by: Lucas Raven
In the heart of Qatar, the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay rises proudly, a 44-story testament to design brilliance that weaves together the elegance of Art Deco and a contemporary flair. Crafted by the esteemed HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), the hotel’s interiors, with 283 Art Deco-inspired rooms, 50 luxurious apartments, pay a respectful tribute to the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York.
Step into the lobby, where a Tiffany & Co. clock, an aluminum masterpiece in robin’s-egg blue with a diamond motif, nods to the jeweler’s signature style. A four-sided bench draped in delicate pale mohair, mirroring Tiffany’s iconic shade, seamlessly links the lobby to the guest rooms.
Inside, the interior architecture orchestrates a symphony of precision and atmosphere. An Églomisé screen and hand-painted De Gournay wallpaper transport guests to the Art Deco era. Aqua Bella marble, Tiffany Blue mohair, and lilac book-matched marble grace guest rooms adorned with artwork echoing the clean lines and aerodynamic curves of Art Deco design.
The Peacock Alley, steeped in the brand’s history, captivates with a full-height plaster carved wall featuring exotic landscapes and palm tree motifs. A tonal marble mosaic pattern, subtly depicting peacock feathers, defines the central catwalk, illuminated by glass rondel pendant lights. The Cortland Bar, a Jazz Bar inspired by Art Deco New York, exudes nostalgia and glamour with Namban De Gournay wallpaper and a gilded ambiance.
In the Rear Ballroom Lobby, standing at 7 meters high, Sputnik-style pendant lights and an Amazonite marble-clad reception desk mirror the streets of New York City. The ballrooms themselves evoke a bygone era with relief-patterned walls, antique mirror inserts, and geometric platinum panels, setting the stage for timeless opulence.
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay transcends the realm of a mere hotel; it is a captivating journey through time and design. Every detail pays homage to the grandeur of Art Deco and the enduring legacy of the brand, creating an experience that resonates with the echoes of a bygone era.