Raffles Doha Review: A New Benchmark for Luxury
Qatar’s most exclusive all-suite hotel
When people think of luxury hotels in Doha, one building immediately comes to mind. Rising above Lusail Marina, the twin Katara Towers have quickly become one of Qatar’s most recognizable landmarks. Inspired by the country’s traditional crossed scimitar swords, they’re impossible to miss—and inside one of them sits what I consider to be the country’s standout luxury hotel: Raffles Doha.
Unlike most luxury hotels, Raffles doesn’t offer standard rooms. Every accommodation is a suite, making the experience feel exclusive from the very beginning. During my stay, it became clear that this wasn’t just another five-star hotel. Everything here is designed to feel a little more private, a little more personal, and just a little more luxurious.
Why Stay Here?
Arrival and Rooms
Personally, I think the lobby is one of the most beautiful hotel spaces I’ve ever visited. Towering crystal chandeliers immediately catch your attention, but the real centrepiece is the enormous kaleidoscope installation that dominates the space. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in another hotel and instantly gives the property its own identity.
Check-in was smooth, relaxed and highly personalised, setting the tone for the rest of the stay.
One thing that immediately sets Raffles apart is that every room is a suite. There’s no entry-level standard room here, and you can feel the difference. The suite felt incredibly spacious, beautifully furnished and packed with thoughtful details.
I particularly liked the elegant gold accents throughout the bathroom, which added a subtle sense of luxury without feeling over the top. The suite itself was filled with carefully selected decorative pieces, artwork and design elements that made it feel far more individual than a typical luxury hotel room.
Stepping onto the balcony was another highlight. The views over Lusail and the Arabian Gulf are spectacular, especially after sunset when the city lights begin to appear.
One feature I particularly loved was the Japanese toilet. It might seem like a small detail, but once you’ve experienced one, it’s surprisingly difficult to go back to a standard bathroom. It’s one of those little touches that perfectly reflects the hotel’s attention to detail.
- All-suite accommodation offering generous living space and elegant contemporary interiors.
- Beautiful marble bathrooms featuring premium amenities and Japanese smart toilets.
- Thoughtful in-room technology combined with discreet luxury throughout.
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- Excellent sound insulation between rooms and from the outside creates a peaceful atmosphere despite the hotel’s central location.
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- The exceptionally comfortable bed and high-quality climate control made it easy to unwind after a day exploring Doha.
- The only downside was a noticeable ventilation noise during the night. Even with the air conditioning switched off, a constant airflow noise remained audible, and unfortunately it couldn’t be turned off. It wasn’t loud enough to ruin my sleep, but it was surprising for a hotel of this calibre.
Dining
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to try all of the hotel’s restaurants, Raffles Doha offers a surprisingly diverse dining scene for a property of its size.
The hotel’s signature venue is Alba by Enrico Crippa, serving contemporary Italian cuisine in an elegant setting. Guests can also enjoy Acoustic Music Penthouse, a rooftop lounge with panoramic views over Lusail and the Arabian Gulf, as well as Blue Cigar, a sophisticated lounge inspired by an old-world library, offering afternoon tea, cocktails and light bites throughout the day.
Breakfast is served à la carte in a beautifully designed restaurant overlooking the city. The quality of the food was excellent, and every dish felt freshly prepared rather than mass-produced.
The only thing I personally missed was a small buffet alongside the à la carte menu. While I know many guests prefer a fully à la carte breakfast, I generally enjoy having both options. A small buffet with fresh fruit, pastries or local specialties would have complemented the experience nicely. That said, this ultimately comes down to personal preference rather than a criticism of the food itself.
Overall, the breakfast experience felt calm, refined and very much in keeping with the hotel’s boutique-style atmosphere.
Facilities and Experience
Without question, the highlight of the facilities was the spa.
I’ve visited plenty of luxury hotel spas, but this one offers something I haven’t experienced elsewhere. When booking selected treatments, you’re also given access to your own private wellness suite, featuring facilities such as a sauna and even a private pool. It transforms a standard spa treatment into a much longer and far more exclusive experience.
Another feature worth mentioning is the hotel’s private cinema. While not something you’ll necessarily use every day, it’s another example of how Raffles goes beyond the facilities you’d normally expect from a luxury city hotel.
The only area that didn’t quite meet my expectations was the outdoor pool.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it—it simply didn’t have the same wow factor as the rest of the hotel. Considering how spectacular almost every other part of Raffles is, the pool felt surprisingly ordinary.
I was also surprised to find that it wasn’t heated. While that didn’t personally bother me, I’d stayed at several other luxury hotels in Doha during the same trip, and every one of them offered heated pools. For most of the year, Doha’s temperatures are high enough that you probably wouldn’t even think about it. However, if you’re visiting between December and March, when mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, a heated pool definitely becomes a welcome feature. It’s a small detail, but one that stood out.
Summary and Rates
Raffles Doha isn’t simply another luxury hotel—it’s a statement.
From the iconic Katara Towers and spectacular lobby to the spacious all-suite accommodation and outstanding spa, almost every part of the experience feels carefully designed to stand out. Rather than relying on excessive luxury, the hotel succeeds through thoughtful details, personalised service and exceptional design.
The lobby remains one of my favourite hotel spaces anywhere in the world, while the private spa experience is something I still haven’t encountered at another city hotel. Add to that the spacious suites, outstanding service and one of Doha’s most recognisable buildings, and it’s easy to understand why Raffles has earned such a strong reputation in such a short time.
The only aspect that didn’t fully impress me was the outdoor pool. Compared to the rest of the property, it lacked the same sense of occasion, and I genuinely expected it to be heated.
That said, it’s a very small criticism in what was otherwise an outstanding stay.
If I had to choose just one luxury hotel in Doha, Raffles would almost certainly be my first choice.
One caveat worth knowing
Experience the Hotel in Motion
Click play to watch a short video tour showcasing the property’s atmosphere and key highlights.
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