Hotel Review: Shangri-La, Doha.

 

It took us forever to get through immigration at Doha airport. Qatar is a fairly conservative country, so I made sure I covered up every inch of skin in a loose high-necked maxi dress and cardigan, but even so I still stood out like a sore thumb with my blonde hair and pale skin. Everyone else in the entire immigration queue was either Arabic, Indian, or a white businessman. I was the only woman with my hair on show, and the only blonde person in the entire immigration hall. It was a strange feeling, but after answering a load of questions from the immigration officials, we were finally let in and we were on our way to the stunning Shangri-La Hotel!
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel

Photos 1, 6, 7 are courtesy of Shangri-La

Our driver was waiting for us, and when we were settled in the luxury Mercedes he pointed out the water, dates, and free wifi. Erm…free wifi IN the car?! Hello! Amazing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, every time I step into Shangri-La territory I feel so looked after. They just know exactly what people want and need from a trip. We caught up on social media and emails, and munched on the dates and sweets while we whizzed past desert and skyscrapers, and finally we arrived in the middle of the fairly quiet city.

As soon as we entered the hotel, that familiar Shangri-La smell hit my nose, and I felt so at peace and at home. We walked through the large and glamorous lobby to the check-in desk, while our bags were whisked away. They took my Jade Golden Circle details down so that I would get points for any extra food or excursions we purchased, and then we were shown up to our room.
The rooms at the Shangri-La Doha are well-appointed, with everything you could need, and a large mini-bar selection. Also the rooms themselves are huuuuuge – we had a Deluxe room and there was lots of space!
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
The bathroom was a typical Shangri-La styled bathroom with marble everywhere, a separate bath, shower, and toilet, and a large amenity kit with everything from toothbrushes to razors to cotton tips and shower caps. One of the other reasons why I love Shangri-La’s is that they provide L’Occitane products – my hair loves them!
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel

 

The view over Doha from our room was pretty stunning, I love how futuristic all of the buildings are. I literally felt as though I was living in a Sci-fi movie or something.
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
And how cute is this welcome cake they made for me?! It tasted so delicious that we couldn’t face a full meal, so we went upstairs to the Horizon Club to try out their canapes.
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Their canapes in the Horizon Club were basically a full on buffet – it was amazing, and everything was so delicious! We sat by the window and had the most incredible view over the City, sadly the glass was super reflective though so I couldn’t get a photo without our reflections staring back at us.

Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
The Shangri-La has a beautiful outside swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a selection of seven varied and fantastic restaurants, and of course the famous Shangri-La Chi Spa. Nigel and I both had massages at Chi, and it was honestly one of the best spa experiences I’ve had. There was a bit of a mixup with the appointments (our fault, we got the times wrong), but the staff were so accomodating and the massage I had was blissfully relaxing. The spa is a serene sanctuary of feng shui calm, and I left feeling like I was walking on clouds.

Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel

 

We ate breakfast one morning in the Horizon Club lounge, which meant we had the option of a la carte dishes, and then on our last morning we had breakfast in the main restaurant, Sridan, which is the hotel’s Arabic restaurant. The breakfast buffet was a pretty great spread, and I struggled to choose! Although I’m a lover of a good buffet, I adored having the a la carte menu in Horizon Club alongside the buffet, so I think that was probably my favourite place for breaky!

Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel
Shangri La Doha Qatar Five Star Luxury Hotel

I was super sad to leave the Shangri-La in Doha, and really wish I could have stayed longer and really made the most of the hotel’s facilities. The staff were truly incredible, the hotel itself is pure luxury and so so gorgeous, and it was so lovely being back in a Shangri-La. They’re honestly one of my favourite hotel brands!

PIN FOR LATER:
 
*Pin For Later* A review of the five star Shangri-La Hotel in Doha, Qatar. A stunning luxury hotel right in the heart of the city of Doha, the Shangri-La is the perfect base to explore.
 

 

 
*Our stay was complimentary, however all Shangri-La love is my own, and I genuinely am a loyal customer of theirs.
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Catherine Lux
Catherine Lux

Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of SEO at Havas Media Group by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

2 Comments

  1. Wandermust mummy
    November 9, 2016 / 5:18 pm

    I've not been yet but looks lovely. Great views of west bay from the pool

  2. Leanne
    November 13, 2016 / 11:24 am

    I always get so nervous answering questions at immigration when travelling alone like I'm going to give them a wrong answer lol x

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