A First Look at Doha’s Fairmont

Doha reimagines a luxury business brand for a new generation of travelers.

Visit Doha, Doha’s Gulf neighbor, if you are looking for a little more culture than Doha’s bouji beach crowd. It’s nice to know you’re getting pretty much what you expect when you stay at Fairmont. Upon arriving at Fairmont Doha, you discover that you don’t know much about it. We have something really special in store for you. 

It is easy to see Katara Towers from miles away. As you get closer, the edges steepen and curve into its distinctive shape, fast becoming a symbol of this fast-growing city. From a distance, it looks like a giant’s half-pipe, but as you get closer, you realize it’s a giant’s half-pipe. Its 56-meter high chandelier – the world’s tallest – drops straight through the center of the hotel lobby, awe-inspiring me. This is the case for me. The beautiful, couture-worthy gowns worn by the hostesses (since these can never be defined as uniforms) are equally attractive. All of this sets the tone for this ultra-stylish property that leaves nothing to chance.

Accor Hotels operated Raffles and Fairmont in 2021 after Katara Hospitality’s Katara Towers broke ground in 2014. The owners of the latter were clear about one thing: it had to be unlike any other Fairmont in the world and elevate the brand to a new level. A slew of five-star hotels opened ahead of the recent World Cup, making this a wise move in a competitive market. Another advantage Fairmont has over its competitors is its location. Raffles shares a location, key management, and conferencing facilities with Fairmont, so it is inevitable that its specific brand of ultra-luxury rubs off to help Fairmont remain competitive. 

There are definitely nautical undertones in my suite. However, it doesn’t seem kitschy or obvious. There’s marble, gold trim, and butter-soft Italian leather throughout. Gold tiles adorn every inch of the wall in the bathroom with its “smart” bathtub, but it’s warmly gleaming, not garish. There’s also the largest hotel terrace I’ve ever seen, which can be a bit overwhelming as a solo traveler, but if you want a venue for a 100-person cocktail party, it’s perfect. In a stylishly concealed kitchenette, complimentary refreshments and snacks can be found on shelves and chillers. Even entry-level rooms are spacious, they’re furnished with beautifully curated books and artwork, and you’ll find in-room gyms, massage areas, and cinemas if you move up a few suite categories.  If you choose a Fairmont Gold room, you can access an outdoor pool adjacent to the Gold Lounge and enjoy a hotel-within-a-hotel experience. ‍

When you’ve had a stressful day, head to Masala Library’s pure white interior for some Zen-like serenity. A rather unusual choice for an Indian restaurant, but it’s the perfect foil for a menu featuring molecular techniques pioneered by Jiggs Kalra, a celebrated chef to whom Jiggs was dedicated. Experiencing VAYA is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before! Bringing Latin America to your table and palate. In addition to empanadas and ceviche (although they’re delicious), you can find regional specialties like Moqueca, a tasty, tingling stew from Brazil featuring plum shrimp as its star ingredient. With live music, fabulous staff outfits, and divine Churros, Pico Sours are the cocktail of choice. You’ll then want to head up to Provok right on the 33rd floor to see its live fire and ice concepts and its Sky Balcony view. ‍

In the Lusail district, where Katara towers stand, it’s hard to imagine that this 38-square-kilometer neighborhood did not exist seven years ago. Four islands and 19 multi-use districts were reclaimed from the sea, not to mention the outstanding stadium that will eventually become a residential and commercial center. In addition to cafes, the marina, and beautiful views of The Pearl and West Bay, you can meander down the promenade right outside the hotel. In addition, there is a lot to discover elsewhere. Among Doha’s cultural offerings are the Museum of Islamic Art, an imposing building that almost floats on water, as well as the National Museum of Qatar, an architectural marvel that’s admittedly more interesting from the outside than most of its exhibits. 

People here seem to love working here, and if you get to do your job looking this good, who can blame them? As a result, there is a sense of warmth and friendliness rather than formality and deference in the service. That’s what we all want, isn’t it?‍

With almost 4,000 square metres, you can fit in a lot, and Fairmont has gone to town with beauty, health, and fitness with all the usual offerings plus an immersive spinning room and climbing wall, and nine treatment rooms where you can get a quick vitamin drip if you need a little boost.

Without a doubt. Children get their own bathroom amenities and menus in the standard rooms, which sleep three people. There are plenty of options for larger families as well. Younger kids will enjoy a kids club shared with Raffles, which has a Lego Land and even a mindfulness area for older kids.‍

That’s right. Rooms are wheelchair accessible, outdoor spaces are ramped, and all dining venues are easily accessible.

In spite of its proximity to the sea, Katara Towers doesn’t have a beach, but Privée Lounge, a guest-only floating island club, will open later this year with sea access, a restaurant and bar for relaxing and taking in Doha’s sunsets.