Sarab Lounge – The St. Regis

4 Reviews on “Sarab Lounge – The St. Regis”

• Shadi Al Shebli

  St RegisIt is hardly the case that I would start a review of a place with what it was, rather than what it actually is right now. However, for today’s review, I will make an exception. The St Regis used to be one of my finest hang out spots here in Doha, where it always offered my friends and I a welcoming vibe, quality service, and a nice view overlooking the pool. All was nearly perfect, the emphasis here on the WAS! My niece’s birthday was coming up, so we were looking for a nice place to celebrate this occasion with her. Completely blindsided by the WAS, I suggested the St Regis and you don’t need to guess, it was a terrible mistake. I am not exaggerating when I say, that we would have had a better experience going to Tea time. The beginning was when I made it to my usual outdoors spot and, instead of the calm and peaceful ambiance I was longing for, I was met with a chaotic, messy, and a disgusting environment. Tables were spread out in no specific order, some are half covered, all were topped with dirty dishes and utensils, spilled food was everywhere on tables and floor, and some people were just lingering around between tables. Mind boggled at what I had just witnessed, I went back to the front of the hotel looking for some answers. The time was barely passing 4:45 pm when I found two gentlemen standing, just as a greeting committee would. I asked one of them about what’s is going on, and why the management allowed this beautiful place to turn into something so disgusting and ugly. Unphased by the traumatic and disastrous events, unfolding about 200 feet from where he stood, he replied “it is the Friday brunch sir, it’ll be over soon”. How soon? I asked. He went to explain that the brunch is between 12-4 pm. It was only when I brought to his attention that the time is nearly 5 pm, that I found out that the man next to him speaks! Without introducing himself, he abruptly uttered that the buffet goes till six and not four! I later found out two truths, the first was that he was lying and the time was indeed 12-4, and the second was that he is the assistant manager and his name is Hisham. When I pointed to Hisham that his colleague, who was still standing next to him at the time, told me otherwise and that these two hours should be enjoyed by other regular patrons, he started to get rude. Instead of comprehending the sense my concerns were making, he proceeded to lecture me senselessly about how “With all due respect to us regular patrons” this place needs to run as a business. As if we ate and drink for free, he told me that these people are making him money and as such, they can stay for as long as they want! Giving the PhD in finance and economy and all the education I invested in, I stopped caring about how rude he was, I was rather shocked how ill informed (Economically speaking at least) this manager was. Knowing that I’d be beating a dead horse, I decided to show him how little sense his logic was making. I explained to him that, considering this is a buffet, these people have stopped making him money the minute they sat down. While every minute they linger behind, is actually costing him money as others can use the place and pay new money. I also explained that, giving the fact the the timing of the buffet is clearly advertised as 12-4, clearing the place soon after, is in no way kicking them out. Especially if we are going to use his logic that the only thing matters to this establishment is maximizing profit, since he seems to have forgotten all about the concept of hospitality. I think my answer made him feel so small and stupid that, not only did he forget that he works in the hospitality industry, he forgot his manners telling me “This is our policy, if you don’t like it go somewhere else”. Honestly, without his kind suggestion, I would definitely have gone elsewhere in a heartbeat. However, a last minute change of venue will just add a sour taste to my niece’s special day, so I decided to swallow the mistreatment and stay at the indoor lounge, where chapter two of this sad excuse of a place unfolded. After placing my order, I sat down trying to do some work while I waited for our 6 o’clock reservation at Vine. I asked the lady for the password for the internet, to which she replied “Are you a guest here?” Using the universal definition of a guest in the hospitality industry, since I was there spending my money in there facility, I said yes I am. She then asked about my room number, at which point I had to explain to her that even though I haven’t booked a room, I am still a guest by virtue of being a paying client. I was obviously talking to the wind, as she quickly replied “sorry sir, only our guests can use the internet”. At this point my breath was too valuable to waste, so I just used my 4G network. Giving the poor selection of anything, really, this place had to offer, I decided to leave for my reservation about 15 minutes early. At the Vine of the St Regis, the third and last chapter of this terrible Odyssey took a place. By the time they found my reservation, there was literally 10 minutes or less till 6 pm, yet they still asked me to wait outside by the bench until 6. When they finally walked me in, it took some arguing and convincing, I noticed that they have seating area outdoors. Considering the nice weather and the fact that the place was completely empty still, I asked if we can be seated outdoors. I was immediately told that it is fully booked, and was shown to a table at the very end of the restaurant. Instinctively I replied “By who?”, only to be told “By our guests”!! Not wanting to beat that dead horse some more, I just gave up. I decided that it is better to focus on making that day as special as possible for my niece, than talking some sense to these lost cases of hospitality. However, I noticed on they way to get my food, that the outdoors area remained less than half occupied, all throughout the dinner. I knew then that it isn’t the case of a one off or an isolated incident, the place was taken over by an infectious low quality service from wall to wall. As I was setting foot out of that hospitality nightmare, hopefully for the last time, I decided to ask if there was any change of management. I wasn’t shocked at all when I was told that, there definitely was one and all became clear. The St. Regis and all what it stood for over the years are no more!

  February 11, 2020, 8:30 pm

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• Manal Fatima

  Been here for High-tea as a part of my friends birthday celebration. The team at Sarab organized a good surprise. The scones presented was freshly baked and delicious. Good selection of tea and great ambiance.

  July 24, 2019, 1:27 am

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• Olivia Caira

  The service was great and the food was delicious. We ordered the mezze platter, coffee, tea and three cakes. The cakes were so beautifully decorated and tasted wonderful. It was a great experience and I would love to come back.

  February 20, 2019, 1:00 am

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• Subhra Pratim Das

  The service was perfect thanks to very good staff. The tea was good along with this little dessert treats they served. Privacy was good for a casual sit together. Food we didn’t try but overall ambience was likeable.

  August 6, 2017, 1:00 am

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