As Doha’s summer heats up, many families would tend to go somewhere comfortable, relaxing, and cool. Some would opt to roam around the malls, go on a road trip, relax in an open park, and others prefer to have a staycation in a hotel.
Just like us, we spent an overnight stay at Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park where we had a great time together eating a lot, playing a lot, and sleeping a lot. We just literally stayed within the premises of the hotel where everything we need is within easy reach: restaurants, pool, gym and spa facilities.
CHECK-IN
Usual hotel check-in starts at 3:00pm. But since we are coming from work on a Thursday, we had a late check-in at around 5:00pm. The procedure was a breeze and with the very helpful staff at the front desk and concierge, we were led to our beautiful room in no time.
We were booked at the 3rd floor of the hotel right at the very center where we have a good view of the business park. As a business park, Crowne Plaza-Doha play host to several meetings and conferences, events and functions, as well as home to several local and international companies.
After taking the usual room tour video and settling our bags inside the room, it’s time for a hotel tour.
HOTEL TOUR
It is always great to hear a check-in counter staff outlining the hotel facilities for guest’s information. It would seem like a very simple gesture but it gives a good first impression of the hotel’s brand of service.
And just as advised, we went straight to the pool located at the rooftop of the hotel. There were already a group of swimmers at pool so it was not a good time to take photos where other people will be captured.
They have a pool side bar called LIQUIDITY BAR which opens up in the evening for those who want to chill out after a long day’s work.
We headed down to check the gym and the spa area at the 7th floor. We noticed the curvaceous layout of the hotel which very quiet as opposed to the fun-filled pool area… so it is really inviting for a much needed relaxation.
Normally, a lot of hotel guests usually skip the use of sauna and steam room but we really recommend this since it is a great facility for relaxing tired muscles if you are not getting a massage therapy… and it’s usually free. It is also advisable to use the sauna before hitting the gym.
Then we went straight to the ground floor to check-out the restaurants. The ARAMEDE RESTAURANT is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The garden atrium is an ideal setting for couples and small groups while the rest of the dining area is good for groups and families.
Attached to the main restaurant is a small open bar called SAVOR and the Lebanese-inspired ARGUELINA LOUNGE which is partly hidden making it a very private and cozy restaurant and shisha lounge.
Right at the left side of the hotel’s main entrance is MISTURADO LOUNGE which was jam-packed with football fans watching the ongoing match on live stream.
Opposite to the Misturado is the newly renovated Brazillian Restaurant called RODIZIO which is very popular for their Brazilian Churrascaria. This restaurant is also special to us as a couple since this is where i had a surprise dinner with my then girlfriend – now my wife, after my short stint in Dubai.
DINNER
After a quick hotel tour and lounging at the comfy bed, it was time to dress-up for dinner. Thursday Night is Seafood Night at Aramede Restaurant… and obviously, it is my wife’s ultimate favorite dish. Readers who are following my posts know that I’m still struggling from minor seafood allergy. But my constant exposure – a gradual intake of anything fresh, is making me a little comfortable to take-in moderate amount of seafood dishes now. That night, I was able to enjoy more seafood than I usually eat.
There were a range of international cuisines around their circular buffet area – from the fresh fish market (which you can request to grill), the sushi section, the seafood dumplings and prawn siomai, fresh seafood salad station, and an array of many other seafood dishes.
Here’s the list of their Theme Nights so you can catch up in case you want to celebrate special occasions or if you are craving for a specific type of cuisine:
Thursday – Fisherman Night
Friday – International Night
Saturday – ala carte / set menu
Sunday – International Night
Monday – Arabian Night
Tuesday – Mediterranean Night
Wednesday – Asian Night
The dinner buffet is priced at QR 145 per person including soft beverage from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. *click the links for details of the Themed Nights
LIGHTS OUT
We had an incredibly filling dinner that I had to sip a cup of hot tea upon getting back to the room. Since we were not able to swim at the pool earlier that time, Jasmine requested to have a bubble bath. She knows what she wants and we’d love to give it to here since it is not very often that she’ll have a chance to bathe in a tub.
After a little cuddle and our usual sing-a-long, it was time to sleep.
EARLY MORNING DIP
We woke up very early to make sure we will have the pool area all for ourselves. And viola! It was exclusively ours at 6:30am. Since it was already summer, the sun was also up early.
The pool is around 5ft deep and there’s also a kiddie pool and a jacuzzi. Since it’s only a roof top pool, the size is fair enough to accommodate a number of poolside loungers and tables.
BREAKFAST
Then it’s time for breakfast. Food range is good with the inclusion of the regular egg section, cereals, breads, fresh fruits and juices.
PLAY TIME
Our usual staycation always include a playtime where Jasmine will take out her favorite toys and play pretend restaurant or grocery. This way, we were able to see her creativity and even teach her proper way to converse on the phone while pretending to order food.
While weekdays are normally busy for us who have regular jobs and sleeping time is also relatively shorter, a staycation like this is a chance to get more sleep on a very comfy bed. There’s no denying that we really get a lot of sleeping time in hotels.
LUNCH
We had our late lunch at around 1:30pm since we are full from breakfast (though i went down at 12:30pm just in time for the opening of their brunch to take photos). It was full house at Aramede that day and the generous area grew even bigger extending up to the garden atrium side for the dessert, candies, and ice cream section.
Be social Friday Brunch! From 12:30PM – 4:00PM every Friday! QR 199 per person including soft beverage and QR 299 per person including house beverage.
PHOTOSHOOT
Since our request for late checkout was granted, we stayed a little bit longer and had a chance for some photo shoot before heading straight to church that day. That’s quite normal for many Filipinos to take as many photos as we can whenever we find a good spot.
Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park is located along Airport Road right in the midst of Doha’s old city center. We were guests of the hotel for their Summer Promotion but the views and opinions stated above are based on our actual experience.
SPECIAL PROMOTION:
Due to popular demand, CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK is extending their special staycation package until 30th July 2018.
Stay overnight in a Double Room for only QR499.
Your stay includes:
- Dinner for two at Aramede restaurant
- QR 120 credit on food and drinks at any of the restaurants
- Complimentary use of swimming pool, steam & sauna, and gym
Terms and Conditions:
- Stay days: Sunday to Saturday
- F&B credit and dinner can only be used during the stay period
- To avail the offer, kindly mention the code: MABUHAY
For bookings and reservations, call +974 4408 7777 or email reservations.cpdo@ihg.com
