Quiet Sophistication: Steigenberger Hotel Doha

For frequent oneworld travelers, Doha often becomes a pivotal transit point, potentially leading to extended layovers necessitating accommodation.

Doha itself is worthy of exploration, boasting attractions like the traditional souk wakif, Falcon souk, the distinguished Museum of Islamic Arts as well as and the picturesque Corniche juxtaposed against the city’s modern, glitzy skyline.

Positioned strategically, the Steigenberger Hotel is situated less than 10 minutes from the airport and no more than a 10-15 minute drive from key attractions within Doha. My first experience with this renowned German hospitality brand left a lasting impression.

Check-In

Landing just before midnight,  I arrived at the hotel by 12:30 am. Unsurprisingly it seemed very quiet..

There was several security and door staff, one whom helped bringing my luggage out the taxi – not that I needed it !

There were a couple of staff on reception who were warm and friendly..

I was checked in super quick and offered to be escorted to my room, which I politely declined.

The whole lobby area is very stylish. Night pictures don’t do it justice so here are some from later in my stay..

The double height lobby area is narrow and long..

It is a very elegantly designed space with plush furniture, soft lighting and some interesting sculpture by the revolving door

As I went up to my room, for some reason my card did not work, at which point I immediately regretted declining the escort.  Thus, I had to come back down to notify the reception, and it turned out they programmed the wrong room into my card !

The corridors felt brighter than the actual lobby area, but these are all motion-sensor lights

Steigenberger Hotel Doha Superior Room

I booked a Superior King Room and was assigned one on the 4th floor..

The room was immaculate and everything just felt new and crisp..

This is only 2 up from the regular Deluxe rooms but comes at a whopping 592 square feet, larger than most London/New York apartments !

The room designs are a perfect blend of modern comforts with Qatari elegance

Even though this is not a Suite, the lounging area was spacious and very comfortable with the large over handing lamp adding a touch of warmth and homely feel

There is also a good sized desk with a lamp and all connectively option you would need if you wanted to do some work.

The semi abstract art pieces seemed to have been carefully chosen and complements the entire colour scheme of the room..

The room has a 49″ Smart TV, but as you can see, the room and art pieces are are so large the TV almost looks too small from most angles. It was better from the bed however.

Immediately by the door you have a good amount of luggage storage space and 2 build in draws and more artwork here

And there is also a large closet with all the usual amenites like spare bathrobe, slippers, iron and ironing board as well as show shine and laundry bags.

In-Room Controls

Everything in the room can be controlled from several locations, including from the entrance hallway with gold plated control panels..

They had some good pre-set option including a good mood-light setting

And then you had more or less all the same controls just by the bedside as well, including being able to adjust the room temperature to your preference.

In-Room Refreshments

Within the room you have some tea & coffee as well as two complementary bottles of water that is replenished daily

There’s a slide out door that contains extra cups and glasses..

I thought it is a shame that they did not have a proper coffee machine or at least a small Nespresso pod.

Bathroom

The huge bathroom reveals itself behind sliding doors..

Again this is big with luxurious marble tiling and golden trims

Within the bathroom you have a separate toilet and shower unit

All amenities are provided for here with their own branded toiletries

Even cooler, a high tech remote controlled toilet with hot toilet seats (which you can control temperature of ) and perhaps the fanciest bidet I have come across even in Japan !

 

Around the Hotel Food & Refreshments

If you are travelling as a family or couple the hotel as several areas to hang out outside your rooms. Most floors have seating spaces with interesting chairs..

You also have various complementary refreshment stations with infused water and juices that are complementary..

On top of that, my favourite you have Arabic coffee available most the day until the evening..

If you desire more substantial drinks or food, they have a bar and cafe. Do note however, this establishment does not serve alcohol. You can could say the hotel is keen to cater to more Arab/Muslim tourists from the region.

Downstairs you have the Avenue CAFÉ which services German bread and various other pastries and treats.

There is also a Crust which serves more substantial food buffets are available during specific hours

A more formal Olea Terrace restaurant on the first floor provides a la carte menus. It is open from 5pm til late and you can make table bookings in advance.

You can take a rather grand spiralling stairs up from the lobby area with almost 1000s of light pearls over head..

From you also get a nice view of the lobby area below.

Downstair the hotel leads into a shopping mall of sorts but I did not venture out to see what stores they actually have..

Rooftop Pool & Bar

At the roof level, there is a bar and terrace seating area for those that want to sunbathe in the hotel premises !

From here you can hear aircrafts overhead, which some may not like!

The pool is a very decent size and on both days I used it, there was only a handfull of others.

This maybe because even by 11am the temperature already reaches 37 degrees c! There is also a large kids play area and kids pool, which I did not take any photos of.

Wellness & Spa

When you want to rejuvenate and pamper yourself,  The Opal – Luxury Urban Spa has you covered with a range of paid for treatments

Keeping to Arabic customs Men’s and Women’s are are separated with beauty and grooming services.

There is a thermal bath which is the perfect way to extend your zen post massage.

Multi-level Gym

Around the corner from the Spa, you also have a fully equipped gym with dual aspect views out..

I love hotel gyms that have natural light rather than basement gyms!

Upstairs is a large area big enough to host Zumba, Yoga or whatever else you might want to do !

Overall Thoughts

I had an enjoyable 2 night stay here. In a city now also full of very opulent hotels, I feel like this is a perfect middle ground. It has the essential touches of luxury for a good city break on your way somewhere else.

The room was great, all the staff were friendly and professional and yet. The hotel itself has a certain charm, in some places it gave me Sofitel vibes. Service wise this isn’t quite the level of luxury like the Sofitel’s In Dubai. They have no Club lounges etc

This hotel is also part of Qatar Airways StopOver programme falling into the Premium bracket, which I would deem to be excellent value if you have Qatar flights booked. Outright my stay averaged £112 per night, which I thought was very reasonable anyway.

Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts have 60 properties across Europe, Asia and Africa. They are not part of any of the major hotel programmes, instead they have their own H Rewards programme. If you are looking to book this or similar hotels, please consider using my Exclusive Booking Service, which can offer you many VIP benefits and upgraded experience with no additional cost.