Centara Hotels & Resorts to open first ME hotel

Thai hotel operator, Centara Hotels & Resorts, will open its first hotel in the Middle East with the announcement of a five-star property at West Bay, in Qatar’s capital Doha.

The Centara Grand West Bay Hotel Doha will open in 2016 in the newly developed district in Doha, with easy access to the Corniche and to the airport.

Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat said: “We are proud to be announcing our move into Qatar, with this beautiful new property in Doha, “Our brand, with its distinctive Thai identity, is now being accepted by international investors and we are moving into markets that are strategically important for our overseas expansion.”

The property will have 264 guest rooms and 96 residences, featuring family friendly accommodation options including multiple bedroom units and lock-offs, as well as Club level business rooms and a Club Lounge. In terms of food and beverage, the hotel will offer four dinning outlets, including a rooftop dining and entertainment venue.

Centara now has its five-star Grand brand located in four countries, including its 10 properties in Thailand. Further expansion is expected in Vietnam, Shanghai and Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia.