Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha
Occupying its own purpose-built island, the palatial Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha offers the best of both worlds: a luxe hideaway within striking distance of the capital.
Located on made-made The Pearl-Qatar, the resort sits in the heart of Doha’s thriving new residential, dining and shopping precinct, but there is little reason to leave your luxurious perch.
From your arrival up the sweeping driveway (be sure to check out the giant bronze horse statue) to the generously sized rooms and suites and the resort’s private beach, it’s easy to see why the Doha hotel is popular with local and international visitors alike.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s restaurants are considered among some of the best in the city — encompassing Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and South American cuisine — making this a destination for foodies as well.
- The nearly 500-foot-long private beach is unusual
for the city and a real draw for sunseekers and watersport enthusiasts.
- If you live for nightlife, the
hotel’s Illusion nightclub is a must-visit. With soaring ceilings and a 1920s
vibe (including a rotating roster of entertainment), this chic spot has a
see-and-be-seen scene and legendary cocktails.
- The plush, elegant rooms are modeled on an
elaborate Qatari palace, though muted desert tones and understated décor keep
the spaces feeling serene.
- Located within the hotel grounds, but a short
walk (or buggy ride) away, sit two excellent restaurants, Japanese outlet
Nozomi and Latin steakhouse Toro Toro. They are worth visiting even if you are
not staying at the resort.
- The onsite Spa by Clarins sets the bar high in a
city with some excellent competitors with its 23 treatment rooms (including a
private hammam and spa suites the size of most hotel rooms) spread over 32,291
square feet.
- There are two Kempinski hotels in Doha, so be
sure your driver or taxi takes you to the one at The Pearl-Qatar.
- There is not much within walking distance from
the property and little in the way of public transport, so some planning is
required.
- This luxury hotel is popular with local families
on weekends and public holidays (the two Eid holidays specifically), so book
ahead and expect facilities to be busy.
- While the property serves alcohol at its
restaurants, bars and by the pool, The Pearl-Qatar (where the hotel is located)
is dry, so don’t expect to enjoy a glass of vino with dinner at the complex’s
restaurants.
- All rooms have a private balcony or terrace, which
are both fabulous for lounging, especially in Doha’s temperate fall and winter
months.
- You’ll have the option of booking either a view of
The Pearl or Arabian Gulf.
- Rooms start at an incredibly spacious 807 square feet
and have at least a small couch and seating area.
- Situated in the corners of the Doha hotel,
Panoramic Suites are among the most sought after with floor-to-ceiling windows
overlooking the gulf and 2,476 square feet of space.
- All guests have access to Kempinski’s butlers, who
can organize everything from unpacking and repacking your luggage to helping you
secure a beachfront lounger.
- The jewel in the hotel’s culinary crown is the
well-regarded Spanish restaurant El Faro. With funky interiors and menu of
Iberian favorites, this is a stylish standout — order any of the authentic
paellas and make sure to check out the murals in the bathrooms.
- For a taste of Arabian cuisine, Al Sufra’s menu serves
dishes from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Be sure to try the chicken makloubeh, whichfeatures roasted
vegetables, chicken and spiced rice.
- From late October to May, The Secret Garden on the hotel’s rooftop is unveiled. With panoramic views and a laid-back atmosphere, this cozy bar is where to go to watch the sun set.
- Just outside the main hotel is cult
favorite Toro Toro, a South American steakhouse from celebrity chef Richard
Sandoval. The eight-hour-cooked beef cheeks are a luscious and decadent dish.
Babysitting services
Bar
Beach
Gym
Meeting rooms
Nightclub
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
