Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay: Art Deco Luxury in Downtown Doha

Experience the elegance and sophistication of the 1930s at the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, a modern homage to the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York. This luxurious hotel embodies the essence of art deco design, featuring 283 beautifully appointed rooms and 50 opulent apartments, each meticulously curated with refined furnishings. The Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay pays exquisite attention to detail, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest. Conceived by the visionary design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), this property honors the esteemed legacy of the Waldorf Astoria brand.

Rising majestically with 44 stories, this hotel exudes refinement and sophistication at every corner. Every detail of this stunning hotel has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the beauty of art deco architecture while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A striking feature of the hotel is the stunning Tiffany & Co. clock located in the lobby. Crafted from anodized aluminum by skilled artisans, this masterpiece stands 5.8 feet tall (10.4 feet from the ground), measures 4.9 feet in length, and 8.6 inches in width, weighing approximately 771 pounds. The clock’s hands and hour markers are accented in Tiffany’s iconic robin’s-egg blue, adorned with a diamond motif on the outer ring – trademarks of the brand.

Surrounding the clock is a unique four-sided bench, elegantly upholstered in a pale mohair that mirrors Tiffany’s signature hue, creating a seamless connection between the hotel’s entrance and its guest rooms.

A standout Églomisé screen behind the reception draws inspiration from the stylized landscapes of Jean Dunand, a master craftsman of the art deco era. Custom hand-painted De Gournay wallpaper, inspired by a leather-bound art deco book cover, sets a stunning backdrop against the meticulously crafted interior architecture.

The spacious guest rooms are designed for comfort and light, enriched with materials reflective of the Art Deco style, including Aqua Bella marble, Tiffany Blue-inspired mohair, alabaster, and various shades of leather. The interiors feature polished chrome detailing and embossed shagreen-patterned wallpaper to add depth and texture. Artwork throughout the hotel showcases the sleek lines and geometric shapes characteristic of the Art Deco vernacular, further enhancing the luxurious experience.

Among the standout design features of the hotel’s outlets is the renowned Peacock Alley, a space rich in history that traces its roots back to the original Waldorf Astoria in New York. This iconic establishment, which inspires the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, set the standard for glamour and grandeur. Peacock Alley in New York was a highly sought-after social venue where the elite gathered.

Maintaining the elegance of the Art Deco era, the full-height plaster-carved wall flanking Peacock Alley showcases an exotic landscape adorned with motifs of palm trees, foliage, and hills, paying tribute to the original Peacock Alley and the artistry of esteemed interior designers Armand Rateau and Jean Dunand.

The centerpiece of Peacock Alley features a stunning catwalk defined by a tonal marble mosaic design, subtly echoing a peacock feather motif. A gradient burst pattern in pale jade marble enhances the effect of natural light streaming from the large glass rondel pendant lights above. The soft furnishings are light-hued, reminiscent of the original albino peacock that inspired the concept of Peacock Alley.

The Cortland Bar presents another design highlight, featuring Namban De Gournay wallpaper that envelops the Art Deco-style Jazz Bar reminiscent of New York City. The gilded wallpaper showcases polished copper, rich gold, and warm platinum tones, with panoramic illustrations of abstract gold patterns, swirling clouds, flowing winds, and beams of light. The spirits are displayed in a striking double-height jewel box, lined with mirrors and black lacquer, evoking a sense of nostalgia and glamour. Pendant lights set within antique mirrored coffers create an illusion of infinity, designed in an exquisite celestial burst pattern.

The Rear Ballroom Lobby exemplifies the strong geometry, height, and order characteristic of the Art Deco era, enhanced by luxurious finishes that adorn the walls. Soaring 7 meters high, the space captures the essence of New York City’s streets – high, narrow, and imposing. A series of Sputnik-style pendant lights reflect and refract in the antique mirrors, creating an atmosphere of glamour and an illusion of endless space. The reception desk, elegantly clad in distinctive Amazonite marble, serves to seamlessly connect both guest entrances and enhance the overall experience.

The Ballrooms themselves radiate the glamour of a bygone era. Intricate relief-patterned walls framed in black and white lacquer with antique mirror inserts impart a shimmering and timeless elegance, inviting guests to enjoy pre-function drinks and entertainment. Geometric eglomisé panels in platinum and soft jade green hues provide a striking backdrop for the cocktail bars. Straw marquetry panels, handcrafted by artisans in France, feature subtle burst patterns that greet guests as they enter the ballroom through the grand double-height doors.

Rooms and Residences

Staying at the Waldorf Astoria West Bay is an all-encompassing luxury experience. As a guest you should lean back in an exquisite pale blue leather chair as you take in the views of the sparkling city of Doha unfolding around you. Admire the artwork and savor the beautiful surroundings. At the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, guests can indulge in comfort and sophistication set amongst the backdrop of a bustling city.

Guest rooms include several exciting key features such as clear views of the cityscape, a mini bar, walk-in wardrobes, well-crafted furniture, and wonderful interiors composed of the finest materials.

The Waldorf Astoria West Bay also has 50 spacious furnished apartments. For those looking for a longer stay in this wonderful hotel or potential residents, there is a wide range of options. The residences range from one to three bedrooms and each has distinct living and dining spaces. The residences also include washing and dryer facilities and a fully-equipped kitchen, providing a fully-equipped space full of the Waldorf Astoria brand’s distinctive charm.

Dining and Drinking

The Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay has a wide array of gourmet restaurants, offering something for everyone.

• Peacock Alley: a signature spot for guests to dine in the height of glamorous Waldorf Astoria style. Delight in classic dishes or book their signature afternoon high tea. 
• Muru: at Muru, you are taken on a captivating culinary experience. Designed by Michelin Star Chef Mauro Colagreco, the menu explores five-star dining through the four elements.
• Yun: this spot is notable for its sleek and eye-catching red interior and furnishing. It serves Cantonese and Taishanese cuisine to create a truly wonderful dining experience.
• Tribeca Market: the place to go for a wide range of options, everything on the menu is as delicious as the last. At Tribeca Market, guests can indulge in their favorite classic meals.
• Cortland Bar: a standout spot, this sophisticated bar harkens back to the esteemed and stylish jazz bar of 1930s New York. Sip artisanal cocktails and try gourmet light bites at this refined location.

Facilities and Amenities

At the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, the possibilities are endless. Guests can achieve a tranquil state of mind at the spa and fitness center, which takes up four floors. Treatment rooms are lined with pale fluted timber panelling and feature walls capturing a subtle deco burst pattern in timber. The beating heart of the spa experience is the 26-metre indoor pool, which boasts far reaching views, from the city lights to the desert beyond. The space is a dramatic 7.3 metres high, with a 7 tier stepped architectural ceiling, which mirrors the length of the pool and references the Art Deco vernacular. The swimming pool is paved in glass mosaic tile by Sicis – the linear pattern is comprised of black and shades of jade green mosaic.

The standout feature of the pool area is an elaborate masterpiece of craftsmanship – acting as the central focal point of this magnificent space. The 8.5-metre-long screen is a tribute to Designer & Architect, Eileen Gray. It is not only a sculpture but a movable wall that offers different views based on where the solids and voids are at any one time.

The Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay is a shining jewel of elegance and sophistication in the always exciting downtown Doha.

Keep up to date with the Society Journal for more inside looks into prestigious properties and elite locations around the globe.