Liz O’Reilly encountered a haven for both business and leisure travellers at the expansive Pullman Doha West Bay.
On entering Pullman Doha West Bay, I was immediately impressed at the sheer size of the place. The lobby is spacious, its pale marble floors only adding to this feeling.
The staff were welcoming and after a quick and efficient check in, I was soon on my way to the 30th floor and my Executive Suite. I think I can honestly say, I have rarely stayed in such generously proportioned accommodation. The large, comfortable living area housed a full lounge suite as well as a dining table and TV, plus mini bar and facilities for making tea and coffee – all without feeling in the least crowded. Pale walls and light wood panelling enhanced the feeling of space while thick carpeting underfoot gave the impression of luxury and the amazing view from floor-to-ceiling windows was mesmerising.
A guest washroom meant visitors did not have to enter the bedroom which was separated from the living area by generously sized wardrobes – complete with iron and ironing board, safe and hairdryer and a separate area for luggage storage. The bedroom itself was huge with a well-placed desk to work at, a large TV and, of course, a super comfortable king-size bed. Special mention must go to the pillows. Sink-in soft, yet at the same time supportive, they put me in mind of resting on clouds.
I was impressed to see a series of fun sign cards on the desk offering the use of a Pilates ring, free weights and more – each with mini-workout instructions on the back. You simply call the gym and they will bring you your chosen piece of equipment if you opt to workout in your room – a great idea if you don’t have time to get to the fitness centre.
I particularly loved the bathroom with its deep tub and walk-in rain shower. The provision of refillable toiletries from C.O. Bigelow, the oldest apothecary in America, was another luxurious touch, of which I took full advantage. And a box bearing a range of travel essentials such as cotton buds, a shower cap and a toothbrush, each in sustainable packaging, illustrated the amount of thought that’s gone into making guests feel comfortable.
On the 31st floor, I encountered the Executive Lounge, a cosy, yet sophisticated space offering tea, coffee, drinks and snacks, available throughout the day.
After several hours of travelling, the bright, airy space of Avenue, the all-day dining venue, with its plum and light green seating was both comforting and refreshing and I was soon tucking into a plate of braised chicken in spinach sauce with fresh, crunchy steamed veggies. The chicken was tender and moist and the sauce rich and moreish.
A range of other choices was available, from baked fish and beef stroganoff to salads and a tempting dessert counter but, mindful of an afternoon’s activity ahead, I abstained.
I set out to explore the hotel, starting at the top with the Penthouse Suites – four suites over the highest floors that are both spacious, at up to 350sq/m, and luxurious. Pullman Penthouses offer stunning views, expansive master bedrooms with en-suite Jacuzzi and a vibrant coloured Majlis for up to 13 guests. With two master bedrooms, a studio room and two bathrooms as well as vast dressing areas, fully equipped kitchens and living and dining areas, these indulgent suites really are something special.
Back downstairs, I discovered the meeting rooms, from the standard business spaces with all the latest in audio and visual tech to the Al Thuraya Ballroom with its stunning Swarovski crystal ceiling ornaments and mashrabiya screens giving a nod to local heritage.
On the third floor, I made a pitstop at Echo Pool Café which sits beside the gorgeous outdoor pool. The space feels protected as if in a canyon amongst the high-rise buildings of West Bay and I came back later to sample the Jacuzzi with an iced lemon water from the bar as the sun was setting.
The neighbouring gyms, both male and female, again boast floor-to-ceiling windows giving users a birds eye view of the pool. And there’s a variety of top-of-the-range equipment, including Technogym, Concept2 and Kinesis One, ideal for those who don’t want travel to interrupt their fitness routine.
Close by, the Pullman Spa, which has separate areas for men and ladies, offers impressive wellness experiences with treatments from premium brand Sothys, a Moroccan Hamam and the beauty boudoir. Cream walls and pale wood invoke a sense of calm and relaxation, while the reflective tiles in the sauna and wet areas were sparkling clean and inviting.
On my second day, I headed to BiCE, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, for both breakfast and lunch. My morning meal was deliciously creamy scrambled eggs topped with cold cuts and fragrant fresh bread. And at lunchtime, I was eager to try the Italian menu, going for Marluzzo al Cartoccio con Frutti di Mare, a paper-cooked, or papilotte, parcel of black cod, resplendent with a very generous topping of seafood, all in a delightful tomato-based sauce.
The cod was perfection, flaky and moist, while the seafood was superbly tasty, the different flavours and textures melding together in an oceanic symphony. The accompaniment of roasted garlic was an absolute treat, it’s pungency perfectly complementing the subtlety of the seafood.
Later, I ventured to Junction, the lobby café for a light evening bite of refreshing Caesar Salad – a portion so large it could easily have satisfied two people – and was impressed by the creamy tanginess of the dressing amply coating the crisp salad.
And, on leaving Junction, I spotted the Artist Playground by Pullman, a vibrant corner of the lobby where a mini gallery displays works from photography to paintings. Eye-catching and fun, it’s a great space to spend some time and there’s the promise that the display will be different each time you come.
All too soon it was time to bid farewell to Pullman Doha West Bay but I look forward to a return visit. This really is a hotel that’s great for business or pleasure and ideally situated in the heart of everything.
For more information or to make a reservation, please
visit pullman-doha-westbay.com or
call +974 4009 4000.
@pullmandoha