Updated February 2024
It’s not a secret that Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world and brings curiosity out from many people around the world. Undoubtedly, Qatar is a place to experience everyday luxury. Wearing a fancy dress and high heels for lunch or dinner is a normal-day occurrence in Doha. All thanks to a great selection of luxurious hotels and restaurants.
How to get to Qatar:
The best way to get to Qatar is with Qatar Airways, but other airlines also fly there. You may look for best options and compare prices using SkyScanner.
My favourite picks for luxury stays in Qatar
Sheraton Grant Doha
Sheraton is the oldest luxury hotel in Qatar. It was opened in the 80s and despite its age, the interior feels timeless. It has a beautiful beach and a pool area, a padel and tennis club, a few great restaurants and cool bars for a night out.
If you are a meat eater, make sure to visit Nsret restaurant which serves great steak dishes. Although quite pricey, the locals seem to opt for dishes decorated with gold flakes. Yes, you are reading it right: real gold on your steak, why not?
Mondrian
Mondrian has one of the most interesting interiors among Doha hotels. I’m sure you’ve seen the pool area and staircase on social media as it seems to be a proffered choice for influences to get an Instagram- approved snap.
Intercontinental Hotel in Katara
With tennis and squash courts, and a beach resort, Intercontinental Katara is my favourite weekend choice. This hotel is always busy with customers any time of the week due to its fine dining options and a lovely outdoor area with a pool and beach access.
Anantara- Banana Island
Banana Island is just a half an hour boat ride away from Doha. It serves as an ultimate luxury destination for VIP visitors to Qatar. David Beckham, the PSG football team, Justin Bieber and many other recognizable names visited Banana Island during their stay in Qatar. I can guarantee that water villas on the island would make you think that you are in the Maldives.
St Regis
My go-to hotel for some of the best restaurants and trendy night out clubs. Have you heard of Hakkasan? It is there. It’s actually one of the nicest restaurants for fine Asian cuisine and cocktails after dinner. It also It’s located just aside from the Intercontinental hotel, also within walking distance from Katara beach and the cultural centre. Having a beautiful outdoor pool area, St Regis is a popular choice among the locals for a staycation, so you can expect the weekends to be busy.
Kempinski Marsa Malaz
A list of the most luxurious hotels in Qatar would be incomplete if I didn’t mention Kempinski Marsa Malaz. It is within a walking distance of Qanat Quartier (one of the most colourful areas of Doha) and other arts of the Pearl island. And if you are into fine dining, look no further than Lobito de Mar, a restaurant owned by Dani Garcia, a receiver of Michelin stars.
Hilton Salwa Road
This hotel has not been open for very long, but it quickly became one of the favourite staycation places among the locals and tourists from the neighbouring countries. What I love about Hilton Salwa is its oasis-like feel. Apart from a sea view, it houses a charming park and beach bungalows. It also has an aquapark and it only takes an hour drive from Doha.
Katara Hills
Located in the heart of Doha, Katara Hills offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery and stunning views of the city skyline. This hotel is more expensive than other options, but it feels like a green oasis in the middle of the city. It also has a really beautiful and intimate spa.
View from Katara Hills
Fairmont
Fairmont Doha epitomizes luxury and refinement, offering unparalleled hospitality and panoramic views of the cityscape. This iconic hotel boasts contemporary architecture and sophisticated interiors, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. It is located in a waterfront district- Lusail, where you can have a chance to go for long walks, visit Al Maha island (a place with many restaurants) and an incredible new mall- Place Vendome, where you can see fountain shows.
The Ned
It is a fairly new luxury hotel in Doha just at Corniche. The rooms are decorated in Art Deco style, so they offer such a unique feel. It is close to many attractions in Doha, for example MIA museum, Souq Waqif or Mshreib.
Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
I love this hotel for its tranquility and…wait for it…the amazing place to do kitesurfing, if you’re into it. They even hold international kitesurfing competitions there. It is a luxury hotel, yet with a relaxed, laid-back feeling as the rooms are bungalows with small terraces and hammocks.
Mandarin Oriental
Strategically situated in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar’s newest cultural and commercial hub.
Al Mesila Resort and Spa
Although this hotel does not have beach access, is still one of my favourites. Doha is a busy city, but Mesilla, with its tranquil gardens and a beautiful spa, offers an oasis-like experience, where you can fully relax, walk around, play tennis or simply lie down at the pool. I rarely do staycations, but once, I stayed in Al Mesila for a full week.
DISCOVER AL MESILA RESPORT AND SPA
Favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
- Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
- World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
- Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
- Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
See also:
A quick guide to museums in Qatar
My first impressions of living in Qatar and a few ideas why you should put it on your travel list.
Layover in Dubai: what to see and do in 48 hours.
10 days in Oman. How to plan a perfect road trip guide and itinerary.
Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
Did you like the post? Pin it for later:
