Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Katara Hospitality in partnership with Accor and Rixos Hotels re-opened the fully restored Gulf Hotel Doha on Tuesday. Renamed Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, the hotel is the first 5-star all-inclusive hotel in Qatar and reiterates the brand’s commitment to creating an elevated 360-degree experience for guests.
Located near Hamad International Airport and Doha’s popular tourist and entertainment destinations, the hotel will be easily accessible to FIFA World Cup fans and leisure travellers alike.
The opening took place in presence of Katara Hospitality Deputy Chairman and Qatari Diar CEO Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Katara Hospitality Acting Chief Executive Officer Andrew Humphries, Rixos Hotels Regional General Manager Cenk Unverdi as well as senior officials from both Katara Hospitality and Rixos Hotels.
Speaking on the occasion, Attiyah said, “We are very proud to witness the re-opening of the fully restored Gulf Hotel Doha in partnership with Rixos Hotels. Fifty years ago, Gulf Hotel was the country’s first five-star hotel and helped lead the hospitality industry in Qatar. By adopting a pioneering approach from the start, the hotel has become distinguished in the development of the hospitality and tourism landscape in the country.”
“The main purpose of the project restoration was to celebrate the heritage of Qatar and to bring back the original iconic identity of the building. Rixos Brand is firmly rooted in the generous and authentic approach to hospitality as the origins and traditions of Turkish heritage, and we are happy to welcome Turkish hospitality to Qatar with the opening of the first Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha,” he said.
Rixos Chairman Fettah Tamince said, “This iconic landmark is the ideal venue to introduce Rixos and its all-inclusive concept to Qatar. Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha perfectly balances the striking contrast between the 1970’s architecture of one of Doha’s most recognised landmarks with all the style and functionality that is expected of a leading 21st-century luxury hotel.”
Since its opening in 1973 as the Gulf Hotel, the building itself has become a landmark in the city and this new venture reimagines the property with luxurious offerings under the all-inclusive concept within the Rixos brand name.
Established in 2000, this fast-growing Turkish hotel brand has redefined the meaning of all-inclusive by creating individual and meaningful experiences through an unlimited selection of premium products and services across bucket-list-worthy destinations offering a fresh perspective on the discerning travelers. From abundant flavours, sports activities, professional entertainment, kids’ activities, and immersive spa experiences, guests at Rixos Gulf Doha Hotel will embark on a memorable journey to unlock an all-inclusive experience.
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha consists of two towers comprising 378 luxurious rooms and suites. The guest rooms blend comfort with cutting-edge technology to satisfy every guest from corporate travelers to leisure guests. The hotel also recognises that relaxation and rejuvenation are an essential part of any visitor’s stay, featuring the brand’s highly acclaimed and signature Anjana Spa.
This trendy hotel will feature something for guests of all ages and lifestyles with luxurious amenities, a vibrant entertainment programme, several dining outlets an engaging kids club, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Guests will be spoilt for choice with seven different dining outlets located across the property. Farmhouse, the all-day dining restaurant, will introduce guests to high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on authentic Turkish cuisine. Those seeking an Indian flair will be delighted at Rasa presenting Indian classics with a modern take, combining international ingredients with an Indian essence.
To complete the 5-star dining experience, guests will have the opportunity to dine on the finest meat cuts at the steakhouse Mr. Tailor or enjoy an eclectic array of cuisines with a beautiful view to match at Akte Pier 51, located on the marina pier with an incredible view of the buzzling city’s luxurious lifestyle with an authentic taste of the spirited lifestyle, robust cuisine and timeless style of the Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.
Those with a sweet tooth will revel in Crust, the 24-hour lobby lounge featuring a bakery with desserts guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. To break away from the crowd and relax in their own, private bit of luxury, VIP guests and suite guests can enjoy a coffee or drink and mouthwatering desserts in M lounge.
Fitness junkies will be able to maintain their exercise routines at the Exclusive Sports Club. Guests might even fall in love with a new sport by participating in the numerous fitness classes offered throughout the day including yoga, Zumba, and HIIT workouts.
While parents soak up the sun and sip on ZOH’s signature beverages by the pool, kids can build new friendships while engaging in fun, yet educational activities at Rixy Kids Club. The fully supervised kids programme boasts numerous games and fun activities like arts and crafts.
Andrew Humphries said, “Today marks a key milestone for Katara Hospitality with the re-opening of the Gulf Hotel, known to be the first 5-star hotel in Doha, and reiterates the hotel’s commitment towards creating an elevated brand experience for guests. It is a new addition that opens up Qatar to leisure markets that are entirely new to the country to further strengthen and diversify Qatar’s appeal as a leisure destination.”
Cenk Unverdi, regional general manager of Rixos Hotels UAE, said, “The opening of Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is a monumental achievement for everyone involved, and the introduction of the all-inclusive concept in Qatar’s hospitality landscape helps reiterate the hotel’s commitment to creating an elevated brand experience for guests.”
Rixos Gulf Doha General Manager Sherif Kasseb said, “The Qatari market is ready for an all-inclusive destination where guests’ only concern is to sit back and unwind while their every need is attended to. Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is filling this market gap and will soon become the go-to destination for business travelers and vacationers alike. We look forward to welcoming guests to our hotel.”
