, & Gabala Shooting Club) as well as to recommend steps to improve each asset’s operational performance.

#### MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

- Portfolio review and market analysis, recommendation of a phased approach to uplift the Portfolio and develop Gabala into a leading all-season resort destination.
- Strategic turnaround plan, including asset-specific recommendations, operational and investment strategy, and destination marketing strategies.
- Following the delivery of the final report, Stirling has been retained by the Client to implement the recommendations made in the strategic review, and to asset manage the Portfolio, which included creation of an asset management structure and reporting templates, consolidating data for benchmarking & performance analysis purposes, presenting to the Owners.
- Reworked the commercial strategy, significantly diversifying the hotels’ business mix, leading to improvements in both ADR and occupancy.
- Activated and significantly enhanced other revenue generating departments, leading to growth in F&B and Spa sales.
- Successfully conceptualized, planned, and initiated a comprehensive renovation program for the Riverside Hotel. Stirling coordinated all stakeholders—from designers to project managers—and ensured the renovation aligned with the broader destination strategy and brand positioning of the resort.

#### **STEPS TAKEN**

- Stirling performed a physical inspection and review of all assets, including two hotels, ski resort, shooting range and amusement park.
- We performed a meticulous financial, commercial and operational audit of all assets.
- We leveraged the natural beauty and skiing opportunities offered by the properties, while improving exclusive activities such as Gabaland amusement park. By conducting competitor analysis and proposing optimized offers, we aimed to enhance the resorts' appeal and establish a competitive edge in the market. 
- Our approach focused on capitalizing on the region's natural advantages. We carefully integrated the captivating landscapes and pristine surroundings into the resort design, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Additionally, we prioritized the development of high-quality skiing infrastructure to cater to winter sports enthusiasts of all levels.
- To diversify the offerings we curated establishment of a range of exclusive activities and attractions.
- Furthermore, our team conducted a thorough evaluation of the budget, which resulted in securing a retainer contract to oversee the hotel's asset management services.
- Building upon a successful and healthy partnership with the current owners, Stirling Hospitality Advisors was entrusted with a comprehensive mandate for Operational Asset and Technical Services Management across the entire resort.
- Stirling led the full renovation strategy for the Riverside Hotel, beginning with the appointment of experienced project managers and interior designers. Our team oversaw the full design development process, reviewed technical and aesthetic proposals to ensure alignment with the resort’s repositioning goals, and supervised the creation and evaluation of mock-up rooms. Upon final approval, we facilitated the smooth launch of the renovation phase, ensuring adherence to budget, quality, and timeline targets.

![DIFC-Gate-1](https://stirlinghospitality.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BearGrylls_2025/Images/DIFC-Gate-1.jpg?width=1300&height=1000&name=DIFC-Gate-1.jpg)

## Comprehensive Collection of Our Best Work

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[ Enquire Now ](https://stirlinghospitality.com/case-studies/advisory-services#contact-form)

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