Does anyone have some info on the Grand Hyatt Doha?


According to the official Hyatt website, Grand Hyatt Doha is supposed to open in January 2008, and is labeled as a city/resort.

Now this news has been online for a couple of days:
Grand Hyatt goes IP in Qatar

Grand Hyatt Resorts in Qatar is to adopt a new IP-based communications system, supporting up to 1,500 users by 2008.

The system, which will be composed of Mitel and Foundry network products, will give IP communications capabilities to Hyatt’s 56 villa residences by December 2006, in time for the Asian Games being held in Qatar.

“I am delighted that the Grand Hyatt Resorts has selected Mitel’s IP solutions. This is another addition to our hospitality services customer base, following our recent deployment at the five-star Al Murooj Rotana located in Dubai,” said Hisham Amili, Mitel’s general manager for the GCC.

The Hyatt development will use a Mitel 3300 IP communications platform, running across FastIron SuperX and FastIron Edge Switch Power over Ethernet systems from Foundry.

”The collaboration between Foundry and Mitel provide customers best-of-breed IP telephony and networking solutions that are secure and interoperable, without locking them into expensive proprietary systems,” said Val Oliva, director of product management for Foundry Networks.

“The Grand Hyatt Resorts is a bellwether in their industry, leveraging the benefits of a standards-based, high-performance converged infrastructure to increase their business efficiencies and to reduce ongoing networking costs. We are pleased to be partnering with Mitel to deliver this advanced networking solution.”

National telecoms provider Qtel has subcontracted the implementation to Seiat Systems.

“We would like to commend our channel partner, Seiat Systems, for providing us with the regional expertise,” added Amili.

“Together we present compelling IP communications solutions to progressive enterprises wanting to take advantage of the cost-effective, scalable and highly flexible platforms that Mitel’s IP solutions offer.”

”The Grand Hyatt Resorts is a milestone for Seiat and together with Mitel, we are focused on delivering customer driven communication solutions,” said Rajeev G Krishnan, general manager at Seiat Systems.
...in time for the Asian Games? A resort?

There's something I don't understand...maybe the resort being built next to the Ritz? Dun understand much.. your guesses are welcome...:)

Hi Bert, actually, I assume the resort is the villa complex adjacent to the Ritz Carlton currently being built. The project, there, is composed of villas and a hotel (which is yet to be built). That is the only logical choice I could think of.

^^
Actually this is definitely it... I could do some more research online and found a couple of renders:

The hotel:
http://i8.tinypic.com/25zqikx.jpg

The hotel plus the villas:
http://i5.tinypic.com/25zqli8.jpg

The ballroom:
http://i5.tinypic.com/25zqlvq.jpg

Hill International Selected as Project Manager for the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas in Doha

Doha, Qatar -- Hill International, the worldwide construction consulting firm, has announced that it has received a contract from the Touristic Investment Company to provide project and construction management services during the design and construction of the new Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas in Doha, Qatar. The 28-month contract has an estimated value to Hill of approximately QR8.2 million ($2.3 million).

The project, which includes a total of 93,000 square meters of built-out space, consists of a new 250-room, five-star Grand Hyatt Hotel complex, together with a separate health and fitness center, 56 residential villas, and parking facilities.

"The construction of this major hotel complex is an important step towards making Doha a recognized business and tourism destination," said Raouf S. Ghali, President of Hill's International Project Management Group. "We are honored to have been selected to participate in this prestigious project," Ghali added.

Hill International, with over 800 employees in 22 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management and construction claims services. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as the 18th largest construction management firm in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com

This is a room designed by an artist from GHD:

http://www.vismasters.com/GalleryImages/IW/VM_Dec26_2005.jpg

I really like it! :okay:

Wow, I spent hours searching the net and found nothing. Thanks Massila for these. I think the Grand Hyatt have the best rooms of all the hotels, but i generally prefer the Marriott Brand since I have their card. The hotel looks a lot like the Grand Hyatt Muscat.

wow impresive! all theis villas to be manged by hotel, i wonder how much is it gonna cost per night

wow impresive! all theis villas to be manged by hotel, i wonder how much is it gonna cost per night

I assume maybe a 1000$ a night, since the villas are very spacious.

Just found this article:

MITEL AND FOUNDRY NETWORKS TAKES UP RESIDENCE AT THE GRAND HYATT RESORTS IN QATAR

DOHA, Qatar – (August 21, 2006) – Mitel®, the trusted provider of IP communications solutions, today announced that the Grand Hyatt Resorts in Qatar has selected a Mitel IP solution that will operate over a Foundry Networks®, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDRY), a performance and total solutions leader for end-to-end switching and routing, data-infrastructure, presenting the best-of-breed in unified communications.

Qtel, Qatar’s incumbent Push-To-Talk (PTT) and prime provider of Private Automated Branch Exchange (PABX) solutions in Qatar, sub-contracted the project to Seiat Systems, a Mitel Gold Solution Provider, to deploy a Mitel 3300 IP Communications Platform (ICP). Seiat will also be providing the Foundry Networks data-infrastructure based on Foundry’s FastIron® SuperX™ and FastIron Edge Switch Power over Ethernet (PoE) family.

The Grand Hyatt’s 56 luxurious villa residences are scheduled to be IP-ready this December, coinciding with the commencement of the 15th Asian Games to be held in Doha with participants from more than 40 Asian countries across the Middle East and Asia.

Upon completion of the entire Grand Hyatt Resorts complex, expected in 2008, the all IP solution will support more than 1,500 end-users with further expansion possibilities of up to 2,000 users in the complex.

“I am delighted that the Grand Hyatt Resorts has selected Mitel’s IP solutions.The Grand Hyatt Resorts in Qatar follows on our recent successes in the region, such as with Etisalat (UAE) and Jeddah Islamic Port (Saudi Arabia). This is another addition to our hospitality services customer base, following our recent deployment at the five-star Al Murooj Rotana located in Dubai. We would also like to commend our channel partner, Seiat Systems, for providing us with the regional expertise. Together we present compelling IP communications solutions to progressive enterprises wanting to take advantage of the cost-effective, scalable and highly flexible solutions that Mitel’s IP solutions offer,” said Hisham Amili, Mitel GM, GCC.

”The Grand Hyatt Resorts is a milestone for Seiat and together with Mitel, we are focused on delivering customer driven communication solutions,” said Rajeev G. Krishnan, Seiat Systems GM.

”The collaboration between Foundry and Mitel provide customers best-of-breed IP telephony and networking solutions that are secure and interoperable, without locking them into expensive proprietary systems,” said Val Oliva, director of product management for Foundry Networks. “The Grand Hyatt Resorts is a bellwether in their industry, leveraging the benefits of a standards-based, high-performance converged infrastructure to increase their business efficiencies and to reduce ongoing networking costs. We are pleased to be partnering with Mitel to deliver this advanced networking solution.”

The FastIron SuperX Layer 2/3 compact modular switch reinforces Foundry’s leadership in the growing PoE, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) markets. The FastIron SuperX delivers a new level of networking flexibility providing a complete networking solution from edge to core with wire-speed performance for high-density PoE, GbE and 10GbE system configurations and support for scalable layer 2/3 services, including Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Border Gateway Protocol 4 (BGP-4) routing and IP multicast. With the capability to scale to one million BGP routes in software and 256,000 routes in hardware, the FastIron SuperX offers tremendous scalability in a small and flexible form factor, addressing the needs of a wide range of customers, including service providers. Its advanced quality of service design and standards-based support for POE make the FastIron SuperX an ideal convergence platform for the wiring closet providing a powerful layer 2/3 solution for integrating voice data and video onto a common IP network.

Finding info about it is not easy...

What i especially like is the architecture of the hotel, Gulf ancient style, in opposition to its location, right beside the ultra-modern Lagoon Plaza! The feeling and the contrast must be weird, so close to the zig-zag towers! :cheers:
And such a prime location, at the entrance of the Pearl!

http://i7.tinypic.com/260bwxx.jpg

I have to say, I really don't like the design. I think such an 'old look' shouldn't be placed in the West Bay where all the modern buildings are.

BTW Halawala, really like your new sig. Very well... organized ;)

After seeing Massilia's 'map'. I remembered one of the photos I took and posted before...
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/8388/img1954xs1.jpg

I guess those white villas are 'the ones'...

Thanks Omar :) As for the villas I wish they were more creative and actually built the main hotel parallel to the construction of these villas.

^^ True. They looked very uncreative that we didn't even notice them when I posted this pic.
Even when I was right next to it going to the Pearl, I didn't even notice it! lol!

BTW, you won't believe how close it is the Pearl. Really close!

^^ True. They looked very uncreative that we didn't even notice them when I posted this pic.
Even when I was right next to it going to the Pearl, I didn't even notice it! lol!

BTW, you won't believe how close it is the Pearl. Really close!

I heard that there was a desicion by the Amir to demolish the row of houses which are right next to the main road leading to the Pearl since they will kind of shun the spotlight away from the Pearl. Did anyone hear this before?

Never heard of that. But I think a better decision is to make like a big wall not just demolish them!
However, this decision shows how important the Pearl is to Qatar. I mean, the decision was taken by the country's ruler for God's sake!

ya i heard something like that while back, didnt read the hole article

Found this nice aerial shot of the Ritz-Carlton on flickr:

http://i2.tinypic.com/263itk6.jpg

wow Massilia it looks great!!

Yup. Looks great. ;)
But where's The Pearl? Or was this picture taken before the land reclamation?

Yup. Looks great. ;)
But where's The Pearl? Or was this picture taken before the land reclamation?

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/267/ritzyp6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

lol!
Thanks Halawala. I guess I couldn't get it 'cause I am not used to look at it from this angle! :D

I don't blame you. It does look weird from this angle. Its too deserty--don't you think?

It looks 'deserty' I agree. But I think that's because of some editing of the pic and some effects. It's obviously not natural...

Maybe.. What's that island in the middle, between the Ritz and the Hyatt? It looks perfect for a mini-tower resort/hotel. Don't you think? The area south of the Ritz is supposed to bea water park. Do you know if they still plan that or not?

EVenthough it looks deserty.. I think it looks brilliant.. just the look of how it is divided amazes me

Just think in four years, the whole picture would be filled with high-rises! I bet it would not look deserty then.

Dunno Halawala. But that island looks like it belongs to the Ritz-Carlton. I mean it's only connected to it...

BTW, I also can't imagine how the West Bay will look like in a few years. It will definitely look sickkkk!

It would look very un-Qatari but still beautiful. The resorts they build should have a little more thought into them, and should at least be grand and more luxurious.

^^
It's the Ritz's beach actually : ) The circular protections make the water quiet and like a lagoon kinda...maybe it's gonna be shared with the Hyatt in the future?
I agree there is a lot of room on this island, and it wouldn't be surprising seeing a facility there later on..

I don't think so. Cause when I was a member in the Ritz, they told me that they had no beach--just a rocky coast--but no sandy beach! Imagine my reaction :cry:

^^ Haha... Owned! :hahaha: :hahaha:

Hehe...but I really think it's a beach, you can even see the beach umbrellas on that pic:

http://i6.tinypic.com/2645bok.jpg

Now I don't understand, maybe it's brand new? or doesnt belong to the Ritz?

^^ Lool! That's the funny part... A beach which is off limits to people. I think the bridge to that island is blocked or something.

Maybe it's private or something...

Maybe the Emiri beach that comes along with the Emiri suite :D

I would hardly call that beach private. It looks wonderful with sandy shores--but certainly not private! People would be looking from every angle at you. You can tell that was an old picture. The pearl wasn't even made during the time the picture was taken.

WOW,interesting :) BTW"happy independence day"

Getting back to this weird island :) ... seems like there is an answer to it in this very forum! In this old thread http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=142304, they talk about building a water park!!!
Now, it didn't get built, maybe cancelled, although the island has been reclaimed? What do you guys think?

------------------------------------------------

http://www.atkins-me.com/WestBay.jpg
Location :West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar
Client : Qatar National Hotels Company (QNHC)
Features :
Phase 1 : Lazy riverGeyser pool with bubblers, Family play unitToddlers play unit, Two ring ridesTicketing, turnstiles and lockers
Phase 2 : 'Volcano Mountain', Family raft slide 'BodyTwister' slides snaking over the 'Volcano Mountain'

Status : Masterplan
Atkins was commissioned by the Client to review all of the water park drawings produced by Canadian designers and to further develop these ideas for the island. The objective would be to improve on the amenities and enhance the experience of both local visitors and guests of the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The water park will be designed with a Polynesian theme and placed on a separate island, linked to the hotel via a bridge.

It would have been a very small water park! I don't remember this thread before!

by QATARI 4 EVER
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/476/16oc3.jpg

Guys, last time I went to the Ritz there was a HUGE billboard advertising the Grand Hyatt, its onsite but its poisitioon is a bit awkward. Does anybody see it?

Guys, last time I went to the Ritz there was a HUGE billboard advertising the Grand Hyatt, its onsite but its poisitioon is a bit awkward. Does anybody see it?

Yeah I saw that a few weeks ago last time i went to the Ritz, it's a good billboard though very big.

ist very big does it have lights so it can be viewed at night ????

ist very big does it have lights so it can be viewed at night ????

Would not know as I have not been there at night...:ohno:

..

Grand Hyatt Doha is planned to open in February 2008

http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/about/press/future.jsp?icamp=nhoBF

btw, Huge Construction is going on there...

Check this out ... I just found little bigger render ... :)



http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4329/grandhyattky1.jpg


..

Nice Superinfiniti! So, it will open exactly one year from today. Good progress.

also btw,

it is a 260 room hotel ...

Cool render! I really like it! This kind of building perfectly fits (like the St. Regis in my opinion) to the beachfront area between the Pearl and West Bay!

^^ I'm with you ... :)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9572/447379395dfb66e1f26ora2.jpg
flickr.com

perfect location!!!

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!^^

Thanks Bert, I was trying to post this one but you know i cant upload photos from Doha. (see Halawala's internet problems thread lol)

From a magazine

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4223/ytrtyrtynq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

wow is it supposed to reflect the Qatari Heritage like alsharq villiage and spa ?

looks cool

cool

Cool pix thanks Suzan, thanks Massilia

Found this in todays news (The Peninsula)

Hyatt Hotels to launch three key projects in 2008


DOHA • Hyatt Hotels is opening in 2008 three key properties: Grand Hyatt Doha, Park Hyatt Istanbul, and Park Hyatt Jeddah, adding 400 rooms across three countries.

"Our aim is to continue to develop our expansion plans in the Middle East, one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world, and offer our valued guests the highest standards of quality and service," said Thierry Bertin, Area Director of Marketing - Middle East, Hyatt International Hotels and Resorts.

The opening of Grand Hyatt Doha in spring of 2008 will mark Hyatt's entry into the world of 5-star hotels in the Gulf. The hotel will blend the architectural themes of the ancient world with contemporary technology with the central court, or atrium -surrounded on two levels by lounges, restaurants and lobby bar and a bamboo garden - as its main feature.

The 90-room Park Hyatt Istanbul- Maçka Palas, opening in the summer of 2008 is located in the Ni?anta?i residential and shopping district. The hotel will house 80 deluxe rooms and 10 suites.

Park Hyatt Jeddah, set to open in late 2008, will be the first boutique style hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offer an unrestricted access to the seafront in Jeddah. This project is an engineering feat that reclaimed an expanse of prime waterfront property from the Red Sea, while retaining balance of the surrounding marine life.

hiya.

can someone please get a photo update on the Grand Hyatt's current progress? it's scheduled to open next month according to Hyatt's website, so i was wondering if it'll actually make the opening.

thanks, guys.

ChaoticTranquility

hiya.

can someone please get a photo update on the Grand Hyatt's current progress? it's scheduled to open next month according to Hyatt's website, so i was wondering if it'll actually make the opening.

thanks, guys.

ChaoticTranquility

Hi there! I will take photos hopefully tommorrow as I am a bit sick these days. =P Anyway, it will not open month as there are tons of further work to do--I saw while passing throuhg to the the Pearl. The majority of the work is completed however!

The Grand Hyatt here is almost exactly the same design as the one in Oman, I have stayed there and believe me its 5 star. So this is not their first 5 star place in the middle east.

Look up the Oman hotel to get a VERY good impression of how the Doha one will be.

I am really looking forward to it, the Oman hotel is amazing and one of the best places I have ever stayed in.

It is a long way off completion though, have a look at the Zig Zag tower thread there is a picture that shows the hotel, one wing is clad but the rest is still just exposed concrete. I would estimate that it would be complete this time NEXT year certainly not this year.

any photos?

Region inspired paintings for Grand Hyatt rooms

http://www.gulf-times.com/mritems/images/2008/12/21/2_262032_1_252.jpg
Garry Friend

QATAR is fast becoming the destination of choice for global companies looking to expand, Garry Friend, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Doha, has said.
According to him the key to attracting people on a regular basis is to offer a unique environment that reflects and respects the wonderful cultural customs of Qatar.
“To encapsulate the true essence of Qatar, Grand Hyatt Doha has appointed a regionally-based artist to create works for each of the rooms and help bring the spirit of Qatar to the development,” he said.
Artist Linda Nijenbandring de Boer has been commissioned to create a total of 260 paintings, to be displayed throughout the hotel and residences. Nijenbandring de Boer’s figurative and contemporary paintings capture life in Qatar with a variety of subjects including dhows, souks, camels, oryx, ancient and traditional jewelry and antique carpets depicted in her creations.
“Working on the Qatari-inspired collection for Grand Hyatt Doha has turned out to be very enriching experience. With a well defined subject, it is amazing how much work I have done. I am delighted that I am able to express my creativity in a multitude of art pieces,” said Nijenbandring de Boer.
As well as the traditional design, artwork and architecture in the hotel, Grand Hyatt Doha will also celebrate and reflect the customs of Qatar throughout its residences, restaurants and conference facilities.
Grand Hyatt Doha is set to open in spring 2009 with 249 guest bedrooms as well as a residential complex available for short and long term rentals adjacent to the main hotel.
The hotel will also offer professional and extensive conference facilities.

I cant wait for this hotel to open! I think it will look great!

it took a loooooooong time :( oh well it looks great ;) :D

Could he list some companies that are rushing to set up here, ones that don't include oil and gas ?

^^
Just as an example, more than 100 financial firms from very diverse nationalities have been licenced to operate in Qatar in the last 3 years, with many more awaiting award of their licence.
http://www.qfc.com.qa/output/public-register.aspx
....

^^ and other companies like microsoft, cisco etc are opening in Qatar science and technology park / freezone :D btw isnt this a hotel thread ?

anyone been near to the grand hyatt ????

I'm thinking about one thing right now..... why didn't we get the banner for the 18th !!!!!!!

:( :( :( you know I like banners


Edit: opps wrong thread :P

^^ because nobody was in the forum !!! it was full of dust !!!!!!!

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

Most of these banks offer full-fledged corporate services, most do advisory/investment banking, propose now almost all kind of foreign exchange services, insurance brokerage, auditing, and everything that's needed to support the developing economy here. Everything is very 'tangible', I get you dont understand what all this is about, but this is actually how you make an economy grow. You claim no big firm not related to oil&gas has set up recently, I'm telling you that 100 financial institutions have set up within the last 3 years, most of them being major banks from Europe & Asia, you see what you want to see, what can I tell you!

^^ Don't waste your time :) he can think of whatever he likes

Yeah, I don't care Salman don't worry : )

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

and have a bit of negitivity along with that...

while i was passing by... the exterior seems to be done :D

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5740/hyattgo8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/hyattgo8.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img339/hyattgo8.jpg/1/)

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

hello all, and thinks allot for this great forum !!
please can one told me, when exactly open the hotel Grand Hyatt Doha??!
and thinks again!!

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

THanks for the pics! Seems like the Grand Hyatt needs some finishing touches only; but there is still work to be done.

second picture is HOT !! many thanks..

Grand Hyatt to open in March

DOHA: The Grand Hyatt Doha will have its soft opening by the middle of March with the grand opening to follow right after, a spokesperson said yesterday.

“The exact date of the opening will be confirmed by the end of February, but we will definitely have our soft opening by mid-March, and not long after that will be the grand opening,” said Caroline Holmberg, consultant at the Wallis Marketing Consultants FZ-LLC in Dubai.

The hotel will incorporate four restaurants, Isaan, The Grill, Rocca and Biscotti, with seven internationally-renowned chefs in its staff, headed by the executive chef, Mark Hagan. The pastry section will be headed by pastry chef Christoph Reinthaler.

“The residents of Doha know good food, so we are very excited to have our new chefs on board. Hyatt restaurants are well-known for serving simple and authentic fare capable of pleasing even the most demanding local palates,” said Michael Braun, the hotel’s director of food and beverage.

Isaan, Grand Hyatt’s signature restaurant, will serve a variety of authentic vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes with roots from the northern part of Thailand. The Grill, which features outdoor seating for guests who prefer to enjoy al fresco dining, will offer a premium selection of fresh Australian seafood, meat and vegetables. The poolside restaurant, Rocca, will offer culinary classics from the Mediterranean coastline. Biscotti is an Italian-style café, which will offer guests a variety of hot beverages, as well as shakes and smoothies to complement the café’s pastries, baked goods and homemade gelato.

“The new restaurants will allow guests to sample different flavours from around the world expertly prepared by top-class chefs,” said Braun.

The opening of Grand Hyatt Doha in spring 2009 will further strengthen the presence of Global Hyatt in the fast-growing Middle East region, he added.

There are scores of workers all over the site, I saw carpets being delivered the other dau when I took the pictures. Fingers crossed it's gonna be good, sadly though it will be expensive, still welcome addition to the City.

Is there anywhere here that is still 'value for money' at the top end? Sadly I refuse to pay 50 - 60 QR for a beer in a luxury hotel, if prices where more realistic on all goods and services withing this industry then I would go more frequently and therefore their income from me would rise. I think many others see it this way as well.

There has to be care in this area otherwise they will out price themselves.

Or is it a ploy to keep oiks like me out?

from flickr (and from Ritz Carlton too hehe) :

http://i42.tinypic.com/dxmgwp.jpg

^^ that area is looking hot now !!

from ameinfo.com

The Grand Hyatt Doha, the Marriott Courtyard and the Marriott Renaissance are all to open their doors 2009, following delays of up to 18 months in construction, The National has reported. The three properties will have a combined room total of 702 units.

Agree Davy boy I am much happier to have a bar b q at home and drink with friends in comfort rather than pay over the odds, only to have my wife and all my friends wives be propositioned on the way to the toilets.

I am guessing that the Hyatt will be expensive and therefore empty like everywhere else seems to be.

Incidentally I just heard that none of the Pearl restaurants will have a license so that renders the entire thing completely pointless, and worse the sold the Pearl on the fact you WOULD have licensed places to go.

I have to say I would not be very happy a about that.

@avid, well I was told by a head rep that there will be licensed restaurants and it will also be the only place in Qatar (at the time) to have stand along clubs.

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

What's 100% sure (projects are ongoing) is that there will be some licenced boutique hotels with beach clubs.
Avid, in what clubs in Qatar do you need to be a member to enter?

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

You dont need to be a member to enter at Qube :rofl:
nor in any club in Qatar.

Thats not what I heard. I even have heard of 'membership' fees being asked of potential patrons at the Irish Harp bar in the Sheraton Hotel as well.

It's joke, nothing is clear, nothing is communicated and the 'rules' change to suit the phases of the moon, it's all a bit silly isn't it?

Yup It's 25 Rials to join, massilla do u actually goto the clubs I don't think u drink so none of this really affects you. The problem is Qatar requires/required ;) skilled professionals and they like to unwind over a pint.

Sorry but this is not true. There is no membership fee to any of the clubs you mentioned. I did hear about this rumor too, but it's just a rumor, certainly not enforced, trust me ;)

Guys, it seems that now this is true. lol. There is an article today in the newspapers about membership ... so it's not a rumor anymore:( It will be in effect from March 1 or April 1. Membership is free in some places, 25QAR in others, it goes up to 100QAR (on a yearly basis). I dont understand, basically they want you to sign up before being able to get in? Why, to control local population?

http://www.iloveqatar.net/images/logo.png

^^ WTF locals are welcome (dont forget there the ones with large wallets), its a profit thing you know... many clubs like Dana or Diplomatic clubs have membership fees... even the smaller ones at hotels need to have them too :D

As I said ... a joke.

I am not talking about that sort of club. I am talking about the Qube and Palomas. Dana and the Dip club are health clubs.

The hotel is completed, just awaiting the soft opening. I think it is already opened, not sure though.

Grand Hyatt Doha opens in Qatari capital

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts announced today the opening of Grand Hyatt Doha, a hotel and residential complex, which is the latest addition to Qatar's luxury hospitality offerings and the first Hyatt hotel to be built in the country.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/9/74899-Grand_Hyatt_Doha_Reception.jpg
Grand Hyatt Doha Reception.

Situated in Doha's new West Bay Lagoon district, Grand Hyatt Doha is located on 38 acres (155,000 sq m) of idyllic beachfront and offers 249 well-appointed guest rooms along with 91 private residences. The hotel is located just minutes from the city's financial and commercial centers, and places of cultural and historical interest, including the newly launched Museum of Islamic Art. Business and leisure travelers to the area will find it convenient to the Doha International Airport, only 12.5 miles (20km) from the property.

The hotel, with its magnificent old-world exterior design and modern furnishings, will provide the highest quality accommodation to the growing numbers of domestic and inbound visitors discovering Doha as an ideal destination for business, meetings, culture and sport.

'As one of the world's top three energy centers, Doha has quickly become a major global business destination, making it a natural fit for the scale and style of Grand Hyatt. The hotel and residences are situated in Doha's stylish West Bay area, and will provide both local and visiting guests with many firsts, from personalized service to luxurious accommodation. We look forward to introducing the world's business community to Qatar's unique version of Arabic hospitality,'

said Peter Fulton, Managing Director, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts - South West Asia.


Design:

HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, a leader in hospitality interior design worldwide, is responsible for the hotel's unique design. Key features include spectacular public spaces, an oversized atrium, and a grand lobby featuring a floor-to-ceiling, 55 ft (17m) glass window. The property also offers three outdoor swimming pools, one indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a large day spa. Grand Hyatt Doha is set along a private quarter-mile (400 meter) beach.

The property's locally inspired interior architecture recreates the traditional elegance of an Arabian palace with palatial entryways and public spaces. Lighting plays a key role in highlighting certain elements - creating moods and changing scenes throughout the day and night. Qatari-based artist, Nijenbandring De Boer, has been commissioned to produce paintings inspired by local scenery and traditional art, which are featured prominently in the hotel.


Guestrooms, Suites and Residences:

Grand Hyatt Doha boasts 249 spacious and stylish guestrooms beautifully designed using rich woods to complement fine textiles. The 39 premium suites range in size from nearly 861 sq ft (80 sq m) to 2,200 sq ft (205 sq m), and open onto large balconies with panoramic views of the beach and landscaped gardens. All rooms provide spacious marble baths that open up to the guestrooms and some suites feature large balconies furnished with dining tables, day beds and lounging chairs.

In addition to its 249 guestrooms, the hotel offers 91 private residences with a choice of two, three or four bedrooms. The residences provide a sanctuary of comfort and convenience for those who prefer home essentials while enjoying the hotel's full services, facilities and amenities. Each residence is appointed with multiple flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, dual line and wireless telephones, Internet access and safety deposit boxes.


Banquet and Meeting Space:

In total, the hotel features more than 23,000 sq ft (2,200 sq m) of function space laid out over two floors. The large conference center features a magnificent 16,000 sq ft (1,500 sq m) ballroom, divisible into three; eight meeting rooms; and three boardrooms. For the convenience of guests, chilled indoor car parking is available with 564 spaces providing direct access to the ballroom and meeting rooms.


Restaurants and Bars:

The hotel's four innovative restaurants, The Grill, Isaan, Rocca and Biscotti, are individually designed concepts showcasing the finest cuisine from around the world. The signature restaurant, Issan, serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared in an open kitchen, which allows diners to observe the culinary techniques of world-class chefs. The hotel also offers two lounges. At Dunes, the main bar, guests can relax among fine wine displays and sample wines and spirits from around the world along with premium cigars.


Health and Wellness Facilities:

The Jaula Spa (Arabic for 'journey'), a Hyatt Pure spa, is set in an elegant garden where indoor tranquility pools create a serene, rejuvenating atmosphere. Hyatt Pure signature treatments will take place in luxurious suites assigned separately for ladies, gentlemen and couples.


Hyatt in the Middle East:

The opening of Grand Hyatt Doha further strengthens the presence of Global Hyatt in the fast-growing Middle East region. Park Hyatt Dubai, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai and Grand Hyatt Muscat have established themselves as leading hotels in the region, winning international awards for service and style.

its verry similar to sharq villidge

^^ yeah "Qatari Style" XD

and no pictures here either? god!!!!

Nice Hotel! :)

I was in Doha in Januray, I stayed in the Mariott, it was a great hotel.

:cheers:

I posted some photos from Lagoon Towers looking out of the apartment into the Grand Hyatt :)