Doha is Qatar’s capital and an upscale metropolis where the weather is always perfect, and the sparkling Persian Gulf nestles against the city’s eastern border. It has recently made it onto the radar of travelers around the world with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022.
Qatar also tops the list of the wealthiest countries in the world with the highest GDP per capita. Its rapid growth has created some stunning architecture and cultural highlights, such as the Museum of Islamic Art.
If you are flying in and out in Business Class, take a look at our review of the best airport lounges in Doha.
Previously we have reviewed the best luxury hotels in Doha, Qatar, and now we investigate the top five best hotels for foodies in Doha.
1. Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is a brilliant place to dine during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha is a striking hotel with excellent facilities, attentive service, and a convenient location close to the West Bay and Hamad International Airport.
Modern, stylish skyscrapers surround the hotel’s premium location, and top attractions, including the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and MIA Park, lie just 15 minutes from the hotel.
The hotel boasts an impressive 583 stylish, well-designed rooms; nine on-site restaurants; five all-day dining cafés, a non-alcoholic pool bar, and bistros; six bars, including an upscale, stylish library bar and Doha’s largest entertainment nightclub: Qube!
These 21 outlets will be operational during the World Club. However, two outlets will not be open to the public as they will be exclusive to the Japan team, while a new outlet called “The Hop Garden” will be operational only during the FIFA period.
The Hop Garden is a fantastic outdoor bar situated close to the pool area with 250 capacity operating from 12 noon to 12 midnight daily from 20th November until 18th December 2022. Football games will be shown on the big screen, and DJ entertainment will be offered when there is no scheduled match.
A taster of some favorite restaurants in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha include Sakura which delivers the finest Japanese food. Bubbles on Two, which specializes in Champagne and Caviar, The Library, which is a luxurious Lounge Bar, and the uniquely stylish Hop Garden, which is set outside.
In addition to all these dining venues, you’ll find two large, fully equipped gymnasiums; two pools; squash and tennis courts; an outdoor Jacuzzi; massage facilities; volleyball, basketball, and badminton courts; excellent business and event facilities and so much more. To make traveling even easier, there’s a complimentary hourly airport shuttle to Hamad International Airport.
2. InterContinental Doha
The luxurious 5-star InterContinental Doha is another gorgeous luxury hotel located on the longest private beach in the city. It is just a short drive from the city center. It boasts an excellent Club Lounge with spectacular views.
Nestled in landscaped gardens, the InterContinental Doha features 12 restaurants and bars, including the famous La Mar Doha, a range of recreational facilities, a free-form swimming pool, and the exclusive Spa InterContinental. The hotel’s prime location is just minutes from downtown Doha and major government and corporate offices and within minutes to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, City Center Mall, and Doha Golf Club.
The Doha Club InterContinental at the InterContinental hotel in Doha is available to guests who book club rooms. Located on the Mezzanine floor of the hotel with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline.
Club InterContinental executive lounges is one of the best club lounges in Doha and offers complimentary breakfast, light refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. You can see our in-depth review of the executive club lounge at the InterContinental London for some pictures and examples of the quality and quantity of food available at InterContinental lounges across the world.
3. Four Seasons Doha
This hotel has been a firm favorite with Qataris since it opened. The Four Seasons Doha is a true urban resort with the business district on one side and its private beach on the other. Dine at the world’s most spectacular Nobu restaurant, unwind at the three-story Spa and laze in their beautiful pools. If you are a Four Seasons fan, this hotel does not disappoint.
Highlights of this hotel include the fact that most rooms have a step-out balcony, and the sea-view rooms are the perfect place to watch the sunrise in the morning. The pool is really special too, as is the spa.
The even better news is that the Four Seasons Hotel Doha has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. You can now enjoy redesigned bedrooms, suites, guest floors, an elegantly-enhanced lobby, a redesigned Seasons Tea Lounge, a new outdoor terrace, and a refreshed Arabica Café with enhanced al-fresco dining and shisha experience, a brand-new signature restaurant, and a brand-new cigar club.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, with a world-class spa, modern fitness center, and elegant restaurants and bars as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools and lush landscaped gardens.
The hotel has its own private beach located on an island adjacent to the hotel. This Ritz-Carlton is a 10 minutes drive from the cultural center of Doha, Katara Cultural Village. It’s conveniently located across Lagoona Mall and is one of your best Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Doha.
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha celebrates the city’s progressive spirit with an exclusive Club Level, distinctive dining options, modern rooms and suites, a unique spa journey, and legendary outdoor pools.
With distinctive features, including the largest chandelier in the Middle East, this 5-star luxury hotel bridges the past with the present. There are 374 well-appointed guestrooms with views of the city or Arabian Gulf, 61 luxury suites, and 42 club rooms with free internet.
Distinct flavors from around the world come together to create a culinary journey at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Each waterfront restaurant specializes in superlative experiences that celebrate the flavors of Qatar and beyond.
You can enjoy STK Doha, Steakhouse which offers a contemporary twist on the traditional American steakhouse concept. B-Lounge Doha offers a unique dining and lifestyle experience by the marina, with unmatched sea views. Another option is Sel & Miel which is reminiscent of the Parisian lifestyle. Sel & Miel delivers delicious French fare in an intimate setting where art brings delight to diners indoors and an authentic brasserie experience at the terrace.
For a relaxing experience, Flamingo Pool Bar delivers poolside dining with a panoramic sea view. Light snacks, grilled dishes, salads, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages are perfect for a post-swim snack. Lagoon Restaurant features lavish buffets for breakfast highlighting Arabic and international cuisines. The Lobby Lounge welcomes guests throughout the day. This elegant lounge offers coffee, light snacks, and a signature Afternoon Tea in a quintessential experience complemented by live piano music.
Habanos is a lively lounge where you can catch the latest matches and competition while enjoying drinks and light bites. B-lounge offers dining beyond breakfast, lunch, and dinner with chef-led experiences, wine tastings, private dining, brunches, and other special events and offers.
Book into one of the 42 club rooms, and you will get access to the sophisticated club level which is, in our opinion, one of the most luxurious and best club lounges in Doha. Here, you can enjoy an elegant setting (pictured above) with five areas: Warm Welcome, In Residence, Library, The Dining Room, and The Kitchen.
The highlights of this lounge are the 24-hour access, the culinary offerings available throughout the day, including breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, chocolate and cordials, and “To Go” snacks and beverages are available throughout the day. You cannot get free access to this lounge. You either need to book a club-level room or to pay a fee.
5. Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village & Spa
Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village & Spa is Modelled after a Sheik’s palace, with the rustic authenticity of true Islamic architecture, mixing old-world style and modern-day amenities.
Sharq Village is just a quick 10-minute ride from the airport and another 10 minutes from the heart of downtown. Unlike many of the high-end hotels in Doha, this luxury property is located on the other side of the bay, which means you get some great views of the city’s skyline from the beach.
Each restaurant and bar has its own unique ambiance and design style to be in line with the ethnic feel of the menu. The main dining options are, in no particular order: Al Liwan for Lebanese and Oriental cuisine – this is also where the full buffet breakfast is served; Parisa is their Persian restaurant, and just below Parisa, in the same building, is their out-of-this-world seafood restaurant, Al Dana.
Beyond these main restaurants are a series of bars and lounges available for a quick bite or drink around the property. From the Al Sneef snack bar by the pool to the Al Wanis Shisha Terrace by the main building; from the cigar lounge to the lobby lounge, Sharq Village is ripe with all-day and late-night options for any palate. A real highlight for us, however, was personally choosing our fish from Al Dana’s on-ice “market selection.” Made to look like a world-class fish market, they lay out the day’s freshest catches and imports for guests to select.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
