Azqa Haroon sat down with Bernard Fantoli, the seasoned general manager overseeing both the AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town. With over 30 years of global experience in the hospitality industry, Fantoli shares how he drives excellence across two award-winning properties while keeping the guest experience at the heart of it all.
QH: What’s it like running two hotels?
Fantoli: Running two hotels means shifting from a purely operational role to a strategic leadership role. I focus on systems, people, and vision—while keeping guest experience at the core.
QH: What’s special about AlRayyan Hotel?
Fantoli: AlRayyan Hotel is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, a lifestyle luxury concept. We’re directly connected to Mall of Qatar, offering access to retail and dining. The hotel features a soaring 80-meter lobby, top-tier conference spaces, and we cater large-scale weddings at the nearby Al Rufa Celebration Centers–making us a preferred choice for the Qatari community.
QH: What makes Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town stand out?
Fantoli: It’s the first all-suite hotel of its kind in the region. Each suite includes a living room and bedroom, ideal for both short and long stays. We offer complimentary breakfast and a nightly reception—something no other hotel in the region is doing. It’s a successful four-star concept that’s already proven in Americas and the first one in Dubai.
QH: How do you manage two teams across two properties?
Fantoli: Delegation is key. You must build and develop a strong leadership team that can run things smoothly in your absence.
QH: Any recent proud moments?
Fantoli: Yes–both hotels received the Hilton Award of Excellence. And the cherry on top? Embassy Suites was named Best Four-Star Hotel in Qatar by the Qatar Tourism Authority.
QH: Any upcoming offers or events?
Fantoli: As summer begins, Hilton has launched a global promotion: 15% off for non-members and 20% for Hilton Honors members. I strongly recommend enrolling in the program to take advantage of these offers.
QH: How do you maintain top-notch service?
Fantoli: We continuously monitor customer satisfaction reports and act on feedback quickly. And we emphasize one thing above all—training, training, and more training.
QH: What’s next for the hotels?
Fantoli: Qatar is heavily investing in its hospitality industry and preparing for mega events. These developments will attract a broader, more diverse audience. As hoteliers, we must keep reviewing our service standards and ensure our facilities remain top-notch to meet rising expectations.
