Much-delayed Mondrian Hotel to open in Qatar this year
A new luxury hotel in Qatar that draws inspiration from falcons is expecting to open its doors to the public within the next few months.
Four years behind its original schedule, the Mondrian Doha is now eying a soft launch during the second quarter of this year, its owners have announced.
The hotel will have 270 rooms and suites, eight bars and restaurants with local and international cuisine and what is being billed as “an exclusive and immense spa.”
Plans for the hotel, which is located in West Bay lagoon near the Lagoona mall, were initially revealed in 2011, and an opening was set for 2013.
However, the project, which is part of the sbe hotel group, has seen multiple delays. The most recent launch date passed in the fall of 2015.
No explanation has been given for the postponements.
‘Hollywood vibe’
Owners said the Doha hotel aims to achieve the same “up-all-night intensity, the energy and Sunset Strip vibe” of the original Mondrian hotel in Hollywood.
The building, designed by Dutch architect Marcel Wanders, stands 31-stories high, and its appearance was apparently inspired by the falcon.
It has an entrance shaped like a beak, wing-like extensions framing the rooftop and basements that appear to carved out like a nest.
Inside, it will also apparently reference the bird of prey in paintings, portraits and ornaments.
New restaurants
Doha’s foodies will be keen to know which restaurants the hotel will host.
The Mondrian’s owners have revealed that two of them will be global brands — CUT by Wolfgang Puck, a fine dining steak house, and Japanese fusion restaurant Morimoto Doha.
The hotel will also have a branch of the popular Magnolia Bakery in its lobby.
Other eateries include an authentic Qatari restaurant called Walima; a burger joint and bar called the Hudson Tavern; a cigar lounge called Smoke and Mirrors; and a shisha terrace.
The Mondrian is also planning to have “entertainment floor” complete with a nightclub, Black Orchid, an indoor pool and a skybar on its top floor, Cirrus.
Following a soft launch before the summer, the Mondrian will hold an official opening in September, the Qatar Tribune reports.
Are you looking forward to visiting? Thoughts?
