Marriott launched its new three brand complex in Doha with a spectacular opening night gala. Emirati singing star Hamdan Al Abri entertained international media, Marriott executives and Qatar business partners at a grand party held in the complex’s 7th-floor open-air pool garden.
The 48-storey twin-towered complex houses Marriott’s Renaissance and Courtyard hotel brands, as well as 123 Executive Apartments. It includes nine restaurants and bars, 1,200sq m of meetings space, health club, Saray Spa and a helipad with private check-in lounge. The one-to 3-bedroom executive apartments feature fully-equipped kitchens and their own lap-pool on the 44th floor.
The complex totals 584 rooms, suites and apartments and adjoins the City Centre Mall.
Mark Satterfield, Marriott’s EMEA chief operating officer, said the opening meant the company now had six properties in Qatar, reflecting long-term confidence in the country.
“Qatar is being seen more and more as the financial and business hub for the Middle East,” he said. “There’s the strength of the energy sector here, with all the jobs and demand that comes with that, and the government has a lot of major infrastructure projects, which drive business and bring more travellers to the region. Developers have taken a long-term view of demand in Qatar and we feel confident in where the country is going.”