The best hotels in Doha, Qatar

One of the richest cities in the world, Doha has long been associated with luxury and the finer things in life. With a growing stream of tourists and an appetite for opulence, major brands are clamouring to get a foothold in the city. These hotels in Doha are setting very high standards for lavish hospitality.

Mandarin Oriental

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, Mandarin Oriental, Doha is located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha. With a terrace, the property also has a bar. The in-house restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a bath, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms are fitted with a kettle and a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, while certain rooms include a kitchen. The units feature a seating area.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub, a sauna and an indoor pool. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide tips on the area. Souq Waqif is 1.6 km from the accommodation and the business district is also close by. Hamad International Airport is 14.5 km away.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Doha

A recent design-driven makeover has given this prestigious hotel a new lease of life. Rooms have been painstakingly refurbished with a fresh, contemporary feel, complete with plush new furnishings and marbled bathrooms. The hotel’s array of restaurants has also been amped up thanks to the opening of cult steakhouse STK Doha and a new, casual French brasserie, Sel & Miel.

Once considered to be on the edge of Doha in West Bay Lagoon, the hotel is now closer than ever to the heart of things, thanks to a new road network and a growing city. The spa is without a doubt one of the most popular in Doha, and houses an indoor pool and two tennis courts. Lounge lizards will love the tropically inspired pool area, which comes with cool towels and poolside food service.

InterContinental Doha

A grand landmark hotel, InterContinental Doha combines heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort. Located in the prestigious West Bay area, overlooking the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel boasts the largest free-form swimming pool and longest private beach in the city. It is conveniently located within 10 minutes of the major central business district, the diplomatic area, the centre of the city and Doha Golf Club. Doha International Airport is only a 25 minute drive. It is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. This delightful hotel provides a warm Qatari welcome. Many of the spacious guest rooms enjoy outstanding sea views, and all offer broadband internet access.

The hotel is equipped to host business meetings social gatherings with 4 flexible function rooms and a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 700 guests. There are 6 restaurants and bars serving international cuisine alongside Italian, Middle Eastern, Tex-Mex and Seafood specialties. The outstanding recreational facilities include a 24 hour gym, tennis, squash, swimming pools and massage treatments. A Sailing Centre is available for boat hire.

Sheraton Grand Doha

It is hard to miss the Sheraton Grand Doha, it is the huge pyramid-shaped building on the Corniche. Built for the 1980 GCC summit (at a reported cost of $100 million), it has now become a much-loved part of Qatar’s landscape and history. The opulent lobby with its gold dome is a place to socialise and sample the legendary dessert umm ali (bread pudding). The hotel recently refurbished all its split-level rooms, which boast sea or city skyline views.

The Sheraton has an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, from the city’s first Irish pub to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Salt Bae, who became a viral-video sensation in 2017 for the distinctive way he sprinkles salt onto meat, has opened a restaurant here. A private beach and standalone fitness club with indoor tennis and squash courts will keep health-conscious visitors occupied.

La Cigale Hotel

Experience five-star accommodation and a superb level of personal service in the heart of Doha, Qatar at La Cigale Hotel. Behind its polished 20-story facade, this striking high-design hotel offers a stylish yet relaxing haven where business travellers can escape the city’s hectic pace.

Enjoy a finely crafted mix of comfort and luxury at La Cigale Hotel. Exceptionally appointed Deluxe and Premium Rooms are a welcome and relaxing respite from the non-stop energy of Doha. In perfect balance with the customary travel luxuries, each hotel room affords a host of signature surprises, including La Cigale homemade chocolates and mineral water, designer Acqua Di Parma bath amenities, and high-speed Internet. To fully personalize your sleep experience, La Cigale features goose-down duvets, plush mattresses and heavenly pads, and a dedicated Pillow Menu with 15 types of pillows.

See more: The must-visit museums in Doha, Qatar

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Explore Doha, Qatar in one day

Doha is a popular transit hub connecting west to east, but, reportedly, some 71 percent of passengers going through Hamad International Airport never leave the airport. So, next time you are connecting to a flight through Hamad International Airport, take the time to spend at least 24 hours outside of the airport. Here's how to do it.

Morning

If you want to experience what a desert is all about, book a half-day desert safari. You will be driven in a four-wheel drive through the sand dunes in the south of Qatar, do some dune-bashing, i.e., driving at crazy angles across the sand dunes, and have a brief stop in a desert camp. You will understand why people love the emptiness and vastness of the desert, even if it is all just sand.

Midday

Either persuade the driver to let you get off earlier, or, upon returning to the airport, take a taxi to Souq Waqif, the traditional bazaar, and after a walkabout, have an early light lunch at the small Bandar Aden restaurant, a typical restaurant which serves local and Yemeni food, giving you a good idea of the local cuisine. Then take your time to meander and shop your way through the traditional market which offers a vast selection of weird and wonderful items, from spices to cooking utensils, from cloth to handicrafts. Look out for the Falcon Souq, where you can buy falcons and falconry items, and where regular displays take place, and the camel pen for an encounter with one of Arabia’s favorite animals.

Early Afternoon

Walk past the swirly tower of the Islamic Cultural Centre across to the Museum of Islamic Art, an impressive I.M. Pei building that houses Islamic art dating back more than 1,000 years. Take your time to explore the treasures inside and out, including the sculpture "7," by Richard Serra, and the lovely park with views of the Doha skyline.

As an alternative, turn right on the Corniche and head to the National Museum, which looks like a gigantic desert rose. You will learn about Qatar’s past and present in an interactive setting. If you prefer contemporary art over history, check if at the time of your visit there might be an exhibition on at Al Riwaq Gallery, just opposite the museum. Many top international artists regularly exhibit here, but there is no permanent collection.

Then go for a walk along the Doha Corniche, taking in the mix of old and new architecture, the views across the bay, and the bustle of locals and expatriates taking advantage of the four-mile walkway leading along the bay. Small juice stands and cafes are dotted along the promenade, giving you an excuse to stop and simply enjoy the views.

Early Evening

For a sunset drink you have several choices, but two favourites are at either end of the Corniche: Iris, a contemporary outdoor venue offering superb sunset views in a relaxed manner, or chic Nobu, the bar connected to the high-end restaurant, which has probably the best happy hour in town, and a rooftop setting with views across the bay. Both offer a snack and dining menu, depending whether you want to hunker down for a while, or if you want to move on for a proper dinner.

Alternatively, you could book yourself in for a dinner dhow cruise, with a buffet of Arabian food, great views and a relaxed tour through the Arabian Gulf. (But do note that there will be only soft-drinks available on board.)

Evening

In Doha, a lot of the shopping is done at night, often after dinner, and malls are open until 10 p.m., even later during Ramadan. Malls in Doha have been designed to provide an alternative to a day out in town, because a lot of the year it is simply too hot to walk about. So, the malls are sprawling, filled with recreation and entertainment spaces, shops and restaurants, sport facilities and cinemas, all under cover and air-conditioned.

You have plenty of choices, but one that ticks all boxes is the impressive Villagio Mall. Take a taxi to this Venice-themed mall that has a good mix of high street and high-end shops. Once done shopping, you may take a gondola ride through the canals past the faux-palazzi or even go ice-skating on the indoor ice rink.

See more: Top destinations in Doha, Qatar

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Top things to do in Doha, Qatar

Known for its melting pot of cultures, a thriving tourism scene and a mix of the old world and the new, Doha is a fascinating spot to explore. If you’re planning a trip to the capital of Qatar, take a look at our round-up of the best experiences around.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Qatar has a thriving art scene – there are many fascinating museums across the city, each with their own unique selling point. That said, there is something so personal and exclusive about the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassin Al Thani Museum that it has become a bucket list item for many people in Doha. Situated just 25km (15.5 miles) outside of Doha, and built in the form of a fort, the museum is home to some 15,000 artefacts which are all personally owned by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. The museum houses the world’s smallest Qur’an, a collection of over 600 cars – one of the largest collections in the world – and pays homage to the Sheikh’s travels from around the globe.

If this doesn’t pique your interest, perhaps the fact that the museum is home to a traditional Syrian house might – the house was transported by the Sheikh to the museum – not to mention other exhibits including the Falcon of the Gulf, an aircraft used by the founder of Qatar Airways, as well as tapestries, books, weapons, and religious scriptures. The museum isn’t just a great way to see myriad items from the around the world, but it’s also an opportunity to feel a close connection to the owner for showcasing his personal collection.

Dine at a five-star restaurant

When it comes to five-star dining in Doha, the options are endless. Big international chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and Masaharu Morimoto have all set up shop in this Middle Eastern city, and for good reason too, as the city’s ever-changing food scene means there’s always something new to savour. You’ll also find internationally acclaimed restaurants such as Market by Jean-Georges, Spice Market, La Spiga, Nobu and Hakkasan all available to dine at in this thriving metropolis.

There’s something to be said about the process of booking a table at one these five-star restaurants, getting kitted to the nines and really enjoying a night out on the town. And, if you’re lucky enough to book at the right time, you might be able to book when one of these chefs are in town doing special menus, cooking classes or launching new dishes at their restaurant, as was the case recently at Hakkasan with Chef Ho Che Boon.

Picnic at Al Bidda Park

Pack a picnic basket, grab a picnic blanket, and visit Al Bidda Park. Find a spot under one the trees for shade, kick back and relax. This sanctuary in the middle of the city is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle to unwind and stroll the pathways (or cycle the bike paths) while taking in the greenery and flora. The sprawling park offers barbecue facilities, amazing views of the city, children’s facilities and is impeccably clean. Find a spot close to the built-in barbecue areas where you can toss on your favourite meats. Al Bidda Park has become the talk of the town after re-opening recently since being closed since 2014 for refurbishments. The ultimate haven away from the city, it’s something off-the-beaten-track for visitors and therefore worth the visit.

Visit a ghost town

Escape the city of Doha and visit Zekreet’s Film City for a weird and wonderful experience on the outskirts of the capital. Built for an Arabic TV series, this now abandoned TV set has become a place to explore for many visiting Doha. The mini ‘city’ is built in a similar vein to the old settlements of the pearl diving era of Qatar. The geology of this region is also worth a mention as it’s unlike any other part of Qatar, which is generally made up of fine desert sand, as it’s rockier than what you’d normally see. And, just in case you need one final reason to explore, make sure you check out the views of the Gulf Peninsula, perfect for taking some stunning images. Be sure to book a tour to visit Zekreet as it requires a four-wheel drive vehicle to get there.

Cruise the open waters

Doha is almost always about the water. Go to the man-made island of the Pearl and ask for a table, and you’ll likely be asked: “By the water?”. Hotels, the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq are all strategically placed for views of the Arabian sea, so venturing into these waters is a must. Again, the options are endless and you can choose from a short and sweet cruise at the Corniche which lasts around 30 minutes and takes you around the West Bay area, or go ‘full speed ahead’ and grab your best pals to charter a yacht on the open waters of the sea.

Middle Eastern hospitality is all about making guests feel like they are absolute royalty, so you’re likely to get an exclusive, personalised experience of food, drinks, music, spa and gym facilities. Live your best life with this experience as you sail out to the crystal waters of the Arabian sea dressed in your best threads and take in the views, the sounds and sights before taking a dip into the ocean where you could spend a lovely afternoon swimming in some the warmest waters in the world, before heading back to the city and watching the sun go down and the sky light up in stars. Pure magic!

Sneak in a chapati and Karak tea

Get a taste of an ancient ‘tradition’ of the Middle East, although adopted from India. Chapati bread here is freshly prepared and piping hot, smothered with peanut butter or Nutella, and is served with a spicy cardamon-infused Karak tea, which is combined with milk and black tea leaves brewed for hours. Though this might sound a little simple, it’s precisely this simplicity that makes the experience so unique: it’s much more than just a cup of tea and a chapati, it’s a true taste of culture in Qatar. If you’re still struggling to believe that the chapati and Karak tea combo can be this fulfilling, just take a look at all the cars and people lining up daily for their fix at the Chapati & Karak at Katara Cultural Village.

See more: Things you may not know about Qatar

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Must-visit destinations in Doha, Qatar

Doha, recently named one of the New 7 Wonders Cities in the World, is known for their spectacular modern buildings and cultural heritage.

It has plenty of attractions that are sure to make your time in Qatar a memorable one. If you are in Doha for a holiday, here is a list of the best places to visit in Doha, Qatar.

Museum of Islamic Art

Set in the MIA Park of the Doha waterfront, Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural gem and is considered to be one of the well-known places to visit in Doha. Designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is one museum that has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. While the paintings were collected from three continents over the span of 1400 years, the interiors are breathtaking with spectacular geometric patterns of the Islamic world that makes it one of the many places to visit in Doha at night.

Katara Mosque

Katara mosque might not be as large as a huge grand mosque, but the color, design and patterned tiles represent its uniqueness. These tiles are the part of shared history and a reminder between the Iranians and the Gulf region. This mosque is which well-contrasted in colors and symbolizes the Arabian, Persian and African tradition. People are welcomed to Qatar and visit the Katara Mosque because its renowned history of the Quasi-mosques (Islamic geometric patterns) is very attractive and appealing.

Corniche

One of the best places to visit in Qatar is the Doha Corniche. Most popular locations among walkers, bikers and joggers, Corniche is a waterfront promenade that reshaped Doha’s coastline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. An ideal place for exercising in the morning, it also attracts crowd who are looking for spectacular views of the city’s skyline and witness beautiful sunsets in the evening.

Al Jassasiya Carvings, Al- Ruwais

Al- Ruwais is a city of Qatar peninsula, which is known mostly for its natural view. It’s a little fishing village, but the local dhow boats are very famous for the seaside swarming. Al Jassasiya Carvings are one of the attractive places at Al- Ruwais. There is a rich collection of petroglyphs and it is about 900. The 250 years carvings are now open to visitors from the government. It contributes much to the tourism of Qatar.

Aspire Park

Considered to be one of the ideal places to visit in Qatar with family, Aspire Park is one of the largest parks in the Gulf region, and is one of Qatar’s finest landscapes. Another attraction the park has to offer is the Torch Tower, or also known as the Aspire Tower. It is an astonishing 300m high building which served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games, and is now a beautiful hotel. Make sure you add it to your itinerary while planning your holidays as it is one of the top places to visit in Qatar during summer

Al Wakra Museum

The Al Wakra museum is a site that has some of the best architecture in Qatar. The exhibits in the museum are quite fascinating and feature ancient artifacts and the details of the history of Qatar. In terms of the museum’s beauty, you will not even feel the need to step inside – just bask in the beauty of this building. This old fortress has an eerie quality to it which is strangely enticing. This mysterious allure will leave you feeling fascinated and in full admiration.

Read more: The must-visit museums in Doha, Qatar

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Traditional dishes in Qatar you must try

In Qatar, breakfast is usually a light meal that includes yoghurt, cheese, olives and coffee, while lunch is the main meal, with mezze followed by main courses such as lamb or chicken stews. As for dinner, it is usually a light snack, except during Ramadan or special occasions. Overall, the country’s local cuisine is varied, complete with international influences.

Saloona

Saloona is basically spicy meat and/or vegetable broth. It usually contains tomatoes, aubergine, carrots and potatoes. People eat it by itself or with rice.

Machboos

One of the most popular dishes in any Qatari home is machboos, or Kabsa, which is basically rice cooked with delicious spices and any kind of meat – chicken, lamb, shrimp, camel or fish. It looks similar to biryani.

Madhruba

A Ramadan favourite, madhruba, also known as ‘beaten porridge’, is a combination of rice, milk, butter and cardamom that is cooked together until it becomes mushy. Chicken and other types of meat are stewed along with mashed beans.

Luqaimat

Usually made during Ramadan for a dessert-filled evening, this dish is a mixture of butter, milk, flour, sugar, saffron and cardamom. These ingredients are used to create little dumplings, which are then deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup or honey to increase the sweet factor. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, this dish is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Thareed

Another Ramadan special and similar to a pot of stew, thareed, often called the Arab lasagna, includes vegetables such as carrots, beans, onions and potatoes cooked with chicken or lamb and mixed with tomato sauce and spices. Bread is placed on the bottom of the dish, soaking up the stew juices and making the bread soft and flavourful.

Balaleet

Pasta made sweet – this Indian-influenced dish includes fried vermicelli topped with a saffron omelette, making it soft, crunchy, sweet and savoury all at once. People eat it not only for breakfast but also dessert.

Kousa Mahshi

Kousa mahshi is stuffed zucchini, and it is a favourite all over the Middle East. The zucchini in this international-inspired dish features a stuffing of lamb flavoured with mint and garlic; it is then baked in the oven before being served hot.

Read more: The must-visit museums in Doha, Qatar

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