The management team at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the first five-star property on The Pearl - Doha, explains how the hotel is aiming to redefine luxury and drive change in the market
“We want to show the guest that there is something different in Doha. We want to show them that luxury will start now. This hotel will give something which was not given in Doha before.”
Words spoken with utter conviction by general manager Wissam Suleiman and, coming before the hotel has even had its grand opening — expected later this year — a bold statement, which sets incredible expectations for the property.
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However, Suleiman’s confidence and aplomb is equally matched by his hotel, the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl — Doha.
As the guest approaches the property, it is not just the scale, design and vibrant colours, which stand out. Rather, it is an 18-metre-tall bronze sculpture of a horse by celebrated Iraqi artist Ahmed Albahrani, which will undoubtedly become the standout feature of the hotel.
It sets the tone for a property which, with a mix of European and Middle Eastern styles, has little time for subtlety — at least when it comes to design. The vast lobby is punctuated with imposing Murano glass chandeliers, while paintings, prints and sculptures are present in just about every room, outlet and corridor.
Of course, with the region starting to move away from the days of five-star hotels as trophy assets, and owners no longer willing to see money go down a black hole, visuals alone will not do the job; commercial realities are still at the forefront of Suleiman’s mind.
“Yes we want to show luxury and give the best to the guest, but at the end it is about the financials,” he reasons.
“If the owner gives the trust to Kempinski to operate this palace, he should know that his return is coming to him.”
To that end, he has clearly set within his sights the average occupancy for five-star hotels in Doha — 70-75% — although at the beginning he is aiming for a more conservative 35-40%.
It is on rates, however, where the new hotel will seek to set itself apart from the competition, aiming to be 10-15% above the market. “We have the right product and we are not afraid. People don’t mind paying more if they get more.”
As for that competition, Suleiman highlights St. Regis, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Grand Hyatt as being within the comp set although, clearly an ambitious man by nature, Suleiman has a mantra that “whomever takes business from you is your competitor”.
While corporate business is the clear driver for five-star hotels in Doha, the management team at Marsa Malaz is bullish about its prospects on the leisure front. Indeed, it is aiming for a mix of 60% corporate and 40% leisure.
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