Take Off Go founder Ivona Siniarska recently stayed at Raffles Doha and says personalised service has never been better. Read her exclusive review for Karryon Luxury here.
Some hotels get everything right without needing to be asked. Raffles Doha, set inside the jaw-dropping Katara Towers, is one of those rare places where you do not just feel like a guest, you feel like you belong.
From the moment I arrived, I never once needed to say my room number. Somehow, every staff member already knew me by name. That kind of intuitive, personalised service is rare and unforgettable.
And while Doha may have been a stopover, Raffles made it feel like the destination.
The room
There are suites, and then there are Raffles Doha suites.
Starting at an enormous 82 square metres, each one is a private retreat layered in elegance, complete with a large balcony (mine overlooked the Gulf), walk-in wardrobe, living and dining space, and what might just be the most glamorous bathroom I have seen in years. Think marble, crystal, and every amenity you did not know you needed.
The entire property feels more like a private residence than a hotel, but one with all the polish and intention you would expect from Raffles.
From the curated in-room art to the subtle scenting of the hallways, it is immersive and indulgent in equal measure.
Wine and dine
Between Raffles Doha and its glamorous sibling next door, Fairmont Doha, guests have access to 10 exceptional food and beverage venues. Enough variety to never leave the building, which, to be honest, I did not.
Every outlet is as bold and well-thought-out as the architecture of Katara Towers itself.
Breakfast was a highlight: beautifully plated, fresh, and never rushed. A luxury in itself when travelling. Whether you are in the mood for fine dining, a rooftop sundowner, or a late-night bite, the culinary program here is well worth staying in for.
Out and about
Raffles Doha is located in Lusail, just north of the city centre and not far from The Pearl and West Bay.
A quick drive will take you to Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), and the National Museum of Qatar. But the real magic of this property is how tempting it is to simply stay in.
The verdict
What truly elevated my experience was not on a treatment menu. It was the consistency and quality of the service.
Little touches around the property made every moment feel special. At the pool, I was brought a freshly cracked coconut without even asking, and the bottled water came chilled inside a playful portable mini fridge, complete with cooled towels, so your water stays refreshingly cold even in the Doha heat. That level of thoughtfulness speaks volumes.
As a Take Off Go guest and proud Accor luxury partner, I was able to enjoy exclusive privileges during my stay: daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a room upgrade where available, and an on-site credit. All in addition to standard Accor status benefits. It is the kind of added value that turns a beautiful stay into an unforgettable one.
Raffles Doha is for travellers who appreciate luxury without ego. It is bold but never brash, personalised without being pretentious, and genuinely warm in its delivery.
Whether it is a one-night stop or the start of a longer Middle East journey, this is a hotel that sets the tone and the standard.
The details
Address: Katara Towers, Lusail Marina District, Doha, Qatar
Room Type: Signature Suite with Gulf View
Check-in: From 3pm
Check-out: Until 12pm
Rates: From approx. A$1,000 per night
For more information, visit Raffles Doha.
