Beat the Heat – Hotel Series
PART 1:
STAYCATION according to google is an early 21st century word which is a combination of “stay” and “vacation”. A closely related concept and term is nearcation, which is taking a vacation to a location relatively close to home (source: Wiki).
And true enough, this word has become more popular for busy professionals wanting to have a retreat from the busy-ness of work to some place within a few driving distance from home.
In Doha, we can find this much needed solitude in several hotels which offer amenities such as free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, swimming pool, spa and wellness centre (optional), fitness center (optional), and restaurants.
Here are some of the hotels around town offering these conveniences for only QR500 and below. The accommodations include breakfast for two and based on the rates published online (not corporate rates). Our TOP 5 based on the above parameters are as follows (arranged according to price):
- Ezdan Hotel
- Location: Westbay Area (back of the ongoing QP District)
- Highlights: Olympic-size swimming pool, restaurants and cafes, westbay location/sea view
- Hotels Chains: Ezdan Hotels by Ezdan Holding Group
- Weekend rate/overnight: QR 360/room
- Website: http://www.ezdanhotels.qa/
- Doha Downtown Hotel
- Location: Al Sadd (front of Al Safa Clinic)
- Highlights: Restaurants and cafes, spa and indoor pool
- Hotel Chains:
- Weekend rate/overnight: QR 390/room
- Website: http://www.dohadowntown.com/
- Copthorne Hotel Doha
- Location: along Airport Road (near Crazy signal)
- Highlights: Meeting/banquet facilities
- Hotel Chains: Millenium Hotels
- Weekend rate/overnight: QR 390/room
- Website: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/doha/copthorne-hotel-doha
- Centro Capital Doha
- Location: along Al Jazeera Street (Bin Mahmoud area)
- Highlights: Friday brunch, bar
- Hotel Chains: Rotana Hotels
- Weekend rate/overnight: QR 396/room
- Website: https://www.rotana.com/centrohotels/qatar/doha/centrocapitaldoha
- Amari Doha Hotel
- Location: Musheireb (front of ongoing Metro construction in Musheireb Downtown)
- Highlights: Outdoor Rooftop Pool, Spa
- Hotel Chains: Amari Hotels and Resorts
- Weekend Price/overnight: QR 450/room
- Website: http://www.amari.com/doha/
CREDITS: Cover photo (Centro Capital Doha lobby) is from booking.com
Other hotels that are within this budget are as follows (those with swimming pool only):
- Millennium Plaza Doha (QR500) – Barwa Towers, Al Sadd
- The Avenue, a Murwab Hotel (QR490) – Al Sadd (near Al Asmakh Mall)
- Mercure Grand Hotel (QR480) – Musheireb
- Saray Mshereb Hotel (QR420) – Musheireb
- Safir Hotel (QR421) – Al Najma Street (near B-Ring Road/Crazy signal)
- Best Western Hotel (QR481) – Al Safliya St
- Al Liwan Suites (QR420) – Umm Gwalina
- Swiss BelHotel Doha (QR400) – Jabr Bin Mohd St (beside Souq)
- Ramada Encore (QR400) – Ahmad Bin Mohammed Bin Thani Street (near Jaidah Tower)
- Royale Riviera (QR370) – Al Safliya St
- Grand Regal Hotel (QR359) – Near Qatar Islamic Museum
- Corp Executive Doha Suites (QR350) – Umm Gwalina
- Letoile Hotel (QR350) – Old Airport Road (back of Qatar Airways Tower 3)
- Plaza Inn (QR347) – Al Meena St
- Golden Ocean Hotel (QR310) – Al Meena St (near Sana Signal)
Ideal for family getaways, the above rates may change without prior notice so it’s better to check it or arrange the booking online at a much earlier time. For small groups, there are also hotels who have options for 2-3 bedroom suites and rates will vary on your preferrences.
At the end of the day it’s not only the price that makes a good staycation. If going with your spouse or family, make sure to prepare your to-do lists and arrangements from check-in, to hotel tour, a dip in the pool, dinner, family activity in the room, breakfast, pool side bonding, etc. This will ensure that you will spend moments like these “creating lasting memories” for you and the people you love.
