9 of the Best Five-Star Hotels and Resorts in Doha

Ehsan Bayat

• One of the top travel destinations in the Middle East, the peninsular country of Qatar is located on the eastern border of Saudi Arabia between UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The country will host the FIFA World Cup in seven of its most prominent cities, and preparations for the quadrennial event have begun on 12 world-class stadiums featuring the latest innovations in sustainable building and remodeling.• For individuals and families planning a trip to see the

international games or those looking to experience the culture of the region, Qatar offers a reputable selection of luxurious hospitality venues, particularly in the capital city of Doha. As home to an impressive skyline comprised of a variety of real estate achievements, Doha has multiple five-star hotels and resorts along the coast, as well as further inland. Here is a look at nine of the top-ranked places to stay while vacationing in Qatar:

W Doha Hotel & Residences• Designed for a modern look

and contemporary feel, W Doha Hotel & Residences overlooks the Arabian Gulf from its location on the West Bay. The five-star venue includes 442 rooms and suites for guests, as well as fully equipped spaces for professional and social events. Among other notable amenities, the resort features a state-of-the-art fitness center and the first Bliss Spa to open in the area.

Image courtesy Derek Bruff | Flickr

The St. Regis Doha• Located near Pearl Island in the West Bay, The St.

Regis Doha offers guests a unique experience with a mix of traditional, opulent interior design and modern hospitality. Butler service and relaxing treatments at the Remède Spa rank among the many accommodations that help visitors to relax and enjoy their stay at the resort. In addition, patrons benefit from a full list of restaurants and bars for dining and evening entertainment.

Intercontinental Doha• The Intercontinental Doha Hotel,

which offers a waterfront view for guests, is situated within walking distance of the Qatar International Exhibition Centre, Aladdin’s Kingdom, and the Doha Golf Club. Refurbished in 2009, the hotel has served as a landmark in the area for more than 15 years. Guests have multiple dining options, with cuisine ranging from Italian to Tex-Mex, and opportunities for such activities as sailing and massage therapy.

Image courtesy Project Zaldivar26 | Flickr

Kempinski Residences and Suites Doha• One of the tallest towers in the country, Kempinski

Residences & Suites, Doha, measures 839 feet. Each floor features spacious villas and suites with direct sea views. An ideal location for business travelers, the resort is near Hamad International Airport, as well as major office buildings, embassies, and government facilities. Visitors also enjoy the benefit of two indoor swimming pools and a modern fitness center.

Mövenpick Tower Doha• A newer addition to the West

Bay area, the Mövenpick Tower Doha is 26 stories tall and holds nearly 350 guest rooms. The hotel includes a comprehensive list of amenities, ranging from an in-room kitchenette and minibar to 4G Wi-Fi. On the top floor of the tower, guests can relax in their choice of health and leisure facilities, including steam rooms, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna.

Image courtesy Ron | Flickr

Banana Island Resort • Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara rests on an

island of roughly 32 acres, complete with a marina and reefs. Guests of the resort can arrive by yacht or helicopter from the coast of Doha, and activities available on the island include surfing in a wave pool, snorkeling, and relaxing at the spa. The location of Banana Island Resort allows patrons to stay within a short distance of the city noise and bustle while remaining close enough to ride the ferry to visit sites onshore.

La Cigale Hotel• A leading hospitality entity in the

area, La Cigale Hotel caters to travelers who enjoy high-level design and decor. Each room is customized to the preferences of the guest, who may choose from a 15-item menu of pillows, for example. The 20-story hotel also includes five-star recreational amenities, complemented by a certified staff of technicians and personal trainers. Moreover, the dining venues feature world-class international cuisine.

Image courtesy Citizen59 | Flickr

The Torch Doha• Designed with sport enthusiasts in mind, The Torch

Doha is a five-star tribute to the 2006 Asian Games held in Doha. The tower, which measures 985 feet tall, offers a 360-degree panoramic view to hotel guests. Several rooms throughout the 51 floors feature iPad controls for mood lighting and LED TV navigation. In addition, visitors who stay at The Torch Doha benefit from the proximity to Villaggio, the largest mall in the city.

Oryx Rotana Doha• Oryx Rotana Doha blends business and leisure in its

Arabian architecture and hospitality. The hotel’s layout includes 400 rooms and suites, as well as 11 fully furnished, luxury meeting rooms for conferences and other assemblies. Apart from business, guests can spend their down time at the Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, which offers body microfoliant scrubs and detoxifying wraps, as well as reflexology and Swedish massages.