InterContinental Hotel, Doha: Review

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Review

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Location: Al Istiqlal RD, West Bay Lagoon
Tel: +974-44 844 444
Fax: +974-44 839 555
Address: PO Box 6822
Check in: 2PM
Check out: 12PM (Late checkout available)

The Intercontinental Hotel is set in West Bay outside the main part of Doha (though the Al Dafna business area of the city is less than five minutes away when the road is clear) close to the Qatar International Exhibition centre and next to the Qatar Heritage Center. Unfortunately, the hotel currently seems to be surrounded on three sides by cranes and building sites, although that is hardly unusual in Qatar these days.

The Intercontinental's swimming pool and beach

Drive to the entrance of the hotel - you'll find valet parking available - and you'll find yourself warmly welcomed by hotel staff. You'll also find great views of the hotel grounds and the sea and beach. When we visited many of the guests seemed to be taking advantage of the sea despite the midday heat, with dinghies, windsurfers and jet skiers enjoying the sea.

There is an inner protected area also for bathers, while those with small children will appreciate the shallow covered bathing area and also the sandy play area where children can play on slides (also covered). Inside the hotel there is a creche where you can leave the children while you enjoy a meal. We were also very impressed by the fact that we could buy inflatable arm bands for our son for just six riyals. (Armbands in Boots in Villagio cost us thirty!)

The grounds were extensive and pleasant, and you can saunter along a bridge over the pool before taking a swim. There is also a poolside bar so that you can enjoy a cool drink during your dip.

Intercontinental, Doha: hotel room. The hotel room itself was comfortable and spacious, although we have heard complaints of guests being woken up early in the morning by building work. On every visit we have made the staff have always proved to be both courteous and helpful. We have heard mixed reports about the food at the InterContinental, but when we ate at the Fish Market the food was excellent. The only exception from a large meal was the red snapper, which was clearly not fresh.