Wyndham Hotel Group shows how important is this part of the world for its growth strategy in the region by announcing both the debut of its Wyndham Grand brand in the Middle East and its first Planet Hollywood-branded hotel in Doha.

The 246-key Wyndham Grand Regency is located in Doha’s Al Sadd area, 15 km from Doha International Airport and very close to the Exhibition Centre and the Corniche waterfront promenade. The property is owned by Regency Group Holding and currently operating as Grand Regency Hotel Doha. The management contract with Wyndham Hotel Management Inc. will be launched sometime this spring.

The hotel’s Al Asmakh Royal Suite boasts a bedroom, living room, boardroom and two full bathrooms. It offers three restaurants and cafe: Chopsticks, which serves Far Eastern fusion; Tangia, which offers a Moroccan menu; and Grand Gourmet, which features an international a la carte menu. The 600-sq.-m Al Qasr Ballroom can host up to 900 people. Leisure facilities include an Angsana Spa, gym and a swimming pool.

“We are delighted to align with Wyndham Hotel Group and to join its distinguished collection of Wyndham Grand hotels to introduce the first ever Wyndham Grand property in the region,” says Regency President Ibrahim Al Asmakh. “The collaboration marks an exciting new beginning for the hotel which, through an ongoing commitment to the highest standards of quality and service, is certain to appeal to both business and leisure travelers alike.”

The new-build Planet Hollywood Hotel Entertainment City is expected to open in 2014. Located near Qatar’s premier theme park, the 300-key hotel will feature a restaurant, cafe, lounge, meeting facilities, fitness centre, spa and pool. It will be owned by Doha-based Regency Group Holding and will be managed by a Wyndham subsidiary.

“Bringing the Planet Hollywood brand to one of the world's most dynamic tourist and business destinations is truly an exciting moment,” says Eric Danziger, Wyndham Hotel Group president and CEO. “Planet Hollywood is a world-renowned, entertainment-based brand that is ideally suited to travellers and developers seeking unique experiences, distinctive dining and outstanding service. We are especially proud to work with Regency Group to introduce the brand to the Middle East, in the vibrant capital city of Doha.”

The announcement marks the inaugural expansion of Planet Hollywood Hotels following a September license agreement that grants Wyndham exclusive rights to franchise Planet Hollywood hotels and provide management services globally.