Ilkin Imanov, general manager, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa talks us through the philosophy of excellence, the lessons they learnt from the pandemic and the ambitious refurbishments to the property.
QH: Tell us five reasons for guests to choose your hotel in Doha.
Imanov: Wellness facilities (We take pride in our state-of-the-art wellness facilities – from our spa treatments to our fitness centre, we offer guests an array of options to enhance their well-being); Culinary excellence (We believe that feeling good starts with getting the nourishment that is right for you, offering a wellness-focused culinary journey without compromising on flavour, taste, or satisfaction); Exceptional service (From the moment guests arrive, our team is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of their stay is tailored to support their well-being journey); Prime location (Our hotel offers guests the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility with easy access to the city’s key attractions, business districts, and transportation hubs); Serene ambience (We strive to ensure your stay will be truly memorable with our attention to detail that is a cut above the rest to ensure is pleasing in every aspect).
QH: What are your brand values, something that no other hospitality player in Doha has?
Imanov: We prioritise the well-being of our guests, offering wellness programmes, nutritious dining options, and rejuvenating experiences to promote a balanced lifestyle. Our signature amenities, such as the renowned Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Spa, play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall guest experience. The Heavenly bed is designed for ultimate comfort and support, ensuring guests enjoy a restful night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Meanwhile, our Heavenly spa offers a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, with a range of treatments aimed at promoting stress relief and overall well-being, a reflection of our commitment to wellness, the Heavenly Spa by Westin allows you to replenish your mind and body with a personal sensory experience.
QH: What have been your expansions/refurbishments to your property in the past year? What about 2024 – any plans of modification/upscaling your property?
Imanov: We’re in an exciting project: constructing a new meeting room, one that is meticulously designed to serve as a venue for meetings, events, and gatherings, equipped with contemporary design and modern amenities. We are implementing energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting and smart temperature controls; focusing on meticulous waste management through recycling programmes and the use of eco-friendly products. We will continue with projects such as gray water recycling for garden use and the installation of water-saving aerators in all 364 guest rooms to contribute to our broader environmental goals.
At The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, we prioritise seamless internet access as a cornerstone of our guest experience. As part of the Marriott family, we’re committed to exceeding expectations by providing robust internet infrastructure that caters to today’s digital demands. With internet usage skyrocketing, we’ve got innovative digital amenities such as mobile key to service requests, relying on a strong internet foundation, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Our IT department is at the forefront of our sustainability commitment, driving digital transformation by implementing digital office solutions, such as transitioning from paper to digital formats, thus minimising waste and conserving resources.
QH: Where do you see your property/brand in the next 2 years?
Imanov: We envision The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa as a premier destination for discerning travellers seeking holistic wellness experiences, and sustainable hospitality in Qatar. Sustainability will stand at the forefront of our vision for the next two years. We are committed to providing exceptional hospitality experiences by minimises our environmental impact, supporting our local community.
QH: Talk us through the timeless business lessons that the pandemic has taught and how your property has adapted with those.
Imanov: One timeless business lesson was resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. We learned to swiftly adjust our operations to meet the evolving needs of our guests with the changing landscape of the hospitality industry. Another key lesson is the value of prioritising health and safety above all else. This not only built trust, confidence among guests but also reinforced our commitment to their safety.
Short Shots
Best book read in 2023: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Best advice received: Watch documentary film called The Meta Secret – Law of Attraction
Go-to unwinding method: Usually involves a combination of activities such as: listening to music, spending time with family or going for a walk
Favourite holiday destination: USA and Europe
Best hotel stayed in: Mandalay Bay Resort at Las Vegas
