DOHA, Qatar - 8 May, 2012

Mr. Omar Hussain Alfardan, President of Resorts Development Company and Alfardan Group and Mr. Frits van Paasschen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. officially inaugurated The St. Regis Doha - Qatar's newest luxury destination - with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on May 5, 2012.

Since opening its doors to its first guests on March 31, the hotel has played host to leading diplomats and government officials, sporting luminaries, business executives and fans of luxury living from around the world. 

"Our partnership with The St. Regis Doha to operate Al Gassar Resort's luxury hotel component has been a very successful venture", commented Omar Hussain Alfardan, President of Resorts Development Company (RDC) and Alfardan Group. "Since its inauguration, The St. Regis Doha has successfully fulfilled its promise to deliver to visitors of the hotel an exclusive and customized luxury staying experience, making it already the must-see destination in Qatar. We are proud to have St. Regis Doha added to our portfolio as a unique masterpiece at Al Gassar Resort and the finest address in Doha."

"I would like to extend my personal thanks to Mr. Alfardan, RDC and Alfardan Group for their partnership with Starwood and the St. Regis brand," said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide, Inc.   "St. Regis is growing faster than any luxury hotel brand ever has before.  And thanks to great partners like RDC and Alfardan Group we are opening some of the most desired properties in the world.  The opening of The St. Regis Doha marks an important milestone for Starwood as we expand into key destinations around the world." 

Last week, the hotel won two major accolades at this year's 19th Middle East World Travel Awards, held in Dubai. The St. Regis Doha was named as the "Middle East's Leading New Hotel," identifying the hotel as the favourite new venue of the regional travel industry. The hotel was also named "Qatar's Leading New Hotel for 2012", a major achievement given the significant number of new venues opening this year.

As one of the first St. Regis Hotels to open in the Middle East, it has already sparked local interest with the premiere of two new restaurants associated with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, along with the upcoming opening of Jazz at Lincoln Centre, the first-ever venue associated with the New York City-based jazz centre outside of America.

Guests who wish to experience the hotel and sample some of the enticing flavours can benefit from the ongoing opening offer, which is valid until June 30, 2012.  Rates start at 1,900 QR per night for a superior room, including a 30-minute spa treatment, a St. Regis afternoon tea in Sarab Lounge, Wi-Fi internet access and a Jazz at Lincoln Center welcome gift.

For more information about The St. Regis Doha or to make a reservation, guests can contact the hotel directly at telephone (974) 4446 0000, via email at reservations.doha@stregis.com or online at www.stregisdoha.com.

-Ends-

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the St. Regis brand of hotels and residences is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance in the best destinations worldwide. Plans for the brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis US and Latin American hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires and the Riviera Maya. In Asia, St. Regis has also announced plans to open hotels in Changsha, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lijiang and Zhuhai. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the St. Regis brand will continue to expand in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Doha and Mauritius. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention to detail through signature St. Regis Butler Service, coveted locations and luxurious design. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com and for the privilege of residential ownership, please visit www.stregis.com/residence

Press Contact:
Leslie Garcia-Moica
Director of Public Relations - The St. Regis Doha
Tel: +974 4446 0020
Email: leslie.garcia-moica@stregis.com

© Press Release 2012