Exuding confidence and style, Doha is home to an eclectic mix of avant-garde architecture, hidden historic sites, and an ever-growing cityscape of gleaming skyscrapers. The city’s collection of wow-inducing and fascinating hotels ranges from traditional boutiques to five-star luxury havens doubling as celebrity haunts. From my many trips here, here are my favourite cool and unique hotels in Doha, Qatar…
1. Mondrian Doha – a unique, hip and Instagrammable hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
The remarkable and iconic Mondrian brand has marked a new chapter in its evolution with a transatlantic journey to Doha. This magnificent hotel lights up the astonishing skyline with a vision of sophistication and contemporary style like no other.
Its luxurious guestrooms and suites conjure the look and feel of a modern-day design narrative of the Arabian Nights Tale, celebrating the best of old-world charm and futuristic splendour.
Innovative cocktails are offered at the hotel bar, which features panoramic views over Qatar. Moreover, specialised treatments are available for men and women at ESPA spa, and the onsite fitness centre boasts state-of-the-art equipment.
2. W Doha – one of the first lifestyle hotels in Doha, offering guests an upscale, stylish and Instagrammable stay
Part of another illustrious brand of hospitality excellence, the W is the first lifestyle hotel in Doha, bringing the pulsating dynamism of New York to this Middle-Eastern metropolis.
Stylish ambience, tech-savvy amenities, and a stunning iconic design suffuse each room in this contemporary work of art. The hotel’s restaurants ‘Market by Jean-Georges’ and ‘Spice Market’ are host to three-star Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, whilst sumptuous Italian cuisine can be enjoyed at La Spiga by Paper Moon, and a taste of Latin America features at COYA.
The fully stocked hotel bar is the perfect hang-out spot to savour a well-deserved cocktail, whilst the outdoor retreat Wahm welcomes the soulful sounds of famed DJs.
3. Steigenberger Hotel Doha – a trendy, urban and modern hotel where guests can enjoy a unique dining experience
The world-famous Steigenberger brand provides a unique philosophy of hospitality, interpreted exclusively in over fifty hotels globally.
The Doha branch is Steigenberger’s new flagship hotel, featuring a modern, urban design to complement Doha’s electrifying cityscape.
Representing true elegance in an iconic construction, the Steigenberger Doha is conveniently situated in the heart of the business district on Al Matar Street, offering direct access to local attractions.
Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the Goco Spa for a replenishing spot of rejuvenation, and each of the miraculously appointed guestrooms boasts flat-screen TVs, much-needed air conditioning, a desk and a safe.
4. AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton – a quirky-chic, new and vibrant hotel connected to Mall of Qatar
Luxury, fashion, and contemporary art are coalesced beautifully at the five-star AlRayyan Hotel. Taking part in the Hilton CleanStay programme, this spectacular hotel delivers an industry-defining standard of cleanliness throughout its 201 rooms.
Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious work area, a 48-inch TV, and beautiful marble bathrooms evoking optimum comfort and elegance.
Mezzo restaurant fuses Arabic cuisine with international dishes in an open kitchen, where guests can dine in pure opulence after an eventful day in this thriving metropolis. Guests can dive right into the city’s gems, courtesy of the hotel’s splendid location with direct access to the Mall of Qatar.
5. Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach – a contemporary, chic and hip hotel located in the heart of the city
An urban sanctuary nestled in the heart of the city, guests are invited to immerse themselves in Qatar’s vibrant culture, within walking distance to the Gate Mall.
Towering over the cityscape at an impressive 40 stories high, the Wyndham Grand offers a tailored hospitality experience to the business and leisure traveller, and provides four pools, a sauna, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
The hotel’s 178 commodious guestrooms, suites, and apartments radiate understated elegance through natural tones, topped with high ceilings and exquisite views of the Arabian Gulf. Each room boasts a flat-screen HDTV, a coffee/tea maker, and a sleek work desk.
6. voco Doha West Bay Suites, an IHG Hotel – a new, contemporary and elegant hotel located in Doha’s most popular spot
Towering a mesmerising 46 floors above the city of Doha, a warm Qatari welcome blends with contemporary flair, in this spectacular high-rise hotel centrally located in the business and diplomatic heart of Doha.
The hotel’s 35th floor Executive Sky Lounge offers an enthralling, panoramic meeting spot, and the charming touches throughout its eclectic range of all-day restaurants offer experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Elegant suites, spacious studios, and magnificent penthouses sport considerate voco touches including marble bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines, with floor-to-ceiling windows peering over downtown or the seaside. The outdoor pool and the Al Jawhary Salon offer a peaceful respite from a busy day of work.
7. Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha – a beautiful, elegant and 5-star hotel steps away from local attractions
Standing as West Bay’s tallest towers at an epic 256 metres, this luxurious city hotel greets guests with an abundant flow of opulence, from its dazzling marble-floored lobby to its panoramic views of Doha’s glittering skyline.
Its 368 spacious suites and villas boast elegant black furnishings and plush white décor, and treat its visitors and residents to high-end amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Under one roof, you can find legendary cocktails, Doha’s most eminent desserts and bakeries, and exquisite international cuisine.
Located in the prestigious CBD, just steps from major embassies and government offices, as well as a 5-minute walk from the landscaped waterfront promenade, guests can enjoy a refined hospitality experience without the added stress of navigating transport links.
8. Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar By Tivoli – a classic, charming and creative hotel filled with character and artful Qatari tradition
At this exclusive hotel, tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Comprised of former heritage houses which preserve an original character, the Souq Al Wakra Hotel is shaped by an expansive, open layout.
The hotel’s classic rooms and suites sport timeless thatched roofs and sea and sand motifs, all inspired by the pearling and fishing roots of Al Wakra.
These charming coastal havens are made complete through refined, personalized service, and trendsetting amenities. Guests can treat their tastebuds to western favourites and mouth-watering local delicacies at the hotel’s eclectic array of sumptuous restaurants, featuring indulgent spices and fresh seafood.
9. Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection By Hilton – a sleek and fancy hotel featuring the highest indoor pool in Doha and floor-to-ceiling windows
The first of its kind under the Curio Collection brand, this Middle Eastern branch reflects Hilton’s upscale global portfolio, and is elegantly situated in West Bay, an area famed for its beaming skyscrapers.
240 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments cover the hotel’s mammoth 52 stories, and all boast dazzling views of the bay, with epic floor-to-ceiling windows providing access to endless daylight and night-time panoramas.
Guests can let their taste buds run wild at Mondo Café, which offers vegetarian, vegan, and free-range dishes in a minimalist setting, and Mondo Restaurant, which provides signature dishes inspired by Qatar’s multicultural population.
10. Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park, an IHG Hotel – a modern, sleek and stylish hotel where guests can enjoy a rejuvenating stay
Opulence meets comfort, and Middle Eastern traditions meet futuristic elegance at the Crowne Plaza Doha, a business and leisure hub located in one of Doha’s key business districts.
The hotel’s 378 stylish guestrooms emanate luxury and sophistication, in a refined setting bound by a light-toned ambiance and a quirky red wall.
Guests can drift off into a blissful night’s sleep with the assistance of the hotel’s special Sleep Advantage system, which provides a relaxing aromatherapy kit and ultra-soft premium bedding.
When business is done, the hotel’s six restaurants and bars provide an eclectic array of wind-down experiences, and the hotels extravagant outdoor pool offers a spellbinding spot of respite under the glorious sunshine.
11. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara – a chic, upscale and trendy hotel located on a private island, perfect for a memorable getaway
This stunning Anantara resort is housed on a half-mile-long crescent-shaped beach. Nothing embodies an ‘Island Welcome’ more than the sound of drummers and clapping staff which greets guests upon entry to the hotel, which is accessible only via transfer boat.
The guestrooms boast understated Arabic touches and scintillating sea views, as well as indulgent, curved bathtubs installed in small atriums. In the resort, there is no shortage of activities, from four communal lounger-encircled pools to the private treatments in the luscious spa, to tremendous onsite sporting facilities.
A buffet breakfast it served, whilst Italian and throwback Americana-inspired flavours treat guests to a top-notch dining experience.
12. The Torch Doha – a 5-star, stylish and modern hotel featuring a revolving restaurant and panoramic city views
The result of impressive architecture, incredible engineer-work, and technical design, this symbolic hotel represents a colossal torch which held a magnificent flame for the duration of the 15th Asian Games in 2006.
Captivating for the high-end traveller, the 163 modern rooms across 51 floors feature an iPad-based solution with customised control of the lighting, temperature, and curtains.
Located in Doha Sports City’s Aspire Zone, this flagship project is situated at a height of 300 metres and boasts 360° panoramic city views.
The hotel’s iconic, kinetic light display boldly stands over Doha’s tremendous skyline, and the revolving restaurant is one of the city’s top attractions in itself.
To book, check prices or availability for The Torch Doha
13. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels – Tivoli – one of the best hotels in Doha, providing guests with an elegant, themed and unique stay
A gateway to modern, Arabic elegance, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel fuses superior hospitality and refreshing culinary concepts with a unique corporate experience.
A personalised approach to the plush pleasures of high-end boutique living, this lively hotel is located in the heart of Doha’s historic district and is a cultural shopper’s paradise.
Here, guests can enjoy the delicious scent of fresh spices and fragrant shisha, surrounded by an encompassing kaleidoscope of colours, in a remarkable bazaar where Bedouins and locals met once upon a time to trade livestock.
The hotel provides an astonishing taste of Arabian feasts and gourmet goodies, as well as extraordinary spa treatments and a traditional hammam.
14. Royal Suite (Boat) – a fancy and quirky-chic accommodation overlooking the city of Doha
Here we have another unique boat property, which evokes pure intimacy and serenity. A rounded green velvet sofa adorns this two-bedroom property with a quirky elegance reminiscent of maritime harbour traditions.
An exceptional deck features comfy lounge chairs where guests can take in the opulence of the surrounding area, which is comprised of luxurious yachts and a stunning waterfront promenade.
Besides its two separate bedrooms which feature optimum air-conditioning, the hotel’s three bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and a spacious living room provide an exceptional holiday experience. Set 2.5 km from Lagoona Mall, a stay here does not have to equate to total isolation.
15. Marsa Palace (Boat) – an upscale and classic accommodation providing guests with a unique stay
A truly unique hospitality experience, this stunning boat property offers accommodation with a terrace, an ATM, a 24-hour front desk, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Emanating the splendour of a five-star hotel and the vivacity of an inner-city haven, Marsa Palace lives and breathes a traditional, old-world charm, but does not compromise on modernity.
The hotel offers flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and luxurious bed linens in each of its 3 thoughtfully appointed bedrooms. Velvet settees and smooth wood floors topped with fabulous, comfy white rugs give this property an opulent charm.
The terrace resembles a beautiful garden setting but combines this with 360-degree bay views and cityscape panoramas. A sumptuous continental breakfast is served each morning.
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Australia, Ireland, UK and the USA but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting thirst for culture, good food and great football. In his spare time Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, the rest of Italy, Amsterdam, USA, Athens, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Find Scott on Linkedin, Instagram, or Twitter.
Related Posts