Review: Westin Doha | Prince of Travel

On the tail finish of my Center East journey, the FIFA World Cup 2022 introduced us again to Doha for one night time to observe Canada play in opposition to Morocco.

We wound up spending the night time on the Westin Doha throughout our go to, which occurs to be a comparatively new property and the primary Westin location in Qatar.

Though my accomplice Jessy’s flight departed at 2am after the sport, I actually had a later departure time of 10am the next day. I had briefly thought-about merely spending the night time on the Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Doha Worldwide Airport; nevertheless, I finally determined that staying on the Westin could be extra snug and a great alternative for me to overview the property.

Westin Doha – Reserving

Much like my keep on the Agora Doha, award availability had opened up within the days main as much as the keep, because the lodge had blocked off seats throughout the World Cup festivities. I booked a one-night keep right here on a last-minute foundation utilizing simply 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors.

For probably the most half, money charges all year long fall between 450–800 QAR ($170–300 CAD). Nevertheless, during times of excessive demand, charges can skyrocket to 1,000–4,000 QAR ($370–1,500 CAD) per night time.

With regards to reserving on factors, the speed falls persistently between 16,000–21,000 Bonvoy factors, which is certainly fairly a beautiful fee in comparison with the money value.

Primarily based on our valuation of Marriott Bonvoy factors at 0.9 cents per level (cpp), it may well undoubtedly be worthwhile to e-book on factors right here on the Westin Doha, precisely as I had achieved. 

Westin Doha – Location

The Westin Doha is nestled within the coronary heart of the Fereej Bin Mahmoud district on the energetic Salwa Street, instantly throughout from the Radisson Blu Resort Doha.

I wouldn’t say that the lodge has one of the best location in Doha, because it’s a bit of removed from town’s greatest points of interest. The Museum of Islamic Artwork, Souq Waqif market, and the Doha Corniche are all roughly a 10- to 15-minute drive away.

Certainly, the speedy space is primarily geared in the direction of autos, and will be fairly busy when strolling.

The lodge is a component of a bigger complicated made up of the Salwa Street Mall and industrial towers. The Al Fardan Middle is accessible by foot, only a few minutes north of the lodge, whereas the Fereej Bin Mahmoud Mosque is a five-minute stroll north of the lodge.

In the event you’re flying into Doha, the Westin Doha is a brief 15-minute drive southwest of Doha Worldwide Airport by automotive, taxi, or rideshare.

Westin Doha – Examine-in

Upon arriving on the Westin Doha, we have been greeted by a pleasant affiliate who instantly approached us to supply help with our baggage.

I famous the lodge’s fashionable façade that includes a mix of limestone and glass. Furthermore, the arrival entrance was highlighted by lush greenery and a tranquil water function.

As we stepped inside, we have been greeted by an atrium-like lobby with excessive ceilings and loads of pure gentle pouring inside.

The foyer had a assorted mixture of seating choices. An array of armchairs and couches positioned alongside the left-hand home windows whereas vibrant blue chairs adorning the right-hand aspect, and particular person and paired seats dotted all through the realm.

Hanging from the centre of the foyer is a putting customized artwork set up, which serves as the point of interest of the whole room. Moreover, a glass desk within the centre performed host to a group of lovely floral preparations.

Making my method by the foyer, I used to be directed to the check-in desks positioned on the far left-hand aspect of the foyer. An affiliate confirmed my reserving for a base-level room and outlined my breakfast entitlements as a Titanium Elite member.

No suite upgrades have been obtainable for this keep; nevertheless, as this was a last-minute keep throughout a peak interval, I wasn’t feeling too fussed. I gladly took our keys and headed as much as the room.

The elevator foyer displayed an awe-inspiring chandelier and temper lighting. Stepping inside, the elevator climbs by the lodge, affording crystal-clear views of the atrium.

Westin Doha – King Room with Metropolis View

Upon coming into our King Room with Metropolis View, a small lobby greets you earlier than revealing a generously sized room bathed in ample pure gentle and heat tones.

Thecomfortable king mattress is positioned on the right-hand aspect of the room, adjoined by a luxurious bench at its foot.

Reverse the king mattress is a desk and shelf combo, full with two chairs. Close to the desk, a flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall to your optimum viewing pleasure. 

Adjoining is an armoire outfitted with a minibar and a Nespresso espresso maker.

The lavatory is seamlessly built-in into the bed room by an open window that enhances the general circulation and dimension of the room. Positioned instantly on the opposite aspect of the window is a freestanding bathtub.

The lavatory encompasses a twin self-importance with elegant vessel sinks and a putting darkish marble countertop and a spacious walk-in bathe.

Housed behind glass doorways, each a daily rest room and a bidet rest room are partitioned off from the remainder of the lavatory.

The room missed among the resort’s outside areas, in addition to the freeway and a mixture of residential and retail areas within the distance.

For a base-level room, I assumed the King Room with Metropolis View was a well-appointed and fashionable house that got here with a great quantity of house in each the bed room and toilet, together with some good views of town.

Westin Doha – Breakfast

Breakfast is hosted on the lodge’s flagship restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, from 6:30–10am on the bottom stage of the lodge.

Though I had an impending flight on Qatar Airways Qsuites shortly after, I made a decision to cease by to take a look at what was on provide.

The buffet had the standard choice of sizzling gadgets, together with eggs, bacon, sausage, fried tomatoes, pancakes, waffles, and porridge. There have been additionally stations with chilly gadgets, reminiscent of cured meats cuts, cheeses, cereals, granola, and yogurt.

Other than the Western classics, there was a powerful variety of native Arabian specialties and worldwide dishes, starting from noodles and dumplings to tacos and shakshouka.

Seafood choices have been additionally obtainable, together with smoked mackerel and salmon.

The salad bar was amply stocked with recent greens, and there was a complete choice of fruits together with dates, an area delicacy.

For these with a candy tooth, the pastry and dessert choice was equally spectacular, with varied muffins, pastries, and sweets obtainable.

To prime all of it off, there was even an ice cream station with assorted toppings.

The breakfast at Seasonal Tastes was a strong begin to the day, with a powerful assortment of cold and warm dishes on provide. Furthermore, the restaurant’s setting was additionally fairly nice, with ample seating and pure gentle.

I solely helped myself to a small plate, figuring out that I had a long-haul flight with ample scrumptious meals onboard coming. Nevertheless, if I have been staying for longer, I definitely would’ve appreciated having such a hefty breakfast buffet obtainable every morning. 

Westin Doha – Eating

With regards to eating, the lodge provides fairly a variety of choices that caters to a various vary of tastes, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a fast chunk or a extra fulsome meal.

Sabai Thai is an possibility for individuals who admire genuine Thai delicacies and is open for lunch, dinner, and blissful hour. 

Hunters Room & Grill provides a recent steakhouse expertise. The restaurant is open from 6–10pm and with largely steak dishes but in addition provides some vegetarian options.

The Combine Bar, Lounge, & Terrace is a well-liked nightlife venue in Doha on account of its energetic environment, reside DJ, and vast drink choice.

Luxe Lounge is the lodge’s govt lounge and low home, positioned on the primary ground. It options espresso, snacks, and pastries all through the day.

Moreover, there’s a vibrant terrace with greenery accessible from the lounge.

Lastly, the Wave Pool Cafe is the lodge’s poolside eatery. The menu consists of refreshing fruity blended drinks and lightweight bites together with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads to take pleasure in by the pool.

Westin Doha – Different Services

On the time of our keep, Staff Brazil was staying right here, and had reserved lots of the amenities for his or her unique use, reminiscent of the principle health centre and the wave pool.

Because of this, solely a tiny makeshift gymnasium was obtainable for lodge visitors, which was disappointing. This was mainly a gathering room transformed right into a small gymnasium with a token quantity of health tools inside. 

The common health centre at Westin Doha ought to be noticeably bigger with a wider vary of kit, and is prone to be way more conducive to an efficient exercise than what was obtainable throughout World Cup season.

The primary pool was fairly good to take a dip in. Jessy and I got here to loosen up for just a few hours previous to heading out to the match.

The pool deck is dotted with palm timber and solar loungers, and there’s a small children’ wading pool as effectively.

Whereas we didn’t have the chance to expertise it firsthand, the Heavenly Spa at Westin Doha seems to be a significant attraction of the lodge. Along with providing the standard vary of massages and facials, the spa options 4 swimming swimming pools of its personal, which is sort of spectacular.

Conclusion

The Westin Doha makes for a cushty, if considerably unremarkable dwelling base within the capital of Qatar. Our King Room with Metropolis View was tastefully appointed and generously sized, with a great quantity of room for working and stress-free.

I used to be most impressed with the lodge’s breakfast choices, which have been complete and elaborate. The lodge’s eating and pool amenities additionally depend amongst its strengths, although some elements of our expertise was restricted by our keep throughout the FIFA World Cup peak season.

Total, the Westin Doha provides nice worth for each money and factors, so long as you don’t thoughts staying someplace that’s a bit of out of the way in which from Doha’s metropolis centre.