by: Lucas Raven
Standing proud at the heart of Qatar, Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay resides as a 44-story beacon of design brilliance. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York, this architectural gem seamlessly melds Art Deco opulence with a fresh, modern perspective.
The brainchild of the renowned hospitality design firm, HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), the hotel’s interiors pay homage to the Art Deco tradition. With 283 Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites, and 50 luxurious apartments, every corner whispers echoes of the Waldorf Astoria New York’s storied past.
At the heart of the lobby, a Tiffany & Co. clock, a masterpiece of anodized aluminum, welcomes guests with its robin’s-egg blue hue and a diamond motif, paying tribute to the jeweler’s signature style. A delicate pale mohair upholstery, mirroring Tiffany’s iconic shade, wraps a four-sided bench, creating a seamless link from the lobby to the guest rooms.
The interior architecture is a symphony of precision and atmosphere. An Églomisé screen, inspired by Jean Dunand’s stylized landscapes, and custom hand-painted De Gournay wallpaper transport guests to the Art Deco era. Aqua Bella marble, Tiffany Blue mohair, and lilac book-matched marble grace the guest rooms, adorned with artwork echoing the clean lines and aerodynamic curves of Art Deco design.
The Peacock Alley, steeped in Waldorf Astoria’s history, enchants with a full-height plaster carved wall adorned with exotic landscapes and palm tree motifs—a nod to the original Peacock Alley. A tonal marble mosaic pattern, subtly featuring peacock feather motifs, defines the central catwalk, illuminated by glass rondel pendant lights. The Cortland Bar, a Jazz Bar inspired by Art Deco New York, boasts Namban De Gournay wallpaper and a gilded ambiance, exuding both nostalgia and glamour.
The Rear Ballroom Lobby, standing at 7 meters high, mirrors the streets of New York City with its Sputnik-style pendant lights and distinctive Amazonite marble-clad reception desk. The ballrooms themselves evoke a bygone era with intricate relief-patterned walls, antique mirror inserts, and geometric platinum panels setting the stage for timeless opulence.
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay is not merely a hotel; it’s a journey through time and design, where every detail pays homage to the grandeur of Art Deco and the indelible legacy of the Waldorf Astoria.
