With a resort feel on the edges of the Arabian Gulf in Qatar, the light-filled Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha has the edge on both sophistication and relaxation.
The 429-key Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha opened in late 2022 and is part of the Hilton Group’s luxury hotel collection. I stayed at the hotel for three nights during a recent press trip with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar. Here are my impressions of the luxury property.
Check-in and beyond
It’s late when I arrive, after 11pm from my flight from Melbourne. However, with Doha’s 24-hour Hamad International Airport connecting to more than 170 destinations, staff at Doha’s hotels are well used to checking guests in at all hours.
My luggage is taken from the car as I arrive and I am escorted through the entry doors, running my handbag through a security scanner. Check in takes place at the large reception counter. It’s swift and seamless, with my key cut and the Hilton Honours WiFi password provided as I sip on a complimentary welcome arrival drink.
The room key wallet includes a QR Code that can be scanned for more information about the hotel.
The rooms
I’m staying in room 428, a Deluxe King Room with Sea View. My porter asks permission to bring the bags into my room and shows me some core basics. I appreciate his tips on the lighting – something I sometimes struggle with in hotel rooms! The bedroom, bathroom and wardrobe lighting, as well as the air conditioning, are all controlled by LED touch-pads with simple, easy to follow icons and text. He shows me how the terrace door operates, taking me onto the verandah where, even at night, I can see that the view overlooking the beach and swimming pools is special.
The room is incredibly light, bright and spacious. A king-bed with a white base and white leather headboard is offset by a wall of sleek, glossy white cabinetry with dark timber accent highlights. Bringing the tones of the Persian Gulf indoors, a colour palette of subdued indigo and navy furnishings feature throughout.
There’s a generously-sized table for two on which to dine or work (a concealed cable and outlet socket in the adjoining cabinetry features power, HDMI and USB outlets). At each bedside there are also standard and high power USB charging ports too.
I love the large bathroom with marble flooring, a separate WC area and bidet, double basin vanity, full sized walk-in shower and a full sized bath tub.
Bathroom amenities were by Bryedo from Stockholm. Full sized pump packs were available in the shower; and bathroom products such as dental kit, comb, make up pads etc were all packaged in natural cardboard.
The mini-bar contained just the basics such as Dilmah tea, a Nespresso coffee machine, water and soft drinks. A mini bar menu is available to order from – a Budweister beer costs QAR50 (about AUD$21); a bottle of Miguel Torres white wine from Spain costs QAR250 (about AUD$105). From the in room dining menu, a glass of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from Marlbourough, New Zealand will cost QAR99 (about AUD$41).
Food and drink
There are multiple dining options within the hotel. I try Scarpetta Italian restaurant one evening, dining on pasta. Breakfast is taken each day at Bywater, which has either indoor or outdoor seating. The buffet options are extensive and cover a broad range of international flavours and tastes. I love the Qatari Sidr honey and also the fresh juice station. For those keen to have local coffee, there’s a self-serve Arabic Coffee trolley.
Other options include Sushisamba, blending Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors; Peacock Alley for light snacks, afternoon tea, specialty morning pastries or oysters and caviar during sunset. Meanwhile, the Highmore bar on Level 11 is the place to go for sunset drinks with views over the sea.
A full, in room dining selection with an a la carte menu is offered. In-room breakfast is served from 6-11am; and all day dining is available from 11am-11pm.
Facilities
There are two swimming pools at the hotel which are patrolled by lifeguards and available to use between 7am and 7pm. Alongside is a children’s playground area, ‘Wadi Lusail’ that features a water slide and play and climbing equipment. The Kunuz Kids Club is open from 11am to 7pm. The beachfront loungers are available for guest use between 7am and sunset. There’s no swimming allowed once night falls.
The hotel is conveniently located across the road from the Place Vendome Mall – where you’ll feel transported to Paris and where you’ll find a store belonging to almost every luxury fashion and lifestyle brand.
Wellness
With a stunning, arced entrance to its wellness zone, guests can move away from the buzz of the general hotel to the wellbeing area. The Espa Life Spa has separate hydrotherapy pools, a steam room and sauna for men and women. I spend some time in here on my final morning before my flight back to Australia and it was highly restorative.
The fitness centre, open daily 6am-10pm, includes a Zen Wellness Yoga Zone on the terrace and a My Equilibria instinctive wellness training installation.
The verdict
With a polished design aesthetic, great views, good options for guests of all ages, and thorough service, this hotel is a great option for those travelling to Doha for extended stays or on Qatar’s stopover program.
The details
Location: Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha
Damsa Boulevard, Entertainment City
Room #: 428
Check in: 3pm / Check-out: 12pm
Starting room rate: Rates for a King Deluxe Room start from QAR1,400 (about AUD$597) per night.
hilton.com
Karryon stayed as a guest of the hotel and Discover Qatar.
