Within Qatar’s sports arena, the vibrant Aspire Zone, The Torch Doha, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, offers exclusive access to international-calibre sporting and leisure facilities and the Khalifa International Stadium.
At 300m, the hotel is the tallest building in Qatar and gives panoramic views across the whole of Doha. The hotel is the result of comprehensive architectural, engineering and technical design, shaped to represent the colossal torch that held the symbolic flame of the 15th Asian Games for its duration in 2006.
The hotel is located in the vicinity of Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence and Hamad International Aquatic Centre. ASPETAR (Qatar Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Hospital) is accessible within a walking distance. The FIFA Accredited Medical Centre of Excellence meets international standards in its treatment of orthopedic problems and athletic injuries.
The hotel’s unique location at the heart of Aspire Zone allows it to service the highest sporting demands – from accommodating delegations during major sports events, or training and pre-competition camps. Moreover, the hotel can host guests attending sports conferences and sports medicine research events.
Throughout the years the hotel has hosted world-class sports teams and personalities
Throughout the years the hotel has hosted world-class sports teams and personalities such as: Manchester United; Real Madrid; the Paris Saint-Germain Football and Handball delegations; the Spanish national football team; FC Schalke 04; Doha GOALS (Gathering of All Leaders in Sport) VIP guests; the Australian football team; Torch Staircase Run Grand Prix 2014; Cirque du Soleil during their 2013 Dralion show; local Qatari football teams; VIPs attending the Aspire4Sport Exhibition; and the hotel is expected to host the VIPs for Fina Swimming World Cup in December 2014.
Worthy winners
In 2012 The Torch Doha was overall winner in the Best Luxury Hotel, Qatar category in the Business Destinations Travel Awards. Continually outstanding performance ensured that the hotel has triumphed again, making it Best Luxury Hotel, Qatar, 2014.
“All the recognition received proves that we are serious about what we do. It is definitely rewarding for our staff and enables us to continually develop our service,” says Hotel Manager Sherif Sabry.
The hotel features 163 rooms and suites equipped with a custom-built iPad in-room solution. Launched in September 2012, it was the first of its kind in a five-star hotel in the Middle East. The iPad software offers customised in-room control, allowing guests to: order in-room dining, control ceiling and wall lights, operate curtains, control room temperature, access the internet on iPad and TV, listen to music and radio stations, check-in, set pre-arrival requests, read online newspapers, and access their hotel account.
Recent upgrades added even more features, allowing access to a guest services directory, hotel promotions, YouTube, a pillow menu, local visitor information, prayer direction and 2,700 online publications.
Gerhard Foltin, General Manager at The Torch Doha, says: “It is great to witness the positive feedback the iPad system has received in the past year. We have redefined the idea of luxury service in Middle East hospitality. By introducing the iPad system in all rooms and suites we prove that our vision focuses on guest convenience, control and speed of service. Guests can now enjoy a newfound autonomy while we streamline our operation.
“We are aware that technology plays a vital role in enticing the luxury travellers and encourages them to choose between properties, return to the same property, and recommend us to others. This is why we always try to keep them entertained and engaged with our service.”
Rooms also feature a unique guest-controlled mood-lighting system featuring 12 different colours, interactive LED TVs, mini-fridge amenities, complimentary wi-fi, both bathtub and shower facilities, an espresso machine and a safe box.
Equipped for events
All meeting rooms at the hotel have state-of-the-art presentation and audio-visual facilities, as well as high-speed internet to support real-time video-conferencing. The system allows communication with four different destinations simultaneously and the meeting rooms are equipped with high-definition plasma screens, which can display content from an iPad or computer.
For large corporate events, The Torch offers a signature combination of modern and unique design. The ballroom with 446sq m accommodates as many as 300 guests theatre-style, or 240 guests for dinner, making it a perfect venue for banquets and conferences alike. Aspire Ballroom is conveniently located on the Mezzanine 1 level, with a separate driveway, parking and a private VIP lounge.
An addition to the high-spec media electronics at The Torch is the hotel’s digital signage system, which displays high-definition videos, live TV, photography and flash videos. Screens of different shapes and sizes are strategically placed in main public areas – lobby, mezzanines, health club and business centre. The screens are connected to a central server, operated internally to meet guests’ demands for live TV and logo display during conferences or special events.
Guests have private access through an air-conditioned walkway to Doha’s largest shopping mall Villaggio. There are many great attractions nearby, including Khalifa International Stadium, Aspire Park, and Ladies Sports Hall.
A high-end wayfinding system has been installed in March 2014 in the main public areas, including 3D mapping and directions available in Arabic, English, French and German.
Relax in luxury
The Three Sixty revolving restaurant is a must-see on every Doha travel itinerary. Located on the 47th floor, 240m above ground, it offers a panoramic view that takes your breath away. The restaurant has received a TripAdvisor 2013 Certificate of Excellence award, honouring it as a top-performing restaurant as reviewed by travellers. The accolade rewards hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding guest reviews on TripAdvisor. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.
In February 2014 the hotel opened a high-end tea lounge on the 21st floor, overlooking Doha and Aspire Park. Torch Tea Garden has proven itself an attraction for both Qatari and expat guests, offering afternoon tea and a luxury selection of worldwide teas, including Chinese and Japanese tea ceremony.
The Torch Doha has become the preferred choice for business travellers, sport enthusiasts, and health and wellness seekers. The hotel concept and interior design is perfect for the high-end traveller – the rooms with their top features, the revolving restaurant with its panoramic views, and the highest cantilevered pool in Doha are some of the main attractions.
Guests can experience a location that is a focus point in sports history and continues to please with its exclusive services and high-end technology.
Moreover, the hotel contributes to the National Vision of Qatar 2030 in Tourism and Industry by promoting Qatar as a destination and encouraging international sports teams to organise their winter training camps in Aspire Zone. For the duration of World Cup 2022 The Torch Doha will be the main hub accommodating sports teams and personalities.
The Torch Doha is ideally situated midway between the major diplomatic area of West Bay and Qatar Foundation, with its international universities and educational facilities, and 15 minutes away from the new Qatar National Convention Centre.
