The all-new InterContinental Doha

International Doha, located in West Bay (now the heart of Doha), is in easy reach of the International Exhibition Centre, Doha Golf Club, City Centre Doha and Katara Cultural Village.

I stayed here on a recent business trip to the Qatari capital. Although the property is undergoing a $40-million extension and renovation, other than a few hoardings, I would not have known there was work going on.

And I was at the property at various times in the day.

Arriving after 6pm, I was greeted by a friendly doorman who took my bag and guided me to check in where my late arrival was not a problem and I was escorted to my room in less than 10 minutes.

The rooms and meeting rooms at the luxury hotel have already received a complete and comprehensive renovation. The result: I find myself in one of the biggest entry-level rooms I have ever stayed in, complete with a sofa, a working desk and a very comfortable king-sized bed.

Free wi-fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and the presence of both a shower and a bath, are certainly important to me when I step into a hotel room.

Although I missed one day in the gym due to the cosy bed, I did go one of the other mornings to find that the gymnasium too had been renovated with a fresh look. The gym, with its state-of-the-art equipment, is part of InterContinenal Doha’s The Bay Club with a pool, landscaped gardens and a 500-metre sandy beach.

The property offers a wide variety of refreshed food and beverage outlets, from the Greek speciality restaurant Mykonos and international all-day-dining at Coral to exciting South American cuisine at Paloma and the seafood and fish lovers place, The Fish Market. The famous Belgian Café will soon be moved to the new extension and become bigger and better.

I chose Paloma as I do love South American and Mexican food. Sadly, I was too tired after a full day of meetings to stay and see the live band, which is rumoured to be one of the best in Qatar.

Once the extension and full renovations are complete, the property will be adding 120 luxury rooms and suites decorated in a fusion of modern and arabesque styles with personalised butler service. This extension will also house the InterContinental Spa with 16 treatment rooms. This new extension will also be the new home of the Belgium Café with an outdoor terrace, a refined Cigar Bar, and a Club InterContinental Lounge, offering views of Doha’s skyline.

Adjacent to the hotel will be a residential project consisting of 18 beach villas and 76 apartments operated by IHG. These residential areas will be able to enjoy all the five-star facilities of the neighbouring hotel.

The InterContinental Doha is already a great hotel for both business and leisure. I for one look forward to experiencing it in its full, newly refurbished glory. 

By Kim Thomson