Deciding where to stay in Doha can be confusing and time-consuming. What you don’t want are thousands of Doha hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay in each neighborhood, and areas in Doha.
Having been thrust into the limelight during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, visitors now have an array of hotels to choose from in the city. Doha is a desert-city in the Middle East, and Qatar’s capital. With great public transport options, exploring Doha is incredibly easy.
From luxurious 5 star hotels in Doha positioned on a stretch of private beach, to a boutique hotel dotted around the atmospheric Souq Waqif, and everything in-between.
Read on for our selection of the best Qatar Doha hotels to include in your itinerary.
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WHERE TO STAY IN DOHA
Each area of the city boasts its own attractions, and things to see. Wander its traditional souqs, shop at luxury boutiques around The Pearl or take in the futuristic skyline of the West Bay.
Or why not delve into Qatar’s fascinating history at one of the many museums in the Old Town, before exploring the red dunes in the desert. Follow our top tips for a memorable stay, wherever you decide to lay your head.
1. THE PEARL: BEST PLACE TO STAY FOR A LUXURY STAY
The Pearl is a man-made artificial island complex located north of Qatar Doha City, and named after the former pearl dive site that it’s built upon. The epitome of luxury, the area boasts some of the best high-end 5 star hotels in Doha, and is also home to high-end residential districts.
If you are looking for gourmet restaurants, designer stores, lavish and extravagant accommodation, then this is the best area to stay in Doha. While not in a central location, it does come with an array of nearby shopping malls filled with luxury retails if you like to shop!
While walking around public places means dressing modestly, rules are more relaxed within the hotels.
Good For: Couples, nightlife, shopping & luxury Location: Near West Bay, Doha's business centre, Katara Cultural Village and Lusail City. Nearest Metro Station: Legtaifiya (Red line). From there, you can take the M110 Metrolink bus.
TOP TIP: Even if you are not staying at The Pearl, be sure to visit this “Arabian Riviera” for its beautiful vistas, and charming cafes.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS AT THE PEARL
5* Marsa Malaz Kempinski: This 5 star hotel in Doha Qatar blends traditional Arabic architecture with European elegance. With seven diverse restaurants and four bars to choose from, dining is a real treat. Everything about this hotel shouts luxury! (Guest Rating 8.6)
5* Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl: This 5 star hotel Doha offers a secluded, seaside location. Accommodation is luxurious, glamorous, and sophisticated, complete with the unparalleled Four Seasons amenities and service. (Guest Rating 9.9)
5* Hilton Doha The Pearl: Located at the entrance of The Pearl, all rooms feature a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facility. Relax at the spa, private beach, and outdoor pool. (Guest Rating 8.7)
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO AT THE PEARL
- Stroll around pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas in Medina Centrale.
- Explore Qanat Quartier, the Venice-inspired neighbourhood with its colourful buildings, canals and bridges.
- View luxurious yachts in Porto Arabia Marina.
- Window-shop in high-end stores.
- Have a drink at Flat White, Volume Café or Evergreen Organics.
2. WEST BAY: BEST PLACE TO STAY IN DOHA QATAR FOR FAMILIES AND COUPLES
West Bay is home to the towering skyscrapers Qatar is famed for, and is a wonderland of unique architecture and landscaped parks. Located in Doha’s business district, West Bay lies in the heart of the city center making it in easy reach of all the city’s top attractions.
Spanning Doha Corniche, this modern bustling neighbourhood is popular as a base, and the metro easily connects to the rest of the city. West Bay’s futuristic skyline includes the likes of Tornado Tower, Ministry Headquarters, Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, and numerous luxury hotels, such as the Sheraton Grand.
Good For: Couples, families, and luxury Location: West Bay Nearest Metro Station: West Bay (Red Line)
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN WEST BAY AREA
5* Four Seasons Hotel Doha: This beachfront urban retreat combines modern grandeur with understated elegance, and first-class service. Enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf, extensive treatments at the Spa, and fine dining options, before retreating to contemporary and stylishly-designed rooms. (Guest Rating 9.0)
5* The St. Regis Doha: Rooms offer sophistication, elegance, and indulgent luxury. An array of fantastic facilities include a stunning Olympic sized pool & separate kids’ pool. There is a Remède Spa, fitness centre, and ten restaurants. (Guest Rating 8.9)
W Doha: A stylish boutique hotel that is both sophisticated and quirky at the same time. Rooms are luxurious, stylish, and elegant, and the lobby sleek. There is a Spa, pool, and bar, award-winning restaurants, and art exhibitions. (Guest Rating 8.8)
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WEST BAY
- Stroll along the Corniche, and take in the views across the Arabian Gulf
- Take a boat ride around the harbor in a dhow boat
- Relax at West Bay Lagoon
- Snap photos of the iconic Skyline in Al Dafna Park, Al Abraj Park, and I Park
- Dine in top-rated restaurants, and cafes
- Shop in City Centre Doha Mall and The Gate Mall
- Visit the Museum of Illusions
3. MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN DOHA: BEST PLACE TO STAY FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) has a great central location in the heart of Doha, adjacent to the Amiri Diwan, Souq Waqif, and the financial district across Grand Hamad Street. The area has a serene and up-market feel and atmosphere.
The modern architecture in the area is inspired by Qatar’s heritage, and the country’s climate. Housed Downtown will be the Doha Design District, a cultural hub for regional and international talent.
Served by the metro, buses, and taxis, it offers a great central location from which to travel to all the best places to see in Doha.
Good For: Couples, families, and sightseeing Location: Central Doha Nearest Metro Station: Msheireb station (Red Line), located on Wadi Msheireb St.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
5* Park Hyatt Doha: This exceptional hotel is modern, light, in a great location, with an outdoor poor, fitness centre, and 3 restaurants. Staff offer first-class service, and rooms are stylish, and well equipped. (Guest Rating 9.2)
5* Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb: This Doha Hotel is an urban luxury resort designed by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia. Extravagant accommodation with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and elegant bathrooms. (Guest Rating 9.1)
5* Mandarin Oriental, Doha: Sophistication and personalised service is a top priority at this hotel. Rooms combine modern elegance with subtle touches of Qatari heritage. With an array of dining options, a tranquil Spa, and spectacular city views, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the top places in Doha for luxurious accommodation. (Guest Rating 9.5)
5* Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery: Great location to nearby Souq Waqif. Rooms are modern, elegant, and furnished to a high standard. They come with a flat-screen TV, a BOSE docking station, espresso machine and mini bar. (Guest Rating 9.1)
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MSHEIREB
- Msheireb Museums celebrate the history of Qatar in four heritage houses.
- Barahat Msheireb with retail outlets, and numerous dining options.
- Al Kahraba Street, which was the first place in Qatar with electricity.
- Doha Design District, a cultural hub for regional and international talent.
- Visit nearby Souq Waqif
4. DOHA OLD TOWN & THE CORNICHE: BEST FOR A CENTRAL LOCATION WITH CULTURE
With a history that stretches back millennia, Doha has gone from humble beginnings as a small port town in the 1820s to the modern metropolis that it is today.
Sitting alongside stunning modern skyline, is Souq Waqif, built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market. This is a popular addition to any Qatar Itinerary.
Harking back to a bygone era, the winding alleys of the Souq is a great place to discover Old Town Doha. Let yourself get lost as you see first-hand traditional street life, and get a sense of its continued importance in local traditions.
This area is vibrant, busy, and colourful, with a great cafe and restaurant scene, and where locals love to hang out.
Good For: Sightseeing, nightlife and history Location: Near Souq Waqif Nearest Metro Station: National Museum
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
5* Sharq Village & Spa: This exceptional hotel is modern, light, in a great location, with an outdoor poor, fitness centre, and 3 restaurants. Staff offer first-class service, and rooms are stylish, and well equipped.
5* Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha: This exceptional hotel is modern, light, in a great location, with an outdoor poor, fitness centre, and 3 restaurants. Staff offer first-class service, and rooms are stylish, and well equipped.
5* Embassy Suites by Hilton Old Town: This exceptional hotel is modern, light, in a great location, with an outdoor poor, fitness centre, and 3 restaurants. Staff offer first-class service, and rooms are stylish, and well equipped.
5* Fraser Suites Doha: This exceptional hotel is modern, light, in a great location, with an outdoor poor, fitness centre, and 3 restaurants. Staff offer first-class service, and rooms are stylish, and well equipped.
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN DOHA OLD TOWN
- Wander around the bustling old market Souq Waqif
- Stroll along The Corniche
- Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
- Hop on the metro to the National Museum, and the National Museum of Qatar
- Relax in Souq Waqif Park, and Corniche Walkway Park
- Take a cruise on a traditional wooden boat at Dhow Harbour
- Make a photo stop at The Pearl Monument
- Learn about culture at Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Center
- Dine in charming cafes and restaurants
5. NEAR HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
If you are looking for an airport hotel in Doha, head to Old Airport neighbourhood for the best rated accommodation. This is one of the best areas to stay in Doha if you have minimal time to spend in the city.
Roughly 9km from Hamad International Airport, and about 6km from the National Museum of Doha, the location is ideal if you only have one day in Doha. Plus, there is a good mix of affordable hotels to choose from, which is perfect for budget-friendly options.
Al Doha Al Jadeda metro station will take you to Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, and Al Thumama Stadium if you are in the city for sporting events.
Good For: Convenience and short stays Location: Close to Doha International Airport Nearest Metro Station: HIA Metro Station
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
5* Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha: Located close to Hamad International Airport, this exceptional hotel offers sleek-styled deluxe rooms. There is an outdoor poor, spa/fitness centre, and 5 restaurants. Umm Ghuwailina metro station provides access to Doha’s landmarks, such as the Museum of Islamic Art. (Guest Rating 8.6)
5* Steigenberger Hotel Doha: Great location 7km from the airport, and highly-rated by guests. Rooms are light and stylish, and there is an outside pool, fitness centre, Spa and wellness centre, and 5 restaurants. Within a 2-mile walk are Qatar National Museum, Doha Fort, and The Corniche. (Guest Rating 8.8)
3* Premier Inn Doha Airport: Offering a FREE airport shuttle, this budget friendly 3 star hotel in Doha offers clean and spacious rooms, fitness centre, room service, and is ideal if you have a short layover or stopover. Doha Corniche is less than a mile away on foot. (Guest Rating 8.8)
SEARCH FOR HOTELS NEAR THE AIRPORT
THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEAR HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
- Take a boat trip to Banana Island
- Wander around Al Muntazah Park
- Explore the National Museum of Qatar
MAP OF BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DOHA
On the map below you can see the best places to stay in Doha and their respective Booking links.
Deciding where to stay in Doha during your trip can be time consuming. We hope this guide has showcased some great hotel and accommodation options for you to consider for your next trip.
If you are still unsure which area to choose, we recommend West Bay for first time visitors. You can reach other areas of the city using public transport, it has a vibrant atmosphere, and great accommodation options.
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