Best hotels in Doha: where to stay in Qatar, from West Bay to the desert

A rooftop pool above the old town

Mandarin Oriental stands at the heart of Msheireb, with a rooftop pool looking over the old town towards the skyline. The interiors mix clean modern lines with patterns from Arab tradition, and there is a large spa.

This is our stopover pick: you stay in the most interesting part of the city and can cover the souk and the museum in an afternoon. It is a city hotel with no beach, and prices are high. Head down to Souq Waqif after dark, when it is cooler and the lanes are at their liveliest.

Warm and better value

Alwadi is also in Msheireb, decorated with wood and textiles in warm tones, with a small pool. It is smaller and more personal than the big chain hotels, and guests single out the service.

This is our value pick, for staying in the old town without paying top rates. Rooms are smaller than at the big hotels, and there is no beach. In return, the souk and the metro are right outside.

Butlers and a private beach

The St. Regis sits on the water in West Bay, with a private beach, large pools and the brand's signature butler service for every guest. The lobby is grand, and its restaurants are among the most popular in the city.

It suits travellers who want classic luxury with a beach, ideally on a longer stopover. The style is lavish rather than understated. The beach is man-made, but the water in the bay is calm and warm for much of the year.

A marina and beach in central West Bay

Four Seasons is closer to the Corniche, with its own beach and a small marina in front. Tower rooms look across the bay, and the hotel is home to several of the city's best-known restaurants.

It works for business travellers and couples alike, with beach and city in one place. It is one of the older luxury hotels in West Bay, and some rooms show it. Walk the Corniche towards the souk in the evening; it takes about an hour.

The design hotel

Mondrian was designed by the Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, with playful shapes, huge chandeliers and bold contrasts. It sits in the West Bay Lagoon area, with a rooftop pool and a large spa.

This is our design pick, for travellers who want something other than classic Gulf luxury. You will either love the look or not, and the hotel is some distance from the old town. Its rooftop bars draw a crowd from across the city at weekends.

Low houses and a private beach

Sharq Village is run by Ritz-Carlton and designed like an old village, with low sand-coloured houses, narrow passages and wind towers. It has its own beach, a large pool and a spa with separate treatment houses.

It suits travellers who want calm and architecture with a sense of place, while staying close to the city. Buildings are low-rise and walks between rooms can be long. The Museum of Islamic Art and the souk are a short taxi ride away.

An island of its own

Marsa Malaz occupies its own small island at The Pearl, with a private beach, several pools and a palatial lobby. There is plenty of outdoor space, and many rooms have a balcony facing the sea.

This is our family pick in Doha, with a beach, pools and room to roam. It is a long way from the old town, so plan on taxis. The style is classic and ornate, heavy on marble and gold.

All suites in the Katara Towers

Raffles occupies one of the two crescent towers in Lusail and has suites only, each with butler service. The views stretch across the bay and the new city, and there is a large spa and a private beach.

It is our romantic pick, for a special occasion or the last nights of a long trip. Prices are among the highest in Qatar, and Lusail is still a work in progress. Its sister hotel, Fairmont, fills the neighbouring tower.

Spa and stillness

Al Messila sits in extensive grounds of trees and gardens, about fifteen minutes from the centre. The resort is built around wellbeing, with a large spa, several pools and villas with their own pools.

It suits travellers who want to recover after a long journey, or simply rest without going far. There is no beach, and you will need a taxi into town. Evenings are quiet, which is exactly the point.