Mandarin Oriental, Doha
The hand-picked star in Doha´s luxury hotel sky
The luxurious 5-star hotels in Doha invite you to a fabulous weekend, a cultural trip, a(n) (business) event or a longer pleasure trip. Doha offers multifaceted attractions, internationally recognized museums, breathtaking art galleries, diverse shopping opportunities in upscale boutiques as well as in deluxe shopping malls, wonderful park landscapes, sporting activities, as well as nature-related activities.
Let inspire yourselves, dear readers, by the unique spirit of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and experience this special philosophy with me that reflects the Asian heritage, the local culture and the unique design of the hotels, resorts and residences worldwide.
The stay at Mandarin Oriental Doha took place in April 2025.
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha – The location
Doha is a prestigious as well as an authentic destination and Mandarin Oriental, Doha – like all hotels of this group – is not only in a perfect but also in a privileged location. In the heart of the vibrant Msheireb Downtown Doha, the crown jewel welcomes its national and international guests with a fresh era of lifestyle, elegance, glamour, tradition and innovation as well as high-end luxury and that certain something: the warmth, friendliness and professionalism of its dedicated staff. They all embody and live the legendary service of the Mandarin Hotel Group, which is characterized, by the values of the Orient.
Since its opening in 2019, Mandarin Oriental, Doha has eclipsed all previous luxury hotels in this new business, lifestyle and cultural district of Msheireb Downtown Doha, meaning that Doha´s 5-star luxury hotels will only lead a shadowy existence from this date on.
From the Mandarin Oriental, Doha, most sights can be reached on foot or by hotel limousine within ten minutes. The following highlights are definitely not to be missed. I recommend either taking a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood and the pedestrian zone or taking the free Msheireb tram. The tram runs – except on Fridays (only from 2 p.m.) – from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in a closed circle of around 2 kilometres through this up-and-coming district. The Doha Design District, as well as Al-Kharaba Street, the street of electricity, are a must-see. While the Design District is a symbol of modern art, Al-Kharaba Street symbolizes the first street in Qatar to be supplied with electricity.
The traditional Souq Waqif market is particularly interesting and only a five-minute walk from the Mandarin Oriental, Doha. Built on Doha’s centuries-old trading market site, it looks like an anachronism, especially at dusk against the modern skyline. Here, I recommend letting yourself drift through the numerous alleyways. However, dear readers, don’t forget to make a photo stop at the mighty golden thumb, visit the falcon market with the nearby Arabian horses, as well as the Gold Souq, the spice market and the Souq Waqif Art Centre. Depending on which exit you take, you will find yourself opposite the important Amiri Diwan. It represents the figurative and bureaucratic center of Qatar and overlooks the skyscrapers on the Corniche. At this official workplace of the Emir of the State of Qatar, there is an impressive ceremonial changing of the guard every morning at 8.00 am and every afternoon at 4.00 pm. This camel parade is really worth seeing. I also suggest a walk along the aforementioned waterfront promenade. The famous pearl, a tribute to the time when Qatar was still the state of pearl divers, should definitely be photographed. In the evening, it changes colour every minute. Photos of the sights – as always – in the matching slideshow below.
The Msheireb Museums and the spiral-shaped Al Fanar Mosque are a must-see, too. The Msheireb Museums project by Msheireb Properties honours Qatar’s impressive history with four heritage houses and is located just a few steps away from the Mandarin Oriental and Souq Waqif. Fanar, once the largest mosque in the country, is now, among other things, a cultural center. It is also located in the immediate vicinity of the souk. The Iman Abdul Wahhab Mosque, the ‘State Mosque of Qatar’, can only be reached by car or public transport. We were there in the evening and it is really beautiful. There are separate entrances for men and women.
Furthermore, two world-famous museums can be reached by hotel limousine in less than ten minutes: The National Museum of Qatar, inspired by a gigantic desert flower, and the Museum of Islamic Art on a specially built island next to the seafront promenade. A few minutes at sunset should also be dedicated to the rear outdoor area. The perfect backdrop for skyscraper photos is under the arches by the two fountains. While the Doha Tower has an unmistakably phallic shape and thus hints at “unlimited manhood” (architect Jean Nouvel), the slit on the top floor of this museum is reminiscent of the face of a woman looking through her burka (architect I.M. Pei). If you still have time and inclination, you can stop by the Flag Square. 119 flags from countries with authorized diplomatic missions fly here.
Finally, the National Library with its interesting Heritage Library is another highlight. It can be reached from the Mandarin Oriental, Doha in just under 20 minutes. The Ceremonial Court and the Education City Mosque are also nearby. See all the photos in the slideshow below.
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha – The entrance area and lobby
I am overwhelmed by entering the hotel. I immediately feel and see the unique fusion of modern luxury and Qatari tradition. While the bellboy takes care of our luggage, which – like us – is screened, another member of staff shows us the way to the lift. The actual check-in takes place professionally and swiftly in the inviting lobby.
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha- The rooms / suites / flats
The luxuriously decorated hotel (by the award-winning London-based David Collins Studio) furnishes 249 rooms, suites and 91 flats offer luxury seekers up to 290 square meters of living and feel-good space. Starting with a generous 45 square meters in the standard category, even the smallest category offers everything that makes the heart of a luxury traveler beat faster. All the rooms (superior, deluxe and premier) and suites (studio, junior, deluxe, panorama, Bahara Presisdential, Royal) with one or two bedrooms are furnished with high-quality materials such as velvet, leather and marble as well as bespoke interiors. They surprise with a skillful harmony between elegant, contemporary design and elements of traditional Qatar.
In our stylishly furnished, light-flooded suite (number 902), or better described in our 98 square meter residential superlative, I immediately notice the welcome gifts, consisting of the hotel’s own honey, fruit, patisserie and a handmade Mandarin Oriental fan, as well as two welcome cards: one handwritten by the guest services team and one printed by the general manager. All of this demonstrates a personal appreciation of the guest.
Our Panorama Suite shines in a beige color with a few light blue accessories and – thanks to its ‘wrap-around terrace’ – offers an almost 360-degree panoramic view over the rooftops of the city to the shimmering Arabian Gulf.
In the entrance area, a free coffee machine with more than enough coffee capsules and a tea maker complete the room offer. These, including a fully stocked non-alcoholic minibar, are hidden away in a cupboard. There is also a toilet with an elegant washbasin in this area.
Then straight ahead is the very inviting living area with a cosy sofa set and a designer work table.
However, the focus is on the large and the separate bedroom. A very comfortable bed with high-quality bed linen and a swan made from sheets by housekeeping immediately welcomes the guest. There is a bedside table on either side of the bed, which is large enough and has all the necessary light switches and sockets. In the evening, a bottle of water and glass are provided. A chilled armchair unfolds in front of the bed in the left-hand corner. Opposite is the second large flat-screen TV, which stands on a chest of drawers with other amenities.
The elegant bathroom with thoughtful echoes of Qatari heritage is simply beautiful. It impresses with its spaciousness and design. The use of white Italian marble gives this bathing temple a stylish character. While I am testing out the oversized bathtub, my husband is jumping into the extremely spacious walk-in shower. It has a rain shower head and a regular shower head as well as a bench. Finally, worth mentioning are also the additional separate toilet with bidet in a separate room, the two fluffy bathrobes and the high-quality care products. Between the bathroom and the bedroom, the dressing room with dressing table offers plenty of space for clothes.
Guests experience the superlative of living in the Royal Suite. This boasts a private lift, its own private courtyard and an open-air plunge pool. Unfortunately, this suite was occupied during our stay.
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha- The relaxation
Far away from the hustle and bustle, a superlative oasis of calm awaits guests on the luxurious and spacious rooftop terrace. The pool with private cabanas offers an unrivalled view of the city by day and by night. There is a plunge pool for kids, too.
Ultimately, the spa presents an innovative and decelerating concept by combining the classic Zen concept with Arabic-inspired treatment approaches.
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha – The gastronomy
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers 10 restaurants from all over the world to classic dishes of the local cuisine. Some of them overlook the inner courtyard or are located directly in the breathtaking inner courtyard, the so-called Barahat. This courtyard impresses with its special canopy covering almost 36 hectares. The perfectly thought-out shading construction for the gigantic roof consists of 30 axes of foldable and individually controllable membrane strips, which – like an accordion – can be extended and retracted as required.
The French-Mediterranean IZU enchants us with culinary delights on our first evening in the aforementioned courtyard. In addition to the invitingly presented delicacies, I am really impressed by the well-trained service.
The Cantonese restaurant with the promising name Liang is also located in the inner courtyard. Here, the finest Cantonese cuisine is celebrated at the highest level.
On the 8th floor you will find Mosaic, which not only offers a varied breakfast menu but also live cooking stations that send the world-travelled palate on another aromatic journey around the world. The Aqua rooftop bar can also be reached from here. It spoils guests with fruity cocktails and light snacks. In the richly stocked Ambar Bar with its stylish ambience, you can round off the day with a masterfully created cocktail or get in the mood for dinner with a lively aperitif.
The Mandarin Lounge and the Baraha Lounge are “the place to be,” depending on the time of day and season.
My sweet dreams come true in the Mandarin Cake Shop, the Gelato and the Chocolate Café Qaqaw. You must pay a visit to these three “legends”.
Of course, there is also 24-hour room service.
The Mandarin Oriental Doha – The event possibilities
The excellently equipped function rooms provide the perfect backdrop for events and celebrations. With up to 400 seats, the Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers space for events of all kinds with different requirements. There are no limits to imagination and creativity.
The Mandarin Oriental, Doha – My conclusion
I was undoubtedly delighted with my Mandarin Oriental, Doha experience. The hotel impresses with its high-end luxury flair. If you want to enjoy a truly unique stay in Msheireb Downtown, you have to book the Mandarin Oriental, Doha. The luxury hotel is an enrichment for Doha.
Mandarin Oriental, Doha
Mandarin Oriental, Doha – Sightseeing
