Crowne Plaza opens FLOR for book lovers

Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan has launched FLOR, short for “For Love of Reading”, at The Deli – Lobby Cafe, a new space designed to bring people closer to books, ideas and the joy of reading.

Sajjad Sharif, executive editor and one of the founding members of Daily Prothom Alo, inaugurated the initiative as the chief guest, according to a press release.

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Speaking at the event, Sajjad highlighted the importance of books in shaping individuals and societies.

“It is our misfortune that we have gradually moved away from books, and in doing so, from a significant part of our intellectual and civilised heritage,” he said.

“A book takes us into a much larger world, where we gather knowledge, learn to concentrate, question, argue and debate, and expand the boundaries of our imagination.”

He said initiatives such as FLOR are important because they create opportunities for people to reconnect with books and a broader world of knowledge and ideas.

FLOR offers guests a dedicated space to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with books. Its collection features selected titles across seven categories, including leadership, fiction and contemporary Bangladeshi literature.

Guests can explore the collection while enjoying artisanal coffee and handcrafted treats at The Deli. FLOR’s Book Pick of the Day also features a selected title to encourage guests to discover new books.

Speaking at the launch, Karthi VK, general manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, said, “With so much of our lives happening on digital screens, FLOR is our invitation to pause, pick up a real book and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading.”

“We want this to be a space where people can slow down, discover new ideas and connect — with a book, with a conversation or simply with themselves,” he said.

“The book exchange also makes FLOR something that belongs to the community and keeps growing with it,” he added.

FLOR reflects Crowne Plaza’s approach to creating meaningful connections through blended experiences combining business, leisure, culture and personal interests. It also complements the brand’s Crafted Meetings philosophy by providing guests and meeting participants with a relaxed space to recharge and connect differently.

Alongside the initiative, the hotel unveiled a new culinary menu at The Deli, featuring signature artisanal dishes and newly crafted coffee selections.

The event brought together authors, publishers, media representatives and members of the literary and hospitality communities.