The Ritz-Carlton, Doha was a second home away from home in the capital of Qatar, with friendly staff, an elegant Club Lounge, and luxurious rooms and amenities.
The travelers found themselves in Doha for a little more than a month during the early fall of 2024 unexpectedly. Making the most of their situation, they decided to take advantage of a luxury Marriott Bonvoy property and indulge during their visit.
There is no shortage of Marriott Bonvoy properties in Doha spread across the city including luxury brands like the JW Marriott Maquis Doha City Center and the St. Regis Doha.
In this post:
Location, Arrival, & Check-In
Located in The Pearl, this 25-year-old property sits relatively far from Doha’s Hamad International Airport and the main attractions surrounding it. Nearly a 30-minute taxi ride along The Corniche, the 23-story building greets travelers seeking a luxurious retreat rather than a base camp for exploring the city, which is exactly what the travelers wanted after their 6-hour flight from Dhaka.
The relentless sunshine and heat synonymous with a Middle Eastern summer wear down the building’s exterior, which is starting to show its age. Still, the stunning blue windows and palm tree-lined driveway are a welcome retreat from the bustle of the city.
Upon arrival, the travelers were greeted by a bellhop who collected the items from the taxi and directed them through a metal detector at the entrance—a common security measure in the region. The staff inside the doors asked for their passports, and upon seeing they had booked a club rate room, invited the guests to the 23rd-floor Club Lounge to complete their check-in. Two hosts, known as “ladies and gentlemen,” greeted the guests and completed their check-in.
The travelers arrived early in the morning and were informed that their room was ready, but that they could avail themselves of the breakfast service at the lounge before making their way down. Of all the Ritz-Carlton lounges the travelers had been to, this one had to be one of the nicest. A review of the Club Lounge follows.
Just a few minutes into their stay in this Doha oasis, the Ritz-Carlton’s well-known culture of service was clear and would underpin the rest of the travelers’ 1-month stay.
Hotel Room
At the time, the travelers were Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members. Still, the service at the hotel exceeded their expectations. They were escorted down to their room and ensured that they were settled. They were given a Club Room, Guest Room. The spacious room included a king-sized bed and a large couch. The modern decoration and lively royal blue and gray furnishings immediately stood out and beautifully complemented the white walls and brown wooden floors.
A single round table was used for both working and dining, with an abundance of USB and universal charging outlets near the counter, and indeed throughout the room. A large TV with screen mirroring capabilities was opposite the bed. The large king-sized bed boasted six pillows, per the travelers’ preferences.
Outside, there was a small balcony with a chair and small table, perfect for reading a book outside in the summer heat. The travelers had a gorgeous view of the private beach and pool area, with the West Bay lights in the background. Unfortunately, the temperature remained at or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the trip, so there were not many opportunities to be outdoors.
Across from the bathroom was an adequately sized closet, which included two full-length mirrors, drawers and cabinets, as well as plenty of space for unpacking. The bathroom itself boasted Tuscan marble decorations in abundance. The large bathtub, across from the separate shower and toilet chambers, was nice and relaxing after exploring the city.
Club Lounge
The Club Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Doha did not disappoint. It is designed like a luxurious reading room and features similar furniture to the rooms below, creating a seamless experience throughout the stay.
There’s enough seating for roughly 60 of the Ritz-Carlton’s most valued guests: those who purchased a Club rate room or who purchased Club Lounge access. As the travelers learned, Marriott Bonvoy elite members are not ordinarily given access to the Club Lounge at Ritz-Carlton properties.
The Club Lounge had five culinary presentations each day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. The travelers enjoyed all of their meals at the Club Lounge, and even with more than a month-long stay, not one meal was repeated the entire time, with the exception of breakfast, which was a buffet offering.
Each meal time offered a buffet spread, as well as several dishes that a chef would prepare and/or bring in from the hotel’s steakhouse, STK. The buffet had robust offerings and would quickly be replenished. From noon until 9 p.m. each day, alcoholic drinks were served, including a collection of white, red, and bubbly wines, and beer. Soft drinks and water were available 24/7.
To end the work week, the Club Lounge hosted themed nights, including Asian, Mexican, and Greek. In addition to region-specific cuisine, the ladies and gentlemen would create and serve a custom-made cocktail.
While the presentation, taste, and variety of the food were top-notch, what truly made the Club Lounge exceptional was the incredibly friendly and attentive staff. Within a few days, they remembered the travelers’ names and preferences for drinks and even meal times. In one of many instances of excellent customer service, when the travelers noticed that the salad bar’s cucumbers had been out for several days, the hosts mentioned the hotel’s shipment would not be in for several days but went out of their way to find locally sourced cucumbers for dinner that night.
Amenities
The hotel’s main facilities include a large, full-sized indoor pool and jacuzzi, a large outdoor pool complex, a private beach complete with lounge chairs and cabanas, a full-service spa with sauna, and a gym. Most of the areas are spread across the lower floors of the hotel and can be accessed via the lobby lounge.
At each of these facilities, the staff were equally impressive. Each visit to the pool started with a fresh glass of watermelon juice, and each visit to the beach included a buggy ride across the bridge and snacks served at the cabana. The views from all of the facilities were impressive, ranging from the bay to the marina.
Conclusion
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha not only lives up the brand’s reputation as a luxurious oasis but in this traveler’s humble opinion, surpasses it.
Despite its nearly 25-year lifespan, the hotel’s interior is modern and upscale. The quality of the hotel itself is matched, and even exceed in many regards, by the staff. Everyone, from the bellhop that offered rides to the nearby Laguna Mall to the waiters at the breakfast that regularly brought two glasses of orange juice each morning, to the housekeeping that set-up creative displays with towels and rose petals each week, the hotel’s staff is by far the most attentive and expectation exceeding that these travelers have experienced until this point.
If you are looking for luxury, comfort, and relaxation in Doha you cannot go wrong with this hotel. While the location is not ideal for those wanting to explore the city, the amenities and guest service make this oasis truly a home away for home for any and all traveler that comes through.
Rating:
A Room with a (re)view 