THE Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces its debut in Qatar with the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, in Qatar. The existing Ramada Plaza Doha featuring 583 guest rooms will be converted to a Radisson Blu in Q3 2012. Radisson Blu is Rezidor’s core brand in the upper upscale market segment – offering contemporary architecture and design, unique signature service concepts and the engaging service philosophy “Yes I Can!”
“We are delighted to add this landmark hotel to our constantly growing Middle East portfolio where we currently have 29 Radisson Blu hotels in operation and under development. The property will undergo a $18 million renovation and become even more attractive and competitive”, said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of Rezidor.
Gordon MacKenzie, general manager of the hotel, added: “Although we are slightly sad to be leaving the Ramada family, we feel that joining the Radisson Blu brand will continue to enhance our services and open new avenues for international business. This is an extremely exciting time for us.”
The hotel will take on its new name from July 1. Although changing brands, the owner, Sheikh Ghanim Al Thani, will remain the same and the current management team will remain in place.
The extensive $18 million renovation began in January with the hotel’s West Wing that is currently undergoing a full renovation of bedrooms and some public areas. Its exterior glass facade will also be changed to match that of the newer East Wing of the hotel.
The hotel is located on a prominent intersection in the city centre with excellent access to the international airport and West Bay business district. The hotel offers 583 modern, spacious rooms & suites in different styles as well as six bars and 12 restaurants. For meeting & events, the hotel offers 2,000 sq m of conference sspace and a variety of leisure facilities.