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The Peninsula
Doha: The opening of the luxurious Raffle Doha and Fairmont Doha has undoubtedly reinvigorated Qatar's hospitality scene. The iconic brands in Qatar's latest architectural masterpiece 'Katara Towers' in Lusail, which opens up to the beautiful Arabian Sea, launched just before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. They represent a shining example of Qatar's modernity with an ode to its rich and proud heritage.
The hotels, though distinct, share the same vision to offer luxury and bespoke experiences, but in their own way, according to Christian Hirt, Managing Director, Raffles and Fairmont Doha.
Christian Hirt, Managing Director, Raffles and Fairmont Doha.
“It's two incredible hotels - truly a new landmark here in Qatar. I think this is the national pride of the country,” Hirt said recently during a media tour of the hotel.
“When we curated the two hotels and what we will offer here, it was always essential to ensure that whatever we do in each hotel complements the other. This was important, and you can see this in our rooms, spa, and food and beverage offering - it's a culinary world tour.”
The 132-key Raffles is Qatar's first all-suite property. The suites include Urban, Crescent and Gulf, Signature, Theme Suites and the 930sqm Royal Suite - a two-storey duplex with an internal elevator, decorated as an opulent palace, with majlis, cellar, spa, hammam, and private pool. The two-bedroom Raffles Suite is inspired by falconry and the desert dunes, while its Parisian suite is designed to mirror a Saint Germain apartment in Paris.
On the other hand, Fairmont Doha has 362 rooms and suites, as well as Fairmont Gold rooms and suites – its hotel-within-a-hotel concept. The design theme of the rooms and suites at Fairmont is inspired by mega yachts – extravagant flourishes include 18k gold tiles in the shower. With gold mosaic wall tiling and rich wood panelling, the rooms are an impressive visual spectacle with a spacious layout and incorporated elements inspired by Qatari design.
“We opened just before the World Cup and had an amazing tournament. We have shown the world that we can do world-class mega events here in Qatar,” Hirt said, adding that the World Cup is a starting point to welcome more visitors to this destination.
“If you look at the hotel, restaurant, and cultural offerings, these wonderful museums that we have here, it is targeting the affluent traveller. Our hotels are a great testament to that.”
Besides the luxurious room offerings, outstanding leisure, food and beverage outlets, and restaurants are also available. Raffles Doha's Alba, L'Artisan; Blue Cigar, a lounge which boasts 6,000 literary classics, including some first edition classics; and the Malaki Lounge offer immersive experiences.
For events, Raffles Doha offers the Katara Hall featuring a 21-metre arched ceiling and an outdoor terrace with panoramic sea views. At Fairmont, the Masala Library, Vaya, the ice and fire-themed Provok are exquisitely designed and curated to meet unique preferences.
Hirt hopes to capitalise on the events scheduled for the year to promote the destination.
“We see a great calendar of events for this year with some great lineup. The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, the auto show, Formula One, Doha Expo, so, there's so much coming up. The wonderful museums we have, leisure facilities such as the Al Maha Island, there is more for leisure visitors,” Hirt added.
In 2021, Qatar Tourism launched an international campaign to drive forward the country's tourism goals and welcome more than six million visitors a year by 2030.
Qatar saw a remarkable influx of tourists during the World Cup. Building on the momentum, the country has announced several activities to attract tourists, and extended the Hayya card validity until January 2024.
According to Hirt, the hotel has received massive support from Qatar Tourism and other relevant institutions.“This shows a great commitment from everyone to achieve the vision of 2030,” Hirt stressed.