INTERNATIONAL: Marriott Opens First Marquis Brand Hotel Outside the U.S. in Qatar

By Balazs Szekely, Associate Editor

Doha, Qatar—The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel has opened its gates to the public. Marquis is an extension of the Marriott Hotels and JW Marriott Hotels brands that include properties distinguished either by a unique location or by their exclusive amenities. The Marquis portfolio has so far consisted of properties located in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, San Diego, Houston and Washington DC. The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is the first Marquis outside of the U.S.

The new hotel is located in the middle of Doha’s so-called ‘diplomatic area’ and came to life by conjoining three properties: the Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Center and Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center. The facility features 580 guest rooms (120 of which are configured as luxury apartment suites), 18 conference rooms and close to 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The location in Doha’s West Bay business district provides panoramic views of the city skyline, the Arabian Gulf and the Doha Corniche waterfront promenade. Amenities includes award winning restaurants, an indoor-outdoor pool, a fitness center and spa.

“We are extremely proud to be the first Marriott Marquis property outside of the United States,” said Andreas Wissdorf, general manager of the new hotel, in a prepared statement. “We saw an opportunity to enhance our offerings through the Marriott Hotels brand, adding some key features and facilities such as the ‘Greatroom’, ‘Future of Meetings’ and ‘Mobile Guest Services.”

Wissdorf added that he considers Doha a dynamic city and a professional business destination. As such, he sees great potential in both the meeting capacity and the leisure appeal of the complex.

Marriott Hotels currently operates 500 hotels and resorts in nearly 60 countries around the globe.