Katara Hospitality, the global owner, developer and operator of iconic hotels based in Qatar, has welcomed the launch of The Peninsula Paris, which is to open on August 1 after meticulous restoration.

The Peninsula Paris now becomes the 14th operational hotel in Katara Hospitality’s portfolio of 26 properties around the world.

Located just steps away from the Arc De Triomphe and the Champs Elysées in the heart of the elegant 16th arrondissement, The Peninsula Paris has been fully renovated “to become a true Parisian palace”.

The investment, by Katara Hospitality and The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, succeeds in celebrating the property’s outstanding architectural heritage whilst discreetly modernising to become a thoroughly contemporary hotel.

“The Peninsula Paris is set to become one of the world’s landmark hotels, a real icon not just in France but across the world,” Katara Hospitality chairman Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani said.

“The work of the last years has restored this ‘grande dame’ to her rightful place as one of the world’s leading hotels.

“Our investment in The Peninsula Paris marks another example of our commitment to the French market.”

Katara Hospitality’s 12 operational properties are in Qatar, France, Switzerland, Egypt, Singapore and Thailand. It has another 14 properties under renovation or in development, in seven countries, including Qatar, Switzerland, Italy, Morocco, The Maldives, The Gambia and The Comoros.  Its goal is to have 30 properties in its portfolio by 2016, with another 30 by 2030.

The architectural restoration of the property has been spear-headed by Richard Martinet of Affine architecture and interior design, with interiors designed by Henry Leung of Chhada Siembieda & Associates Ltd.