It’s a long way off yet, but the rumble of the World Cup is never too far away, and the convoy of FIFA fans expected to descend on the buzzing desert metropolises of Doha is enough to accelerate booking plans far in advance. Where to say then, to enjoy the buzz of the games and easily explore this rich desert city? Split between the old Arabia and the new, the several hotels owned by Tivoli across Doha offer ample accommodation for all tastes and budgets.
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar
For those hoping to blend FIFA excitement with a slice of holiday relaxation in the city’s 30-degree winter heat, Souq Al Wakra Hotel by Tivoli is located in the up-an-coming seaside district of Al Wakra.
Located 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport and 20 minutes from central Doha, the hotel is far enough to escape the hordes of football fans but close enough to easily jump into the action. A slick renovation of 17th century heritage buildings, the 101 room complex maintains the original architectural features built by local fishermen and pearl divers from way back when.
Terracotta walls, ambient fountains and minimalist interiors ooze a simple beachy vibe. Though rooms are small due to the structure of the old fishing huts that once stood here, the space is used effectively, with larger suites formed from interconnecting rooms. The surrounding area boasts a beachfront promenade peppered with restaurants, leading to the labyrinth of market stalls within the local Souq – perfect for glimpsing the essence of Qatari life outside of the city.
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
For guests yearning to be right in the thick of it, Souq Waqif – Doha’s most famous marketplace gives way to a warren of Tivoli’s boutique hotels that in many ways feel more like an opulent Arabic home than a hotel. Personal touches and rich interiors blend with the ever-present aroma of the Arabic coffee and sweet dates presented to every guest to roll off the street, and into any one of the nine hotel lobby’s peppered through the cobbled streets of the Souq.
Facilities are peppered throughout the hotels; the luxurious spa at Al Jasra boasts Doha’s only Moroccan hammam experience, while Al Mirqab is home to the Souq’s only outdoor swimming pool – available to all guests, whichever hotel you’re staying in. Guests can choose from six restaurants, offering a mixture of Indian, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisines amidst rooftop views and opulent dining spaces.
La Piazza at Al Bidda houses the breakfast buffet for all Tivoli hotel guests, where classic continentals and authentic local specialties sit side-by-side, below an azure glass ceiling which glints in the morning sun. Al Shurfa restaurant at Al Jomrok Hotel is the perfect place in old town for a rooftop dining experience. Overlooking Doha’s imposing skyline, the terrace is most beautiful at sunset over platters of hot mezze and Arabic coffee, while its indoor rooftop lounge is a popular shisha haunt for locals and guests alike.
Al Najada
Located in the heart of central Souq Al Najada, the 151 roomed hotel stands as a vast Arabian sanctuary. The lobby boasts high ceilings and immediate indulgence, blending traditional architecture with a contemporary colour palate.
With 3 restaurants, a swimming pool area (and pool bar), fitness centre and an elegant ballroom to boot, Al Najada is particularly popular with European guests for high quality amenities and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Al Baraha Restaurant offers a sprawling daily breakfast buffet, where guests can drink coffee al fresco on the Italian style piazza. Missan is the hotel’s newest addition – a mesmerizing dessert-only restaurant featuring the sweetest gastronomic experiences in the city.
Comments are closed.