Shangri-La has expanded its portfolio of hotels in the Middle East with the grand opening of the Shangri-La Hotel, Doha.
Housed in a gleaming 50-storey property in the commercial district of West Bay, the hotel, designed to resemble a falcon’s head in recognition of Qatari falconry – the country’s historic and elite pastime, is adorned with museum-quality art pieces honouring the rich heritage of the Qatari peninsula which are on loan from the Sheikh Faisal Collection.
Located close to the business and diplomatic areas, Shangri-La Hotel, Doha offers a direct link to the City Centre Mall, the city’s largest mall, and is only five minutes from the waterfront promenade.
References to a traditional Arabian welcome begin when guests arrive at the hotel. In the driveway, a prodigious bottle tree greets visitors, while a falconer in traditional garb with the recognisable bird of prey perched on his arm shows the warmth of welcome intrinsic to this part of the world. Guests are presented with a cup of rich coffee, made by the hotel’s specialist coffee maker according to a nomadic recipe, to reflect another warm Arabian gesture that is the hotel’s signature blend of East meets East hospitality.
Light-filled luxury accommodation includes 272 guestrooms and suites and 42 serviced apartments. The guestrooms, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city and Persian Gulf, feature warm earth tones and amenities including a 47-inch Wi-Fi-enabled smart TV and Shangri-La’s signature mattress. Complementing the chic interiors are spacious marble bathrooms fitted with premium toiletries, a deep-soaking tub and walk-in shower.
Taking advantage of the 360-degree panoramic vista of the skyline and the glistening Persian Gulf is the Horizon Club Lounge. There in the private sanctuary, located on level 42 of the hotel, Horizon Club and suite guests can enjoy private check-in service, complimentary refreshments all day and a host of exclusive privileges.
Leisure facilities include an aquamarine lagoon-shaped pool on the 2,000-square-metre deck dotted with loungers. A shaded splash pool is located nearby for little guests to frolic in. Next to the pool area is the Health Club that offers a fully-equipped 24-hour fitness centre, sauna and steam rooms. Chi, The Spa, features an outdoor hydrotonic pool and eight private treatment rooms.
Shangri-La Hotel, Doha boasts seven food and beverage outlet.
Sridan provides an interactive all-day dining experience where distinctive arches, intricate lamps and vividly coloured tiles recreate a lively souq (market) atmosphere for guests.
Fuego is the only restaurant in the city to offer certified Argentine Kobe beef. Decorated in deep burgundy hues with miniature horse sculptures displayed in the dining area and horseshoes dotting the wall, the informal and lively atmosphere is heightened by live folk music performed by an Argentine duo.
Yabby, the seafood restaurant, takes its name from the popular Australian crayfish and showcases one of the largest live seafood selections in Doha.
The entrancing Shanghai Club, opening later in the year, will be located on level 42 and 43 of the hotel. At a height of 162.3 metres above ground, the venue will be Doha’s highest Chinese restaurant with authentic food presentations for lunch and dinner, as well as after-work drinks.
The Den, an European-inspired piano lounge, resplendent in polished wood and supple leather harks back to the glamour of a bygone era.
In celebration of its grand opening, Golden Circle members reserving the “Thrice the Welcome in Doha” offer, valid until 30 June 2016, will receive triple Golden Circle award points and a 25% discount on the Best Available Rate, food and beverage and Chi, The Spa.
