Mandarin Oriental, Doha — Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Why book? It’s impossible to fault the Mandarin Oriental. The cutting edge facade is just the beginning of the sophisticated design of the hotel, both inside and out. Every detail has been carefully considered, and with an impressive range of services and amenities on offer, it easily suits a variety of travelers. Set the scene The polished interior is carefully curated with textured furnishings, hand-blown glass chandeliers and sharp oriental patterns. But it’s not as overdone as it sounds. Large windows allow for plenty of natural light and the neutral color palette makes the rooms feel airy and fresh. The backstory While it was a long time coming, the Mandarin Oriental was worth the wait. Construction originally began back in 2006 as part of Qatar's ambitious plans to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. However, due to the global economic downturn in 2008, construction on the hotel was put on hold and it remained unfinished for several years. In 2014, work finally resumed and it finally opened its doors to guests in December 2016. The rooms The rooms are all consistently sharp and polished, from the deluxe rooms all the way through to the premier suites and penthouse. Each room is fitted with sophisticated amenities designed to maximize comfort, including large crisp beds overlooking the city skyline and Italian marble bathrooms with both a bathtub and rain shower. Food and drink A world tour of flavors and cuisines can be appreciated at one of the six onsite restaurants and bars. From Cantonese dishes at Yi by Marco Pierre White to Italian food at Macellaio RC, be prepared for an indulgent feast. For a drink, there’s a choice between the intimate bar, Ambar or the rooftop oasis, Aqua, both open every day until late. The spa The onsite spa is not your regular hotel spa experience. At the Mandarin Oriental, it’s more about a complete wellness journey with a variety of carefully curated treatments available, including Oriental Qi, Inner Strength, Singing Sand Dunes and HydraFacials. Each undertaken by expert staff with the assistance of essential oils and exceptional products. The spa also features indoor and outdoor pools, gym, and sauna for personal health and well-being. The neighborhood/area Msheireb Downtown Doha is a contemporary developing area close to the heart of the city. It’s known for striking a balance between residential, retail and tourist sites, with museums, shops, restaurants and Arabic-style mansions all within walking distance. The service The staff are eager to please at Mandarin Oriental, with guests agreeing that they’ll go above and beyond the expected service to make people feel comfortable and relaxed. From the doorman to the concierge and housekeeping, they’re welcoming and professional. For families Traveling families have a variety of room choices, with some suites offering kitchenettes, separate living areas, multiple rooms, and private balconies to spread out. The kids will be entertained either in the outdoor pool or onsite kids’ club, and the spa is even open for children as well. Eco effort Green initiatives have been taken throughout the hotel, including installation of efficient lighting, conserving water, encouraging guests to reuse room towels and products, and sourcing fresh local produce for the kitchens. Accessibility All guests are welcomed at Mandarin Oriental and careful consideration has been taken for accessibility. Braille signage and textured flooring is included in the design, and most of the rooms and all public areas were constructed with accessibility in mind. Anything left to mention? The hotel is also home to a wedding and event space, with venue packages available for a range of celebrations, including catering options." - Jenna Scatena