• Waldorf Astoria has made its debut in Kuwait with a 200-room luxury hotel connected to The Avenues. All photos: Hilton
    Waldorf Astoria has made its debut in Kuwait with a 200-room luxury hotel connected to The Avenues. All photos: Hilton
  • The lobby clock at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is inspired by the original hotel in New York.
    The lobby clock at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is inspired by the original hotel in New York.
  • Rooms at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offer views of the city skyline.
    Rooms at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait offer views of the city skyline.
  • Ava at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait serves cuisines from across the French Riviera, the south of Italy and the Greek islands.
    Ava at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait serves cuisines from across the French Riviera, the south of Italy and the Greek islands.
  • Peacock Alley is inspired by the original meeting spot in Waldorf Astoria New York.
    Peacock Alley is inspired by the original meeting spot in Waldorf Astoria New York.

Waldorf Astoria makes its debut in Kuwait with a 200-room luxury hotel


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

One of New York’s most historic hotel brands has made its debut in Kuwait.

The much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is now welcoming guests for overnight stays.

Directly connected to The Avenues, one of the city’s biggest shopping malls, the five-star hotel is a haven of luxury with marble accents, a sculptural central staircase and artwork inspired by the legacy of Kuwait.

The hotel is set to become “one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks”, said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president of Hilton for Middle East, Africa and Turkey.

There are 200 contemporary rooms and suites, all offering views of the city skyline and designed in an opulent champagne, gold and silver colour scheme.

Guests can expect the premium services that Waldorf Astoria is renowned for, especially since everyone checking in to the hotel will be offered the brand's personal concierge service.

Children can also enjoy a dedicated Waldorf Astoria Kids' Club, which provides plenty of spaces to play in and a variety of daily activities.

A new entry for Kuwait's culinary scene

Ava at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait serves cuisines from across the French Riviera, the south of Italy and the Greek islands. Photo: Hilton
Ava at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait serves cuisines from across the French Riviera, the south of Italy and the Greek islands. Photo: Hilton

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will also make its mark on the city's competitive culinary scene with all-day dining restaurant Ava, which offers the best cuisine from across the French Riviera, the south of Italy and the Greek islands.

Japanese robatayaki is on the menu at the hotly anticipated Roka, a new restaurant from famed chef Rainer Becker, which will open in autumn.

Oxio Pool and Lounge has light bites and refreshments during the day, and entirely transforms once the sun goes down into Kubbar Poolside Restaurant. Named after Kuwait’s Kobar Island, the venue is set to be one of the city's most coveted nightspots, serving elevated Levant cuisine against a green backdrop.

Inspired by Waldorf Astoria New York

Afternoon tea and other delights are on the menu at the Parisian-inspired Peacock Alley — a tribute to the gathering spot in the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel, which opened on New York’s Fifth Avenue in 1897.

Other nods to the original Waldorf Astoria hotel exist, including a signature grand clock, adapted to reflect Kuwait’s cultural heritage and inspired by the grand clock in the Manhattan hotel that was a meeting spot for generations of New Yorkers.

The sprawling Waldorf Spa will be the place to relax when it opens in October. Spanning more than 1,200 square metres with two vitality pools, several treatment rooms and three hammam rooms, it also has separate facilities for men and women, including private consultation rooms.

“We are very excited to be expanding our portfolio in Kuwait to include the iconic Waldorf Astoria, which brings an elevated luxury guest experience to the country,” said Sleiffer.

Rates start from Dh2,900, including taxes, in a premier room; www.hilton.com

38 luxury hotels opening in 2022 — in pictures

  • 1. The Standard, Ibiza, Spain is one of many luxury hotels to open in 2022. Photo: The Standard Hotels
    1. The Standard, Ibiza, Spain is one of many luxury hotels to open in 2022. Photo: The Standard Hotels
  • 2. Marufukuro, Kyoto, Japan. Photo: Marufukuro
    2. Marufukuro, Kyoto, Japan. Photo: Marufukuro
  • 3. SLS Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo: SLS Hotels
    3. SLS Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo: SLS Hotels
  • 4. Esca Nest & Nature — Inman Valley, Australia. Photo: Nest & Nature
    4. Esca Nest & Nature — Inman Valley, Australia. Photo: Nest & Nature
  • 5. The Madrid Edition, Spain. Photo: Marriott
    5. The Madrid Edition, Spain. Photo: Marriott
  • 6. Lolebezi, Zambia. Photo: African Bush Camps
    6. Lolebezi, Zambia. Photo: African Bush Camps
  • 7. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Jordan. Photo: Marriott
    7. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Jordan. Photo: Marriott
  • 8. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Gleneagles Townhouse
    8. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: Gleneagles Townhouse
  • 9. Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, Costa Rica.
    9. Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, Costa Rica.
  • 10. The Chedi El Gouna, Egypt. Photo GHM
    10. The Chedi El Gouna, Egypt. Photo GHM
  • 11. Nobu Hotel Santorini, Greece. Photo: Nobu Hotels
    11. Nobu Hotel Santorini, Greece. Photo: Nobu Hotels
  • 12. The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, US. Photo: Ritz-Carlton
    12. The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, US. Photo: Ritz-Carlton
  • 13. Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Photo: NH Hotels
    13. Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Photo: NH Hotels
  • 14. Aman New York, US. Photo: Aman Hotels
    14. Aman New York, US. Photo: Aman Hotels
  • 15. Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Banyan Tree
    15. Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Banyan Tree
  • 16. Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy. Photo: comoanditslake.com
    16. Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy. Photo: comoanditslake.com
  • 17. Fortune Park Hoshiarpur, India. Photo: ITC hotels
    17. Fortune Park Hoshiarpur, India. Photo: ITC hotels
  • 18. The Homestead, South Africa. Photo: Omni Hotels & Resorts
    18. The Homestead, South Africa. Photo: Omni Hotels & Resorts
  • 19. Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy. Photo: Oetker
    19. Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy. Photo: Oetker
  • 20. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, Ecuador. Photo: Hilton
    20. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, Ecuador. Photo: Hilton
  • 21. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca, Spain.
    21. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca, Spain.
  • 22. Virgin Hotels Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: Virgin Hotels
    22. Virgin Hotels Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: Virgin Hotels
  • 23. Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Photo: Habitas
    23. Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Photo: Habitas
  • 24. W Costa Navarino, Greece. Photo: W Hotels
    24. W Costa Navarino, Greece. Photo: W Hotels
  • 25. Hilton Maldives Amingiri. Photo: Hilton
    25. Hilton Maldives Amingiri. Photo: Hilton
  • 26. Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, US. Photo: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
    26. Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, US. Photo: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
  • 27. Virgin Hotels New­ York City, US. Photo: Virgin Hotels
    27. Virgin Hotels New­ York City, US. Photo: Virgin Hotels
  • 28. Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia.
    28. Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia.
  • 29. Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, France. Photos: Anantara
    29. Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, France. Photos: Anantara
  • 30. Maison Delano Paris, France. Photo: Accor
    30. Maison Delano Paris, France. Photo: Accor
  • 31. Nolinski Venezia by EVOK, Italy. Photo: Evok
    31. Nolinski Venezia by EVOK, Italy. Photo: Evok
  • 32. Six Senses Rome, Italy. Photo: Six Senses
    32. Six Senses Rome, Italy. Photo: Six Senses
  • 33. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Hotel, London, UK. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
    33. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Hotel, London, UK. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
  • 34. Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Morocco. Photo: Nobu Hotels
    34. Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Morocco. Photo: Nobu Hotels
  • 35. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, US.
    35. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, US.
  • 36. One&Only Aesthesis, Greece. Photo: Kerzner
    36. One&Only Aesthesis, Greece. Photo: Kerzner
  • 37. W Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: St James Quarter / Facebook
    37. W Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo: St James Quarter / Facebook
  • 38. Raffles London at The OWO, UK. Photo: Raffles
    38. Raffles London at The OWO, UK. Photo: Raffles
Company profile

Company: Verity

Date started: May 2021

Founders: Kamal Al-Samarrai, Dina Shoman and Omar Al Sharif

Based: Dubai

Sector: FinTech

Size: four team members

Stage: Intially bootstrapped but recently closed its first pre-seed round of $800,000

Investors: Wamda, VentureSouq, Beyond Capital and regional angel investors

Updated: August 25, 2022, 6:09 AM