Four Seasons Doha, happy first anniversary!

Step into the Four Seasons Doha and a high standard of service is immediately evident with careful attention to detail. The pastel shades of the interior and extensive marble also provide the sort of foyer that you would expect in a hotel of this standing.

However, this is not an intimidating hotel. Its 232 rooms, including 57 suites have the more intimate feel of traditional European hospitality and are luxurious rather then imposing. Furniture is French and the bathrooms elegant but this is quite a homely atmosphere, albeit a stately home.

The exception is the Royal Suite, a palatial two-level private residence on the hotel's top floor with glorious 360-degree views of the Persian Gulf. With two king bedrooms on the upper floor, the suite features an oversized living room with grand piano, opening onto a large furnished outdoor terrace. An internal elevator leads to the master bedroom on the upper floor and two full-sized marble bathrooms.

Public spaces

Downstairs the public rooms sweep outward from the central lobby area. On one side is a wooden paneled library and cigar bar with plush furniture reminiscent of a gentleman's club. On the other side is a large drawing room for afternoon tea or relaxing.

Descend a dramatic double staircase overlooked by a massive chandelier and you find another seating area for drinks, and the entrances to the two main restaurants: the Theatro Italian fine dining restaurant; and the all-day brasserie. Here there is a large choice of dishes from an extensive international menu.

From this level you can access the pool, gardens and beach. The Four Seasons is privileged in having its own small, perfectly manicured beach and a protected narrow bay with clean water. This is complemented by a swimming pool complex and a poolside restaurant and bar.

Lavish spa

Situated right in the heart of downtown Doha, the Four Seasons has a location rivaled only by the Sheraton, and is both an excellent hotel for business and a resort with a spectacular purpose built spa. This is both modern and lavish in execution, and a truly outstanding facility which will be appreciated by even the most discerning lover of spas.

The Four Seasons Doha is actually one tower in a complex of four towers of matching architecture: two are residential and the other will soon be a headquarters for Q-Tel. The four towers together occupy a single promontory with great views out to sea, an unusual feature for a downtown complex.

Occupancy levels have been high in the Four Season Doha's first year and the hotel has become a favoured meeting place for local as well as visiting businessmen.