Category: Qatar

Middle East hotel market turned on its head by W Hotels

Middle East hotel market turned on its head by W Hotels

W Hotels  has marked  its entry into the Middle East with the opening of the highly-anticipated W Doha Hotel & Residences.  This new hotel merges  traditional Arabian imagery with the contemporary cool design of the W brand with a hotel lobby that combines water features, ceiling-suspended seating and modern hand-blown hanging lanterns. Symmetrical designs, clean

Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in Qatar

The end of Ramadan is nearing which means it’s time for Muslims to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr. Luxury hotels in Qatar are getting in on the act, and offering lavish meals and entertainment programmes for those looking to enjoy the  holiday to the full. Here’s just  a selection of what’s on offer: Sharq Village & Spa:
World Airline Awards 2007

World Airline Awards 2007

The World Airline Awards are based on the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax and the results  are just out. Among the 2007 winners are: Singapore Airlines (Airline of the Year and Best Business Class Award) Qatar Airways (Best First Class, and Best Airline and Best Cabin Staff in the Middle East) Malaysia Airlines (World’s
The Sharq Village & Spa in Doha

The Sharq Village & Spa in Doha

Inspired by generations-old Arabic culture, design and traditions, The Sharq Village & Spa, which  recently opened in Doha, offers each guest an authentic interpretation of the rich Qatari past, introducing them to a hotel experience unique to the region. Operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company B.V., this is the award-winning global hotel company’s second property
Large tents at luxury Doha hotels for Ramadan

Large tents at luxury Doha hotels for Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise  until sunset. However, once night falls, they make up for that abstinence, and restaurants, hotels, cafes and especially Bedouin tents brim with activity. Qatar’s Sheraton Doha has erected a huge Bedouin-style air-conditioned tent overlooking a lagoon. Not wishing to be outdone, The Doha Marriott

Qatar's first five-star golf and spa hotel

In 2009 Qatar will welcome its first five-star golf and spa hotel thanks to a deal between Taj Hotels and Resorts and Palaces and Qatar Sports Investment Company. The development  will be at the Doha Golf Club, the only PGA standard 18-hole golf course in Qatar, and will be called the Taj Exotica Golf and
W Hotels sets sights for Doha, Qatar

W Hotels sets sights for Doha, Qatar

W Hotels is heading for the Middle East once more. In addition to the already planned W Dubai Festival City, details have emerged of plans for a second hotel in Doha, Qatar. W Doha will feature 292 guest rooms, including 31 suites and 154 W Residences, multiple signature restaurants, a poolside outdoor shisha lounge, champagne
Is Doha the next Dubai?

Is Doha the next Dubai?

According to the Qatar Tourism Authority, there’s currently over 100 buildings and towers under construction in Doha, a city with a currently modest skyline of just 20 or so high-rise properties. One notable development is the $2.5 billion  Pearl-Qatar, a residential land reclamation scheme consisting of a string of offshore islands  on the edge of
MENA Travel Awards 2006

MENA Travel Awards 2006

The MENA Travel Awards held earlier this month celebrate the best of the luxury travel industry in the Middle East and North Africa (hence the MENA bit). There were many nominees and awards so below I’ve given a short summation by listing only the platinum winners; the United Arab Emirates dominates the honours: Platinum winners
New first class lounge from Qatar Airways

New first class lounge from Qatar Airways

Last week Qatar Airways revealed its new on-board first class lounge product. Showcased at the ITB Berlin travel convention, the airline’s new A340-600 fleet (delivery of which  will commence  later this year) will be equipped with  a dedicated first class lounge. Features include a stand-up bar with drinks rack and spotlight mood lighting, and cream
Qatar Airways notches up another award

Qatar Airways notches up another award

Qatar Airways has picked up yet another award: the Inflight Service Consistency Excellence Award  from Skytrax, the world’s leading air transport research organisation. Qatar Airways is growing at great speed and is one of only four airlines in the world ranked Five Star for service and excellence. The airline’s cabin crew have been voted the