Best Western to Open Doha Seef Hotel in June 2009

Best Western is preparing to open its first hotel in Doha, Qatar. The Best Western Doha Seef Hotel is scheduled to open next month, in June 2009.

Set amidst the city's major landmarks and central business district, the hotel is a 5-minute drive from Doha International Airport and close to the city’s spectacular corniche that snakes 7 km along the Persian Gulf waterfront.

Doha’s atmospheric traditional souqs (markets) are 2-3 minutes away while banks, shopping centers and major business offices are also nearby. The hotel is also within easy reach of the main cultural showcases, namely the Qatar Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, and Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre.

Best Western Doha Seef is characterized by a blend of traditional Arabian hospitality and modern luxury. Rooms and suites offer spacious working and sitting areas and feature both shower and bath tub. Deluxe and Executive suites boast dramatic views of the Persian Gulf. The restaurant, located on the Mezzanine floor, offers authentic local and international cuisine.

“We are expanding throughout Asia and the Middle East to capitalize on the great opportunities available. Best Western Doha Seef Hotel represents an exciting landmark in Qatar,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s Vice President Operations – Asia. “Qatar is potentially one of the fastest-growing economies in the world this year with growth of 10%, so obviously this is an excellent time for us to enter the market.”

The Emirate of Qatar forms a peninsula surrounded by several islands located halfway down the west coast of the Persian Gulf and is centrally placed among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). With a population of 1.5 million, the emirate has a moderate desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Almost 50% of the population resides in the city of Doha, which is the business and Administrative Capital.

Best Western recently took over the Dhow Palace hotel in Bur Dubai and manages two hotels in Bahrain and Doha. The company currently has five hotels under development in the region, including two in Kuwait, two in Muscat and one in Dubai.

Some 140 hotels operate under the Best Western brand across Asia and the Middle East offering 23,000 rooms. By 2010, the number of hotels is projected to grow to 200 offering 50,000 rooms.

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