In conversation with Carlo Javakhia, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton Doha (Exclusive Interview)

How is The Ritz-Carlton, Doha positioned? What are your USP’s? What is your comp set?

Standing impressively and with panoramic views across the Arabian Gulf, the award winning, Ritz-Carlton, Doha is positioned as five-star luxury city resort. Its world-class recreational facilities have multiple appeal for those looking for rest and relaxation or wanting to stay active, making it one of the strongest hotel USP’s. In addition, the hotel is a renowned culinary destination featuring diverse dining choices and world flavors to avid gastronomes. For those with Club access, the Club Lounge is one of a kind with five thoughtfully styled spaces to enjoy and breathtaking views.

Most importantly, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s exclusive private island location makes it one of the most secure hotels in Doha to host delegations and prominent guests as it’s surrounded by the sea and has only one main entrance. From the beautiful palm-fringed shores of Corniche Bay on the Gulf, to the golden, rugged sands surrounding the Inland Sea, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is the perfect place to discover all that Doha has to offer.

Post pandemic, how has the property been performing? Has your guest profile changed? 

Once it was safe for our borders to reopen, we started receiving International travelers who were seeking real and personal experiences whether they are coming for leisure or for business. Even though many conferences and meetings were held virtually during the pandemic, many companies realized that human connection is very critical and this cannot be replaced by technology.     

In addition, major sporting events have been taking place in Doha, which has given us the chance to host the largest sporting groups after pandemic including FIFA Arab Cup, Moto GP, Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and we had the privilege to host and cater the Congress and Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Do guests nowadays have different expectations? Have their habits changed? Length of stay, purpose of stay, spending etc. 

Guest expectations today are much higher than before. Travelers are seeking more value-for-money products and services, their expectations in terms of bookings flexibility are higher; early bookings have been replaced with last-minute bookings as they learned from the pandemic that nothing is guaranteed and anything can happen. Travelers nowadays want to connect with a brand that offers unique, exclusive, and highly personalized experiences.

Is there a different perception of luxury?

The meaning of luxury nowadays is less related to the material things than the experiential and personal things. Luxury is becoming more and more about experiences and personalization.  

To what extent you are attracting locals and how important is your mix?

It depends on which days of the week and events taking place.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha for example is the perfect weekend getaway place especially for locals who come to relax and unwind. As per expats, they choose to come and enjoy our F&B offerings through the entire week and the weekends; our outlets are the most exciting destination for stylish gatherings over great food. 

What is your F&B offering? 

Celebrated as the city’s most enticing culinary destination, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is where diverse flavors, unique concepts and homemade cuisine combine to create Qatar’s most memorable gastronomic experience. STK Doha showcases modern steakhouse favorites, while B-Lounge (Part of the Buddha Bar brand) with its sea view offers mouthwatering dishes and signature mixology. Sel & Miel adds French cuisine to the scene and Lobby Lounge is an elegant backdrop for afternoon tea, coffee and light bites. The Ritz-Carlton Doha is well known for its scones. The pastry team produces in-house the energy bars and donuts which are the favorite of kids. 

The property has undergone extensive renovations. Tell us more. 

Embarking on a new era of luxury hospitality, the hotel has unveiled the jewel in the crown of its masterful five-year renovation: the beautifully redesigned Grand Amiri Suites.

Remarkable grand dames that cement the property as Doha’s premium address, the four Grand Amiri Suites celebrate the captivating heritage and remarkable narrative that has exemplified Qatar. Each a defining tribute to the city of Doha, its celebrated artists and artisans, and the inspiring surroundings of the city, prepare to settle into a wondrous escape where each guest becomes part of the story.

What are your expectations for the FIFA World Cup? 

FIFA World Cup 2022 will change the entire perception of Qatar as a destination. People will get to know about the amazing hospitality of locals and discover all the beautiful attractions of the place. 

Tell us more about your approach to discovering, nurturing and motivating talent. 

First of all, we are working for a brand where diversity and inclusion is fundamental to its core values and strategic business goals. Taking care of people and their well-being is the brand’s most precious cultural inheritance and I am proud to be part of this. My approach is to always foster this culture and bring talents from all over the world to create a diverse environment.

 

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