An Oasis of elegance: The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Debuts Autumn 2001

Soaring 115 metres above Qatar’s sea and desert landscape, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is an impressive symbol of the nations emergence as a destination for travelers to The Middle East. The 374 room, five star resort fuses contemporary styling with classic Arabic and European design, creating a hotel with a promise of setting a new benchmark for luxury and sophistication in the region. Distinguished delegates from many nations will be among the hotel’s first guests when Doha hosts the World Trade Organisation (WTO) November 2001.

“Doha is taking its place amongst the most influential nations in The Middle East. The number and caliber of visitors coming to the region makes this the ideal time top open a grand hotel with surroundings and service to match the expectations of the clientele,” said General Manager Darrell Sheaffer, an American hotelier with three decades of experience.

Located in the exclusive West Bay Lagoon district, with views overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the beachfront resort is secluded, yet easily accessible. Just 20 minutes from the airport, the 80,000 square metre glass and chrome tower is a showplace structure. It’s sleek, uncluttered exterior leads to an interior with chic residential elegance. The formal, oasis-like grounds are accented with tiered, Arabic eight point star fountains, reflecting pools, hidden grottos, clusters of date palms and flowering tropical shrubs. A 200 slip sailing marina, the adjacent Doha Golf Club, and a future private island water park make The Ritz-Carlton stand out as a destination resort.

The focal point of the diamond-shaped main lobby is a 7.5 metre Viennese chandelier whose 2,000 plus crystals illuminate an intricately patterned stone carpet floor. The chandelier hangs directly over a Moorish-inspired fountain in the lobby’s center. Richly textured 18th century tapestries, elaborate applications of gold and silver leaf and graceful arched doorways recall the splendor of royal palaces. Richly hued, Chippendale sofas and Regency chairs stand in colourful contrast to the crisp white walls and ceilings. Full-length windows frame the outdoor scenery of sun, sand and sea. Grand marble staircases lead from the lobby to the garden and beach area.

To bring a sense of intimacy to the hotel’s interior, designer John David Eddison of Toronto, Canada, has created individual and unique environments throughout the square framed corridors. Lined with more than 30 varieties of stone and Italian marble, the intricate corridors lead to areas with their own distinctive identity and “sense of place”.

Guestrooms and Suites

Guestrooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha reflect the Middle Eastern appreciation for brightly-hued colours and contemporary style. Furnishings, hand crafted in Spain and Italy, include sea blue armoires with inlays of yellow and gold leaf. Headboards are distinguished by rich gold leaf and shades of crimson red. Carpets are Kaleidoscopes of colour and patterns. Black and white calligraphy works of art hang on the walls. Balconies in each guest room offer panoramic views of either the water or the impressive Corniche.

With 61 spacious suites, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is well suited to host dignitaries and extended families. Quilted velvet and silk wall coverings, furnishings of eclectic elegance, and finely appointed rooms put the accent on luxury. For guests selecting Club accommodations, reachable only by keyed elevator access, the level of service resembles a “hotel within a hotel”. A multilingual concierge, private lounge area, and five daily food and beverage presentations are featured.

Dining Choices

Restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha offer the flavour of the world’s cuisine in their menus. High atop the 23rd floor, La Mer will feature Middle Eastern dishes accented by the influences of European fusion. The cross-cultural approach will be reflected in innovative dishes including seared sumac crusted duck livers on pomegranate and mache salad.

Northern Italy’s flavourful sauces and pastas will be showcased at Porcini, while at The Lagoon, the buffet will feature an international assortment of hot and cold dishes and salads. La Dolce Vita! Pastry shop will display freshly baked cakes, cookies and sweets, while at the Admiral’s Club, seafood and steak will be served by the marina. For al fresco dining, Flamingos offers casual poolside service, and spa cuisine. And in The Lobby Lounge, with its wrought iron tables, the setting is perfect for a quiet cup of afternoon tea or a visit to Habanos cigar bar, where a collection of 2000 imported smokes are on display in a free-standing humidor.

A Splendid Spa

In deference to Arabic tradition, the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha includes separate facilities for men and women. Soothing shades of lavender make for an understated and relaxed environment to enjoy signature treatments inspired by ancient Arab secrets for health, wellness and beauty. Two swimming pools, Jacuzzis, indoor tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a host of recreational opportunities are available. On the beachfront, sailing, deep-sea fishing, and other water activities may be enjoyed. Hotels guests will be offered privileges at the adjacent Doha Golf Club, a world-class course.

Meeting Space

Over 21,528 square feet / 2,000 square metres of meeting and function space makes The Ritz-Carlton, Doha an ideal place for conferences and special events. Two ballrooms, six individual meeting rooms, a dedicated teleconferencing room, and extensive outdoor function areas are available.

Rates and Packages

Scheduled to open late September, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha offers a selection of rates and packages. Introductory rates include:

TIME FOR TEE?

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is not only within close proximity of an 18-hole championship golf course, but is also offering golfing enthusiasts an inclusive package.

Golfers can test their skills with a round at the Doha Golf Club, home of the renowned Qatar Masters Golf Tournament, coupled with exquisite accommodation in a deluxe room at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha.

Transportation is provided for the three-minute drive to and from the hotel, which makes a magnificent backdrop set behind the greens of the course. Use of the range, unlimited balls, and preferred tee times are arranged with compliments.

Within the hotel complex itself, guests are invited to enjoy unlimited use of the Spa and recreational facilities. The soothing and tranquil surroundings of the Spa enliven the senses and instill well-being, whilst play on the indoor tennis courts or exercising within the gymnasium undoubtedly provide an invigorating workout.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Golf Package includes airport transfers, a welcome amenity and is valid from 1st September to 30th December 2001. For single occupancy per night and one round of golf per day, the price is QR 1,000 or $275 U.S. For double occupancy and two rounds per day the price is QR 1,175 or $325 U.S. Prices are subject to 17% tax and service charge.

AN INTRODUCTORY PACKAGE FROM THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

A destination in itself! The Ritz-Carlton, Doha invites you to experience hospitality and service unsurpassed. This oasis of opulence sits on it’s own island amidst the turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. Transfers to and from the airport are provided with the compliments of the hotel, coupled with unlimited use of the spectacular Spa and recreational facilities. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools and tennis courts are amongst the wide selection of leisure activities provided to suit all comfort levels. The serene and relaxing ambience of the Spa instills a sense of well-being and hosts a mystical menu of treatments on offer.

Single or double occupancy is in a deluxe room at QR 750 or $210 U.S. inclusive of breakfast. The price is subject to 17% tax and service charges.

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

There is a whole new environment for success at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Meetings have never been as easy to arrange, in conference suites flexible enough to suit any business brief. Conference Service Managers partner with meeting planners to facilitate all technological and language requirements with expediency and ease. An extensive range of equipment is available and day delegate packages for meetings can be tailored to your requirements. Single or double occupancy in a deluxe room, inclusive of breakfast is QR640 or $175 U.S. with a minimum booking of ten rooms. An upgrade to a suite will be given to the organizer or chosen VIP attending. For every 20 rooms paid, one complimentary room will be given throughout the period of validity, 1st October to 30th December 2001.