Best hotels in Qatar
From extravagant properties modelled on royal palaces to boutique accommodation in Doha, these are the best places to book in this pint-sized nation
Qatar has seen spectacular growth in the last few decades, flourishing from a desert country of semi-nomadic Bedouins to a slick modern hub. In 2022 it hosted the Fifa World Cup, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors who had never been to the country before.
Among the skyscrapers there’s culture to be found. The Museum of Islamic Art is renowned for its collection, the National Museum of Qatar is a fabulous spot — shaped like a desert rose and containing fascinating exhibits — while Souq Waqif and the museums of the Msheireb quarter provide atmosphere aplenty. The coast offers a host of opportunities for watersports and fishing, while an excursion into the desert to see the sunrise is one of those never-forgotten experiences. Qatar’s selection of hotels is world class, providing impeccable service, superb facilities and top-quality restaurants.
1. Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha
Located on an island at the heart of the Pearl, the slick redevelopment at the waterfront in Doha, the Marsa Malaz Kempinski has 281 rooms with great ocean views and a style that combines European and Arabian influences. The facilities are as top-end as you’d expect, with no fewer than seven restaurants, several bar areas, a gym, spa and tennis court. Better still, the hotel has a series of outdoor pools to relax around and a private beach, with excellent watersports activities for adults and children alike — the latter are also kept entertained at the dedicated kids’ club, making this a good option for families.
2. Mandarin Oriental Doha, Msheireb
The Doha property of this leading luxury brand is brilliantly located in the Msheireb area of the city, a neighbourhood that contains some historic buildings, and the bustling Souq Waqif (a must visit for a colourful and energetic evening’s stroll). The hotel overlooks a patterned square topped with a contemporary awning to keep the sun at bay, and has a pair of rooftop pools, a wellness section with an indoor pool, several bars and restaurants — including Izu, specialising in dishes using Italian white truffle — and a patisserie offering cakes and ice creams. As well as the elegant rooms and suites, there are serviced apartments with kitchens.
3. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Banana Island
Banana Island is a tiny island — curving like a banana — a 20-minute ferry ride from the Doha coastline. There’s nearly a kilometre of beach to stretch out on and a host of facilities that make this a popular spot for families, from the surf pool and dive centre to cinema and bowling alley. But the fabulous spa and wellness centre and Turkish hammam will please parents wanting some pampering while the offspring are at the kids’ or teens’ clubs. Rooms have either pool or sea views, but there are also villas with private pools and others radiating from a wooden boardwalk that perch over the water. There are dining options aplenty, from a restaurant serving traditional regional cuisine to an American-style retro diner. Note that the resort is alcohol-free, so you’ll be sipping mocktails at the pool bar rather than anything stronger.