The Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center are on track for a simultaneous opening later this year.

Part of the Doha City Center Mall development, the three ventures are located in two 48-storey towers in the West Bay area close to the city's new business district. Landscaping and the completion of the exterior are now finished and work has commenced on the hotel rooms, suites and apartments, as well as the restaurants, bars and conference areas.

The Renaissance Hotel will offer 257 rooms and suites, the Courtyard by Marriott 204 and the Executive Apartments a mix of 123 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The hotels' podium area - from the ground floor to level seven - is the heart of the operation, offering meeting space, nine different food and beverage outlets, bars, a gym and a spa.

The spa is expected to feature a unique line of products and furniture, from treatment beds to storage containers emphasising local Middle Eastern products and warm colours and materials. Designed by Gordon Stratford, director of design at HOK, the project's original inspiration was based on perched, hooded falcons and pays homage to Qatar's long history of falconry.

Pic: The lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott, Doha