Movenpick

I have just moved from my first home in Doha, the 5 Star Movenpick Tower in West Bay. I spent 3 nights at the Concorde, which was also very nice, but I will long remember the level of service and the hospitality which I was shown, and which was so beneficial in my adjustment to being so far away from home.

The arrangements were made by the company's housing coordinator. The change was prompted by the very long commute that I experienced on my second day on the job. That was due to major construction all along the Corniche, which has since been completed. It was the decision of our project director, and I believe it was a bit more expensive, but his preference for me to be closer to our office in West Bay was the deciding factor, I am certain.

Movenpick is a Swiss hotel & resort chain. They have another older facility downtown, but the newer one is completely modern and marvelously appointed. Some may be familiar with this lifestyle, but I was not, and was pleasantly surprised when a tall glass of fresh fruit juice was placed on the counter as I signed the forms. It was Wednesday, after my third day on the job. My hastily packed bags were of course brought to my room, but I arrived first. The first thing I noticed, other than the view of the bay, was a plate of fresh fruit on the table behind which a envelope bearing my name in hand lettered script was neatly placed.

The room was wonderfully appointed and spacious. Just inside the door was the luxurious bath and a small kitchenette. I suppose I could have cooked evening meals there, but I did not. King sized bed, armchair, and desk. I spent quite a few evenings and weekends working there, especially during the first two weeks, before I discovered City Center.

Included in the accommodation was a splendid breakfast buffet in the Animato Restaurant, which quickly became my routine. I was there every work day at six-thirty. After a few visits, the hostess learned my name and I was greeted with, "Good morning Mr. Holland". The servers also greeted me with the same cordiality. I became friends with the young chef Mehidi. His station is the omelette bar, and he also became familiar with my preferences, to the point where I would automatically be served without asking. Fruit juice, cereal, coffee, omelette, potatoes, turkey bacon. I always grabbed a piece of fresh fruit and a container of yogurt on my way out.

Another great experience was the laundry service, also paid for by my employer. this may be commonplace to some, but was a new experience for me. Once or twice every week I packed everything into the bags provided and checked off the accompanying form. It was always returned the sane evening - shirts and slacks neatly pressed and everything wrapped up in plastic. A luxurious experience for someone who is used to 'permanent pressed'.

My room was on the eleventh floor - Number 1116. The tower is thirty floors total, with a pool, spa and workout room on the top floor. My room was on the East side, facing the bay. The view was framed by two other marquee hotels. The Four Seasons and of course the Hilton, where I spent a few evenings unwinding at the Zawaya Lounge. Just to the left of this view there is another massive tower under construction.

Everyone at the Movenpick, concierge, housekeeping, doormen and other attendants always greeted me with a smile and the utmost courtesy. As I wrote at the beginning of this post, my stay at Movenpick was very beneficial in the transition and adjustment to living in Doha.