Few hotels in Kuwait can claim such a landmark status as the Sheraton. Opened in 1966, the property has welcomed the likes of Tony Blair, the Clintons and numerous other international political and business figures.
The 300-room hotel is part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection and what could be more luxurious than marble, which adorns every single part of the lobby? Walking inside the hotel is a step back into the 1980s, into Kuwait’s heyday as a regional hotspot for tourism and business and oil. There’s no escaping the Italian marble, not even in the rooms, which are spacious and tastefully decorated in creams and golds. The Sheraton Kuwait is traditionally a business hotel and the rooms cater well to those who spend more time at their desks than in the pool.
There is a desk with a comfortable swivelling chair, as well as printers in the suites. The Wi-Fi, however, proved a little on the temperamental side and kept losing connectivity.
Those staying at the tower executive suites can take advantage of the complimentary access to Sheraton Towers Lounge, which has all the amenities required to complete a day’s work as well as hold a few client meetings thanks to an hour’s free access to the boardroom. There is also a free suit press a day, otherwise there is a trouser press in the room and usage of an iron – which again is straight from the 1980s. The gym is a little on the small side, but the large outdoor pool with clear views of the Kuwait sky makes up for that. The changing rooms also have a sauna and Jacuzzi.
Kuwait has an incredible food culture and the Sheraton’s five main restaurants are so renowned that they have a chain in The Avenues mall. The Iranian restaurant in particular was a standout; the bread was cooked fresh in the tandoor. And the buffet breakfast at the Al Habra restaurant offered a wide variety of breakfast and brunch options, including an omelette station and Middle East staples like foul and kunafa.
Although the staff were attentive, unlike many hotels in the region, they offer their help when you want it and not with every step you take, making the service less intrusive. The hotel is located in the middle of Kuwait’s business district; getting to and from meetings was a doddle with a steady stream of taxis ready to pick up guests.
Q&A
Mazen Al Mhana, the director of sales and marketing at Sheraton Kuwait, reveals more about the hotel’s offerings.
How does the hotel cater to business guests?
We cater to business guests from the minute they decide to book by arranging their visa. Once they arrive at the airport they are met by our expert hospitality and welcoming team, offering complimentary airport transportation. Upon arrival to the hotel they are met with wet towels, fresh juice and indigenous coffee and dates.
What business facilities do you have?
We provide all business traveller necessities, such as: the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi or cable if desired, both in the rooms and throughout the lobby and public areas, a 4 in 1 in their rooms, where they are able to print, scan, fax, and photo-copy, a personal desk in their rooms, providing them with the elegant and necessary space to work. Moreover, also available is the business centre located in the lobby for all the guests needs such as printing, faxing, photocopying, scanning, binding, laminating, etc.
Where do the majority of guests travel from?
From the GCC, Europe and the United States; they tend to stay for an average of two nights.
How do you ensure business guests can relax after working hours?
We have a fully equipped health club specifically for in-house guests only, the choice of five restaurants in the hotel and the English tea lounge for authentic English tea, as well as complimentary transportation to one of the largest malls in the region, The Avenues.
thamid@thenational.ae
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