Places to Stay in Qatar: Spring/Summer 2025 by Marhaba Information Guide, Qatar

Places to Stay in Qatar guide

TOURISM IN QATAR HOTELS AND APARTMENTS

INTERESTING READS

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU.

Start your new year at Zulal Wellness Resort with the New You offer.

Our expert team will create a personalised plan tailored to your transformation journey, integrating fitness activities, holistic therapies, and customised nutritional guidance. Experience a refreshed sense of wellbeing with the New You offer, including serene accommodation, daily wellness experiences hydrothermal access, and three nourishing meals per day.

For more information reservations@zulal.com | call or WhatsApp: +974 4477 6555

An island that feels a world away

Situated on an exclusive 13-hectare private island, Banana Island Resort Doha showcases traditional Qatari hospitality and the country's ﬁrst and only overwater villas. Discover the natural exclusivity and relaxed luxury of our 141 accommodations, all boasting stunning views of the Doha skyline.

UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEYS

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA ANA N TA R A . C O M

P.O. Box 23919, Doha, Qatar | +974 4040 5050 | doha@anantara.com

Places to Stay in Qatar

Hotels in Qatar cover every taste and budget, from luxurious five-star properties to Arabian retreats and serviced apartments. Many of the world’s top brands are represented, as well as local boutique hotels with decor inspired by Qatar’s rich Islamic history.

On the following pages, you can find:

•Tourism in Qatar

•Places to Stay

Five-Star Hotels

Four-Star Hotels

Three-Star Hotels

Deluxe Apartments

Standard Apartments

Hotels regularly offer promotions, including staycations, happy hour deals, afternoon teas, weekend brunches, and much more. Marhaba has exclusive listings, so make sure you visit our website marhaba.qa and social media pages to keep up to date with new offerings.

Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Summer Staycation

Your Private Oasis Awaits

Escape the ordinary and unwind in your private villa nestled within the lush greenery of Katara Hills Doha, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts. This summer, enjoy a serene retreat with personalized service and breath-taking views — right in the heart of the city.

Book your summer staycation now.

Founder & Managing Editor

Hilar y Bainbridge

Editorial

Sarah Palmer (Editor)

Ola Diab (Deputy Editor)

Terr y Sutcliffe

Adver tising

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Retail Sales

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Online/Digital

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Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels.

Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 0083, 4465 5533

General Information

marhaba@marhaba.com.qa

Experience the ultimate getaway at Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North. Enjoy complimentary access to Meryal, Qatar's largest Waterpark, where adventure awaits with exhilarating slides, including the world's tallest, "The Rig 1938". Make every moment count with endless adventures for the whole family in Qatar's newest destination, Qetaifan Island. P AWAY ENTERTAINME N T

Khidaj Fort

Al Zubara Fort Al Jemail Fort Al Rekayat Fort Al Thaghab Fort

Ras Eshairiq Al Zubara

Lisha Umrair Fort

City Ras Abrouq Berak Al Soudan Al Suwaihliya Leghwairiya Ain Al Numan

Al Nafayid

UNESCO World Heritage Site North Sedra Farm Baladna Farm

Dukhan Al Sheehaniya

Heenat Salma Farm

Umm Bab

Wukair

A Taste of Arabian Elegance: Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha, Qatar, offers the epitome of luxury getaways. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, the resort beckons with its sumptuous accommodations, world-class spa, and breathtaking Arabian Gulf views, promising an unforgettable escape in the lap of opulence.

ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillageandspa | +974 4425 6666

DISCOVER AL MESSILA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA

Discover a retreat like no other, where luxury meets tranquility at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Tucked between the golden desert and the dynamic cityscape, this lush oasis offers 152 elegantly designed rooms, suites, and private villas, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

Indulge in one of the region’s largest spas, offering exceptional wellness facilities in an area spanning 15,000 sqm, with a dedicated Health Center & Ladies Wellness Retreat—a true sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Renowned in Doha for its restaurants & lounge areas, savor a world of flavors at six exceptional dining venues, featuring exquisite International, Indian, and Persian cuisines.

For families, Al Messila is home to the largest Little Explorers’ Kids Club, complete with an indoor rock climbing wall, a private cinema, a shaded outdoor pool, and more— perfect for young adventurers.

See also our maps Al Khor and the Northeast Coast

See also our maps Al Wakra, Mesaieed and the Southeast Coast

See our detailed

map of the area south of Doha MAP of AL WAKRA

Al Najada Hotel is an exciting architectural feat, boasting one-of-a-kind surroundings and a sumptuous modern design. Located in the heart of central Doha, next to the historic marketplace of Souq Waqif, the property offers an elegant urban sanctuary overlooking the exotic surrounds of a large elegant piazza and the glistening Arabian Gulf.

Al Najada, Doha, Qatar + 974 4470 4444 reservations.tnjd@tivolihotels.com

Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Summer Staycation

A Sanctuary of Sophistication.

Experience timeless luxury this summer at Maysan Doha, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts.

Tucked away in a palm-lined estate, our elegant resort is the perfect backdrop for a refined and relaxing escape. Plan your perfect summer getaway today.

Maysan Doha, L XR Ho

Honouring Gerhard Foltin

Widely regarded as a trailblazer in Qatar’s hospitality industry, Gerhard Foltin is a German hotel general manager that has called Qatar home for nearly 50 years.

Qatar Tourism (QT) and Katara Hospitality hosted an honourary suhoor at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel to celebrate Gerhard Foltin in March 2025, during the holy month of Ramadan. The event was attended by QT Chairman HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Katara Hospitality CEO Nasser Matar Al Kawari, key industry figures, and members of the media.

HE Al Kharji stated, 'Gerhard Foltin’s leadership helped shape Qatar’s hospitality sector and set new standards of excellence.'

Al Kawari added, 'At Katara Hospitality, we take immense pride in celebrating the individuals who have been part of our journey – those whose vision, hard work, and commitment have helped shape Qatar’s hospitality landscape. It is through such remarkable contributions that we continue

our pursuit of excellence. I extend our deepest gratitude to Foltin for his invaluable contributions. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward, honoring the past while shaping the future of hospitality in Qatar.'

The evening served as a tribute to Foltin’s enduring legacy and a celebration of the people and partnerships shaping Qatar’s hospitality sector. It also highlighted the nation’s ongoing journey toward becoming a premier global destination for luxury and cultural hospitality – built on the foundations laid by visionary leaders like Foltin.

Folten first arrived in Qatar in 1977 to manage the once-iconic Doha Club. In 1982, he became the founding General Manager of the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, where he played a key role in its planning and design, leading the hotel for nearly 38 years. Since 2011 until his recent retirement, Foltin managed The Torch Doha, Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel, and other hospitality establishments under Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF).

With a career spanning over five decades, his visionary leadership has had a lasting impact on the growth and evolution of Qatar’s hospitality sector.

He now enjoys retirement in Qatar.

Gerhard Foltin is celebrated as a pioneering figure in Qatar’s hospitality industry.

When Marhaba Information Guide was founded in 1994, the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel – led by General Manager Gerhard Foltin – was one of the first five hotel advertisers. Over the past 30 years, Marhaba has published more than one million books.

The Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel at 1982

Present day Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Left to right: QT Chairman HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Gerhar Foltin and Katara Hospitality CEO Nasser Matar Al Kawari

Foltin at the Sheraton Grand Doha at 1982

Tourism in Qatar

Boosting tourism

A range of visa measures announced by Qatar Tourism (QT), formerly known as Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), have been widely welcomed by tourism industry professionals, as well as the country’s hospitality and retail operators.

The introduction of the free, 96-hour transit visa and +Qatar (an initiative to promote Qatar as a stopover destination by QT and Qatar Airways) has resulted in bringing close to 200,000 visitors to Qatar.

In 2017, Qatar introduced visa waivers for citizens of 102 countries. Others can apply for an e-visa using the Hayya platform online, in addition to other tourist and visit visas. In 2022, Qatar introduced Hayya, the fan identification and entry permit into Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, which resulted in bringing 1.4 mn international visitors to Qatar. It relaunched after the tournament allowing more access for tourists who require visas to enter Qatar. hayya.qa

Qatar is among the safest countries in the world, according to Numbeo, a database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide. In Numbeo’s Crime Index 2024 Mid-Year, Qatar is ranked the third safest country in the world, with a Safety Index of 84.0. In recent years, Qatar and its capital city Doha have continued to retain their global distinction as one of the safest countries in the world. Qatar has taken the title as the world's safest country at least five times on Numbeo since 2017. Doha has also been named among the top cities to live in, according to the World Best Cities 2023

rankings by Resonance Consultancy, a leading global advisor on placemaking, branding and marketing for the world’s best cities, districts, developments and destinations.

In 2022, the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism named Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023

Tourist arrivals

Qatar concluded 2024 with remarkable milestones, including 5,076,640 visitors, with GCC nationals accounting for 41% of visitors and the remaining 59% coming from key international markets. The top five countries are Saudi Arabia, India, the UK, Germany, and the US.

The year witnessed significant growth in accessibility, with visitors arriving by air (56%), land (37%), and sea (7%).

Visitor arrivals peaked during key events, such as the AFC Asian Cup in January, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in November, the thriving 2024–25 cruise season, and the November school holidays, which saw record visitor numbers from Saudi Arabia.

Hospitality sector

Qatar’s hospitality sector achieved a new record in 2024, surpassing 10 mn room nights for the first time, surpassing the original target of 8.8 mn. The total hotel supply reached 40,405 room keys by the end of 2024.

Five-star hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 63.7%; four-star hotels recorded 69%, while One-, two- and three-star hotels attained a 70.2% occupancy rate. Hotel apartments, on the other hand, reached 74.6% occupancy, and lower-star hotels also experienced notable occupancy growth. Occupancy rates peaked at 85% in November and December, highlighting the seasonal influx of visitors. Additionally, the average length of stay (ALOS) remained stable at 3.6 nights.

The tourism sector recorded an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of QAR442, an 8% rise from 2023. Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 29%, averaging QAR304 year-to-date (YTD), indicating the sector’s financial resilience and effective pricing strategies.

Cruise industry

The 2024–25 cruise season, which took place from November 2024 to April 2025, hosted over 90 cruise calls and 430,000 passengers, making it the country’s biggest cruise season yet. The season welcomed notable ships such as Mein Schiff 4, MSC Euribia, AIDAprima, Costa Smeralda, Norwegian Sky, and Celestyal Journey, further solidifying Qatar's growing status as a premier global cruise destination.

By January 2025, Qatar welcomed over 50 cruise ships, bringing an impressive 191,944 cruise passengers to Qatar’s shores. This includes 20,951 turnaround passengers who used Doha as a starting point for their cruise journeys.Visitors from Germany led arrival figures with 30.2%, followed by Russia at 10.8% and Italy at 9.2%.

Over the past few years, QT and Mwani Qatar, the organisations responsible for managing the country’s shipping terminals and seaports, have established a number of strong relationships with international cruise operators as well as with other specialists involved in the industry. This has proved to be of great importance as Qatar benefitted from cruise ships during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, as a means of providing additional accommodation for fans and visitors. Two giant cruise ships served as floating hotels during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM at Doha Port. The cruise ships had a combined capacity of 4,000 rooms, which accommodated up to 9,400 people.

Cruise passengers can also avail the new transit visa. It includes the use of enhanced technology and close collaboration between cruise operators and security officials – a passenger manifest containing the passport details of passengers and crew will be shared with immigration officials 48 hours prior to a ship’s arrival in Qatar. This allows authorities to process all relevant information and clear passengers for entry before the ship's berthing, enabling travellers to disembark within minutes and begin on-shore excursions.

With the completion of the Doha Port redevelopment, and the associated capacity increase, which allows the port to receive two megaships at once, Qatar is expected to attract 500,000 cruise tourists by 2026.

Qatar Tourism (QT)

The Next Chapter

On World Tourism Day 2017, Qatar launched the Next Chapter of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, aimed to be fully implemented by 2030. The five-year plan places an enhanced end-to-end visitor experience at the heart of tourism development. Aiming to attract 6 mn visitors by 2030, the Tourism Strategy 2030 guides QT’s efforts to enhance tourism and advance the sector. The strategy focuses on key areas such as developing a rich collection of museums and cultural landmarks, hosting world-class conventions and exhibitions, constructing exceptional urban developments, attracting major sporting events, promoting top-tier educational opportunities at world-renowned universities, and building a stateof-the-art airport along with one of the world’s most advanced rail transit systems.

In January 2024, the third phase of the Qatar Development Strategy 2024–2030 was announced, identifying tourism as a major sector within the economic diversification clusters entrusted with contributing to achieving sustainable economic growth. Tourism is expected to play a greater role in Qatar’s economy as the sector’s share of the country’s GDP will be nearly QAR133.5 bn in 2028, reports the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel and tourism investment in Qatar may exceed QAR14.5 bn, or 4.2% of total investments in the country, in 2028. m

In 2018, The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Decision No 74 of 2018 establishing Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), cancelling QTA and the government committee to coordinate conferences and events. In 2021, QNTC was renamed Qatar Tourism (QT). QT promotes Qatar as a destination around the world, through its destination branding, international representation and participation at trade shows, and by developing a rich calendar of festivals and events. QT is growing internationally with representative offices in London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Singapore and more cities. QT works in partnership with public and private stakeholders to achieve this mission by planning, regulating and promoting a sustainable and diverse tourism industry while perpetuating Qatar’s culture.

In 2014, Qatar launched the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy (QNTSS), which seeks to diversify the country’s tourism offering and increase the sector’s contribution to Qatar’s economy by 2030.

In 2016, Discover Qatar, the destination management company of Qatar Airways and partner of QT, was established to advance Qatar as a premium tourist destination. discoverqatar.qa For more information, visit visitqatar.qa or qatartourism.com

LE ROYAL MÉRIDIEN PLACE VENDÔME LUSAIL

Explore the essence of 'la dolce vita' at Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail, where each moment beckons you to savour new discoveries and experiences in our neoclassical hotel, crafted for the creative-minded with a nod to distinctive European influence.

Nestled in Lusail City with direct access to the Parisian-inspired Place Vendôme Mall, our 5-star haven seamlessly blends refined comfort with timeless chic accommodations, serving as a gateway to Doha's vibrant attractions

For reservations or inquiries, call +974 4141 6060 or email dohmd.reservations@lemeridien.com

+974 4141 6060

dohmd.reservations@lemeridien.com

Discover Your Oasis

59 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to provide a blend of comfort and sophistication. While extending our hospitality with 32 luxurious villas, each offering a private haven for discerning guests seeking tranquility and indulgence.

WHERE TIMELESS ELEGANCE MEETS YOUR PERFECT DAY

Experience a seamless blend of French-inspired sophistication and palatial grandeur at The Plaza Doha.

Immerse yourself in pure luxury unwind by our breathtaking inﬁnity pool, rejuvenate at our exclusive wellness center and indulge in exquisite dining.

From lavish rooms to expansive suites and private residences

Every detail is thoughtfully designed for an unforgettable stay.

For reservations call us at 4040 2222.

Indulge in luxurious suites.

Rising above the Arabian Gulf’s sweeping shades of blue, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha invites you to experience the extraordinary. As the winner of Best Hotel in the Middle East at the highly coveted Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, the hotel o ers signature suites featuring modern décor, outdoor spaces, and stunning sea views.

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/doha or call +974 4484 8000.

ritzcarltondoha

What's in the Stars?

By Terry Sutcliffe

How the star-based hotel rating system evolve.

Mapping out the details of a trip can be tricky, especially when going somewhere you been before. Once you’ve decided on the destination, it’s time to start selecting hotels. With so much to consider, selecting the perfect place can be difficult.

You might seek recommendations from business colleagues, friends, or even family members but the chances are you’ll get mixed opinions. After all, different people have different reasons for what constitutes a “good” hotel and what makes a hotel less appealing.

Your next step might be the internet. Travel sites, often user-generated, including TripAdvisor, Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity, and Orbitz all offer rating systems. But do you know precisely what their ratings mean or where their stars (or whatever icons they use) came from? A little history on the hotel star system might come in handy.

In 1958, Mobil, the international oil and gas corporation, began funding a project that paid anonymous assessors to review restaurants, hotels, and spas. Thus, the five-star rating system and the Mobil Travel Guide were born. The guide devised the five-star system to help travelers objectively determine where to eat and stay while traveling in the US.

Marion and Alden Stevens, authors of The Stevens America, a Traveler's Guide to the United States, published in 1950, contacted publishers Simon & Schuster about doing another travel book. Max L Schuster, a fan of France’s Guide Michelin, offered the Stevenses an opportunity to create a Michelin-style guide for the US. After much negotiation, Magnolia Oil (later incorporated into Mobil, which became ExxonMobil) agreed to finance the project. Since Magnolia’s territory covered Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, the first pocket-sized 1958-59 Mobil Travel Guide covered that region.

Once the Stevenses signed on to produce the Mobil Travel Guide, they hired and trained nine people, paying them USD1.75 per inspection. As the

operation grew, field inspectors—generally teachers and graduate students during their summer break— got a three-day crash course and were sent out to work.

In 2009, the original Mobil Travel Guide was relaunched as the Forbes Travel Guide and now it’s entirely online. Unlike user-generated review sites with inconsistent standards, the Forbes incognito inspectors have checked into thousands of hotels, dined at just as many restaurants, and experienced scores of spa treatments, using up to 900 standards to determine the ratings. The ratings are:

• Five-Star: These are outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.

• Four-Star: These are exceptional properties, offering high levels of service and quality of facility to match.

• Recommended: These are excellent properties with consistently good service and facilities.

In addition to the Forbes Travel Guide, the other top rating system in the US is the AAA Five Diamond Awards, which uses diamonds to denote what rating a hotel or restaurant may receive.

In most countries around the world, the hotel rating system comes under the authority of the government; in Qatar, it comes under Qatar Tourism (QT).

In 2004, HOTREC, an umbrella association of hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes and similar establishments in Europe, and its associations have been working on bringing the hotel classification systems in the various European countries closer to one another. In 2009, seven members committed to apply almost identical criteria for their hotel classification and created the Hotelstars Union under the patronage of HOTREC. Since its creation, 11 additional European countries joined the initiative. Today Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland are members of the star family.

The UK, France and Spain also have a five-star system, but their system is reassessed every five years.

Star ratings generally run from one through to five. A greater number of stars corresponds with an increasing sense of luxury (and often a bigger price tag). It’s a graded system, with steps up between the bottom and top ratings. In many countries, they are follows:

• One-Star: Budget facilities that are clean and secure. Guests may be able to access fee-based services or facilities.

• Two-Star: Appealing to price conscious travellers, services and facilities are typically limited.

• Three-Star: A broad range of amenities are available, exceeding above-average accommodation needs. Service and design are of good quality.

• Four-Star: With a wide range of facilities, superior design qualities and excellent service, these hotels offer a deluxe guest experience

• Five-Star: Guests enjoy an extensive range of facilities and comprehensive services. Properties

are well designed with attention to detail. Luxury is apparent across all areas of hotel operations.

Most of the hotels in Qatar are Five-Star hotels with well-known hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, and many more.

Officially, Six-Star and Seven-Star ratings do not exist – they are not offered by a formal or official body. According to international hotel classification systems, the maximum rating a hotel can achieve across the world is officially Five-Stars. However, experienced journalists, reviewers and guests created a coveted, unofficial Six-Star and SevenStar categories in online and public discourse. These hotels exceed the luxury and premium service required to attain a Five-Star rating from an official body. To the public, these hotels include Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, the Pangu 7 Star Hotel in Beijing and Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. Properities of Raffles Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, and many others are usually considered Six-Star and Seven-Star properities for their ultraluxury accommodation, facilities and services.

Raffles Doha and Fairmont Doha at Katara Towers in Lusail City

RISE & SHINE

TAKE TIME TO SAVOUR RAFFLES' LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY IN AN LUXURIOUS SUITE.

Experience Raﬄes' legendary hospitality with a luxurious stay in an Urban Suite or higher. Enjoy elegantly designed accommodations, a delightful daily breakfast, and the impeccable service of a dedicated Raﬄes Butler for a truly indulgent escape.

SCAN FOR RESERVATION

EXPERIENCE ELEVATED LUXURY IN THE HEART OF DOHA

Stay at InterContinental Doha The City, a 58-story landmark where business and leisure blend seamlessly. Savor a world of flavors across our diverse dining destinations, from gourmet international cuisine to vibrant rooftop experiences. Unwind by the 46th-floor pool with skyline views and retreat to elegantly designed accommodations that redefine comfort and style. A STAY BEYOND EXPECTATIONS.

West Bay, Doha, State of Qatar

+974 4015 8888

icdohatc.reservations@ihg.com www.intercontinental.com

FAIRMONT Advance SAVER

Hospitality Meets Art

By Ola Diab

Art is becoming an essential part of a hotel’s essence and décor with many hotels hiring curators to help them tell their story through art.

Experience the significant role art plays in the hospitality industry in Qatar. Hotels are becoming more than just a place to stay, relax or dine. They are creating a sense of wonder with curated beauty that unfolds in every space with abundant masterful artistry. Due to this, some hotels are being referred to as art hotels, or even architectural or design masterpieces.

Guests have become accustomed to expecting more of their hotel experiences. As one of their many ways to give guests next-level hotel experiences, hotels, especially the luxurious ones, have invested greatly in art by bringing in art curators, also known as a hotel curators, creating aesthetic spaces and forming lasting connections with guests.

Qatar is home to many hotels and resorts that create aesthetic spaces with art to enhance the guest experience, including Abesq Doha Hotel and Residences, The Ned Doha, InterContinental Doha

The City, Pullman Doha West Bay, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha, Le Méridien City Center Doha, Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB), Mondrian Doha, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha and more.

The role of a hotel curator

Traditionally, a curator referred to someone who took care of the artefacts or tangible objects in a cultural heritage institution such as a gallery, museum, library or archive, but in present times the term has also been applied to the hospitality sector.

The curator in the hospitality sector focuses on the hotel experience and making sure that guests are constantly stimulated throughout their journey at the hotel, whether that be through events, restaurant experiences, the general look and feel of the hotel, art, design, concerts, human interactions and more. Also known as an art curator or consultant, the role of a hotel curator is a relatively new discipline in hotel design, and is still somewhat fluid. The role brings together the role of an art curator, an interior designer, and designer.

At hotels, curators are tasked with adding local cultural layers, supporting brand values, providing moments of inner reflections, and creating memory anchors guests will take away with them to revisit their experiences.

Pullman Doha West Bay

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha

Le Méridien City Center Doha

When creating these spaces, curators should understand the mindset of the guests to find out what it is they are looking for when it comes to the use of colours, textures, and look and feel of the property. The brand identity will then become synonymous with these characteristics.

Hotel art in Qatar

A great first impression is key, and art can play a significant role in doing just that. Today, many hotels are understanding that art can play an important role in leaving guests with a lasting impression.

The stylish new luxury boutique hotel, Abesq Doha Hotel & Residences, combines Qatari old-world charm with modern urban living. Offering warm Arabic hospitality with cultural touchpoints such as aromas of oriental spices in public areas and stimulating art inspired by nomadic desert tribes, Abesq makes guests feel special and part of something contemporary and yet traditional.

Art plays a significant role in the hospitality industry at Katara Towers. Symbolically intertwined with Qatar’s heritage, the iconic towers in Lusail City are an architectural translation of Qatar’s national seal, representing the traditional scimitar swords. The towers are home to Qatar’s newest and most luxurious hotels, Fairmont Doha and

Raffles Doha, each arching skyward with dramatic poise, creating a sense of wonder with curated beauty that unfolds in every space with abundant masterful artistry. At Katara Towers, art consultant ArtLink offers professional art curation and provision expertise in the hospitality sector. It is now the leader in its market and has completed over 140 hotel and cruise ship projects worldwide.

Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort (FKB) exudes a relaxed atmosphere yet vibrant with contemporary street art, vivid colours and scattering of quirky décor that reflects the surfer lifestyle of West Coast USA/Hawaii. The graffiti artwork around the hotel is created by local artists. This funky theme reverberates throughout the whole resort and is cleverly fused with iconic Arabic images to pay homage to their Middle Eastern roots. From the graffiti artwork to the decorative structure around the building, made from rubber flip-flops, it is a sight to behold.

FIRE & ICE glass installation at Provok Doha at Fairmont Doha

Abesq Doha Hotel & Residences

Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)

Art, beauty, and elegance are reflected in thousands of crystal droplets adorning the atrium ceiling of InterContinental Doha The City. Watch art come to life through ingenious brush strokes, and cleverly placed pearls and crystals at the Lobby, InterContinental Club Lounge, or The Square restaurant to view masterpieces created by Master Craftsman Patric Rozario.

Le Méridien City Center, Doha recently launched the 'Arrival Artwork' project, in collaboration with Qonexión, to work with local artists to curate and implement a permanent art installation at the hotel’s main lobby. The 'Arrival Artwork' experience starts from the first moment a guest arrives at Le Méridien City Center, Doha, where they are welcomed by a high-impact art installation. Le Meridien hotels worldwide feature art as an essential part of the brand's DNA. To this end, the 'Arrival Artwork' is an important component in the communication of the brand’s passion for the arts. Stunning art pieces scattered throughout Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha will captivate you. More than 50 chandeliers hang in the 5-star luxury hotel, from simple, chic designs to colourful, statement pieces. Outside the hotel, an almost 60 ft tall bespoke bronze sculpture of a horse, designed by Iraqi artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, honours Arabian horses. Jirí Šuhájek, a Czech Bohemian glass artist, has several pieces on display at the hotel. Floors, walls, light fixtures, headboards, chairs, tables chandeliers – everything has been beautifully designed, skilfully crafted or carefully-sourced, and

the result is a unique hotel that has become an art gallery in itself.

The 5-star luxury hotel, Mondrian Doha, was designed by Dutch artist Marcel Wanders. The falcon shaped 24-storey skyscraper rises with one of the most exotic designs in the country. However, its interior design that makes this place so particular. Every single room and facility of the hotel is unique. Marvel in the details of Marcel Wanders’ modern design interpretation of the Arabian Nights as you relax in their rooms. Design-forward features include a Desert Dune sculptured carpet, a marble tiled bathroom with a 3D walled exterior and customcrafted accents, like a Swarovski chandelier above an artificial stone bathtub. From the completely ivory white main lobby, the glamorous and stylish restaurants or the eccentric swimming pool area, which is considered one of the most beautiful swimming pools in the world.

Pullman Doha West Bay is a playground for creative explorers and business professionals alike that carries the promise of an opportunity to network, play, and recharge. Pullman is a powerhouse of productivity, created for curiosity, built for betterment, and dedicated to self-improvement. Pullman unleashes potential, sparking creativity, and inspiring minds through art. The Artist Playground by Pullman promises fresh experiences every time you visit. This dedicated art corner of their lobby immerses you into vibrant culture, art, design, and photography scenes.

Pullman Doha West Bay

Mondrian Doha

The Ned Doha celebrates local and regional creativity with an extensive collection of original artworks created by close to 100 artists, more than half of whom are based in Doha and nearly three quarters of whom are female. Commissioned for the property by Wadha Al Aqeedi and Elina Sairanen, the co-founders of Mathqaf, a research-based platform, and a space and source for art and culture from West Asia and North Africa, The Ned Doha Art Collection boasts over 350 artworks, including 60 commissioned works, in a diverse array of media including textile, painting and sculpture, and covers a wide range of themes including identity, history, culture, globalisation and ecology. Many of the artists drew inspiration from the modernist building and its important location – which is the former building of the Ministry of Interior. The Ned Doha has a specific page on their website dedicated to their art collection thened.com/doha/art-collection

Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay is a design-led, 44-storey landmark property boasting 283 Art Deco inspired rooms and suites, and 50 luxury apartments, reflecting Waldorf Astoria New York by echoing key design elements, including beautiful, curated artwork, all of which have a distinct 1930s Art Deco style. A Tiffany & Co clock greets guests as they enter the hotel. Crafted from anodised aluminium, the clock features hands and hour markers in the jeweller’s signature robin’s-egg hue, as well as a diamond motif on the outer ring. The clock stands 5.8 ft high (10.4 ft from ground), is 4.9 ft long and 8.6 inches wide, and weighs approximately 771 pounds. A four-sided bench surrounds the clock, upholstered in a delicate pale mohair. This upholstery is also mirrored in each guest room. A feature Églomisé screen behind the reception desk references the stylised landscapes by Jean Dunand – one of the Art Deco period’s great craftsmen. Custom hand painted De Gournay wallpaper, based on an Art Deco leather dreamscape book cover, provides an atmospheric backdrop to the highly precise, exacting interior architecture.

As you tour around the city, take time to explore Qatar's luxurious hotels and take in the art by local and international artists, whether you are visiting, dining or staying at the hotel.

The Ned Doha

Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay

Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay m

Places to Stay

Abesq Doha

AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Al Sadd

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4492 3333 ihg.com/abesqdoha 158 4422 3000 agoraqatar.com 111 28 4445 5555 alaziziyahboutique.com

240 4004 7000 alephdoharesidences.curiocollection.com 122 30 4445 0000 almessiladoha.com 126 25 4470 4444 tivolihotels.com/en/al-najada-tivoli 201 25 4489 9000 alrayyanhilton.qa 48 12 27 4430 9777 marriott.com/DOHAS 180 33 4009 9999 alwadihoteldoha.com 256 36 4452 1234 hyatt.com/brands/ANDAZ

24 45 4040 5050 anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha

60 215 4410 3333 banyantree.com/qatar/doha 431 4410 2444 thebentleytower.com

4419 1000 centralinn.qa

4433 8444 cielohotellusail.com

Places

Le Meridien City Center Doha

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

City

THE PULLMAN PENTHOUSE EXPERIENCE

Stunning views, expansive master bedrooms with en-suite Jacuzzi and vibrant coloured Majlis set the tone for the Pullman Penthouse, where the furnishings are sleek and designs are modern. Here, global nomads can find their 5-star serene setting to work and play.

dusitdohahotel

Places to Stay

Element by Westin West Bay Doha

Ezdan Palace Hotel

Fairmont Doha

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar

Fraser Suites Doha

Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Golden Tulip Doha

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas

B4 Hilton Doha

Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha

InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa and Residences

InterContinental Doha The City

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha

La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor

Le Méridien City Center, Doha

Le Royal Méridien Place Vendome Lusail

Magnum Hotel & Suites West Bay

Doha

outside Doha

D4 Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

D2 Millennium Hotel Doha

Millennium Plaza Doha

Mondrian Doha

Le Royal Meridien Doha

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

180 4419 4000 marriott.com/dohel

195 4007 1111 ezdanpalace.qa

270 92 4030 7200 fairmont.com/doha

180 57 4494 8888 fourseasons.com/doha 161 4494 8700 fourseasons.com/thepearlqatar 138 4424 3443 doha.frasershospitality.com

50 4030 1555 fuwairitkitebeach.tapestrycollection.com

193 13 49 4419 8888 goldentulipdoha.com/en-us

210 39 91 4448 1234 grandhyattdoha.com

281 28 4423 3333 doha.hilton.com

365 4492 4444 thepearlresidences.hilton.com

211 35 84 31 4423 6666 salwabeachresort.qa

400 12 4141 1234 hyattregencyoryxdoha.com 337 38 82 4484 4444 doha.intercontinental.com

349 176 4015 8888 dohawestbay.intercontinental.com

192 38 42 4429 5000 marriott.com 15 4402 4444 hilton.com/en/hotels/dohqkol-katara-hills-doha 368 4405 3333 kempinski.com/doha

193 32 4428 8888 lacigalehotel.com

208 48 97 4041 3333 marriott.com 187 53 137 4141 6000 marriott.com 186 60 4445 1555 magnumdoha.com 117 41 5 91 4008 8888 mandarinoriental.com/doha 397 60 122 4419 5000 marriott.com 208 73 4035 5555 kempinski.com/marsamalaz 20 13 4144 6666 hilton.com/en/hotels/dohpaol-maysan-doha 226 4424 7777 millenniumhotels.com 212 20 4041 6999 millenniumhotels.com 211 59 4045 5555 mondriandoha.com

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

Mondrian Doha

Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott

Places to Stay

Oryx Airport Hotel

Park Hyatt Doha

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

Raffles Doha

Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa

Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha

Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North

Saraya Corniche Hotel

Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort

Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha

Shaza Doha

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Simaisma, A Murwab Resort

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

Al Bidda, Al Jasra, Al Jomrok, Al Mirqab, Al Najada,

Arumaila, Bismillah, Musheireb, Najd

outside Doha

✔ outside Doha

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔ F5

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ D4

Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘ B4

Steigenberger Hotel Doha

The Avenue Hotel Doha

The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort

The Ned Doha

The OQ

The Plaza Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

The St. Regis Doha

The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Island

✔ B4

✘ D4

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ B4

Pullman Doha West Bay

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha

Dusit Doha Hotel

Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb

All-encompassing luxury resort.

Located on Doha's longest beach and nestled in landscaped gardens, InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa offers an unparalleled escape in the heart of Doha.

Indulge in exceptional dining at over 10 restaurants and bars, including MICHELINrecommended La Mar by Gastón Acurio, and unwind in the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge. Enhance your stay with world-class recreational amenities, from a stunning free-form swimming pool to a 24-hour state-of-the-art gymnasium, squash, tennis, and padel courts & award-winning Spa InterContinental. DISCOVER THE ART OF VACATIONING INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

Places to Stay

Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach

Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Hotel

Western Plus Doha

Centro Capital Doha

Corp Executive Hotel – Doha Suites

Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town

Ezdan Hotel, West Bay

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ D3

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ D4

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

WEBSITE

Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som

The OQ

Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha

Escape the ordinary and indulge in a luxurious staycation tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a short city retreat or a long-term escape, we have the perfect stay for you.

Long Stay in Residence Feel at Home in Luxury

Short Stay in Hotel Fun for the Little Ones

Enjoy the comfort of a fully equipped residence with the convenience of hotel services. Spacious living areas, modern amenities, and a prime location make it ideal for extended stays, whether for business or leisure.

Unwind in elegant rooms, savor exceptional dining, and relax by the pool—all just moments away from the city’s best attractions. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a midweek break, your perfect staycation starts here.

Spa Reservations 40201666

Steigenberger Residence Doha | Airport Road, Doha City, Qatar E info.steigenbergerdoha@steigenberger.com | Steigenberger.com

T +974 4020 1666

Places to Stay

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Places

Aleph Doha Residences –Curio Collection by Hilton

JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas

Shaza Doha

Enjoy a spring staycation at AlRayyan Hotel, directly connected to Mall of Qatar.

Relax in spacious suites, savor exclusive dining, and unwind with premium wellness facilities.

Ideal for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat.

Places to Stay

Park Hyatt Doha

W Doha Hotel & Residences

Eid escape

EXPERIENCE EID IN LUXURY AND COMFORT

BOOK

Reserve your stay and make your celebration unforgettable!

DOHA'S ENCHANTMENT PACKAGE

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• Breakfast Buﬀet

•Complimentary glass of a refreshing beverage upon arrival

•Complimentary access to the Swimming Pool and Gym

• 25% savings on F&B

Graphic Design

Interior Design

Kinetic Imaging

Painting + Printmaking