A TRADITIONALLY INSPIRED STAY IN QATAR

A traditionally inspired stay in Qatar.

If you are an England Football fan, you might have heard of the Souq Al Wakra Hotel. The five-star property was the choice for the temporary base of the English World Cup team and families during their stay in November and December 2022.

Set in Al Wakra, an up-and-coming seaside district near central Doha, the hotel is integrated into the local souq sitting directly on the beach blending Qatari tradition and top-end contemporary leisure. 

The hotel is in complete contrast to the hi-rise towers of the downtown area. Rather than flashy facades and an opulent foyer the Souq Al Wakra Hotel is homely, traditional calming and quiet. On an evening you can hear the faint chatter of nearby diners enjoying the cafe culture outdoors, followed by walks along the promenade. 

During the day, it’s quiet and still, and as the sun beats down the water of the Gulf is enticing. Our only neighbours near the beach were two camels.

The property is made of former heritage houses where the original character has been preserved. The rooms and suites feature classic thatched roofs (helping keep rooms cool) as well as sea and sand motifs, inspired by Al Wakra’s history as a pearling and fishing village.

The rooms and suites are set out in small ‘family’ enclaves with each having its own unique central communal space. Some of the larger spaces have water features and fountains with plush seating, ours had a traditional tent to help keep cool.

The sea, sand and nature influence continues into the large rooms as the warm hues and textures are replicated. Our junior suite had a bedroom with a kingsized bed and coffee machine; a living room area with a sofa, TV and a fridge; and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower.

The food choice is plentiful and is served either inside either at Jarnen (Mediterranean cuisine and classic international) or overlooking the Gulf in Markham (Arabic cuisine). You can also choose the courtyard (pictured below) or dine on the roof looking down at the souq. Grilled meats, fresh seafood and dips make up a delicious Arabic Levantine mezze and is a great way to share and try different things from the restaurant Emshoot.

The resort includes an updated spa area and a newly installed pool which was added for the visiting England squad and is a welcome addition given the daytime heat in Qatar.

Staying here gives the feeling that you are tucked away in an oasis. As it’s away from the main central area (about a 20-minute drive to the museums and Corniche and 30 minutes to downtown), if you are looking for a chilled-out stay and a more traditional take on an Arabic break then this is a great choice.

We’d suggest mixing it up so that you get the best of all experiences in Doha with a stay at the tranquil Souq Al Wakra Hotel, followed by a night or two downtown in the hustle and bustle of the main Souq Waqif at the sister hotel Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.

For ideas on what to do in Qatar see our guide to arts and culture here.

Qatar Airways flies seven times a day from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports direct to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, and onwards to more than 140 destinations globally. For further information and to book a flight, visit www.qatarairways.com. 

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli – doubles from £76 per night.