Tourism & Hospitality | Sunday 10 April, 2016 6:45 am |

There are good hotels, then great hotels, and then there is the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq, where you enter a world of palatial opulence and experience the legendary personal service for which the Waldorf Astoria is globally renowned. 

 

Nowhere are the Waldorf Astoria standards of excellence better upheld than in the luxurious magnificence of the Qasr Al Sharq, which translates as Palace of the East, and which has the distinction of being the first Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the world to open since 1931 when the flagship Waldorf Astoria was established in New York.

 

Only 15 minutes from King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq is set against a background of breathtaking views of the Red Sea in the most fashionable area of the port city that is the dynamic commercial center of western Saudi Arabia and the gateway to Makkah. 

 

The hotel gives visitors their first indication of the opulence to come when they enter the lobby where the floor is made of the finest marble, the walls are adorned with beautiful artwork and the magnificent three tier chandelier sparkles with 600,000 Swarovski crystals. 

 

The premier choice of royalty, presidents, diplomats and other highly important guests, the Qasr Al Sharq has eight sumptuous Royal suites, two opulent Qasr suites and 40 luxurious guest rooms, each designed and decorated to surpass the expectations of the most discerning guests.

 

The legendary Waldorf Astoria experience

 

On arrival, guests are welcomed by their personal concierge who acts as their primary contact to guarantee every request is met, ranging from culinary preferences to organizing a special occasion.  Solely dedicated to ensuring guests enjoy a flawless experience, their personal concierge is at work on their behalf even before they arrive, taking care of special requirements ordered at the time of reservation. In addition, a personal butler service is available on request.

 

The luxurious facilities of the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq include a spacious cigar lounge and access to the men-only Hiltonia Club at the adjacent Jeddah Hilton, including pools and sports facilities, while for ladies there is a 'Spa by Clarins' including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool. 

 

For events there are seven multi-functional themed meeting rooms, which can be configured to accommodate 90 people in theater layout, and elegantly appointed, soundproofed boardrooms for 5 to 25 people. Facilities include state-of-the-art entertainment systems, the Waldorf Astoria’s online e-events tool, the services of a team of expert event coordinators, and customized catering. In addition, sumptuous banqueting facilities are available.

 

 

Gourmet dining with panoramic views of the Red Sea 

 

At the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq guests and visitors have a choice of two restaurants: the Aromi, where diners enjoy the finest contemporary Italian cuisine with a Venetian twist while admiring the panoramic Red Sea vistas, and Mataam Al Sharq which offers premium modern Lebanese dishes in an exquisite setting of discreet luxury. 

 

As a casual alternative, Al Shurfa Lounge offers a refreshing variety of teas and coffees served in a tranquil informal setting

 

Both the Aromi and Mataam Al Sharq are popular with Jeddah residents who come to enjoy gourmet dining and admire the magnificence of the Waldorf Astoria – Qasr Asharq, while Al Shurfa Lounge is a favourite meeting place for guests and visitors.   

 

Winner of multiple awards for excellence

 

The Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq is the winner of multiple awards for excellence.  In 2015 the hotel was honored with no less than four awards: Continent winner of two categories in the World Luxury Hotel Awards -- Best Luxury Diplomatic Hotel and Best Luxury Hotel Scenic Environment, while the Spa by Clarins won the Continent Award for the Best Luxury Fitness Spa. The World Luxury Hotel Awards are highly valued because they are based on votes cast by International tour operators, travel agents and hotel guests. 

 

Completing the quartet of prestigious awards in 2015, the hotel was awarded the coveted Golden Crown for the Best Luxury Hotel in Saudi Arabia at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards honoring the best in the Middle East.

 

Previously, in 2014 the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah - Qasr Al Sharq won the World Luxury Hotel Award for the Best Luxury Hotel in Saudi Arabia, and in 2013 won the Golden Eye Award, a luxury hotel award that is presented to only the finest hotels in global luxury travel. Also in 2103 the hotel won the Global Luxury Award at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards 

 

More than 100 years of history 

 

The name derives from millionaire William Waldorf Astor who in 1893 opened the Waldorf Hotel on the site of his mansion at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street. Four years later, the Waldorf was joined by the 17-story Astoria Hotel, erected on an adjacent site by Waldorf's cousin, John Jacob Astor IV.

 

In 1929 the first Waldorf Astoria closed down, even though it was considered to be the grandest hotel in the world, but new technological advances in the 1920s were making it out of date and the hotel was sold to developers who demolished it and built the Empire State Building on the site.

 

The second Waldorf Astoria hotel opened in its current location on Park Avenue in 1931 and was the tallest and largest hotel in the world. Renowned for its service excellence, it is equally famous for its architecture and interior design, which is one of the world’s finest and most beautiful examples of the iconic Art Deco style that is as fashionable today as it was in the 1930s.

 

The perfect finishing touch

 

All good things must come to an end and the only difficult part of any Waldorf Astoria stay is leaving, because it is the last thing guests want to do. But to ensure their stay has a happy ending their personal concierge will be there to make sure departure is smooth and effortless. From the complimentary packing service to a swift checkout, the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq experience will leave guests wanting to plan their next visit before even leaving the hotel.