Accor and Katara Hospitality haven’t wasted any time exploring additional opportunities after revealing a strategic partnership to evolve the Delano brand earlier this month.Maison Delano Paris is slated to open in an 18th century mansion at 4 Rue d’Anjou next year. It was the latest venture between the long-time allies, until now.This week the duo revealed a new agreement to develop a dual-hotel project in Qatar under Accor’s high-end Raffles and Fairmont brands.
Fairmont and Raffles Lusail Hotel & Residences will occupy prime positioning within a landmark new structure being developed in Lusail City, about 25km north of Doha’s city centre.The parties say their latest project will be a “focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup” next year.Accor and Katara described the project as “symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage” and an “architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords.”The arched towers will host the five-star Fairmont hotel with 361 rooms and suites, a six-star Raffles hotel with 132 suites and 49 branded apartments (that will become home to permanent residents).
Entertainment and recreational facilities, including specialist boutiques, VIP movie theatres, signature restaurants and more will be complemented by banqueting and conference spaces and dedicated office areas.“This is a unique opportunity to consolidate Fairmont and Raffles image in the Middle East, with both hotels sitting in one of the most iconic buildings of the region, indeed an incredible showcase for both brands,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey.Accor currently operates six properties (1,378 keys) in Qatar across five brands including Movenpick, Mondrian and MGallery, with nine additional hotels (2,920 keys) in the pipeline.
