Top 10 Hotels to Book in Qatar

For most travellers, Qatar is synonymous with luxury, and even their more modest hotels seem extravagant by some international standards. 

But with so many beautiful options, what are the best hotels to book in Doha, the capital of Qatar? Here are our top 10 picks for the best hotels in Qatar:

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

The Four Seasons represents more than just a familiar name in a strange corner of the world. This resort offers luxury in the centre of the city, with everything you could possibly need at your fingertips.

It has a private beach where you are free to wear your bikini despite the generally strict dress code in the country. It also boasts five swimming pools and nine restaurants, including the world-famous (and world’s largest) restaurant, Nobu.

There is a range of suites available, from affordable but luxurious king rooms to the Presidential Suite, with its own grand piano and dining room for ten. But everywhere, you can expect touches of luxury, from personalized bathrobes to poolside sunglass cleaning.

Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Musheireb

This is one of the newer hotels in the city, but its elliptical-shaped architecture was already iconic before it opened in May 2021. It offers rooms, suites, and serviced residences in the heart of the Musheireb cultural district. They have “otherworldly” interiors courtesy of French designer Jacques Garcia.

This hotel will appeal to foodies with its five restaurants offering Thai, Indian, and Italian food from rooftop settings. It will also appeal to self-care gurus with its in-house Rainforest Hydrotherapy spa, with hydrothermal stations and salt-infused steam rooms.

Families may want to choose this hotel since it is attached to Doha Oasis, an indoor theme park featuring 30 rides, a Planet Hollywood branch, and a 19-screen cinema. The hotel also offers a babysitting service if you need some alone time.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha

This hotel sits on a purpose-built island. It is close to the capital, but also far enough that it offers excellent views out over the city. The surrounding area is a thriving residential, dining, and shopping precinct.

Even the smallest rooms are generous and come with a private balcony. The suites are luxurious and modelled in the elaborate style of the Qatari palace. Some have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views.

Work on your tan at the hotel’s 500-foot-long private beach, and experiment with Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, and South American cuisine at the many in-house restaurants. In the evening, head to the Illusion bar for excellent cocktails and a cool 1920s theme. The hotel i

s the only place on the island where alcohol is served.

Be aware that there are two Kempinski hotels in Qatar, so make sure you book the right one and instruct your driver to take you to Pearl-Doha.

Banana Island Resort

If you are looking for a getaway, take a catamaran from the port. In 30 minutes, you will reach Banana Island and the resort by Anantara, offering Maldives-style accommodation in luxurious Doha.

You are just a stone’s throw away from the island’s famous crescent-shaped beach, where you can receive full hotel service. If that is not enough, you can take relaxation to the next level at the Anantara Spa. But be aware that this is an alcohol-free resort!

While there are various room options, your best booking is one of the overwater villas, each of which has a private pool dangling off the edge. Indulge in the buffet breakfast at Azraq restaurant, then eat Indian-inspired seafood over the water at Q Lounge.

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

If you want to stay in downtown Doha, there are a few better options than the Mandarin Oriental. It has 249 rooms and suites that are drenched in natural light and give you access to rooftop pools, nine bars and restaurants, and an enormous luxury spa.

You will find yourself close to the popular Souq Waqif marketplace as well as the waterfront promenade. But be aware that you aren’t close to the beach or green spaces, as this is more of an inner-city hotel.

Izu Restaurant by Chef Izu Ani is probably the most popular, and lobster pasta is a must! The restaurant is split over two levels, and alcohol is only served upstairs. This speakeasy-style bar restaurant is hidden behind a concealed door. You will have to ask the staff for a code for access.

InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa

This beachside hotel can feel a little less austere than some of the other luxurious stays in the city, which makes it a popular option. Enter via a discrete lobby and walk through to the longest private beach in the world!

There are ten restaurants and bars on site offering some of the best cuisines in the city (be aware that some of the restaurants are closed during Ramadan). But you need to upgrade to a 120 Club room or suite for access to the exclusive lounge: worth the investment.

The rooms have recently been refreshed, and you can expect to find modern touches but with a distinct, old Arabic feel. Work out in the private gym and sports facility, and then take the edge off at their new spa, with 16 treatment rooms.

Mondrian Doha

The Mondrian may feel like an opulent but eccentric fantasy world, but that is definitely part of its appeal! It was created by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and features a staircase to nowhere and a frozen forest of white tree sculptures.

At this modern hotel, you will find that your luxurious room or suite is wired, connected, and amped so that you can have your own party after a night at the hotel nightclub, Black Orchid. Or you might prefer to spend your time at the enclosed rooftop pool with panoramic views over the city.

Eat tasty Qatari cuisine at Walima and try their expansive shisha terrace. Try the top Japanese food at Morimoto or get western-style comfort food at the Hudson Tavern. For coffee and French desserts, head to EllaMia in the lobby.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

This is yet another luxury Doha hotel that sits on its own private island so that you can mix a resort getaway with seeing the city and some serious Qatari shopping. Enjoy the hotel’s private beach that connects with an outdoor swimming pool with a waterfall and swim-up bar.

While all the rooms are excellent, with blue and white décor and touches of gold, the VIP suites are a level apart. Each is thematically designed and has luxury features such as outdoor dining and entertainment areas.

It has a well-equipped leisure centre, a spa offering indulgent treatments, and various delicious dining options. You will find STK Steakhouse, pan-Asian restaurant B-Lounge, and French brasserie Sel & Miel.

Sharq Village & Spa

If you are looking for a luxurious but more traditional Arabian stay, then head to this low-rise Ritz-Carlton hotel just a little outside of the city centre. The complex looks like a traditional Qatari village, including a Sheikh’s palace and luxury gardens.

The centre points of the resort are the luxurious lobby and the main pool, which is an infinity pool and bar that look amazing day and night. There are also 23 treatment rooms spotted around the village, which never feels crowded due to its sprawling design.

The main restaurant is the Arabic-centric Al Liwan buffet. Al Jalsa café serves Royal Afternoon Tea around a sunken poolside seating area. Parisa is one of the best Parisian restaurants in all of Qatar.

W Doha Hotel & Residences

Your jaw will drop as you walk into the blue-lantern-lit lobby of this hotel, which you may have seen in the Instagram feeds of various celebrities. The aesthetic and attention to detail are evident throughout the hotel, from the choice of beds to the inclusion of board games in each room.

The hotel has three great restaurants and two of the best nightspots in the city. Chef Jean-George has two restaurants, including Spice Market, which produces deluxe Asian street food. Wahm is a lounge/restaurant/club with a shisha bar and cocktails. Visit nightclub W Doha to see the city’s rich and beautiful.