Grand Hyatt - Doha

With an affiliation dating back more than thirty years, Hirsch Bedner Associates has worked on a number of international projects for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Following on from Grand Hyatt Muscat, Hyatt Regency Mainz, and Park Hyatt Johannesburg, the design consultancy has completed the interiors for Grand Hyatt Doha, marking the debut of the Hyatt brand in Qatar and strengthening its presence in the Middle East. 
The hotel and residential complex is situated in Doha’s new West Bay Lagoon district close to the growing financial and commercial centres, and the new Museum of Islamic Art. Its locally-inspired architecture and old world exterior design recreates the traditional elegance of an Arabian palace, a theme continued within.

Hirsch Bedner designed the 249 guestrooms and suites along with a range of food and beverage facilities. The design brief was to pay homage to the region’s historic cultural charm and recapture the feel of an elaborate and palatial royal residence.

“The idea was to create interiors that evoke the splendour and luxury of a bygone era, but that also offer the sophistication and comfort expected and sought after by the modern day world traveller,” explains Hirsch Bedner’s President Howard Pharr. He adds that the hotel creates “a perfect marriage of traditional Arabic architectural details and motifs, with luxurious contemporary materials and finishes.”

A key feature of the hotel is its grand lobby and oversized atrium featuring a 17m curtain of glass that overlooks the landscaped gardens and private beach. The atrium forms the hub of the hotel with all services located within or leading from it.
The four restaurants, The Grill, Isaan, Rocca, and Biscotti, are individually designed, serving international cuisine. The signature restaurant, Issan, is the only Thai in Doha and features an open kitchen – a concept offered at all Hyatt hotels – to allow diners to observe the chefs. Biscotti, meanwhile is designed akin to an Italian bakery with retail items and light fare. The hotel also offers two lounges. At Dunes, the main bar with an outdoor terrace as its selling point, the colour palette reflects that of its namesake.

Hirsch Bedner’s interiors make use of local influences giving the hotel a sense of place. “Traditional Arabic motifs were integrated into the interior design through patterned stone floors and carpet designs,” says Pharr. “In order to further enhance the sense of place, a local artist was commissioned to populate the property with paintings that evoke life in Qatar.” The works of Qatari-based artist Nijenbandring De Boer are inspired by local scenery and traditional art and feature familiar imagery such as dhows, souks, camels, and ancient jewellery designs. Additional artefacts including wooden chests and giant urns were sourced from the region and play a role in bringing a palatial feel to the hotel. Lighting also plays a key role in highlighting certain elements, creating moods and changing scenes throughout the day and night.

Guestrooms are positioned around the atrium and are designed using rich woods to complement fine textiles. All feature spacious marble bathrooms that open up to the guestroom. The premium suites range in size from 80m2 to 205m2 and open onto large balconies furnished with dining tables, day beds and lounging chairs.

Pharr describes the guestrooms as “Peaceful retreats outfitted in soothing neutral tones offset by contemporary fixtures and furnishings.” Adding: “They are spacious and comfortable, and feature rich, warm woods like yew and walnut as well as fine textiles and bedding. The furniture, mostly updated versions of classical shapes, is trim and simple with clean lines and sophisticated upholstery.”

Also designed by Hirsch Bedner are the 91 private residences with two, three or four bedrooms.

In addition the hotel offers three outdoor swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness centre, and the Juala Spa, set amongst indoor tranquility pools.

GRAND HYATT DOHA
P.O Box 24010
Doha, Qatar, State of Qatar
Tel: +974 448 1234
www.hyatt.com

Rooms    249 guestrooms
Dining    The Grill, Isaan, Rocca, Biscotti
Drinking    Dunes, Al Maha
Leisure    Juala Spa, gym, 3 pools
Facilities    Conference centre and ballroom