Occupying one arm of the dramatic, twin swords-looking Katara Towers in Lusail (a new city just outside of Doha), the Raffles takes Qatar’s love of luxurious hotels to another level. The property’s crescent-shaped exterior design is based on the crossed curved blades of the Qatari national coat of arms and was deemed a landmark before the hotel opened.
Blending the immersive Raffles experience with renowned Qatari hospitality, the all-suite hotel welcomes guests in its dreamy lobby. Look up to see the showstopping ceiling, which seems to disappear and reappear before your eyes — clouds and blue skies during the day and, of course, the moon and stars at night.
Every detail of your stay is carefully calibrated, including the welcoming cup of Arabic coffee on arrival, the (at-minimum) 600-thread-count sheets and the butler assigned to check you in and take care of your every whim during the day.
The hotel’s Arabic-meets-international restaurants and lounges encompass a culinary tour-de-force from the robust Northern Italian stylings of Alba by Enrico Crippa through the elegant Malaki Lounge, which has its own pianist to add to the soothing environs.
Even the Raffles spa is like a cocoon from the outside world, with eight treatment rooms and services such as the Green and Gold Caviar Facial and a wellness café.
- The structure’s other “sword” houses sister hotel Fairmont Doha and guests can easily walk between the two to sample other restaurants and experiences.
- Alba by Enrico Crippa has its own dine-in wine cellar and one of the largest and most unique selections of wine of any hotel in the capital city.
- The Royal Suite has its own elevator and comes with a private spa, hair salon, gym and home theater. If that’s not enough, there’s also a game room with a billiards table and a traditional majlis (a communal gathering space).
- Every evening in the Blue Cigar Writer’s Lounge you can listen to the hotel’s book sommelier read from one of thousands of classic books in their collection and hear the history behind the work’s title.
- The spa offers the usual luxurious massages and facials as well as pedicure and treatments from international recognized chiropodist Bastien Gonzalez.
- Raffles Doha sits in a purpose-built new city just outside of Doha. While the area is coming alive, there are not many major sights or restaurants in walking distance.
- Hamad International Airport is roughly 17 miles to the south. Plan for an early or late flight because Doha’s traffic can be mercurial.
- All suites have stunning views, but some also provide a vista across to the “other twin” tower in the complex.
- There is no nearby beach, but the hotel boasts a luxurious 55-meter pool with private cabanas.
- The Marcel Wanders-designed interiors have touches of whimsy interlaced with neutral linens and furnishings, all accented by intricate gold Qatari-inspired geometric feature walls. Some suites have domed and vaulted ceilings, replicating Qatari and Arabian design elements.
- The smallest of the 132 Raffles suites, the Gulf Suite, clocks in at a generous 753 square feet with a separate living and dining area. The largest is the two-bedroom Royal Suite, which covers nearly 10,000 square feet and has its own pool.
- The 4,337-square-foot Parisian Suite spans the entire 30th floor and is equipped with its own wine cellar, a four-poster bed and a feature bar area.
- Guests are taken care of by the personalized Raffles Butler Service. The “Butler Rituals” include packing and unpacking, drawing an end-of-day bath, writing special welcome notes or helping to plan your daily activities.
- Each suite houses a treat-filled treasure chest. Behind two dazzling gold doors is a walk-in mirrored bar with a sink, a bean-to-cup coffee machine, a sleep kit as well as a fridge stocked with all the goodies you need for a great stay.
- Alba by Enrico Crippa is the jewel in the hotel’s culinary crown. Bringing to Doha the chef’s acclaimed northern Italian cuisine, the light-filled restaurant’s menu includes classics like vitello tonnato and an original take on cacio e pepe.
- Blue Cigar Writer’s Lounge is a library-themed cigar lounge housing nearly 7,000 rare books. Guests can read first edition of Moby Dick while enjoying one of the bar’s stellar cocktails. Be sure to check out the secret Mystery Writer’s room filled with classics from legendary sleuths such as Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes.
- All-day dining spot L’Artisan appears to take its design cues from an ice cave. That aside, its famed table service breakfast is the best way to start the day. The truffle eggs Benedict and sujuk (sausage) tacos are among the must-try dishes.
- Malaki is home to one of the lushest afternoon tea options in Doha, with the tea stand designed to emulate the hotel’s visage. For something less elaborate at the lobby lounge, cool off with a zero-alcohol cocktail.
- With uninterrupted 360-degree views of Doha’s skyline, the Arabian Sea and the emerging metropolis of Lusail, the 36th-floor Acoustic Music Penthouse is a natural spot for sundowners. Come for the views and stay for musically named pours (see: the No Vodka, No Cry mocktail) and Silk Road-inspired bites.
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
