LOCAL Escapes

The InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa is located on the golden sandy shores of Doha, with more than 300 rooms and expansive and impressive amenities. It’s the perfect destination for a holiday or weekend getaway. The beach and pool area transports you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life into a relaxing mindset and has a wonderful holiday vibe.

This hotel has been an icon in Qatar for more than two decades and celebrates its 22nd anniversary in November. We were excited to take a few days off and unwind at the famous beachfront hotel. The InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa experience begins as soon as you enter the glamorous lobby. The property’s interior design sets the tone with cool blue and gold accents throughout the entrance. Its design is stylish and well-balanced, with chic chandeliers and a large display of colourful flowers.

The reception staff greeted us with beaming smiles and extensive knowledge about what services the hotel could provide for us. They recommended different dining options and local attractions, really putting in the effort to ensure that our stay was delightful.

Much to our delight, the staff informed us that they were offering us a Club room. This included access to their very impressive mezzanine Club Lounge with a bar, dining room, library area, business centre, meeting room facilities and a stunning balcony. The facilities and service in this club lounge rival the best I have stayed at in the world and are a true testimony to the hotel’s overall standard of excellence. The dining room hosted a fantastic buffet breakfast, evening refreshments and canapés.

We were also surprised by the complimentary options for their guests, like garment pressing, private board room use and what could only be described as a decadent high tea every afternoon. This surprise at check-in truly got our staycation off to a great start and made us eager to see what else the hotel had in store for us.

The concierge was promptly beside us as soon as we had concluded the swift check-in process, ready to take our bags to our room. As we walked into the room, we instantly noticed the lovely large windows showcasing the beautiful sight of Doha’s skyline and the hotel’s substantial grounds, beach, pool and sea. The view was like a piece of art, with the sunshine providing an uplifting brightness and calming vibe. The room was spacious with a sleek yet cosy feel, invoking a homely sensation whilst remaining in ultimate luxury. While I enjoy a bright and airy room during the day, I appreciate dimmable lighting and high-quality curtains. I do enjoy the yearround sunshine of Qatar, but it’s nice to be able to have a dark room when you want to sleep in. The hotel met those needs with high-quality black-out curtains and a high-tech lighting system – all controlled by multiple easy-to-use panels throughout the room, including the bed. The view was perfect for waking up after a sound sleep in the incredibly comfortable bed. The bathroom was luxurious, and I was thrilled and surprised by such a large, deep tub. If you’ve arrived after travelling on a long trip or even if you are staying for the weekend, having the option of a shower and a bath is glorious!

The room’s beauty and comfort are matched by the hotel’s wide range of features and amenities. The gym, pool, tennis courts and other facilities are perfect for everyone and the dining options are equally exceptional. After dining at several of their other outlets, I found Paloma to be a true gem. Returning to Qatar’s dining scene recently, Paloma serves elevated Mexican cuisine