Andreas Jersabeck, general manager at Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, delves into the essence of luxury hospitality and the unique offerings of their property.
QH: Tell us five reasons for guests to choose your hotel in Doha.
Jersabeck: Guests choose our hotel in Doha for its unparalleled blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience with its location in the heart of West Bay. Our five standout reasons include: exquisite dining experiences showcasing local and international cuisine; reminiscent of New York, followed by world-class amenities and facilities such as four floors of wellness featuring spa, pool and fitness. Offering stunning views and easy access to key attractions, followed by sincerely elegant service by our dedicated team, and a commitment to create unforgettable experiences.
QH: What are your brand values, something that no other hospitality player in Doha has?
Jersabeck: Our brand values at the Waldorf Astoria Doha are deeply rooted in personalised service in a refined haven. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to fostering heartfelt connections with our guests, providing bespoke experiences that reflect the rich heritage of Qatar which exceed the guest expectations as well as craft moments of surprise and delight.
QH: What have been your expansions/refurbishments to your property in the past year? What about 2024 – any plans of modification/upscaling your property?
Jersabeck: During the pre-opening phase, extending back to before the FIFA World Cup 2022, we have diligently pursued building a landmark property that enhances the guest experience in every sense. These efforts encompassed our guest rooms, the introduction of a variety of culinary concepts with MURU, our gastro hotspot cuisine inspired by the four elements of nature (Fire, Water, Air, Earth) and YUN our authentic Cantonese restaurant in the lineup – to be unveiled soon as well as upgrades to our state-of-the-art recreational facilities. As we look forward to 2024, our vision includes ambitious plans for additional growth, awareness and visibility in this dynamic market. Which involves incorporating cutting-edge technology and most importantly implementing sustainable practices across all operational aspects.
QH: Where do you see your property/brand in the next 2 years?
Jersabeck: Over the next two years, we foresee our property and brand evolving into the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication in Doha as the preferred choice for local community by working closely with Visit Qatar and Qatar Airways – aiming to be the favourite choice for transit passengers. Given Doha’s status as a bustling hub, we are committed to further cementing our reputation as the ultimate destination for travellers who are looking for intimate, yet as a destination for culinary yet calming sensory journeys.
QH: Talk us through the timeless business lessons that the pandemic has taught and how your property has adapted with those.
Jersabeck: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilience, agility, and empathy in the hospitality industry. As a leader and hotelier, we have embraced these key business lessons by swiftly adapting our operations to prioritise guest safety and well-being, implementing rigorous hygiene protocols, and leveraging technology to enhance communication and service delivery. Furthermore, we strive to embrace more sustainable practices and community engagement initiatives to support the local economy and take care of our employees.
Short Shots
Best book read in 2023: 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
Go-to unwinding method: Meditation is a great form of gaining strength and focus which has always helped me a lot
Favourite holiday destination: Boracay and Bali. Closer to home would be Croatia which I have made my second home next to my native Vienna
Best hotel stayed in: Conrad Tokyo
