In Qatar, where the underground has a business class compartment and Friday brunch is a sport, opulence is merely the norm.
To really stand out here, a new hotel’s designers must do something extremely dramatic, such as spend five years erecting a brand new building in the shape of the country’s national crest.
Katara Towers is a new addition to the Doha skyline that is divided between two hotel brands, the Fairmont and the Raffles.
Each occupies one-half of the 300,000-square-meter structure, which is shaped like a pair of Qatari crossed scimitars.
These fraternal twin hotels are each luxurious in their own way, set alongside the aquamarine waters of the Persian Gulf.
To the side of Raffles
The Raffles, an all-suite property on the building’s left half, is inspired by the fine arts. A white grand piano in the lobby is illuminated by a swirling 60-meter (197-foot) kaleidoscope projected on the ceiling.
A private cinema is available, complete with plush red velvet seats and custom snacks prepared by hotel chefs. The rooftop bar, Acoustic, hosts live performances alongside a crystal-lined bar designed to resemble a whisky tumbler.
The highest-end suite is the appropriately named Raffles Suite, which sprawls over two floors of the hotel and has its own private swimming pool, internal elevator, hair salon and even a hammam.
Blue Cigar, a cocktail and cigar bar with moody deep-blue interiors and ceiling-high bookshelves, has a Bond-like vibe.
But those ceiling-high bookcases aren’t just for show. A visitor will be asked the name of his or her favourite author while a cigar sommelier selects a stogie or a server hands out sliders on blue-tinted buns.
Within an hour, a staff member will most likely return to the visitor with a copy of a rare book by that specific author. Rare-book experts from all over the world were dispatched to build the hotel’s impressive library.
Among the highlights of the collection are a first edition “Moby Dick” and the earliest known English edition of Homer’s epic “The Odyssey.”
To the left side (Fairmont)
According to Christian Hirt, the managing director of both properties, each hotel has its own type of clientele.
When asked how to differentiate between them, he says: “Raffles guests are refined travelers looking for new, different, cultural experiences that they haven’t had before. Fairmont guests are seasoned travelers who want to discover the destination and local culture in an authentic way, with couples and families looking to enjoy both the property and the vibrant destination.”
The Fairmont’s vibrancy begins the moment you walk in.
The walls are textured with squares of 18-karat gold, and the world’s largest chandelier, measuring 56 metres (183 feet) in height, shines pearlescent and gold down on you.
The Fairmont’s design concept is inspired by another staple of luxury culture: yachts.
The rooms are elegant and warm in white and blue tones, with eastern-facing rooms overlooking the Persian Gulf. Curved white velvet headboards resembling one of the country’s most famous symbols – the pearl – envelop the beds.
On the verge of becoming a destination
Katara Towers is one of the architectural landmarks of Lusail, Qatar’s second-largest municipality, which was built on reclaimed land to follow the Persian Gulf.
It is located approximately 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) north of Doha and five kilometres (three miles) north of Katara Cultural Village.
The area includes Lusail Stadium, which was a major venue for the World Cup last November and December, most notably the final between France and eventual victor Argentina, as well as the Formula One racecourse that hosted the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix event.
The Fairmont and Raffles hotels will open to the general public in January 2023.
Previously, it was used for FIFA officials and rumour has it, members of the Qatari royal family during the World Cup.
The most prominent feature of Qatar’s national emblem is crossed scimitars. The government unveiled an updated emblem last fall, coinciding with the completion of the building’s construction.
The Qatari double-sword design can be found on everything from coffee cups to jewellery in the Middle Eastern country. However, this is the first time the shape has manifested itself in the form of a building.
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