The capital of Qatar, Doha is one of the richest cities in the world. The gilded Middle Eastern city on the Persian Gulf puts a new spin on the word “luxury.” Think ostentatious shopping malls, cloud-touching architectural marvels, and grand cultural icons. However, its also known for traditional souqs, thrilling desert fun, and white-sand beaches. Doha has long been associated with the finer things in life, and its hotel market is no different. The best hotels in Doha, Qatar offer, above everything else, a dash of Arabian glamour. Besides, they have all the quintessential luxury amenities, including private beaches! For this reason, you might hate leaving your hotel to go exploring the city!
With millions of tourists visiting it every year, Doha’s hotels are also upping the ante. If you’re headed to the Middle East, then this city is a must-visit. So, here are the 11 best hotels in Doha, Qatar.
Where to Stay in Doha
Since Doha isn’t that huge, almost everything is a short cab ride away. To that end, there are three main regions to consider staying in the city. To begin with, we have the West Bay, which is Doha’s financial district and also its most expensive neighborhood. The area is all about luxury hotels and sea views at the gorgeous Corniche. An extension of the area is the West Bay Lagoon, which is full of hotels with beautiful beaches. Msheireb or Downtown Doha is a splendid planned neighborhood with hotels, museums, and green spaces. Finally, we come to Al Souq named after the historic Souq Wakif. It’s home to a cluster of boutique and luxury hotels and has most of Doha’s cultural attractions.
Mandarin Oriental
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Mandarin Oriental is an understated luxury hotel in Doha, Qatar. Its the first hotel to open in the Msheireb district and has brought chic flair to Qatar. Moreover, the luxury hotel is within walking distance of Souq Waqif and the Corniche.
A stunning internal courtyard with trees is no less than a stylish oasis. Despite being enormous, the serene spa puts an Arabian spin on the brand’s signature treatments. The hotel gym features all the latest equipment with a separate section for women. The star of Mandarin Oriental’s offerings is the rooftop pools. Did you notice the plural form? That’s because there are two of them! Dreamy white cabanas fringe the outdoor pool, which has jaw-dropping views of Doha. Foodies will love the hotel’s four restaurants, including a secret speakeasy lounge!
With exclusive Qatari amenities, the hotel wants you to feel like you’re somewhere special. Rooms range from the Junior Suite to the lavish Royal Suite if you feel like indulging. They meld modern designs with traditional Qatari elements like geometric-patterned carpets. For sweeping vistas of the city, go for the Studio Suites or Deluxe Rooms.
W Doha Hotel & Residences
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W Doha Hotel & Residences is one of the most Bohemian hotels in not just the city, but the whole of Qatar. The stylish hotel brings the quirks of the W brand to the West Bay neighborhood of Doha. What’s more, it’s home to a swanky bar/nightclub, making the W Doha the hottest hotel in the city.
A jaw-dropping lobby featuring hundreds of blue lanterns has already made its way to many Instagram posts and stories. The staff swears by the hotel’s “Whatever, Whenever” maxim and will take care of your every whim and fancy. After a day of exploring the city, the in-house Bliss Spa offers, well, tons of bliss. Dig into a complimentary brownie as you revel in a luxuriating treatment. The languorous pool area gives off a distinct Miami vibe. Moreover, three lounges and restaurants each offer lip-smacking fare and drinks almost all day, every day. Also, the hotel has an art gallery that hosts interesting exhibitions.
W’s entry-level rooms are aptly-named “Spectacular;” they are one of the largest entry-level rooms in Doha. At the pinnacle sits the Extreme Wow Suite, which has its own pool table and aquarium! Personally, we’d recommend the Cool Corner Suites. They boast wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows that offer the best views in the hotel.
Mondrian Doha
9
The Mondrian Doha is one of the trendiest hotels in Doha, Qatar. The glamorous hotel brings fantasy to life in the form of whimsical design touches. Located in the West Bay Lagoon area, being in the hotel is like watching Doha from the future.
When you enter the hotel’s dual lobbies, the beguiling “Staircase to Nowhere” catches your eye. The unique “Frozen Forest” full of chalk-white tree-like sculptures will leave you entranced. Besides its design aesthetics, the hotel boasts a litany of laurels. For one, its ESPA spa is the very first in the Middle East. The spa also has the city’s only Turkish-style hammam. Further, there’s even a heated experience garden which promises to be as relaxing as it sounds. Also, the hotel’s enclosed rooftop pool is unimaginably spectacular. Psychedelic ceilings, a dreamy “bridge” of sorts, white daybeds – the pool space has it all. To top that, Mondrian’s restaurants alone are worth staying here. It includes a Wolfgang Puck restaurant that’s the hottest ticket in town!
Every room at the Mondrian features a variant of the bespoke mural specially created for the hotel. All rooms, including entry-level ones, feature hip mod-cons, and luxe interiors. For the best view in the house, go in for rooms or suites with terraces.
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
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Banana Island Resort Doha brings Maldivian-style luxury to the streets, or rather, the waters of Doha. The resort lies a 30-minute speedboat ride from the city. If you’re in the mood for an extravagant getaway away from the bustle, then this would be it.
The attentive service begins right from the custom boat terminal at Doha Corniche. You’re offered newspapers, coffee, and dates as you settle in for the short, scenic ride. The resort lies in a pristine lagoon with turquoise waters and a white sand beach. A traditional “island” welcome with drinks and drummers sets the tone for the rest of your stay. Even though its the only resort around, Anantara has lots of amenities to keep you busy. For one, you can lounge on the daybeds and cabanas by the heavenly pool. Water babies can sign up for diving sessions at the diving center to see marine life or even plant corals. The zenith of relaxation here is the spa, which includes Qatar’s only dedicated resort wellness center. You can also walk to the far side of the island that offers endless panoramas of the Persian Gulf.
Rooms at the resort reflect the coastal charm. Along with bursts of green and blue, they have unique Arabic touches like ornate wood screens. Even the smallest of them all feature patios with views of the ocean. For honeymooners, the Anantara Sea View Suite is perfect. If you have the urge to splurge, then go for the Maldivian-style water villas.
Four Seasons
7
Four Seasons Hotel Doha is a haven of Arabic luxuriousness in the Qatar capital. It boasts one of the nicest addresses in the city, the waterfront Corniche. With manicured lawns and its own private beach, Four Seasons is a haven in West Bay.
In a city full of sumptuous stays, its service that sets the Four Seasons apart. The three-storied spa is like nowhere else. Apart from the hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms, it even has a healthy meal café. Travelers with families will love the action-packed Kids For All Seasons club. With eight restaurants and bars, the hotel contains Doha’s entire culinary scene under one roof. What’s more, you have five indoor/outdoor pools to choose from to lounge around. Above all, the staff’s knowledge about Doha is impeccable, right from tours to its hidden gems.
What’s excellent about rooms here is that all have fabulous views of the city skyline or the Persian Gulf. For experiencing the cool coastal zephyr, choose the suites which have miniature balconies.
Sharq Village & Spa
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How’d you like to spend some time if a Qatari Village? At the Sharq Village & Spa, you can do so in without leaving the confines of Doha. What’s more, it promises an Arabian adventure with a touch of luxury.
The highlight in the palatial lobby is the chandelier, one of the most intricate ones in the city. Relish dates and Arabic coffee while waiting to be whisked to your abode at this village-inspired resort. Since it lies right on the coast, the resort’s natural beach is an absolute perk. You can lounge under the gazebos during the day and enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner come evening. The spectacular pools are the centerpiece here. Besides the main pool, there’s even an infinity pool with a swim-up bar. With four restaurants, enjoy everything from Arabic buffets to hearty afternoon teas. Finally, Balinese, Swedish, and Thai treatments come to town with the Sharq Spa, which is a tranquil world within a world.
With only 14 villas, living here is as intimate as it gets. They have an Arabian bearing with brocade drapes, stitched carpets, and four-poster beds. Moreover, every villa has its own terrace and inner courtyard, with the best ones near the beach.
The St. Regis Doha
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If you’re looking for old-world luxury in Doha, Qatar, then there’s no better hotel than The St. Regis. Located in the heart of West Bay, the hotel beautifully balances its rich legacy with Arabian heritage and hospitality.
So, what’s special in the St. Regis? Well, it’s everything. The famed butlers of St. Regis, resplendent in all their livery, take service to the next level. With 12 restaurants and lounges, the hotel has become synonymous with culinary excellence. In fact, its breakfast buffet is the best in Doha. Additionally, the hotel has a rare wine collection guarded by an avid sommelier. Intrepid water fans can go kayaking and snorkeling off the hotel’s beach. The showstopper, however, is the Olympic-sized swimming pool. With private cabanas, it’s one of Doha’s biggest and most glamorous pools.
Rooms at the St. Regis boast marble bathrooms, Arabic-inspired designs, and neutral hues. For a memorable stay, we’d recommend the Grand Deluxe Rooms with cozy patios overlooking the hotel gardens and the Gulf.
Al Najada Doha By Oaks
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If you appreciate architecture, the Al Najada Hotel Apartments by Oaks is where you should be. The brand-new establishment in Al Souq features modern living in historical setup. What’s more, its excellent location makes it easy to explore the Top 7 Things To Do In Doha.
Al Najada is all about effortless R&R and tranquillity in an old-modern setting. A gorgeous inner courtyard with Arabic influences is the first thing that catches your eye. A lovely herb garden sits at the center, with burnished, intricate lights at its corners. Dig into authentic Arabic and international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant. Aside from a fitness center, the place even has a blissful swimming pool and pool bar as well. Moreover, you can use the facilities at its adjoining sister property, Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli.
The apartments and residences will surprise you. The modern, sleek places shine in lashings of natural light. Besides comfy bedrooms, each urban retreat also has dining and living areas, and full kitchens.
The Torch
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If money isn’t an object, then don’t miss staying at Aspire Tower, better known as The Torch Doha. Aside from being Doha’s fanciest hotel, it’s also the highest building in Qatar! It represents the colossal torch holding the symbolic flame of the 2006 Asian Games. Without a doubt, the Torch is an absolute feat in engineering and design.
It’s no surprise that the hotel has all the accouterments of a modern, state-of-the-art hotel. Its infinity pool happens to be and the highest cantilevered pool in Doha. Aside from a health club, the hotel has a profusion of excellent restaurants and lounges. Its crown jewel is the revolving restaurant Three Sixty with breathtaking views. What’s more, you can walk from the hotel to the Villaggio. It’s not only Doha’s largest shopping mall but also one of the 15 Most Amazing Shopping Malls In The World.
Its only fitting that such a jaw-dropping hotel has astonishing accommodations. All rooms and suites feature smart technology via customized iPad in-room solutions. It takes care of everything, right from room access to lighting and even temperature. In fact, when the Torch opened, the rooms were the first of their kind in a Middle East five-star hotel.
InterContinental
2
The InterContinental has long been a favorite escape for visitors to Doha. A stunning pool area and a private stretch of white-sand beach make it more of a tropical resort.
The discreet, tranquil lobby belies what lies within. Besides the striking freeform swimming pool, the hotel boasts the longest private beach in the city. Combine this with as many as 10 restaurants and lounges, and you might never want to leave the limits of the hotel. Likewise, the Spa Intercontinental sets new heights of rest and relaxation. Aside from a sprawling gym, the Bay Club is also where water babies can rent water equipment to head out to the sea. Finally, a walk in the manicured gardens is the perfect way to end a day here.
Thanks to its location, around half of Intercontinental’s rooms enjoy sea views. Apart from Superior Rooms and Suites, you can also go in for the brand-new Executive Suites. For something exclusive, the Club rooms and suites include access to the Club lounge. It not only overlooks the gardens and the Gulf but also serves complimentary food and beverages.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha
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There are only so many ways to describe luxury, and Marsa Malaz Kempinski exhausts them all. The private island getaway lies on posh perch that is The Pearl, one of the 10 Amazing Artificial Islands In The World. With a private beach and a Qatari palace vibe, this grandiose hotel is love at first sight.
Feel like royalty as you sweep up the driveway at this plush property. You have lots of spots to lounge at the resort, what with its many heavenly pools. Serving everything from South American to Spanish cuisines, the hotel’s restaurants are a haven for foodies. Party monsters and night owls mustn’t miss visiting the1920s-themed Illusion nightclub. Furthermore, the Clarins Spa is one of the best in the city, with spa suites and a private hammam.
If the hotel impressed you, wait till you step into your rooms. They’re reminiscent of a Qatari palace, complete with private terraces or balconies. The most sought-after ones are the corner Panoramic Suites. They feature wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Persian Gulf.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Bars in Doha:
- Doha – The Pearl Food Tour & Boat Ride: Explore the best local and international fare on The Pearl. End the day with a gorgeous boat ride.
- Shebestan Palace: This little-known gem has been the best Persian restaurant in the city for a long time now. If you want authentic Middle Eastern food in Doha, then this is the place to be.
Recommended Activities In Doha:
- Doha Half-Day City Tour: Discover the best sights and cultural attractions of Doha on this half-day tour.
- Doha Desert Safari: Board a 4WD and engage in a thrilling desert safari on the outskirts of Doha. Also indulge in sandboarding and ride a camel in the golden sands of Qatar desert.
