Fouad Takla Construction completes Four Seasons Damascus

Damascus's first 5-star hotel in almost a quarter of a century, Four Seasons is the fruit of laws encouraging foreign investment which saw its construction at the behest of Prince Al-Walid Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia.

A major project for the city, country and region, it is a testament to the abilities of Fouad Takla Construction Company, and the latest in a long line of high-profile, prestigious projects completed in Syria by Takla.

It is also a major step in Syria's development as a premier travel destination, and the example set by Takla, the major force in the Middle East's building industry, serves as an encouragement to international investment, which at the same time exposes local contractors to modern project management concept and standards of service.

Omar Takla, the Fouad Takla Construction Company's managing director said: 'We are proud to be at the forefront of the private companies which are helping to build a prosperous future for Syria based on free enterprise.'

Designed and built to the exacting standards for which Four Seasons is renowned worldwide, it is an exceptional addition to an international chain that prides itself on exceeding customer expectations; so much so that the perfectionist management of the Four Seasons group refers to it as their 'Jewel in the crown'.

Set in the heart of the capital, the Four Seasons, alongside the Barada River, has striking views of the historic Tekiyeh Al-Suleimaniyeh and Farouche Shah Mosque, and its architects have incorporated design cues to blend the hotel in with the surrounding domes.

The careful design and logistical ingenuity required to create a 50,000 square metre luxury hotel in a relatively small plot of land in the heart of Damascus was undertaken by Dar Al-Handasah (Shair & Partners), the Beirut, Lebanon engineering and architectural consultants, while interior decoration was overseen by Pierre Eve Rochin, the designer who was also responsible for the interior of the George V Hotel in Paris.

The Four Seasons Damascus boasts a total of 297 rooms, including 231 standard guestrooms and a range of executive accommodation, including 4 two-bedroom suites and an outstanding Presidential Suite. All rooms are tastefully and comfortably furnished, providing both privacy and relaxation for business travelers and holidaymakers. All are equipped with state-of-the-art telecommunication and data facilities. Views of the local cityscape are uniformly impressive, particularly from the Presidential Suite, which boasts panoramic views of Damascus on all sides.

The hotel has been designed to welcome an eclectic mix of guests, and therefore provides a variety of dining and entertainment options. Three restaurants are on offer - Italian, Syrian and International (all-day), all located off the Main Lobby and all offering exceptional cuisine, prepared by expert chefs. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the Tea Lounge and Library Bar are also located off the Main Lobby.

The Four Seasons Damascus Ballroom is a multi-purpose hall capable of seating 800 people for major functions, or of being divided into 3 separate halls. An architectural achievement, incorporating massive large-span beams to support the ceiling, it is also equipped with high-tech audiovisual and lighting systems. A separate Banquet Room is also available for smaller functions.

International business travelers play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of a modern major hotel and the Four Seasons Damascus has been designed to provide exceptional facilities. Three meeting halls offer flexible facilities to meet modern business needs while advanced technology is at hand to accommodate the most demanding presentation and communication requirements. In addition, the Business Center stands ready to offer assistance and advice.

Further attractions include an impressive outdoor pool, with snacks and refreshments available close by, while guests can keep in shape during their stay at the fully equipped Fitness Center. Parking for 250 cars is available in the two-tier basement below the hotel.

Takla added: 'Syria's construction industry, previously the exclusive domain of the country's public sector, is now at the heart of the competition, generated by free enterprise, and the industry has been the engine of its economy's transformation.

'Private Syrian companies have been able to engage in joint venture partnerships with foreign companies in the evolving and economy, led by the reforms of the British educated President Bashar Al-Assad.'

The Four Seasons Hotel is a symbol of the Syria President Bashar Al-Assad is seeking to build, and is considered the type of building which will spur the regeneration of the surrounding area through private companies like the Fouad Takla Construction Company, whose proprietors have returned to Syria to work to held build a better future for their country.

In the past four decades, the Fouad Takla Construction Company has established itself as a market leader in the construction industry, tackling a range of different projects, from residential buildings to bridges, roads, electricity substations, resorts, and more.

Looking to the future, Takla has just been awarded a major railway construction project and, thanks to its success with the Four Seasons Damascus project, anticipates a major role in Syria's future tourism projects.