Hotel check: Hotel Missoni Kuwait

Originally published on www.businesstravellerme.com 20/10/2011 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Hotels » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Kuwait » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Kuwait » Tried & Tested »

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BACKGROUND Launched in March 2011, the Hotel Missoni Kuwait is only the fashion brand's second property, after Edinburgh (click here for 'tried & tested' review). Designed and styled by Rosita Missoni of the iconic Italian knitwear fashion house.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? In a word – colourful. Every single aspect, from the lobby to the last pool tlie, has been styled in a bold manner, from pink toilet paper to multi-coloured notepads, from each piece of crockery to individual-cushioned floor numbers. You enter past two super-sized mosaic vases into a lobby that is dominated by gold and multi-coloured striped sofas, yet it doesn’t come across as garish. Staff were incredibly attentive, many from Italy.

WHERE IS IT? Located in Salmiya on the Corniche that spans the large bay of the city, the property is 25 minutes from the airport (transfers are inclusive) and another 20 minutes to the Kuwait Towers. The Kuwait Aquarium and Marina Mall are both within an easy five minutes walking distance.

ROOM FACILITIES My Maggiore suite contained purple and turquoise colours with two huge windows overlooking the sea. Amenities included a 40-inch Bang & Olufsen LCD TV in the living area, 32-inch version in the bedroom, plus a mirror TV in the bathroom, which kept the mirror condensation free, and an iPod docking station. Free wireless and free minibar (don’t get excited, Kuwait is a dry country) were welcome touches, along with an excellent Nespresso coffee machine plus kettle and steady supply of chocolates.

The seating, in the form of a window-hugging sofa and plenty of comfortable chairs, was padded with plenty of cushions and blankets, a separate small dining table set in an alcove provided space for in-room dining or breakfast, which can be served in your room without extra charge. All in all, the space was ample, well-thought out and comfortable, with even an additional toilet in the living area, but the main bathroom in this suite let the side down badly.

The shower in the bathtub was fixed in such a way that if you actually wanted to get wet in all the appropriate places, the bathroom flooded, and there was no way around it. I understand in the other rooms there are a variety of shower options, but considering the space of this suite, I would have happily given up a few square feet or indeed the extra toilet for a separate shower room.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Cucina is the hotel’s main restaurant. As the name suggests, it’s a traditional Italian restaurant, serving excellent fresh pasta, risotto, fish and meats.

This is also where you get the part buffet-style part à la carte breakfast, which certainly sets you up for the day. Luna is the ‘bar’ on the 18th floor – modern, offering superb views over Kuwait, this is a lively lounge serving a variety of mocktails and snacks ranging from traditional Arabian appetizers to Italian fare.

Choco Café is a colourful café on the ground floor – the hint is in the name, serving all things chocolate, from hot chocolates and shakes, to cakes to sweet nibbles. You can also get light snacks and of course, coffee and tea.

The Pool Bar is a relaxing place which serves light snacks such as Crispy Duck Spring Rolls and juices and mocktails per glass, or per gallon(!) to share with friends.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are eight private meeting rooms, each one designed differently in typical Missoni style, ranging from 45sqm-663sqm ballroom, capable of accommodating up to 550 people. The fully equipped business centre comes with its own dedicated boardroom, break area for catering and separate terrace.

LEISURE FACILITIES A dedicated lift takes guests to the Six Senses Spa which is exquisite, with a wide range of treatments and extra facilities, such as an infra-red sauna and a four-way shower. The adjoining terrace features a striped pool overlooking the bay, and a fitness centre.

VERDICT A great business and leisure hotel that is fun rather than purely functional. The location is easy for airport, city centre and the main sights, but it’s on the inside where this hotel is different. It made me smile at every turn.

Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

FACT FILE

HOW MANY ROOMS? 169, including 63 suites, that come in three sizes, from the 72sqm Maggiore suite, 75sqm Missoni suite and the vast 360sqm Presidential suite.

ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The colour schemes: bright and cheerful, there is not a patch of standard beige anywhere; plus the views from every room along the Corniche and across the bay all the way to the Kuwait Towers.

PRICE An all-inclusive rate covers internet, mini-bar, laundry, use of the spa facilities (sauna/gym), pool, valet, breakfast, local calls, newspaper service, and the 15% service charge are all included in the room rate. A standard room starts at KD115 during the week and KD99 on the weekend.

CONTACT Hotel Missoni Kuwait, Symphony Centre, Arabian Gulf Street, Salmiya, Kuwait; tel: +965 25 77 00 00; hotelmissoni.com