Doha is an emerging city where many still opt for the more traditional stopover hubs en-route to Europe. The Mondrian Doha is a great reason to look again.
Having visited Qatar’s capital for the first time recently my thoughts were that it would be a lot less developed than Dubai or Abu Dhabi and it is.
With a Football (Ahem, Soccer) World Cup on the way in less than four years, however, they are gearing up for a period of significant change.
One operator is well and truly ahead of the pack and it’s open and ready for business already, the SBE beauty that is Mondrian Doha.
Architecturally designed to resemble a falcon and its nest, it towers high above any other hotel in the developing area that is The Pearl. With much of the 2022 World Cup being centred on that area, Socceroos fans needn’t wait any longer, this is the place to be and be seen.
Anyone seen Charlie? Aka Willie Wonka?
Much like the other Mondrian hotels globally the interior design of the Doha property is based on a fairy tale, in this case, 1001 nights (aka Arabian Nights).
The arrival experience is opulent (minus the security screening). White and gold dominate what is an expansive lobby with sprawling couches and oversized furniture (think Alice in Wonderland). The rooms are in line with the contemporary feel of Mondrian LA. With a bathtub big enough to hold the entire bench of the Socceroos, the room oozes a sense of sophisticated interiors without being OTT.
The feature wall ensures the Middle Eastern destination is represented but aside from that the rooms are contemporary and chic. The Hotel’s suites are a whole different ballgame. The bridal suite has its own gold-plated elevator with direct access to the ballroom (only women attend the bride’s party on her wedding day).
One Bedroom Suite
The ballroom is the most exquisite I’ve seen, rimmed with three luxurious choices of draping that are permanently installed (YAY PCO’s). The apartment is the highest suite category; it’s duplex and boasts eye-catching features. A red velvet snooker table and cinema space are standouts. I dare say the Socceroos would be more than happy to watch post-game analysis videos there (surely the Aussie GM would be happy to assist).
The Penthouse
The chandeliers that litter the suite are that impressive even the Kardashians would be jealous. The master bathroom is that big it should come with a GPS and the best news is that it’s nowhere as expensive as top suites in the likes of Sydney or Melbourne.
Throughout the Mondrian Doha, the public spaces are each uniquely different but a modern feel persists. The pool area is impressive although lacks a space to catch rays outdoors. The traditional Qatari restaurant is an Instagrammers dream, foodies will always be glad to see Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and Black Orchid, the Hotels nightclub, is frequently home to a myriad of globally recognised DJs.
Wednesday night is ladies night with complimentary drinks for us gals, common in many middle eastern hotels. Thursday night occupancy tends to rise with locals overnighting before their weekly day off, which falls on a Friday.
The Spa, operated by Espa, is the first in the country and if your bucket list includes showering amongst a sea of Swarovski crystals, this is your chance! (Tick)
All up the hotel is bold, beautiful and by far the most contemporary in the area. The shopping mall next door is a good way to pick up some European labels with limited lugging of bags involved. The destination has a lot done but is still in its emerging phase, cocooned by countless construction projects.
The museum of Islamic art, a building designed to resemble a woman wearing a burqa is impressive and Souq Waqif in the old town is a buzzing haze of traditional Qatari life (with comp Wifi obvs). There you can visit the bird market (the feathered kind sorry boys) and if you’re looking for souvenirs the fluoro feet puffs are the perfect addition to any urban Aussie apartment. Two nights is perfect and it’s best to stay in the city (the desert experience is pretty ordinary for now).
If you’re lucky enough to fly Qatar Airways, the business class check-in experience in Doha is second to none! While I didn’t visit the lounge, I’ve every confidence it sets the bar. Their food, Wolfgang Puck himself would be proud of and The White Company is the cosiest of companions when snoozing in the skies.
Flying time from Sydney is roughly 15hrs with Qatar Airways
Find out more about the Mondrian Doha here