W Doha: A beacon of innovative design in the region

This contemporary structure directly across from City Center shopping mall announces itself with as much fanfare in its interior as it does from its ground-level exterior.

Doha's newest hotel, the W Doha, has actually been constructed in the shape of a giant 'W' and covers over 73000 m2. It's the brainchild of United Designers Ltd, an award-winning, multi-disciplinary, London-based consultancy that has developed a reputation for innovation through its highly acclaimed and immediately recognizable hotel and restaurant designs around the world including U2's The Clarence Hotel in Dublin and the Metropolitan Hotel in London.

Seeking to provide a balance of style and substance to the traveler, the W experience begins the moment the guest arrives. The W Doha lobby, or Living Room, showcases a melding of modern and time-honored cultural elements. Taking its inspiration from the traditional mosque, the triple height Living Room and its blue chandelier featuring 187 bespoke pendants create a backdrop for relaxation by day and the heart of the party at night. Custom-made furniture and accessories inspired by the latest trends in art, fashion, music and architecture appoint the space. Beyond the Living Room, the architectural podium of the building hosts an array of luxury retail outlets, destination restaurants, cafes, lounges, meeting spaces, a BLISS Spa and an outdoor sculptural black swimming pool. When a visitor feels the need to retreat, he may seek sanctuary in one of the fabulously-furnished guest rooms or suites.

The all-glass structure houses 291 rooms which include 31 W and WOW Suites and an additional 154 W luxury serviced residences. The rooms range in size from 42 sq m to the exclusive E WOW Suite, a one-of-a-kind 15th floor suite touting an extravagant 320 sq m of space and featuring gorgeous Arabian Sea views, luxury furnishings and every technology accessory imaginable including a Bang & Olufsen Audio/Visual system with surround sound, a private meeting room, pool table, private bar, massage room, an aquarium and a generously oversized bathroom.

The W Hotel and Residences also offers 20 Fabulous Rooms located in the corners of floors three through seven for an enhanced view, and 16 W suites highlighting luxurious modern design and state-of-the-art technology including the BOSE Lifestyle audio system with surround sound. 14 WOW Suites offering 123 sq m of living space and panoramic Arabian Sea views plus the amenities of the W Suites round out the something-for-every-taste collection of available spaces. In addition, three reduced mobility rooms are available and fully equipped to cater to the special needs of physically-challenged guests. All guest rooms are fully wired and feature the latest in cutting-edge technology, including plasma screen tvs, iPod cradles and the most advanced in-room entertainment systems in the industry.

"We make spaces for people to do business, to dine, to party, to relax, and to sleep. We invent brands for entrepreneurs, realize dreams for celebrities, negotiate with presidents, and counsel kings,"

says Keith Hobbs, founder of United Designers, which has been working closely with international design and construction company Multiplex.

In Doha, Multiplex has formed a joint venture with Medgulf, who are in charge of the construction process in collaboration with architects, structural engineers and landscape architects.

The end result is Doha's first boutique hotel; a series of spaces that not only embraces the philosophies of an evolving culture, but also challenges the expectations of the modern day traveler. In addition to its sumptuous guest rooms and visitor spaces, W Doha offers four levels of luxury amenities to satisfy even the most discerning guest, including a lap pool, a fully-equipped gymnasium, waterfalls, and a ballroom.

W Doha features two signature restaurant offerings from renowned Michelin-rated chef, Jean Georges Vongerichten. Spice Market showcases contemporary Asian-influenced French cuisine and awe-inspiring attention to detail in an exquisite open kitchen. Market focuses on modern American cuisine with an Asian flair and suggests comfortable dining in the relaxed atmosphere of a stylish home kitchen.

Meeting and convention planners are greeted with a turn-key approach at the W Doha, as the Hotel and Residences offers 1000 sq m of cutting edge event space in the forms of the Great Room and three intimate event studios, enhanced with W's exclusive Sensory Set-Up experience, a unique concept aimed at stimulating all five senses with mood music and aromatherapy scents, thought-provoking place cards, creative catering, retro candles and inspiring games. Recognizing that meeting breaks can be used for more than just coffee, W's Recess crew can offer a menu of fun activities to facilitate team-building and prevent boredom.

The famous New York and London Bliss Spa is setting up 8,000 sq ft of relaxation and service space in W Doha, bringing a fun, attitude-free atmosphere with its signature menu of over-the-top spa services and legendary brownie buffet. With only nine Bliss Spas in existence world-wide, Doha guests can now enjoy the spa's movie-while-you-manicure stations, two pedicure loungers, and nine treatment rooms, including one 'BIP' (that's bliss important person) room.

As with its other W locations around the world, W Doha offers the hotel's exclusive Whatever/Whenever Service, instant access to premium 24-hour concierge service. This is W's commitment to provide its guests with "whatever they want, whenever they want it, whether it be a pair of jogging shoes at 2 a.m., last minute dry cleaning or excursion or shopping arrangements.

The property marks the first W Hotel in the region. The W brand, which has been positioned with great success as 'the hotel for the young & the young at heart', is currently the fastest growing luxury brand in the world. Like other W hotels around the globe the W Doha will cater to the tastes of the young & trendy, but with a uniquely Arabian twist.