Qatar has a long history, but Doha is a thoroughly modern city, where development has exploded in the last 20 years. Full of hotels of every description, from good to amazing, its neighborhoods have distinct, energetic atmospheres. A stay in the city can be as luxurious as you like, often in high-end global chains. Budget-friendly options are also available. Benefit from immersion by staying in local accommodations to learn more about the region's culture. Doha has public transportation in the form of buses and a metro system. However, taxis are the easiest way to get around. Select your hotel based more on atmosphere than proximity.
Where to stay
in Doha
Best Neighborhoods for Luxury
As one of the world's richest cities, Doha has a well-earned reputation for high-end accommodations. Book a room in The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island where luxury hotel suites lead to restaurants run by some of the world's most famous chefs. Stay in West Bay, the city's economic and diplomatic district, for more affordable but just as luxurious accommodations that are very convenient for business travelers. Stay in the Corniche, a palm-fringed boulevard that boasts views of the city skyline. Leave the hotel every morning to take an invigorating walk along Doha Bay.
West Bay
Noted for its beaches and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in West Bay. Top attractions like Katara Cultural Village and Katara Beach are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Katara Station or Al Qassar Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in West Bay
Where to Stay for the Beach
Doha is a city at the edge of a desert, but it's also on the oceanfront, meaning a trip to Qatar's capital can be a great beach vacation. Book a room at West Bay Lagoon for access to family-friendly beaches lined by luxury hotel facilities, as well as pools and shade. About 20 miles north of downtown Doha, quiet Simaisma has beachfront accommodations that are still close enough to the city to go in for a day to enjoy its amusements. A stay in a Banana Island hotel feels like a tropical getaway, with palm trees swaying just a 20-minute boat ride from the bustle of the city center.
Simaisma
You might make a stop by Simaisma Beach while you're exploring Simaisma.
Best Areas for Sightseeing
There's much more to do in Doha than simply lie along the beach or luxuriate in the richness of high-end hotels. Stay in Al Souq for easy access to the Museum of Islamic Art and the Dhow Harbour, where you can take a cruise in a traditional wooden boat. Book a hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha to shop in the Souq Waqif for spices and silks, as generations have done before. Several historic forts, as well as a number of university campuses, are within a short drive of accommodations in Al Rayyan. Book a room close to the Aspire Zone sports complex and the green oasis of Aspire Park in Al Waab.
Al Rayyan
Check out the museums while you're in Al Rayyan. Hop on the metro at Education City Stadium - East Tram Stop and Qatar Academy - South Tram Stop to see top sights like Al Gharrafa Stadium and Mall of Qatar.