Open ahead of World Cup 2022, Raffles’ latest addition to its luxury portfolio breaks tradition and is making waves in Doha, Qatar. Situated in one half of the iconic crescent-shaped Katara Towers, the hotel exudes a whimsical yet chic feel with its Marcel Wanders-designed suites. Upon arrival at the hotel, guests are welcomed by name and served a refreshing mocktail of rose cordial, fresh pomegranate juice, and hibiscus essence. Inside the soaring lobby, a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic atrium awaits. The installation draws the eyes upwards by projecting moving images of blue skies, clouds, and starry scenes on mirrored walls day and night.
Check-in occurs directly in the suite, creating a seamless experience for the guest. Additionally, by removing the traditional check-in experience, the lobby remains clean, uncluttered, and uncrowded. This approach is a welcome and marked difference from most of the hotels in the region and a trend worth investing in for other luxury properties.
The hotel boasts magnificent all-suite accommodations, offering stunning views of the Gulf and Doha skyline. Each suite has personal butler service, bespoke amenities, state-of-the-art guest room technology, and an extensive maxi bar filled with curated beverages and snacks. Most suites come with generous outdoor terraces, allowing guests to soak in the captivating surroundings.
Guests enter the suite through the ornate wrought-iron gates and will be captivated by the grandeur and meticulous attention to detail. Every element of the room exudes intricate craftsmanship, from the vaulted hand-carved ceilings to the spa-like bathrooms adorned with shimmering crystal walls. Guests can indulge in thoughtful luxuries such as crisp, high-thread-count bed linens, custom artwork, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a luxurious experience.
Depending on their particular style, guests can choose from several specialized suites and categories, each with unique features, including a mini-cinema, beauty salon, cigar room, barber corner, indoor pool, games room, hammam, and hair salon. Most suites are designed for couples, but arrangements can be made for families or those traveling with children. Bed linen is luxurious in the suites, with thread counts ranging from 600 to 1000 in the higher-end suites. Each suite also has heated toilet seats, towel-warming stands, and bidet functions. Toiletries come in full-sized refillable ceramic containers and feature Frédéric Malle’s Cologne Indélible scent.
Raffles Doha goes above and beyond by offering advanced in-room technology and unique features to elevate comfort and provide delightful surprises. These include a state-of-the-art sound system and custom scent diffusers, allowing guests to personalize the ambiance according to their preferences, from temperature and entertainment to lighting and even aroma.
Suites come with two private butlers, who are always available via the touch of a button or WhatsApp. Guests can request tailor-made experiences curated by their dedicated personal butler, whether to enhance their day or celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s transforming the grand suite balcony into an outdoor gym, converting the living room into a private movie theater, or creating a romantic candlelit dinner setting on the central table, guests can turn their dreams into reality within the suite, on the balcony, or in any of the hotel’s outdoor spaces.
Across the hotel are several tempting F&B outlets to choose from – Alba by Enrico Crippa, Blue Cigar, L’Artisan, Malaki, Acoustic, and the attached Fairmont Hotel has several other venues that are an easy walk (or golf buggy) away. Drinks at the Blue Cigar are a must, with a collection of 6,500 vintage books lining its walls, a secret cigar room, and daily readings. In-room dining is also available 24 hours a day.
Guests will also find a state-of-the-art gym, an infinity pool, and the stunningly private Raffles Spa Doha. Care and dedication have been combined to offer a combination of ancient traditions, precious ingredients, and sophisticated technologies that work in harmony to effect true regeneration. The spa partners with some of the most respected names in scientific skincare and advanced beauty: Dr. Burgener- Switzerland, Subtle Energies, and marocMaroc to produce immediate and long-lasting results.
Overall, Raffles Doha is a luxurious destination, and its quirky yet chic suites, stunning views, and genuine hospitality make it worth the stay.
