If you are looking for the best value luxury hotel in Doha then look no further than the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, the winner of the prestigious title of “Qatar’s Leading Resort 2024” at the 31st World Travel Awards. Seriously, this is a truly affordable luxury hotel in Doha. However, you need a few tools and tricks to make this 5-star hotel become such a great deal. And we will show you how to experience this level of swankiness for a bargain.
So what makes this hotel a Doha luxury hotel deal? The InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa is situated along Doha’s longest beach and is surrounded by landscaped gardens, has 14 dining options, including the renowned La Mar by Gaston Acurio. The hotel offers various recreational facilities, a free-form swimming pool, a gorgeous beach overlooking the city and the exclusive Spa InterContinental.
Its prime location places it just minutes away from Lusail, downtown Doha, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, City Center Mall, and Doha Golf Club. Ride shares in Doha are very affordable, plus the metro is located within a 7 minute walk from the resort.
Keep in mind that we do not get any compensation from anyone for our reviews. These are our honest thoughts and impressions.
Why InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa?
The InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa is renowned for its luxurious amenities and world-class service. In addition, the staff of the executive lounge truly take the service up a notch. The attention to detail and level of service is beyond a 5-star hotel.
Here are some amenities that you may enjoy at this hotel:
Culinary Delights: 14 Restaurants and Bars
The InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa features 14 diverse restaurants and bars, each offering a unique dining experience:
- La Mar by Gaston Acurio: Famous for its exquisite Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
- Coral: An all-day dining restaurant serving international cuisine with live cooking stations.
- Paloma: A vibrant Tex-Mex restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and delicious dishes.
- Belgian Café: Offering a wide range of Belgian beers and traditional Belgian cuisine.
- Mykonos: A taste of Greece in Doha, with authentic Greek dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Fishmarket: Specializing in fresh seafood, where guests can choose their fish and have it prepared to their liking.
- Lava: A stylish bar with creative cocktails and a chic ambiance.
- Novecento: A café and bistro offering a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes.
- Tea Lounge: Perfect for a relaxed afternoon tea with a selection of pastries and teas.
- Pool Bar: Serving refreshing drinks and snacks by the poolside.
- The Lounge: An elegant space for cocktails, wines, and light bites.
- Shisha Terrace: Offering a variety of shisha flavors in a cozy outdoor setting.
- Bubbalicious Brunch: A renowned brunch experience with an extensive spread of dishes from different cuisines.
- The Cellar: A wine and tapas bar with an extensive selection of wines and Mediterranean-inspired tapas.
Luxurious Amenities
Beyond its exceptional dining, the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa has a wide range of amenities designed to enhance your stay:
- Spa InterContinental: An award winning sanctuary of relaxation offering a variety of treatments and therapies to rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Free-Form Swimming Pool: A beautifully designed pool perfect for a refreshing dip or lounging in the sun.
- Private Beach: Doha’s longest private beach, providing a serene environment for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
- Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art gym equipped with the latest exercise machines and free weights.
- Tennis Courts: Well-maintained courts for guests who enjoy a game of tennis.
- Business Center: Fully equipped facilities for business travelers, including meeting rooms and office services.
- Children’s Activities: A range of activities and facilities designed to keep younger guests entertained.
- Concierge Services: Personalized services to help you plan excursions, book tickets, and make reservations.
Insider Tips to make this Doha Luxury Hotel Deal
One of the best ways to enjoy the full luxury of the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa without overspending is to become an IHG Diamond Member. Here’s why:
- Free Breakfast: As an IHG Diamond Member, you’re entitled to a complimentary breakfast each morning. This perk not only saves you money but also allows you to start your day with a lavish meal.
- Access to the Executive Lounge: Diamond Members also have exclusive access to the luxurious Executive Lounge. This private space offers intimate, high-end breakfasts, high tea in the afternoons, and dinner in the evenings with a selection of cocktails and wine. The lounge provides a tranquil environment to relax and unwind while enjoying gourmet food and drinks. The staff here is top notch and made our stay one of the most memorable ones ever! And as most of you know we have been in a hotel for the last 2550 nights – so we do have something to compare this place to!
- Upgrade Opportunities: Diamond Members often receive room upgrades upon availability, allowing you to enjoy better views and larger rooms without additional cost. We were upgraded to a huge suite for our 8 day stay.
- Additional Perks: From extended check-out times to personalized services, the benefits of being an IHG Diamond Member enhance your stay in numerous ways.
How we got this Doha Luxury Hotel Deal
So what is the price tag for this best value luxury hotel in Doha? How much did we actually spend on the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa resort? The bottom line may shock you! Here is the breakdown and how we did it:
- All IHG One Rewards cardholders automatically get a fourth consecutive night reward. In short, the fourth night is complimentary when you redeem points for stays of four nights or more. Therefore it is key to book the stays with points, in 4 day increments and pay with the IHG One Rewards credit card.
- So how do you get these IHG points one may ask? Well, one way is through signing up for the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. Right now, Chase is offering 100,000 bonus points for receiving the card and completing the minimum spend of $2,000 during the first 3 months of getting the card. To boot this is a no annual fee card.
- Once you have the card, you’ll earn points on qualifying stays at IHG properties. For the most part, you’ll earn 10 points for every $1 spent at properties like Intercontinental, Kimpton, Holiday Inn, etc.,
- One can also purchase up to 150,000 IHG points annually. Look for sales that offer a 100% bonus. So if you purchase say, 150,000 points, you receive 300,00 points. With this kind of bonus you are getting these points at 0.5 cents each, which is a good deal.
For our stay, each one of our 4 day blocks cost us 87 K points ($435 USD). Plus we received an additional 10% off due to having an older IHG credit card that provided that bonus. Therefore our nightly stay in a suite at the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa resort cost us just under $98 USD, making it the best value luxury hotel in Doha.
Remember, given that we are IHG Diamond members all of our meals were in the Executive Lounge and were free!
Exploring Doha
With its central location, the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa makes it easy to explore the city. Whether you’re interested in shopping at City Center Mall, attending an event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, or playing a round of golf at the Doha Golf Club, you’re just minutes away from these attractions. Here are some top tourist attractions that you may want to consider while visiting the city:
Museum of Islamic Art: Situated on an artificial island, this museum is a masterpiece of modern architecture and houses a vast collection of Islamic art spanning over 1,400 years. The museum displays artifacts from various Islamic cultures, including ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts.
Souq Waqif: This traditional market is a bustling hub of activity where you can explore narrow alleys filled with shops selling spices, textiles, and jewelry. The Souq also has numerous restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy authentic Qatari cuisine.
Katara Cultural Village: Known as the “Valley of Cultures,” Katara is the cultural heart of Doha, featuring an opera house, art galleries, an amphitheater, and various international restaurants. The village hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
The Pearl-Qatar: An artificial island offering luxury shopping, dining, and residential options. The Pearl is renowned for its Mediterranean-style marina, high-end boutiques, and beautiful waterfront promenades.
Aspire Park: The largest park in Doha, Aspire Park is perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. It features walking and jogging tracks, playgrounds, and a large lake. The park is located near the iconic Aspire Tower, also known as The Torch, which offers stunning views of the city.
National Museum of Qatar: Designed to resemble a desert rose, this museum offers an immersive experience into Qatar’s history, culture, and development. It showcases exhibits on the country’s natural history, Bedouin culture, and the impact of the oil industry.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum: Located outside the city, this museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including vintage cars, Islamic art, and Qatari heritage items. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the private collection of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani.
Al Zubarah Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic fort is located in the desert and offers insights into Qatar’s pearling and trading history. The fort is well-preserved and includes a museum with exhibits on the region’s archaeology and history.
These attractions provide a diverse range of experiences, from exploring cultural and historical sites to enjoying modern amenities and beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or outdoor activities, Doha has something to offer every traveler. Although, for us, it was difficult to drag ourselves away from the resort.
Doha is also home to several top-notch shopping malls that cater to both locals and tourists, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Here are some of the best shopping malls in Doha:
Villaggio Mall: Known for its Venetian-themed interiors, Villaggio Mall features luxury brands, a gondola ride, an indoor theme park, and an ice rink. It’s a popular destination for a comprehensive shopping experience.
Doha Festival City: One of the largest malls in Qatar, Doha Festival City houses over 400 stores, including popular international brands. It also offers extensive dining options, an indoor snow park, and an Angry Birds-themed park, making it a favorite for family outings.
Mall of Qatar: This expansive mall has a wide range of retail stores, a luxury hotel, and various entertainment options, including a multiplex cinema and a family entertainment center. Its unique Oasis area hosts live performances and events, adding to the shopping experience.
Tawar Mall: Featuring over 300 stores, Tawar Mall is known for its diverse shopping and entertainment options, including a 2-screen cinema and a musical water fountain. Its open-air gallery and sophisticated design attract many visitors.
Ezdan Mall: With more than 100 international brands, Ezdan Mall offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including a Carrefour hypermarket, a cinema, and a children’s edutainment center.
Landmark Mall: This mall provides a blend of international fashion brands and local boutiques, alongside a Cineplex cinema and an amusement park for kids, making it a popular spot for both shopping and family activities.
Gulf Mall: Gulf Mall offers a mix of international and local brands, a large food court, and entertainment facilities like a cinema and a bowling alley. Its design is inspired by the heritage of the Gulf region.
Al Hazm Mall: Known for its luxurious ambiance, Al Hazm Mall combines art, culture, and high-end shopping under one roof. It features imperial jewelry, perfumes, and even automobiles, catering to those seeking an upscale shopping experience.
Wrap Up
The InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa offers a luxurious experience that is both affordable and unforgettable. By taking advantage of the benefits offered to IHG Diamond Members, you can enjoy free breakfast, free upgrades, exclusive lounge access, and other perks that enhance your stay without adding to your expenses.
Our price for a huge suite overlooking the beach and the city cost us less than $98 USD/night. This included high end and delicious food offered through the incredible Executive Lounge. Our next hotel was the acclaimed Waldorf Astoria, and the service there was nice but not at the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa level.
In this post we throw out a lot of concepts about Travel Hacking. If some of this stuff is just not making too much sense, then head over to our Travel Hacking 101 post where we go into detail about how to get started with earning points and miles through credit card signs ups to be able to travel inexpensively, yet luxuriously.
Have you found a Doha Luxury hotel deal or an amazing deal somewhere else? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
