Where Was I? At W Doha hotel, Qatar. This felt like a relevant question when visiting the emerging city of Doha in the midst of its long-lasting summer heat wave to explore some of its many new attractions.
Doha is the capital of the boom state Qatar and the hub for Qatar Airways, an airline which is successfully contributing to place this Arabic nation on the world map. And it was Qatar Airway’s modern airbus which brought me over in comfort from Bangkok (just one of many connections worldwide being added on to the routes, with more cities and flights).
Doha – Why not? I had asked myself; similar to how I would be prompted with questions as a guest at the flashy W Doha, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ flagship brand synonymous with things that are Inspiring, Iconic, Innovative and Influential.
Well, when there is a brand new W hotel in town, and the widely acclaimed new Museum of Islamic Art – an iconic building by a world-renowned architect – plus that Qatar is very much a lifestyle destination in the making (aside its vibrant industries) – then there are good enough reasons to give it a try, and despite coming at the “wrong” time of the year.
Many things were new here; in fact this is a city in the making – in a desert-like sandy landscape and with whole districts of skyscrapers under construction. So here was a chance to see for oneself one of Middle East’s wonders coming to life to attract international business and leisure visitors aside the mega phenomenon United Arab Emirates.
Many brand new exciting hotels are awaiting you and visiting Qatar also offers splendid opportunities to explore things that are Arabic, like Bedouin culture, as well as enjoying beach resorts and water sports – or watching a local exciting camel or Arabic horse race.
W Doha hotel, Qatar – desert land
There is no denying that Qatar in July is stiflingly hot; this visitor knew that and was thus prepared for it. Or rather: Trying to brace myself for how it could possibly feel. The mercury can rise over 50 degrees and indeed reached 45 during this visit, but bear in mind then that this is low season for most states in the Middle East, where a gulf nation like Qatar is best enjoyed during the winter period when a much nicer and mild climate is the norm.
What was unexpected though was a very strong wind causing the city to feel like a hot oven! And with the wind comes sand, which there is plenty of – after all this is desert land…
Swimming in the pool at W Doha seemed to be barely possible, but when taking on the challenge the water turned out to be surprisingly cool, which helped! This Wet pool turned out to be special: with underwater music, multi-coloured fibre-optic lighting and dramatic black mosaic tiles. So during the winter season a seat in of the poolside cabanas is a winner!
But when entering the streets during the hot period sunglasses of the best sort come in handy. And walking any long distance in the heat of the day must strongly be advised against.
Asia’s hot humidity is one thing, but this is something else. At one occasion, buildings in the far distance beyond a sandy undeveloped part seemed like a mirage, vibrating in the air. And yet, after sunset a stroll along the waterfront was nice, if still hot.
So when arriving there for the first time it was nice to have a good friend and literally an escape from the heat in the form of the downtown W Doha, which turned out to be a vibrant, homely and cool place with super friendly multicultural staff (we’ll come back to that topic) – just as one should expect from any W establishment, I dare say.
Being W’s footprint, it’s first location in the Middle East, W Doha is the only boutique hotel in the city and, as its first and only lifestyle hotel, adding a much-needed dimension to the cityscape, as well as the domestic hospitality industry, explained the hotel’s GM.
“The hotel is setting the standard for modern luxury in Doha and its restaurants, entertainment and activities have made the hotel ingrained in the life of the city.”
Undoubtedly W Doha had, with virtually no one else around to match its offering, quickly grown to become the busiest place to be seen in with a vibrant mix of guest clientele and an influx of local residents. Other potentially competing waterholes were also absent since buildings were very much still taking shape at every turn in the neighbourhood – a downtown in the making in 2009. Before W Doha entered the scene, there were a few five star hotels in various parts of the town – but that was all.
This area is a sophisticated market which appreciates luxury brands like W, the GM explained further, describing Doha as the emerging new “hot spot” in the Gulf which is branding itself as a leisure and business destination.
“Qatar remains dynamic because of its varied sector development and they have seen great market success because of the health of the economy. Within this context W Doha should be seen as an example of the importance the country places on being innovative in the face of caution,” he portrayed Doha’s position, given the global financial crisis.
W Doha hotel located in West Bay
W Doha Hotel & Residences is located in a newly-built area in West Bay near the City Centre Mall Complex – unfortunately an uninteresting shopping centre with much left to be desired for fashionistas and brand-conscious shoppers.
Once ready, the modern skyscraper-lined site of West Bay with its swanky, shiny towers will stand starkly apart as compared to the old downtown with its traditional architecture and souqs (markets) such as Doha’s legendary Souk Waqif attraction (which is also definitely a must visit with its exotic market and and abundance of restaurants).
And in this up-and-coming commercial district (a veritable work-in-progress) the 30-storey edifice W Doha stands as an oasis close to the dunes of Doha – described as a leading-edge, contemporary lifestyle experience and including fabulous rooms, with Wow suites in romantic or business styles, a spectacular E Wow suite and 154 W Residences.
Approaching this modern sweep of metal and glass after nightfall the protruding LED light illuminated roof over the entrance gives it an exciting night club feel. And this fits well with its ultra-urban club Crystal Lounge and the middle-east inspired Wahm – an indoor and outdoor poolside lounge featuring cozy cabanas, cushion-filled banquets, world beats and the ultra-hip, black-tiled WET pool. This is the answer to the obvious W question: Who Wants a drink?
These venues, along with the splendid dining options, and the visitors frequenting the hotel makes W Doha a destination within itself.
Its Crystal Lounge and Wahm have certainly claimed a wide fan base, as they offer something totally new to the Doha scene. Crystal Lounge creates a chic, yet flirty atmosphere in its sleek black interior. The city’s jet set sips bubbly from the champagne bar, swizzles whimsical cocktails and listens to some of the world’s best DJs perform.
Whatever/Whenever
Well inside the intriguing home-like lobby space – suitably named the W Living Room – the Wow feeling continues with the contemporary adaptation of local nuances where the interior designers have been allowed to excel throughout the hotel. The 100+ hand-blown, hanging blue lanterns inspired by those seen in a mosque is striking. Another such element is the curved staircases which mimic the essence of the pearl.
Symmetrical designs, clean lines and innovative lighting create private, tranquil areas within the sweeping, dramatic public spaces. Sink down on any comfortable seat, including ceiling-suspended ones, and, if you so Wish – order What you Want! And observe this dynamic place where men in traditional Arabic dresses contrast with western-looking guests.
Wow! And just wait until you get to see the guest room…
Should one have other questions the multilingual staff will stand ready to deliver W’s signature Whatever/Whenever service that makes the guest’s wish their command.
“We make any special moment magical and provide whatever you want whenever you want it (as long as it’s legal!),” the GM promises.
Among the most striking things on this visit was to discover the downright melange of nationalities the hotel’s employees constituted. There are good chances finding someone among the staff that speaks your native language.
“Our Doha staff reflects our international attitude, representing over 50 different nationalities.”
Doha is truly an international city and this is reflected in W Doha’s staff, its guests and the hotel’s philosophy. Few destinations/hotels can indeed boast such an interesting international mix of people.
It was not difficult to agree with the general manager on his point that “this diverse mix of nationalities melds perfectly with W Doha’s style of combining fashion, music, entertainment and everything in-between to create something totally unique, cool and fresh.“
Once you have succeeded to get past the Warm arrival experience and come as far as entering the elevator, you will arrive to one of the floors where a modern version of chandeliers and for example a painting in the form of black and grey brush strokes on a white shining background adorn the interior.
Signature W design
Orientate yourself to the dimly illuminated and cosy corridor and enter the assigned room to encounter an amazing harmonising design: plush uniquely textured carpeting, silk drapes and pillows – all in muted grey-blue tones and white. The lovely bed is sort of enclosed by a curved wall panel of silk. Also the comfortable work station is a curved black wooden office desk.
All guest rooms feature the W Hotel’s signature bed with feather-top mattress, 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down comforter, creating the ultimate sleep experience.
Each accommodation also has a flat-screen LCD TV, DVD player, MP3 docking station, Tivoli radio, WiFi Internet access and high-speed laptop connectivity. Guests also have access to an extensive choice of movies, music and video programmes on demand.
The room also offers an excellent view of the Arabian Sea that can be contemplated while reading and having an espresso. Opt also for in-room breakfast, lunch or dinner.
In the bright bathroom: three natural stones with the words Wash, Wet and Warm as décor grabs your attention.
Hanging the sign ‘When? Not Quite Yet’ on the outside of the room door means you can ensure absolute privacy.
And Why not a snack? Satisfy your midnight cravings with something from the Munchie Box – W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar.
The W Suites have a room size of 106 m2 with modern luxury design and state-of-the-art technology: BOSE lifestyle audio system and surround sound in the living rooms.
Wow Suites come with direct sea view in addition to the amenities already mentioned above.
An absolutely spectacular Extreme WOW suite tops off W Doha, incorporating a life size statue of a black horse as part of the décor, private massage and meeting rooms, full-size pool table and Wet bar, a stunning saltwater aquarium stocked with exotic sea life, and a luxurious oversized bathroom.
Regardless of your upscale room choice, when going to sleep you can ponder next day’s adventures as you read the printed text on a wallpaper saying: Why not? Provided the weather permits, visits to historic forts, modern art, camel racing, championship golf, ancient souks, old Shisha cafes etc. could be part of the agenda. The Doha Golf Course is only 10 minutes away and the Sports city a 20-minute ride by car. There are also desert sport activities, the Qatar Heritage Village Cultural Centre, or the Equestrian club. Camel races take place during the spring and autumn.
Restaurants to show off
Another query is: What else have We got for you? As indicated W Doha is also equipped with plenty of other reasons to linger within the hotel premises – which feels even more essential if visiting during the hot May-October season…
There are three signature restaurants including two fine gastronomic concepts by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a Michelin chef rightly revered the world over: Market by Jean-Georges and Spice Market.
Market by Jean-Gorges serves International and Mediterranean cuisine from a show kitchen, including buffet spreads. Here is also where guests enjoy a W hotel Breakfast or the Arabic counterpart including Foul Mudammas (a vegetarian Middle Eastern dish), falafel etc.
At Spice Market – which has drawn inspiration from South East Asian street culture – the food is strong on flavours. A lunch started off the W Doha dining experience wonderfully with Salmon (oven-fried) in a lemongrass, peanut and noodle broth consisting of a yellow broth and accompanied with a green herb salad, served in a deep soup-plate.
Other dishes were the (Peranakan) Nonya seafood laksa, Gulf shrimp and scallops, Hammour (catch of the day from the Persian gulf) served with Malaysian chilli sauce and Thai basil or Crispy salt and pepper roquet, Thai basil and lime. Everything seemed wonderfully tempting at Spice Market.
Wine by the glass are available as sparkling, white, rose or red and pre- or post dinner drinks can be enjoyed at an elegant bar, where the cocktail ‘Lemongrass Drop’ seemed worth trying with Absolut, Cointreau and Lemongrass as ingredients.
In addition there’s the stylish/casual dining experience La Maison du Caviar serving a range of caviars and other delights such as wild smoked salmon of various origins.
The ultra-stylish Crystal Lounge (with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling above the long bar counter) draws a strong crown late in the evenings and it is probably worth knowing than that Friday equals Sunday in Qatar.
Wahm, a shisha lounge in a modern Arabic setting, with both indoor and outdoor space along the hotel façade serving Mezze dishes, is also a popular draw for locals and foreign guest workers in the city. Guests can choose to sit in the bar or in any of separate sitting areas with walls of wood and frameworks, and decoration with red curtains and lamps to give it all a feeling of Arabian Nights.
On the bar menu there is beer on tap, and cocktails like Wahm delight – a silky combination of vodka and rose. Or try Marhaba Arak mojito made with arak & topped up with beer. There is of course champagne (but very costly here) and a sparkling wine option: Chardonnay Brut Chevalier Jackson Nugent.
W Doha also hosts the region’s first Bliss Spa and the SWEAT Gym.
Bliss combines a clever menu of super-effective services and a fun, ’no-attitude’ atmosphere. Bliss for men on the menu offers for instance ‘The deep sea detox’, a 90-minute super wrap and stimulating shower combo which simultaneously slims, remineralizes, relaxes and hydrates.
Another signature treatment is named ‘The youth as we know it’, an ultimate anti-aging treatment including a gentle yet effective mushroom enzyme peel, a high-tech cell-generating moisturizing cocktail and a soothing collagen mask.
Or try this exciting body treatment: ‘The carrot and sesame body buff’ including a carrot mulch and hot oil rubdown, warm milk and honey drizzle, a skin-softening wrap, and a sesame seed and sea salt scrub! A Vichy shower is the grand finale.
Bliss out!
With new attractions like the architectural masterpiece MIA – a strong case for Qatar’s commitment to supporting culture – and prestigious hotels like W coming on board, Doha is a winner well worth visiting. As the gulf nation embrace modernity and steps onto the global vacation scene, W Doha brings a new flavour as the region’s first design hotel.
W Doha’s GM gets the final word: “Its hospitality industry is very competitive, price-wise, and makes great effort to form Doha into a high-quality, high-value destination for guests. Regarding Doha’s place in the leisure market, the country offers the best of the sea and desert, as well as a stylish urban landscape. W fits into this perfectly as a place that is designed for business and leisure guests, alike.”
