Ritz Carlton Doha has recently undergone a massive renovation and is ready to welcome high-end guests for the FIFA World Cup.

The Hotel is located 25 minutes away from the airport and offers its guests a stylish limousine pick up from the airport. Highly recommended to book it through hotel’s concierge, especially for the first time visitors to the country. It was my first time and I felt a bit unsure of how things work and what to expect so seeing a friendly face in the airport with my name was a treat.

Accommodation

Ritz Carlton Doha is a large hotel, 374 rooms and suites. While rooms would work well for the business travellers,  who don’t tend to spend time in the hotel,  suites are much better for the leisure travellers.

I stayed in a one-bedroom Executive suite and loved it. It is so beautifully designed and spacious that I thought this suite was one of the signature ones and was very pleasantly surprised to know that all executive suites are this size. This gorgeous suite can be found on my Instagram in stories (@theluxtraveller).

It has a stunning view towards the Arabian sea from every window, a little balcony off the bedroom, stunning designer furniture and unique decorations that make the room feel very homey.

The generous living room features an inviting round sofa, velvet armchairs, soft rug, oversized TV and a study desk. I especially loved the furniture – each piece unique and chosen specially for the suites – soft, oversized velvet armchairs and a sexy lounge in the bedroom. Walk–in-robe hides all the luggage and comes with a dressing table for the ladies. Marble bathroom isn’t too big, but beautifully done with a rain shower and stand alone bath. This is a dreamy suite that will make your stay in Doha very comfortable.

Facilities

Ritz boasts some of the best facilities in Doha. Choose from an indoor lap pool for exercise and or chill by the free form outdoor pool. This rock pool provides hours of fun for the youngsters and keeps the adults refreshed on a hot day.

The beach area is currently in the middle of the construction (construction seems to be everywhere in Doha, as everyone seems to be building something for the World Cup) and should be finished by the end of the year.

Excellent big gym is another great feature of the hotel; active travellers will enjoy all the latest equipment while those who love to relax will find a variety of decadent treatments in the spa.

Dining

Ritz Carlton Doha boasts a few lovely dining options – the standout is steak restaurant STK Doha. Its glorious position on level 23, incredible view of the skyline and great selection of meats, makes it a ‘must-visit’ restaurant in Doha. For al fresco dining on a warm evening try French bistro Sel & Miel. I especially enjoyed escargot and beef rigatoni paired with a glass of rosé.

B-lounge by Buddha Bar overlooking the Marina is famous for a weekend brunch. Its unique location makes it a great venue to linger a little longer savouring sushi and Asian fusion dishes surrounded by the blue waters of the Persian Gulf.

Another wonderful venue is Ritz Carlton Club Lounge, one of the most beautiful club lounges in the Middle East. It is incredibly elegant, featuring floor to ceiling windows, beautiful views, elegant furniture and flowers everywhere.

On all my travels I haven’t encountered a club lounge this generous – it serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening canapés and dinner to the guests staying in the suites and club rooms – a very generous offering that is definitely worth the money.

The Lux Traveller Loved

The best Club Lounge in the Middle East

Excellent steak restaurant

Beautifully renovated suites

Splitting Hairs

Little beach is in a construction zone; best to keep it closed until the area looks presentable.

All In All

Well established hotel, very popular amongst the locals and for big weddings.

In my view well suited for a business or leisure traveller. Newly renovated suites and Club Lounge will appeal to the fussiest of the Lux Travellers.