Intercontinental Hotels Group has announced plans for its first Voco property in Qatar.
The existing Rabban Suites West Bay Doha (which previously operated as a Fraser Suites) will be rebranded as the Voco Doha West Bay Suites in the first quarter of 2021, and will join Voco Dubai, Voco Riyadh and Voco Al Khobar as the four property under the brand in the Middle East.
The 396-room hotel is located in Qatar’s West Bay district, around ten minutes’ walk from Doha City Centre Mall, and features an outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities, all day dining restaurant, shisha lounge, three meetings rooms and a 35th floor club lounge.
The Voco brand launched in 2018, and of the dozen or so properties open worldwide so far, five of these are in the UK in locations including Oxford, Reading, Cardiff and Solihull. The brand’s first Scottish hotel is also set to open in Edinburgh early next year.
The brand recntly opened its first Austrian property, and there are plans for a roll out of the brand into the US and China.
Commenting on the news Pascal Gauvin, managing director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said:
“We are pleased to partner with Al Rabban Hospitality to expand our footprint in Qatar and debut our vibrant, upscale brand, Voco in the country. Voco was designed for emerging guest segments that appreciate the informality and charm of an individual hotel as well the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand.
“With excellent location, the best of facilities and amenities and a bold brand experience, I am confident Voco Doha West Bay Suites will be a preferred destination for guests visiting the city.
“Reaffirming the optimistic outlook for the industry, this marks the second signing for IHG in the Middle East in less than a month, following the signing of Hotel Indigo Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman.
“Voco is particularly a more viable option for owners in the current industry climate as it is a flexible, ‘conversion friendly’ brand that is also suited for new built properties. The brand can benefit an owner of an existing hotel – which is even more important and relevant in the current scenario where the support and strength of a large scale system is essential.”
