REZIDOR has opened its flagship hotel in Qatar with the rebranding of the Ramada Plaza Doha as the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha. The property is currently being completely renovated.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is only four kilometres from Doha International Airport and close to the bustling West Bay business district. The hotel is the largest hotel in Doha with 583 rooms, 14 conference and banqueting rooms along with over 20 food and beverage outlets, making it one of the largest hotels in Qatar.
Speaking about business at the hotel, general manager Gordon MacKenzie said, “So far the first six months of 2012 are slightly behind 2011 figures, partly due to the hotel having rooms renovated for its $22 million refurbishment as well as the increase of hotel rooms that have come online during the past year within the city. When you look at hotels’ across the city, their occupancy rates reflect the same story.”
The first phase of renovation will be of the West Wing, which is already underway. The rooms are expected to be ready by early 2013 with the first rooms completed this month. The hotel will also upgrade the glazing on the exterior of the building.
“It has been a very busy period for us leading up to, and post, the official rebranding. An array of things needed to be changed, from stationary through to the all-important signage. In addition we had to make changes so we could honour the service concepts that have become synonymous with Radisson Blu hotels throughout the world, for example the Super Buffet Breakfast and free high-speed wireless” he added.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is seen as the premier business hotel in Doha with a loyal client base thanks to its service standards and facilities. MacKenzie adds that Doha’s market is predominantly the business traveller, with a small percentage of tourism.
“All hotels are closely working with the Qatar Tourism Exhibition Authority (QTEA) to promote Qatar as a whole by participating in industry events such as ATM, WTM, IBTM etc, We are also providing special promotions in conjunction with QTEA when they are marketing Qatar specifically during holiday periods like Eid and Ramadan. We also work closely with the national airline Qatar Airways in providing rates for stopover passengers, with over 11 million arrivals thorough the airport it is a fantastic opportunity to work with the airline in providing and showcasing the highlights of Qatar as a destination and to experience the excellent service given by the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha.”
Post the rebranding, over a 1,000 staff underwent Radisson Blu’s famous Yes I Can! training programme. In addition the staff also underwent training for Responsible Business with a dedicated Responsible Business team in place to lead the hotel in community and environmental activities.