The Best Hotels in Doha, Qatar

With a private beach, five swimming pools, nine restaurants (including the world’s largest Nobu), a huge marble-clad lobby and stone exterior, this Four Seasons hotel in Qatar is like a larger-than-life grande dame among the glassy skyscrapers of Doha’s West Bay. Everything is taken care of – from sunglass cleaning by the pool, to personalised bathrobes for returning guests. The Presidential suite has a majlis-style living room, grand piano and dining room fit for ten.

Part of the upscale Curio Collection, AlRayyan combines the Hilton stamp of approval with plenty of local pizzazz. Swim in any one of three rooftop salt-water pools, or make use of direct access to the Mall of Qatar for a designer shopping trip. The stylish rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms with deep-soak tubs and a separate shower, making this one of the best hotels in Doha. The ground-level Moda lounge is a swanky spot for a refreshing juice or tea.

The sister hotel to the Al Najada Doha and part of a collection of nine spectacular homegrown hotels set in traditional Qatari-style buildings. Expect an authentic Arabic experience at this Doha boutique hotel, from the dazzling architecture to the mix of Moroccan, Indian, Lebanese and Arabic cuisine at dinner. The rooms are plush and stylish with all the top-tier tech you need to stay perfectly preened and connected. Relax in the open-air swimming pool, indulge in a spa treatment or watch a movie in the hotel’s indoor theatre.

At this five-satr hotel in Qatar, Thai hospitality blends seamlessly with luxury in the heart of Doha’s West Bay. It’s located just next to the Corniche and a 20-minute drive from Hamad International Airport. The elegant, design-led rooms and suites (360 in total) have ample space and mod-cons with glass-wall windows. The dining options are diverse, but head to Benjarong for an upscale Thai green curry. The impressive Devarana Spa is set over the entire 29th floor.

This five-star boutique hotel sits in downtown Doha, putting you in prime position to explore the centuries-old market Souq Waqif. Stroll the Corniche past Dhow harbour and the Pearl Monument and enjoy the Museum of Islamic Art. The selection of luxurious rooms and sprawling suites make this a smart choice for families and groups. The wide range of restaurants and bars, large rooftop pools and the impressive spa will certainly keep everyone occupied.

Marsa Malaz is a palatial resort-style hotel on the Pearl, a manmade island and local landmark connected to the city by an over-water road. This Doha beach hotel is family-focused on a grand scale. It has a private beach, a gorgeous network of outdoor pools with slides and a tennis court. The Pearl is also home to the buzzy Porto Arabia area with a range of waterfront restaurants and swish boutiques. Back at the hotel, N’awlins Jazz House serves up live music and classic cocktails every night.

Nothing says “royalty” louder than a hotel meticulously designed to emulate a marbled Sheikh’s palace. From the gold-dipped vases to the maze of courtyards and manicured gardens outside, Sharq Village will leave your mouth agape. All rooms, suites and villas here have terraces overlooking the sea, garden or pool, while the two-storey Royal Villa has an indoor pool, gym, balcony and private chef’s kitchen. The 6,500sqm (70,000sqft) spa offers top-end facilities and the ultimate hammam experience which is guaranteed to scrub away all your pent up stress.

If you’re looking for a hotel that balances exclusive social-club vibes with a great location, then book the W Doha. A cafe, bar and nightclub can be found inside, plus an excellent array of restaurants, including the European-style Market, the Asian street-food Spice Market and the Italian outlet La Spiga. Rooms and suites include design accents, such as swing-like wicker chairs suspended from the ceiling, and beds surrounded by fringed curtains. At weekends, this place is jam-packed, so ask for a room away from the bustling public areas.

Five-star luxury is to be expected at any Ritz-Carlton. 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. Rooms have a fresh, contemporary feel, complete with plush furnishings and marbled bathrooms. As one of Qatar’s top hotels, it offers an array of restaurants that includes cult steakhouse STK Doha and casual French brasserie, Sel & Miel. 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 tropics-inspired pool area, which comes with cool towels and poolside food service.

Stepping into the Mondrian Doha is like visiting a hotel dreamed up by Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter. From a lobby featuring a “staircase to nowhere” (yes, you can climb it) to a “frozen forest” complete with white tree sculptures, the Mondrian Doha is the eccentric fantasy of Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. Situated between Lusail and West Bay, the hotel has an exterior inspired by a Qatari falcon. It boasts 211 rooms and 59 suites as well as a luxurious spa and an enclosed rooftop pool. With two celebrity-helmed restaurants (CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Morimoto) as well as a Middle Eastern restaurant and a popular pub, it’s the full package for any traveller.

One of the best hotels in Qatar, the Mandarin Oriental Doha is the epitome of quiet glamour. It’s located in the up-and-coming Msheireb area, so head to the hotel’s rooftop pools to take in sweeping views of the skyline. The hotel boasts 158 naturally lit rooms and suites, all complete with king-size beds and high-thread-count sheets. There are also 91 serviced apartments. The dining line-up includes celebrity-chef-driven Izu, as well as all-day restaurant Mosaic, which has become particularly popular for its Silk Road-inspired menu. Dessert bar Gelato has become the city’s Instagram hero, thanks to its bespoke ice cream flavours.

Known to locals as ‘Banana Island’, this hotspot was once a haven for Doha dwellers seeking some fun in the sun. Now it’s a luxury resort complete with a wellness centre, mini golf course and wave pool. A 30-minute catamaran ride from Doha’s Corniche, the resort makes the most of its secluded location – its calm waters and long beach are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Of the 141 rooms, suites and villas, there are eight, Maldives-style overwater villas. Food options include the American-style diner Ted’s and a beach-vibe restaurant offering Arabic and Indian grills. The resort is dry, so there are no bars or alcohol.

It’s hard to miss the Sheraton Grand Doha – the huge pyramid-shaped building on the Corniche. Built for the 1980 GCC summit, it has now become a much-loved part of Qatar’s landscape. The opulent lobby with its gold dome is the place to sample the legendary dessert umm ali (bread pudding). Book a split-level room, which boasts 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. A private beach and standalone fitness club with indoor tennis and squash courts will keep health-conscious visitors occupied.

For old-school glamour and hospitality, it’s hard to surpass the St Regis Doha. From its white-gloved butlers to its signature Bloody Marys, this is one of Qatar’s most sought-after hotels. The palatial building has more than 330 minimalist rooms with full ocean views. Inside, you’ll find 10 restaurants, lounges and bars. The hotel’s biggest selling point is its Olympic-size swimming pool, which opens onto its own private white-sand beach.