Fairmont Doha looks astonishing, but is it the ideal base for a family holiday in Doha? Lisa McGarry and her son, Dylan, visited recently and put it to the test.
‘It looks like Bladerunner…but better!’ This was my 14-year-old son’s reaction to the neon-lit skyscrapers of Doha’s West Bay, during our 35-minute transfer from Hammad International Airport. We were headed to the Fairmont Doha in the marina district of Lusail. It’s a luxury seafront hotel housed in the crescent shaped Katara Towers – an architectural marvel based on the emblem of Qatar.
The ‘better’ part is true. Doha is a well-planned city, where nothing feels too much. The glowing skyscrapers are beautiful, the skyline is not overbuilt. Statement buildings like the National Museum of Qatar, Lusail Stadium and the Museum of Islamic Art have space to breathe. Even the palm trees are elegant, wrapped in white lights and bending gracefully towards the smooth highway as we pass.
With a flash of crescent towers on our left we got our first proper look at the Fairmont Doha, a breathtaking 40 floors stretching up into the night. The approach to the hotel is like arriving at a red-carpet event – from the wall of fairy lights and fleet of shiny SUVs parked up as uniformed valets usher in luggage, to the actual red carpet leading to the entrance.
A hotel with the luxe factor – that wants you to relax and enjoy
The Fairmont Doha is a spectacular hotel, and the lobby is where it starts. The world’s tallest chandelier undulates pearl balloons through the centre of the circular interior, with seating areas inside golden canopies. When we arrived, a glamorous pianist was playing soothing classics on a gold piano. The curving interior does indeed resemble a luxury yacht as described.
The overall effect is expensive, but not too flashy. For example, the art – a blend of old Qatari maps and traditional painting built into a modern aesthetic, lining the walls of every corridor. And the lifts? Cream leather with built-in seats, handy if you’re high up. Shiny classy disco is how I’d describe the aesthetic, though am no interior designer. My son described it as ‘Wow’.
A family break at Fairmont Doha where everything was easy
We chose to spend our family holiday in Qatar at the Fairmont Doha: lured by the idea of easy luxury, desert tours, beach clubs, amazing food, accessible culture, and clean, safe streets. We weren’t expecting to love the place as much as we did, but it was surprising on every level.
Four restaurants and Raffles next door
Four onsite restaurants ensured plenty of variety for our stay. Vaya! Latin Mercado is where the breakfast buffet happens – with extras to order as part of the deal, so you can get your eggs Florentine alongside artisan pastries and fresh tropical juices. We had a wonderful dinner here including lobster ceviche, feather-light empanadas, tres leches cake, and a steak my son devoured like a last meal. This was the most family-friendly option, with less emphasis on fine dining, although it was still pretty fine.
You can eat like royalty at Fairmont Doha, but it’s always family-friendly
Dôme Fairmont Lounge is the all-day dining, poolside option, and it’s here you’ll find a proper afternoon tea. In fact, they are very committed to good tea at the Fairmont Doha, and the glass dome is super chic.
We had a Friday brunch at L’Artisan at Raffles Doha with visiting Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Isnard. Raffles lives in the other half of Katara Towers, and our meal there, topped off by crescent shaped waffles and a perfect chocolate soufflé, will linger on in the memory. These culinary collaborations seem popular in Doha, and our brunch was extremely good value.
Provok Asian Project, on the 33/34 floors, is a fusion restaurant with stylish décor. We ate incredible sushi above the glittering backdrop of the Doha city skyline, with sides of Caesar salad, wagyu beef skewers, black cod, and the best cheesecake this pair of dessert lovers have ever tried. Though alcoholic beverages are readily available and wine lists are good throughout the hotel, I stuck to mocktails for the most part – they are other level here!
On our last night we went to Masala Library, an Indian fine dining experience which elevates curry to a level neither of us knew existed. The gold leaf-topped foamy dessert, explained so beautifully by our server, blew our minds. Every dish was incredible – the little ones might stick to naan and butter chicken, but if you’ve older foodies they will love it, as well as the futuristic city views.