BESPOKE ARTWORK
But it’s not just the food that catches the eye at MMK.
The whole hotel is a visual feast – from the 44-tonne horse sculpture that prances by the hotel entrance (the largest freestanding equine statue in the world, no less), to the 3,000 individual works of art located around the property (more surely than many major galleries) and 1,800 mosaic styles literally dotted throughout.
“Art plays an important part at the hotel,” says Monika Tritz, executive assistant manager – rooms, doubling up as a curator.
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From the seated reception area (providing comfortable chairs and low, individual desks is intended to underline the luxury of the experience instead of requiring guests stand during for check-in and check-out), one can truly appreciate the aesthetics.
The centrepiece of the hotel lobby is the ‘tree of life’ featuring 12 hummingbirds made of Murano glass. Underneath the tree is a ‘Pearlegranite’ – a giant pomegranate sculpture open to reveal pearls rather than seeds. “The piece reflects the Pearl as a destination,” explains Tritz, adding that storytelling helps guests’ experiences linger longer in the memory.
“The Doha-based artist Ahmed Al Bahrani made the horse and also the large bronze coin over the hotel entrance – which is inscribed with a phrase from the Holy Koran: All the good comes from God,” says Tritz.
Al Bagrani also created another imposing lobby artwork of giant flowers and butterflies – all these bespoke pieces commissioned specifically for the hotel.
To the rear of the lobby, above the staircases that wind down to the pool area, hang enormous chandeliers made with Murano glass oyster shells. “They’re held together by 44,000 screws and took six weeks to put together,” reveals Tritz.
While all these objets are themselves impressive, the hotel’s setting is surely its USP. Thanks to its position on the Costa Malaz Bay, MMK enjoys a sea view from every window and balcony – and rooms and suites echo their vista. Venetian paintings hang in the room overlooking the Pearl’s ‘Italian quarter’ complete with replica Rialto bridge, for example.
There are 40 five-star hotels in Doha – so the challenge for the MMK team was how to outperform its rivals. For starters, bedrooms at MMK start at 75sq m, compared to a five-star industry average of 35-43sq m, says Christian Huschka, director of sales and marketing. “We’re making a statement here. Deluxe is our entry level – there’s no standard.
“The rooms are spacious and calming – cosy, but not too cool or glossy. We want guests to be comfortable on a luxury level, feeling that this could be their home… better even than their home.”
For those guests that want to swing tigers rather than cats, there are 73 suites of 120sq m, and two Royal and two Presidential suites, measuring up to 650sq m.
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