La Cigale Hotel, Doha

"In its rush to compete with Dubai, Qatar has scored a twofer with this sleek 20-story tower, at once architectural eye candy and the embodiment of a fresh hospitality concept: the gourmet business hotel. The ground-floor lobby’s bespoke Baccarat crystal tables, Murano glass chandeliers, kinetic paintings by Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez and decorative wall of Rolex watches speak to the property’s luxurious excess, while the adjoining Le Cigalon restaurant and pastry shop serve beautifully presented Middle Eastern delicacies such as bahsaliye, a star-shaped pistachio cake, and viscous ice cream made with salep, a ground orchid powder. The 191 rooms and 34 suites have a masculine dark-wood Art Deco theme. The spa and the sweetshop are popular with abaya-clad ladies who lunch, and the second-floor piano bar is the see-and-be-seen venue for Qataris and expats who drink. (Le Cigalon does not serve alcohol.) The location, equidistant from the airport, the financial district, and Doha’s sports stadiums and university campuses, makes the hotel convenient for business tycoons; the third-floor pool, on a glassed-in terrace, is nirvana for lap swimmers." - Jenna Scatena

"Why book? Close to the action in Doha, La Cigale Hotel is convenient for exploring the city and unwinding at the end of the day. With an impressive array of international cuisine, a rooftop bar, and variety of rooms available, this hotel does understated elegance exceptionally well. Set the scene From the outside, La Cigale Hotel in Doha looks like a pretty standard hotel with large, glass windows and sharp lines. But it’s what’s on the inside that counts. With high ceilings, marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and a glass ceiling atrium, it combines elements of traditional Arabic design with modern furnishings in rounded shapes and soft textures. The backstory The hotel's name pays homage to the cigale or cicada, a small insect that is found in abundance in Qatar. These creatures are known for their impressive singing voices, which inspires La Cigale Hotel to provide its guests with an equally pleasurable yet surprising experience. The rooms The rooms are better than expected from the simpler deluxe rooms up to the incredibly spacious royal suite. Each of the 225 rooms, evoke a sense of warmth and comfort thanks to the sumptuous fabrics, cherry wood flooring, neutral color tones and soft carpets. Either from the floor to ceiling windows or private balconies, many of the rooms offer a view of the cityscape and courtyard gardens. Food and drink The food at La Cigale might just be the highlight. Starring Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, Oriental, Lebanese and French, the lineup of international cuisine is quite impressive. Sweet toothes can also be satisfied with homemade delicacies from the onsite bakery including chocolate, pastries and ice cream. Once the sun sets however, the vibrant crowd heads up to the rooftop bar, Sky View, with a resident DJ and fabulous cocktails served all night. The spa The spa grounds are transportive, with intricate gardens and fountains to inspire total relaxation. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the handmade products used in the treatments to the careful, yet expert service. The neighborhood/area This luxury hotel is situated in the bustling Al Sadd area with shopping malls and high end restaurants all within walking distance. Otherwise, the Souq Waqif central district is a mere subway ride or short drive away. The service From the first greeting, the staff are warm and friendly, making it easy to feel at ease. The Concierge is always happy to assist, whether it be booking a spa treatment or providing recommendations on sightseeing in Doha. They’re passionate about their job and it shows. For families For traveling families, the hotel has larger suites available, some with separate bedrooms and entertaining areas for extra space. The heated indoor pool is also the perfect place for some family fun. Eco effort The hotel features a range of environmentally friendly practices, including solar panels, grey water recycling, and energy-efficient lighting. La Cigale also grows its own fruits and vegetables so the chefs have access to fresh produce all year round." - Jenna Scatena