In Doha, where grandeur looms as large as the city’s luxury hotel skyscrapers, a secret world of boutique opulence quietly unfolds.
Set against the backdrop of the Qatari capital’s modern marvels, these hidden bijou gems offer tranquil escapes that stand in blissful contrast to the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city.
Guests’ whims are catered to with a personal touch, while the ordinary is banished in favour of tailor-made luxury.
From charming enclaves shadowed by bustling souqs to glittering 70s-style sanctums, explore the top five boutique hotels in Doha – each with their own distinct flavour of Qatari hospitality.
Al Jasra Boutique Hotel
Just next to Doha’s Souq Waqif – a labyrinthine treasure trove of alleys – Al Jasra stands as a beacon of luxury and convenience with Qatari culture right on its doorstep.
Within its walls, the 26 designer rooms serve as windows to the world outside – views that capture the mesmerising marketplace, with its heady, oud-infused air, and the tranquil elegance of nearby Arabian horse stables.
Head for the enchanting majlis at Argan, the hotel’s Moroccan restaurant, to unwind to the sounds of smooth beats, all while surrounded by sophisticated decor.
For a touch of indulgence, the hotel’s spa beckons with a menu of traditional treatments, each offering ancient healing and tranquility.
- Where: Al Jasra St, Doha, Qatar
- Contact: +974 4433 6666
Bismillah Boutique Hotel
Originally the brainchild of a wealthy merchant with a keen eye for Arabic design, this early 1900s gem has aged like fine wine, retaining its old-world charm while flirting with the future.
Here, globetrotters and culture vultures alike can find sanctuary in rooms that showcase the city’s traditions and tales, with beautiful tiled terraces overlooking the markets.
But don’t be fooled by its antique allure. The Bismillah Hotel is as forward-thinking as they come, with a green roof that’s not just for show but for temperature regulation and energy conservation.
The pièce de résistance is a rooftop garden where you can swim in a solar-powered pool that’s as kind to the environment as it is inviting.
- Where: 1274 Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar
- Contact: +974 4433 6666
Mondrian Doha
The Mondrian Doha, a dashing upstart in the hotel scene, doesn’t just ‘do’ design – it revels in it with a panache that would have Alice pondering if she’s tumbled back down the rabbit hole.
It’s an enchanting maze of mismatched patterns, gigantesque furnishings, and a dash of delightful surrealism that feels like it has been plucked straight from a storybook.
Standing proudly in the heart of Doha, the Mondrian’s architecture is all about contrasts, starting in the lobby where a black spiral staircase cascades down against a pristine, light-filled atrium.
On the rooftop, the stunning pool basks under a stained glass dome, a kaleidoscope of colours playing cheeky contrast to the black-and-white chequerboard floor.
- Where: West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 4045 5555
The Ned Doha
Amidst a soaring cityscape of futuristic skyscrapers, The Ned Doha stands as a testament to time – an architectural relic in a metropolis racing towards tomorrow.
This former brutalist-style government building has been transformed into a dazzling haven of 1970s glamour and glitz, the story of its previous life retold with a swanky twist.
Leopard print lamps flirt with mint green carpets and salmon-pink marble meets scallop shell headboards in this realm of retro elegance.
The rooms are a further nod to an era of disco and decadence, complete with concrete coffered ceilings, charming rotary phones, and chic ottomans. It’s a time capsule of style and luxury – a place where history meets hip.
- Where: Building 23, Street 910, Corniche St, Doha, Qatar
- Contact: +974 4406 1111
Al Najada Doha Hotel
A much larger retreat than the more petite options on this list, the Al Najada Hotel seamlessly extends its tranquil aura from the quiet streets into its luxurious interiors.
Overlooking an elegant piazza and the glistening Arabian Gulf, the property boasts a prestigious location with effortless access to the Msheireb district, Doha’s historic downtown.
Each of the 151 rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with ample space for guests to find solace and luxury.
In contrast to the smaller, more intimate boutique hotels, Al Najada offers a sense of grandeur and space, yet retains an air of exclusivity and personal touch.
- Where: Barahat Al Jufairi St, Doha, Qatar
- Contact: +974 4470 4444
