STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts has announced a 30-year management agreement with the Alfardan Group for the management of a new luxury 346-room St Regis hotel in Doha, Qatar which is expected to open in May, 2010.
The St Regis Doha Hotel will be located on the beachfront in the West Bay area of Doha, and within close proximity of the Diplomatic Area. The West Bay area is the emerging commercial heart of the city and contains the majority of the new commercial development. The hotel will be comprised of two reflecting towers and 18 bungalows. The two ‘reflecting’ towers, each consisting of 14 floors, will offer 328 ocean front guest rooms including 246 rooms and 82 suites.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to expand the St. Regis brand and particularly in the Middle East where the bespoke service is an integral part of the culture of hospitality. The signing of the St Regis Doha is another sign of Starwood’s commitment to develop all its brands in a fabulous destination like the Middle East,” said Roeland Vos, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Europe, Africa and Middle East. “We are delighted to be working with the Alfardan Group on this new project and we hope this development is the beginning of a long term partnership with them. I am sure this new hotel in our portfolio will quickly establish itself as the leading luxury hotel in Doha.”
Added Omar Alfardan, president, Alfardan Group, “Alfardan has undergone a thorough operator screening process and this a very exciting development for all those who value luxury. The St Regis Doha underscores Alfardan’s strategy towards relentless pursuit in redefining the luxury sector. In addition to being a host city for renowned sporting, intellectual, and cultural events, Doha is a growing destination spurred by sustainable economic development. As a full service ultra premium hotel, the St Regis Doha will be well positioned to provide first class hospitality and amenities in this rapidly developing commercial hub.”
The hotel has will offer the signature services for which the St Regis is renowned worldwide, including its renowned St Regis Butler Service, world-class concierge, exquisite design, and a world-class Spa.
It will also offer 4,100sqm of meeting and conference space, business centre, shops, parking area, four restaurants, a 1,200sqm spa is in plan, offering eight to 10 treatment rooms, and a lavish fitness centre spreading across 1,200sqm of state-of-the-art equipment.