Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is unveiling its third property in Doha with the Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha. The Swiss brand currently operates the Mövenpick Hotel Doha and the Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha, and the new location will expand the company's Qatari portfolio to more than 640 keys.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is preparing for significant growth within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) announcing the signing of a 300-suite Marriott Executive Apartments and unveiling plans to open 17 new properties across the region this year. At present, the hotel company operates nearly 150 properties in the MEA region across nine brands in 19 countries. The latest announcements come during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) taking place from April 26–28 in Dubai.
Tareq Derbas has been appointed as area general manager of Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Middle East.
Crowne Plaza Doha has appointed Marcus Sutton as the new general manager for the Qatar hotel.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MHR) will operate its third property in Doha from next week - a strategic move that will capitalise on Qatar's status as a world-class sports hub and host of the 2022 Football World Cup. The upscale 139-room Mövenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah Doha, located in the city's internationally-renowned Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sports City, will open its doors on 1 May, taking over the luxurious Victorian-style building currently occupied by Grand Heritage Hotel Doha.
Rotana has opened the budget hotel Centro Capital Doha, offering 229 rooms and studios, according to company officials. "The demand for hotel rooms, especially in the four star hotels category, which deliver luxury at affordable prices has risen in the past five years. In line with this, we are witnessing the launch of the first Centro brand in town," said Al Malki group chairman Ali Ibrahim Abdullah Al Malki, addressing the official opening ceremony of the hotel.
Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide's (NYSE: HLT) luxury hotel portfolio for the new smart luxury traveller, today announced the signing of a management agreement with Assets Real Estate Development Company for the 325 guestroom Conrad Doha, expected to open in early 2019.
Todd Cilano has been appointed Regional Vice President and General Manager and of Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Cilano will be responsible for overseeing the Hotel, along with regional responsibilities supervising Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in Mauritius, Seychelles, Johannesburg, and the Serengeti Lodge in Tanzania.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT), just celebrated the grand opening of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, in partnership with Ghanem Al Thani Holdings, headed by Sheikh Ghanem al Thani. Located in the heart of Qatar's rapidly growing capital, the hotel is poised to introduce a new level of wellness to downtown Doha. This opening marks Westin's debut in the country and reinforce the brand's growth in the region, with hotels opening in the UAE, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia within the next three years.
Rotana has appointed Luca Medda as general manager of the Centro Capital Doha, a new hotel which is scheduled for soft opening in April 2016.
Grand Hyatt Doha has appointed Xavier Halbi as the new director of rooms.
Shangri-La Hotel, Doha, the gleaming 50-storey property located in the commercial district of West Bay, celebrated its grand opening yesterday with His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, The Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior for the State of Qatar, local dignitaries and other city officials attending a unique ribbon- cutting ceremony that reflects the hotel's signature blend of Asian and Arabian hospitality. A life-sized portrait of His Royal Highness the Emir and His Royal Highness the Father Emir will also be unveiled.The hotel, designed to resemble a falcon's head in recognition of Qatari falconry – the country's historic and elite pastime – is adorned with museum-quality art pieces honouring the rich heritage of the Qatari peninsula which are on loan from the Sheikh Faisal Collection. Strategically located close to the business and diplomatic areas, Shangri-La Hotel, Doha offers a direct link to the City Centre Mall, the city's largest mall, and is only five minutes from the waterfront promenade.
Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Ahmad not only has an impressive culinary palate, but also an ear for languages. In addition to his native Arabic, he speaks English, Spanish, French and German. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University in the United States, with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Shortly after graduation, Ahmad pursued his true passion of culinary arts and joined Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts through the Sous Chef Training program, held at the former Four Seasons Hotel Newport Beach in California.
Meliá Hotels International has made further progress in its growth and positioning strategy in emerging Middle East markets with the announcement today of a new hotel in Doha (Qatar). The hotel will be operated under the Innside by Meliá brand, which becomes the third of the Spanish company's brands to achieve a presence in the destination.
El Sayed joins the team as the new EAM of sales & marketing with more than 15 years of experience to his role, having worked across the GCC. El Sayed has extensive experience in the areas of sales, business development, finance, marketing, revenue, reservations and room operations.
Losciale, of Italian origins, brings more than 15 years of experience to his role, having worked in a number of international hotel chains across several countries such as, China, Costa Rica, Brazil, Italy, England, Switzerland, Germany and U.A.E. In his role as Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage at The St. Regis Doha , Losciale manages the food and beverage operations for The St. Regis Doha 's award winning outlets which include Astor Grill, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Oyster Bay, Sarab Lounge, Al Sultan Brahim, Vine, Vintage, Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean, Opal by Gordon Ramsay, banquets and external outside catering.
Langham Hospitality Group has signed its first hotel in Qatar with the announcement of Langham Place, Lusail, Doha. Located in the newly planned city of Lusail which 23 kilometers north of the capital of Doha, the luxury hotel will comprise of 238 rooms, 90 luxury serviced residences and 56 residences units within the development's new marina waterfront. Developed by RSG (Real Estate Services Group) and managed by Langham Hospitality Group, the hotel will be part of the first phase of the Lusail City development and is located at close proximity to Lusail Iconic Stadium – the scene of the opening and final matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The mixed-use project will span a gross built up area of 83,975 square meters and will feature a 207-meter high landmark tower overlooking the Arabian Gulf, with four above-ground podium levels and 34 upper levels. There will be six branded duplex sky villas at the top of the podium, residential apartments up to 17th floor, and the Langham Place hotel occupying the highest floors. Robert Warman, chief executive officer of Langham Hospitality Group states, "This hotel in Doha will be a welcome addition to the brand which has already established a strong presence in major cities such as London, New York, Chicago, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. With all the great infrastructure and world-class events happening in Qatar, we are very fortunate to enhance our presence in the Middle East during these exciting times." Ali Taimour, chief executive officer of RSG said, "We are delighted to partner with Langham Hospitality Group to bring something new and exciting to the Qatari hospitality market. The design of Langham Place in Lusail City will embrace a contemporary arts theme which is very much in keeping with the luxury hotel brand." The signing of this hotel points to the growing presence of the Langham Hotels & Resorts brand in the Middle East further to the recent announcements of The Langham, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (slated to open in 2017) and Langham Place, Downtown Dubai (opening 2018). Scheduled to open in 2018, Langham, Place, Lusail will introduce the contemporary style of the brand to the Arabian peninsula with additional Langham signature experiences that include the exclusive Club Lounge and award winning Chuan spa treatments that are based on ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophies and practices. Langham Place, Lusail will provide extensive food and beverage outlets including the signature bar and grill concept, The Place for all-day dining, Ming Court Chinese restaurant (reminiscent of its Michelin-starred namesake in Hong Kong), a specialty restaurant, and a salon that will serve the brand's renowned afternoon tea service. For corporate meetings and events, the property will also offer extensive facilities including a Grand Ballroom, three multi-purpose function rooms, a screening room, an events centre and a VIP bridal room.
With a broad background in hospitality operations, Salem brings a range of knowledge and expertise to aid the future development of the Kempinski, Doha property. Salem has over a decade of experience in the hotel industry, of which 5 years with Kempinski hotels in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Joining the Doha team from Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Salem has been previously leading the rooms division team at hotel companies such as the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Raffles, in KSA, Egypt and the UAE.
Rotana Hotels has appointed Mark Timbrell as general manager of Oryx Rotana, the five-star luxury business hotel in Doha. Timbrell joined the Rotana Group as general manager of Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Lebanon, in 2007, and in 2013 he was appointed the general manager of Hotel Khalidiya Palace Ryhaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi.
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening ofDoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Old Town, in the rapidly expanding business district of Qatar's capital."As one of the world's key commercial capitals, Doha is a critical market for our growing footprint in the Middle East, and we are thrilled to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Qatar," said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. "In addition to welcoming global business travelers, DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Old Town will provide the perfect place for leisure travelers to relax and have the best experiences this marvelous destination has to offer, whether they are visiting for a major sporting event or to see the iconic Museum of Islamic Art."The hotel features 187 guestrooms and suites - each of which boast floor to ceiling windows with panoramic city views, and flexible meeting and events facilities, including a boardroom, ballroom and three meeting rooms, and inviting dining and lounge venues. Additionally, the hotel offers business and fitness centers, a sauna, steam room, and rooftop pool. The hotel's relaxing open air lounge, Pure, is perfect to enjoy breathtaking views and a light meal, refreshing drink or luxurious Shisha under the stars. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a lively open-kitchen à la carte experience at the hotel's fresh and urban restaurant, Open.As the cultural and commercial capital of Qatar, Doha attracts both leisure and business travelers. This contemporary hotel is in close proximity to key business and government administration offices, including the financial district and port, as well as Doha's famous waterfront promenade, the Corniche, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Doha has recently seen a huge expansion of its transportation network, including the recently opened Hamad International Airport, the home of Qatar Airways, and a new metro rail system.Chris Muth, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Old Town, said: "The contemporary hotel offers guests a warm welcome, modern comforts and a superb location, ensuring it is the number one choice for travellers to Doha. I look forward to welcoming our guests to the hotel."The DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Old Town is the seventh DoubleTree branded hotel in the Middle East, and the second Hilton Worldwide property in Qatar, joining Hilton Doha.DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Old Town participates in the Hilton HHonors® loyalty program, which is open to all guests and free to join - visit here for enrollment information. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, free standard Wi-Fi, access to digital check-in and Digital Key, and no hidden fees, only when they book directly through Hilton.DoubleTree by Hilton is defined by its unique Culture of CARE, which stands for 'Create A Rewarding Experience' for guests, Team Members and the community. Every guest at a DoubleTree by Hilton is welcomed with a warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival and the warm service continues throughout their stay.DoubleTree by Hilton Doha Old Town is located at Al Meena Street, Doha, Qatar. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit www.dohaoldtown.doubletree.com.Media can access additional information about DoubleTree by Hilton Doha Old Town at the DoubleTree Global Media Centre at news.doubletree.com.