IHG Signs Agreement to Debut voco in Qatar

Main Photo: The bedroom at the new voco Doha West Bay Suites

Date: November 2020

Location: West Bay, Doha, Qatar

Names: voco Doha West Bay Suites – opening Spring 2021

No. of Keys: 396

Seller: The site/building was a Fraser Suites

Buyer: IHG – InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Al Rabban Hospitality W.L.L to bring its global upscale brand voco, to Doha, Qatar. voco Doha West Bay Suites will feature 396 rooms & suites, and is expected to open in Q1 2021.

Strategically located in West Bay – the commercial business district of Doha, voco Doha West Bay Suites will be a great option for guests with different profiles and needs.

Commenting on the signing, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are pleased to partner with Al Rabban Hospitality to expand our footprint in Qatar and debut our vibrant, upscale brand, voco in the country. voco was designed for emerging guest segments that appreciate the informality and charm of an individual hotel as well the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. With excellent location, the best of facilities and amenities and a bold brand experience, I am confident voco Doha West Bay Suites will be a preferred destination for guests visiting the city.

He added: reaffirming the optimistic outlook for the industry, this marks the second signing for IHG in the Middle East in less than a month, following the signing of Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. voco is particularly a more viable option for owners in the current industry climate as it is a flexible, ‘conversion friendly’ brand that is also suited for new built properties.

The brand can benefit an owner of an existing hotel – which is even more important and relevant in the current scenario where the support and strength of a large scale system is essential. ”Nasser Al Rabban, Chairman, Al Rabban Hospitality, added: “We are pleased to join the IHG family and become a part of one of the leading hospitality companies in the world. We are also glad to be able to join IHG’s system in a relatively short period of time – allowing us to serve our guests with a unique upscale brand experience and drive returns for the business, as well. With an excellent location, a fresh look and IHG’s management expertise, the hotel is set to be a great success.”

With proximity to commercial establishments such as Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, and other commercial buildings and office spaces, the hotel will cater the corporate audience visiting Doha either for a short-stay or a comfortable home-away-from-home experience. voco Doha West Bay Suites will also feature 3 meeting rooms for guests looking for meeting space within the hotel.

voco Doha West Bay Suites is located at a 10 minute walking distance from Doha City Centre Mall and will offer a number of facilities such as sauna, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, gym, indoor recreation area, outdoor swimming pool, kids’ club, beauty salon and a panoramic terrace. The hotel will also feature five dining options including a three-meal restaurant, a shisha lounge, a lobby lounge/café, a pool bar/café and a club lounge on 35th floor with panoramic views of the city.

Since being launched globally just couple of years ago, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings and openings across the Middle East. IHG currently operates 95 hotels across 7 brands in the Middle East, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, voco and Six Senses with a further 42 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.

THPT Comment: IHG steaming ahead in the region…and this voco will do well in Qatar.

First Seen: IHG press release

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