LUXURY SERVICE
All rooms enjoy a 24/7 private butler service – described as “invisible, personalised and participative”. The privacy and discretion this affords has been well received and well used by guests.
The team admits that Qataris make for demanding customers. “They pay more, but they expect more,” says Huschka, who reveals that MMK’s room rates average QAR200-300 more than its competitors. “But you’re not comparing apples with apples,” he concedes.
While the domestic custom is plainly proving lucrative, there are other key segments of the hospitality market that would be a welcome addition to the hotel’s trade – namely international tourism and business travel. And the MMZ team is convinced that both will come.
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Regarding tourism, Huschka says: “Doha will attract more visitors – as a family-driven market, with traditional values. And we [MMK] will be attractive to leisure guests and tourists. We see that tourism has potential, but that’s a mid-term project for us. We see ourselves as the newest and strongest supporter of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). And we’ll learn from the successes of other countries in the GCC.”
As for business travellers, who comprise such a significant part of Doha’s regular hotel guest population, the team admits: “We’re in the wrong part of town for business,” at least for now, though an increase in corporate business is anticipated as two large office blocks are being built close by on the Pearl.
“While we’re not the first choice for the business traveller, because we have such a premium product and a prestigious location, business people will try us out,” says Huschka. “If a company CEO tries it and likes it, because he feels like he’s not in a business hotel – more a resort or palace – he can choose freely.”
Discovery will play an important part in MMK’s success as it bids to establish itself as the new place to visit in Doha – alongside’s the city’s own challenge to establish itself as the place to visit in the Middle East.
Everyone seems confident that the market will come to Doha in time. And when it does, those looking for premium luxury facilities and services will surely find what they are looking for at MMK.
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