National Geographic Traveller

IMAGE: GETTY

There’s no doubt about it — the Qatari capital does a good line in flashy, luxury

hotels. But, from an unlikely youth hostel to a hoarder’s paradise, there are

plenty of surprises. Words: Jamie Lafferty

DOHA

Sleep

It’s just six years to go until Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup. While many

roads, stadiums and other bits of infrastructure are under construction, its

hotels are one step ahead — and there are more to come. Up to $6bn (£4.6bn) is

set to be invested in a number of properties before the football comes to town.

This means the Ritz-Carlton, Kempinskis and Anantaras will be joined by a Park

Hyatt, a Planet Hollywood and a Wyndham, among others.

There are more affordable options but it’d be a stretch to call Qatar a budget-

friendly destination. That’s not to say it can’t be fun, though be warned: alcohol

can only be consumed in a clutch of hotels with bars and clubs. And there is

fine-dining galore with Michelin-star chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and

Vineet Bhatia among the international names with outlets there.

From private islands to youth hostels, if you look hard enough,

you can find every variety of bed in Doha.

F

66 natgeotraveller.co.uk