In a city known for soaring ambition and unapologetic opulence, Raffles Doha has rewritten the script on how high-end hospitality should look and feel.

Located within the intertwined arcs of Katara Towers — a bold architectural feat inspired by the nation’s emblematic crossed scimitars — this ultra-luxury resort makes no attempt to be understated, from its cultural nods and cinematic sea views, every square foot is engineered for impact.

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More than a place to stay, Raffles Doha is a performance — equal parts design showcase, fine-dining destination, and wellness hideaway. It serves as a magnet for regional power players, international tastemakers, and discerning travellers intrigued by the interplay between heritage and high-tech indulgence. Yet amid all the splendour, it manages pockets of intimacy: thoughtful spa sanctuaries, literature-laced lounges, and vantage points that sweep across Lusail’s futuristic skyline.

For guests chasing something special in Qatar’s luxury scene, this is the hotel that sets the tone.

In Short: Doha’s most audacious hotel has gone all out to secure its status as an international icon.

The Location

Categorised as a separate city to Doha, Lusail is immediately adjacent to the capital - Doha’s compact size and moderate traffic mean any major attraction you care to visit is easily accessible and you’re about a 25-minute drive from the airport.The hotel is moments from Place Vendome, the country’s most prestigious mall, alongside Lusail Winter Wonderland theme park, Meryal Waterpark and the chichi restaurants of Al Maha Island.

The Background

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The term ‘iconic’ is bandied about a bit too frequently when it comes to describing upmarket hotels but there are a few, like Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, Raffles Singapore and The Peninsula Hong Kong, that are bona-fide landmarks that proudly define their home cities and represent them globally.

An incredibly complex, eye-wateringly expensive construction project with ambitions to sit alongside those titans, Qatar’s curved Katara Towers are designed to resemble crossed scimitar swords, the symbol of Qatar’s coat of arms. Opened just in time for the 2022 World Cup, those interlocked towers house separate hotel brands overseen by the French hospitality behemoth Accor: the posh Fairmont Doha occupies one side; in the other, the fancier-style Raffles Doha is intended to be one of the most exceptional and unabashedly extravagant hotels to be found not just in Qatar or the Middle East, but worldwide.

The Guests

As Qatar’s most architecturally ambitious resort, Raffles Doha draws no end of global hotel geeks (like me) keen to explore a truly one-of-a-kind property. Expect, too, to encounter Raffles stalwarts who trust the brand to provide top-tier hospitality while you’ll spot locals chatting in the showstopper lobby over afternoon tea. Occasionally, big-wig power brokers converge here for high-profile events, like the Bloomberg-backed Qatar Economic Forum.

The Rooms

Rooms? Don’t expect to find anything so basic in this trailblazing property. Instead, everyone bunkers down in an ornate suite.

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The suites have a certain whimsical, fairytale quality with their intricately moulded arched ceilings, a walk-in mirrored pantry in place of the standard minibar, and a leather-lined dressing area. Quality throughout is top-notch - this hotel is the definition of ‘no expense spared - so be prepared for the high-tech shower with its nozzles galore and digital temperature control.

The toiletries are by artistic French perfume house Frédéric Malle (and they smell glorious) and Dyson hair dryers and straighteners are also provided.

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Yacht tours

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Some higher-category abodes incorporate balconies - mine overlooked the spearmint greens of the Arabian Gulf, where battalions of jet-skiers spiral and speed entertainingly over the waves on weekends, and on to the graceful golden curves of Lusail Stadium, setting of the 2022 World Cup final.

If you really want to splurge, the hotel also offers a selection of swish signature suites: the golden-hued Raffles Suite is a tribute to all things Qatari, with its falcon-inspired interiors, cigar room and private cinema; the rainbow-coloured Designer Suite wows with an in-room sauna, artworks galore and bespoke furnishings.

The Dining

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All tastes are covered at Raffles Doha. Under towering arches, Alba serves upmarket, solid interpretations of classic Italian dishes, and possibly Doha’s best tiramisu. Dimly lit and with shimmering views towards the sea and West Bay’s skyscrapers, late-night hangout Acoustic Music Penthouse pairs a straightforward Mediterranean menu with soulful live music performances. It’s a popular date spot - don’t miss the sprawling upstairs roof terrace, big enough for a football match, that reveals an even more dramatic 270-degree panorama of the city.

But perhaps the most well-conceived retreat is Blue Cigar Writer’s Lounge, where thousands of rare books are crammed into towering bookshelves (including 200 valuable first editions by authors such as Ernest Hemingway) and the drinks list draws inspiration from literary titans. Awash in shades of pearl and ivory, L’Artisan makes an elegant setting for breakfast. Alongside all the expected staples, order the waffles: not just delicious, they’re moulded so perfectly into the shape of the Katara Towers that for a second or two you might think them too cute to eat.

Wellness & Spa

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The GCC market’s desire for privacy prompted the creation of something remarkable at thai hotel: a succession of absolutely colossal spa suites each with an integrated steam room, sauna, hamman, Jacuzzi, treatment area and enclosed outdoor pool. Available to reserve for a supplement when booking one of the spa’s high-quality treatments (delivered by particularly knowledgeable therapists), guests can enjoy hours of relaxing alone time here - the setting feels so special and hugely indulgent.

Alongside this sanctuary, the hotel offers a spruce gym and seaside family pool. With its highly Instagrammable infinity pool and DJ, adults-only Aqua Urban Deck is the liveliest setting on site: note that hotel residents, as well as day guests, have to pay to access the space, with the QAR250 fee fully redeemable against food and drink.

The Staff

Raffles properties proudly promote their butlers as a brand USP and personalised butler service is referenced at Raffles Doha as a guest amenity, so I found it strange this element of the hotel experience was never introduced to me and I was presented with no opportunity to avail of it. Otherwise, save for some shortcomings with knowledge of the menu and service efficiencies at Acoustic, team members I encountered were typically proactive and attentive.

Sustainability & Accessibility

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Raffles Doha’s sustainability policy includes mention of recycling practices and waste separation systems being in place behind the scenes.

While some areas of the hotel aren’t fully wheelchair accessible, a number of public spaces and suites are. Potential visitors with accessibility requirements are advised to contact the hotel in advance to discuss their needs.

Child-friendly amenities, including toys and welcome treats, are offered to younger guests. Restaurants can adjust menus to cater to children’s tastes. The main pool welcomes families.

How would you describe it to a friend?

Staggering and often spectacular, a stay here is genuinely unforgettable.

Raffles Doha, Marina East Street, Lusail Marina District, Lusail, Qatar
Prices start from SAR1490 per night
Book your stay here
@rafflesdoha

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