Hilton Signs Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Doha, Qatar

Hilton has expanded its Waldorf Astoria portfolio with a new property in Qatar, following the signing of a management agreement with Doha-based La Jolla.

The legendary hotel brand will debut in Doha with the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, a visually striking 42-storey property located on a prominent headland and commanding panoramic views of the city and Persian Gulf.

The hotel will be in the heart of the modern business and diplomatic district, close to Qatar Stock Exchange and near to the upcoming Doha Convention Centre, due to open later this year.

Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay will feature 250 guestrooms and suites as well as 80 large serviced apartments.

Amenities will include a palatial ballroom, state of the art meeting and conference facilities and a wide range of bars and restaurants.

A rooftop pool and a two-storey health club and spa will also be developed for the property, which is expected to open by 2016.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa, said, “Hilton Worldwide enjoys a close affiliation with Qatar and the introduction of the illustrious Waldorf Astoria brand is an important step in offering greater guest choice with what will, arguably, be one of the strongest and most enviable property portfolios in the country.”

As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Qatar is enjoying a surge in visitor numbers as it enters a sustained, decade-long period of growth and development supported by a government-backed $65 billion investment programme. Headline plans for the country include a new airport capable of handling 50-million passengers annually, a $5 billion deep water seaport with large cruise ship terminal, a causeway linking Qatar to Bahrain as well as a network of projects required to support the staging of the FIFA World Cup in 2022.