Our capital already has several good hotels and is now set to launch the Minsk Marriott

The construction of the new hotel began in 2012, following an innovative design, not far from the Football Manege. Belarusian architect Oleg Vorobiev oversaw the concept and design, which takes the form of a falcon: the national bird of Qatar. Qatar’s Fund of Armed Forces is an investor in the project, which is likely to inspire further mutually beneficial co-operation. Almost $200m has been injected into the Falcon Club Sports and Leisure complex.

Minskers and city guests are sure to be impressed by the four-storey hotel, which boasts 25 deluxe and one presidential apartment among its 217 rooms, decorated using natural materials, and evoking the spirit of Belarusian nature. All furniture and wall coverings are made from wood, while the woolen carpets are in shades resembling a river bottom. The walls are decorated in plasterwork designed by Belarusian and Lithuanian studios, with a motif of circles on water. Meanwhile, footstools are shaped to resemble boulders.

The Falcon Club is placed under the wings of the ‘falcon’, uniting a universal arena able to host tennis and handball competitions, as well as sporting gymnastics events and concerts. The arena covers almost 2,000 square metres and can seat up to 3,500. Eight conference halls, meeting rooms, cafes and bars are situated nearby. Four tennis courts and six squash courts are soon to open, in addition to a spa, a fitness club and a boutique; there will be 24 luxury goods shops, selling Belarusian and foreign brands, and an eight screen cinema, equipped with the latest in seating (not only ergonomic but synchronised with the screen).

“The hotel will open fully in February 2016, with bookings taken from January,” explains Thani A. al-Kuwari, who is the Director of Sokol Investment Company JSC in Belarus, and Qatar’s Deputy State Defence Minister for Financial Issues. “We’re thankful to the Presidential Administration and to state agencies for assistance in our project realisation; great results can be achieved through co-operation. Although our schedule has shifted, this wasn’t due to constructors. Rather, we’ve had to work around the weather and major design alterations.” He is convinced that the opening of a five star Marriott Hotel in Minsk will enhance the level of hotel business in the country generally. “If the management, sales system and market position are well-organised, it’s always possible to ensure good rates of residency,” he asserts.