Marriott bed

A fabulous poolside party marked the debut of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, the hotly anticipated new arrival to Doha’s cosmopolitan West Bay area.

An international design-led lifestyle brand by Marriott, Renaissance’s philosophy is to offer guests a sensory experience with individual touches that make all the difference. Renaissance Doha City Center is part of the Marriott Doha complex, also comprising Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments, within two 48-storey towers connected to the Doha City Center Mall.

The Room

During my visit to Doha, I stayed at Renaissance Doha City Center for two nights in a deluxe room with spectacular floor to ceiling views over the Doha skyline and the Persian Gulf.

My room was exceptionally spacious, elegant and contemporary, designed in a colour palette of royal blue, pale yellow, black and matte silver. Doha’s local culture and heritage is referenced with black and white photographs depicting the beautiful Middle Eastern architecture, giving the room character.

My room was equipped with enough facilities for both business and leisure stays. It featured a large desk with an ergonomic chair and international plug sockets, a 32 inch LCD TV with cable satellite, Bose iPod dock, comfy seating areas and an iron with ironing board.

One of my favourite amenities was the tea and coffee-making set with three cute crushed ceramic coffee cups on a long oval saucer.

Like all Marriott hotels, the bed was exceptionally comfortable, with crisp linen, six pillows and plump cushions to prop you up when relaxing. This is something that I really love about the Marriott group, as there is nothing more pleasing than a luxurious hotel bed and knowing that a good night’s sleep is guaranteed.

The Bathroom

The marble bathroom was spacious and ornate, with gilt mirrors and pale gold patterned wallpaper. It featured a separate bathtub and shower, bidet, bathroom amenities by Brighton-based fragrance house Pecksniff’s and lots of fluffy towels. The navy embroidered bathrobe and slippers offered an extra luxurious touch.

A Welcome Treat

On arrival, I was welcomed with a box of baklava in a traditional decorative box and bottles of complimentary mineral water. After a long but very comfortable flight with Qatar Airways, I was ready to recline on the chaise-longue and refuel with more than a few pieces of delicious baklava before heading down to meet the group of international journalists over dinner at New York Steakhouse, one of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.

Breakfast

The next day, it was an early start to go on a desert safari, just 30 minutes outside of Doha, so I ordered Eggs Benedict from the in-room menu. My breakfast was served perfectly on time and came beautifully presented, kept hot under a silver dome. As previously experienced in Beirut earlier in the year, Eggs Benedict in the Middle East are made slightly different to the UK, as ham is made from either chicken or beef and hollandaise sauce has a sharper, tangy taste.

The following morning, I went down for breakfast at Crossroads Kitchen at enjoyed a hearty breakfast of poached eggs on toast, mini pastries and made-to-order French Toast with red berry compote. It really was breakfast heaven and offered everything you could possibly want to start the day.

The Swimming Pool

One of the best things about staying at Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is the number of leisure facilities in the West End part of the complex, available to all guests. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool and Aqua Lounge, children’s pool, whirlpool, sauna and vitality zone gym. Also worth a visit is the luxurious Saray Spa, where I enjoyed a relaxing facial, complete with its own sauna, steam room and hammam.

The Restaurants

There is an impressive selection of international restaurants and bars in the complex, including rustic Italian restaurant Cucina, New York Steakhouse, Ipanema Brazilian Churrascaria, Brasserie Centre-Ville, Glo Cocktail Bar. Alternatively, if you just want to crash out for the evening, order from the 24-hour in-room dining menu.

In place of a traditional Concierge is Navigator, a signature Renaissance service that connects guests with the coolest places and hidden gems in the city.

The Club Lounge

Club Level rooms offer access to the Club Lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary food, drinks and cocktails, business services and free WiFi. Having experienced the Club Lounge at London Marriott Grosvenor Square, if you have the option, it is certainly worth it! Another special feature is the rooftop helipad with an exclusive helipad lounge and bar, which makes for a glamorous or discreet arrival.

Impressions

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel excels with its fine attention to detail and exceptionally welcoming and efficient staff. The contemporary luxury surroundings are complimented by a warm, friendly atmosphere. It’s an ideal base for exploring the cultural delights of Doha while recharging in ultimate comfort.

For more information and booking, visit: www.marriott.co.uk

Cherie City was a guest of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel.

Last weekend, I was invited to stay at London Marriott Grosvenor Square and sample the delights of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Maze Grill.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square is just a few steps from Selfridges and the Bond Street boutiques, so it’s an ideal base for a shopping weekend. This is one of Marriott’s most contemporary hotels and from the moment I stepped inside it felt buzzing and sociable yet relaxing.

The Room

My Deluxe King Room looked on to leafy Grosvenor Square and I could spot the different international embassies from my window. Grosvenor Square is one of my favourite London parks, as it’s just a few steps from the shops, is just the right size and is perfect for watching the world and posh little dogs go by.

My spacious room was decorated in monochrome and mink shades with tactile furnishings and featured a contemporary four-poster bed. The bed was like floating on a cloud and I was told that this is Marriott’s signature bed, which now features throughout the group’s properties. It had the most gorgeous soft linen and was covered with plump cushions – I slept on no less than six pillows!

There was plenty of desk space to work, a large flatscreen TV in front of the bed and a triple fitted wardrobe with an iron and ironing board. I felt instantly at home with tea and coffee making facilities, a bathrobe and slippers and a stack of magazines to work through.

A Welcome Treat

When I arrived, I was greeted with a colourful bowl of fresh fruit, bottled mineral water, a box of Marriott handmade chocolates and a personal note welcoming me to the hotel.

Later in the evening, I was brought more mineral water and an adorable London Marriott Grosvenor Square teddy bear – a nice touch.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was classic marble and had a bath with a shower over and even a pair of scales (if you dare look after a visit to Maze)!

The bathroom products were from Marriott’s own aromatherapy range and had a citrusy gin and tonic scent. Perhaps some Miller Harris or Molton Brown products would be more inspiring and be better suited to the luxurious design of the rooms.

The Club Lounge

The Club Lounge was an excellent feature and it felt like having a luxury airport lounge constantly at my convenience. It provided somewhere other than the my room to relax and refuel with complimentary teas and fresh coffee, bottled soft drinks, continental breakfast and a selection of scones, cakes, snacks and canapés until midnight.

The Club Lounge is free to use for guests staying in a suite or a Club room and there is an honesty bar for if you feel like having a cold beer or spirit. It has complimentary WIFI throughout, so you can work, catch up on the news on the large TV screens, or relax after a meeting or using the fitness room.

After settling in, we met Darin, the lovely Director of Sales & Marketing and had a tour of the hotel, followed by some exotic-looking cocktails in Maze Bar.

We saw the suites and balcony rooms and the impressive blue and yellow ballroom, which was set up for an Indian wedding that evening. We then had some free time to relax or enjoy the sun before dinner. The Concierge had thoughtfully created a walking itinerary for us, taking in the sights of St James’ Park, and we were also given a Selfridges VIP Card, if we felt like a spot of shopping.

That evening, we regrouped for a cocktail masterclass and a fantastic dinner at the Chef’s Table at Maze.

Breakfast

After a really good sleep, I had my wake-up call from reception and was soon brought my breakfast by the wonderful Audrey. She was so cheerful and motherly, I wish I could wake up in this way every day!

I had the most delicious, creamy Eggs Benedict, a selection of pastries, a large pot of fresh coffee with hot milk and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

I spent the morning working in my room and then it was down to Maze Grill for a steak masterclass followed by lunch at the Chef’s Table.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square is a real destination hotel and there are options for fine dining at Maze or a more informal experience at Maze Grill. Or you can even stay holed up in your room with Gordon Ramsay room service, although the best shopping and a delightful park on your doorstep might coax you out!

Photos by Chérie City.

Chérie City was a guest of London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Chérie City

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel Qatar

The Room

The Bathroom

A Welcome Treat

Breakfast

The Swimming Pool

The Restaurants

The Club Lounge

Impressions

A Stay At London Marriott Grosvenor Square

The Room

A Welcome Treat

The Bathroom

The Club Lounge

Breakfast