Overview of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, set in the heart of Qatar’s bustling capital, offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and a convenient location. Known for its sophisticated ambiance and top-notch services, the hotel provides an oasis of tranquility in the lively city. The hotel’s design, combining modern aesthetics with local cultural elements, creates an inviting atmosphere for both leisure and business travelers.

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

The entrance of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. | By Charlie Lewis

How I Booked The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Our booking at The Westin Doha was an exceptional deal at about $100 per night for a guest room with one king bed and a city view. This stay was part of a two-night layover in Doha, a strategic stop to explore the city’s vibrant culture and attractions on our way between Europe and Asia. The hotel cost around 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during our stay, so it didn’t make sense for us to use points.

That means that this hotel is usually available for booking with Marriott’s 35,000 point certificates offered by various co-branded credit cards. During the off-season, like when we stayed, cash rates can be reasonable, so it always makes sense to compare before you book. Marriott points and certificates can be earned with the following credit cards:

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Location

Located in the heart of Doha, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa offers a central base for exploring the city. However, due to Doha’s hot climate, walking to nearby attractions isn’t really feasible. While the hotel is in a decent location, guests should be prepared to use transportation for most outings. Uber proved to be an efficient and convenient way to travel to and from the hotel. There is also a metro stop within a 10-minute walk of the hotel for those who prefer to use public transportation.

Best Parts of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Best Parts of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

I’m not usually a fan of hotels with an indoor atrium like the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa has, but I love the art/chandelier that hangs in this space. | By Charlie Lewis

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa offered us some clear highlights:

  • Room Upgrade: The upgrade to a two-bedroom suite, even though we didn’t need a separate room, was a great surprise. The suite was a highlight of our stay, offering expansive space, elegant decor, and all the comforts of a high-end home. The bedrooms were sumptuously appointed, ensuring restful sleep (which helped me recover from a cold), while the living areas provided ample space for relaxation and getting some work done.
  • Impeccable Service: From the moment we arrived, the staff at The Westin Doha was attentive and welcoming. The seamless check-in process and the unexpected room upgrade reflected the hotel’s focus on providing a personalized guest experience.
  • Tranquil Atmosphere: Despite its central location, the hotel maintained a peaceful ambiance, offering a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
  • Strong Air Conditioning: Doha is hot, so good air conditioning is a must. This hotel has that covered.
  • Art in the Lobby: The large glass artwork that hangs like a chandelier in the lobby/atrium is immensely interesting.

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Drawbacks

Despite being an overall great option, there are a few drawbacks to staying here:

  • Location and Walkability: The hotel’s location, while central, is not conducive to walking, particularly in the hot climate of Doha. Guests should plan for transportation to explore the city.
  • Missed Amenities Due to Illness: Unfortunately, due to a bad cold, I couldn’t experience the complimentary breakfast and lounge access (though my boyfriend enjoyed both), which are benefits of Platinum elite status. These amenities are usually highlights of a stay at The Westin Doha.
  • Atrium Lobby: I don’t love hotels with a large atrium/lobby because of how sound can carry through to all of the rooms. I didn’t specifically notice a lot of noise in this case, but it’s something to be aware of.

Getting to The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

We used Uber for our transportation needs since it was a convenient and efficient choice for navigating Doha. The hotel’s location made it easy to travel to various points of interest in the city. The hotel is located approximately a 20-minute drive from Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH).

Check-In

Westin Doha Hotel & Spa’s lobby

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa’s lobby is so bright and offers comfortable seating if your room isn’t ready when you arrive. | By Charlie Lewis

The check-in process was smooth and welcoming. My boyfriend’s Platinum elite status was acknowledged, leading to an exceptional room upgrade to a two-bedroom suite including complimentary breakfast and lounge access. The staff ensured a quick and efficient check-in experience, which was greatly appreciated because I was feeling under the weather.

The Room at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Our stay in the two-bedroom suite at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa was an experience in unparalleled luxury and comfort. The suite, a generous fusion of style and space, offered an array of features that made our stay exceptional.

Upon entering the suite, we were met with a vast, elegant living area. The design was modern yet warm, with tasteful decor that included art pieces reflecting Qatari culture. The floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, offering breathtaking views of the Doha skyline.

The Room at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

One of the bedrooms in our two-bedroom suite at the Westin Doha. | By Charlie Lewis

There was one bedroom to the left and one bedroom to the right of the living room. Each bedroom in the suite was a sanctuary of comfort. The beds were adorned with plush, top-quality bedding, ensuring a restful sleep. One bedroom had a king-size bed while the second bedroom, equally luxurious, had two twins.

The Room at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa_2

The bathtub in one of the bathrooms. | By Charlie Lewis

Both bedrooms boasted en-suite bathrooms, providing privacy and convenience. The bathrooms in the suite were a highlight. Both bathrooms featured a deep soaking bathtub, perfect for a relaxing bath after a long day, and a separate rain shower, offering a spa-like experience with luxurious bath amenities provided by the hotel.

The Room at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa_3

The living room in our suite at The Westin Resort & Spa gave us plenty of space to spread out and relax. | By Charlie Lewis

The living area was equipped with comfortable and stylish furniture, including a cozy sofa and armchair. This area served as the heart of the suite, in the center between the two bedrooms. For those needing to stay connected, the suite included a well-appointed workspace. The desk was spacious, paired with an ergonomic chair, and the high-speed internet connectivity ensured seamless productivity.

The suite was equipped with the latest technology for entertainment and convenience. Multiple flat-screen TVs in the living and bedrooms meant that entertainment was always at hand. The intuitive room control system allowed us to easily adjust lighting, temperature, and window shades to our preference.

Food and Drink

Food and Drink

I couldn’t properly enjoy the food because I was sick, but it’s always great to have access to a club lounge with breakfast and evening snacks. | By Charlie Lewis

The Westin Doha is known for its excellent culinary offerings. The complimentary breakfast and lounge access are typically highlights for guests with Platinum elite status, boasting a wide range of high-quality food and beverage options. Although my illness prevented me from enjoying the hotel’s dining options, my boyfriend was able to enjoy these aspects of the hotel.

For those who plan to dine at the hotel beyond the complimentary breakfast and lounge access included with elite status, the hotel offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from gourmet international cuisine to local Qatari dishes. Notable dining venues include Seasonal Tastes for all-day dining, Sabai Thai for authentic Thai cuisine, and Hunters Room & Grill for premium steaks.

Amenities

The hotel offered some nice amenities. I wish I had been feeling better so I had been able to experience some of them!

Amenities

The Westin Doha boasts a stunning outdoor pool area. Surrounded by lush greenery and comfortable loungers, the pool area is an ideal spot for relaxation, swimming, or simply enjoying the hot Doha sun. There’s also a poolside bar offering refreshing drinks and light snacks.

The hotel also offers a full-service spa and fitness studio. The hotel’s signature spa, Heavenly Spa by Westin, offers a comprehensive menu of treatments inspired by both modern techniques and traditional practices. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments, all performed in a serene and luxurious setting. The spa also features steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights.

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa – Family Friendliness

The hotel is well-equipped to welcome families, offering amenities and services that cater to guests of all ages. For families staying at the hotel, there are amenities designed specifically for children. These include a kids’ club with various activities and games, children’s menus in the restaurants, and babysitting services upon request.

Final Thoughts on The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a mix of luxury, comfort, and convenience in Doha. The exceptional room upgrade was a real treat and the hotel’s serene ambiance, coupled with its central location, made our brief stay memorable, despite my being sick. Even though I missed out on some of the amenities due to illness, The Westin Doha left a lasting impression as a top-notch destination for both short and extended stays and I will definitely stay here if I pass through Doha again so I can fully experience the property.