Al Najada, Doha
Downtown Doha with a traditional Qatari fishing boat in the foreground
Tim Warrington checks into the Al najada, Doha
Check-in
Swift, efficient and friendly.
As the chauffeur pulled the car in, a sea of smiles greeted us at Al Najada, and check-in was just as cheery. There was no problem with the (very) early (pre- 6 a.m.) arrival, and we were served a restorative cup of mint tea while the concierge completed the formalities.
The enthusiastic air-conditioning in the marble lobby tried to slap the jet lag right out of me, but my lethargy was defiant. The hotel’s chilled out ambiance was making it worse … so friendly.. so relaxing.
Bed where are you? We were soon to become BFFs, I was convinced - now if I could only find it.
Boy, I was hot. Even in October, Qatar’s climate is smouldering.
I was soon whisked up to my room by a statuesque and blisteringly efficient bellboy.
Hotel Al Najada – Qatar – Souq Waqif
Room
An Executive Suite on the second floor with balcony overlooking the Souq Waqif. Separate bedroom with second flat screen, super king size bed and seating area, and huge wardrobe in case you don’t travel light. Not forgetting the dining table, writing desk and safe.
There’s also an outdoor seating area overlooking the courtyard and historic, traditional Qatari villa. Authentic Arabian décor and original pieces of art lend geographic context throughout the property – Arabian latticework and pierced light shades are in and around the hotel.
Had I the energy to do so - after an 18-hour flight - I would have cartwheeled into the enormous suite, such was my excitement – it was that kind of awesome. Alas, just enough strength to tip the porter and slip beneath the crisp, white sheets.
Divine.
Location
Midway between the airport and downtown Doha. Al Najada is in the thick of Souq Waqif - far enough away from the glitzy skyscrapers to give you an authentic taste of the Middle East. There are gold outlets and stores to buy trinkets, and everywhere the scent of spices in the air.
Food and drink
I’m not one to fizz over kitchenware, but Al Najada’s matt, black plates and bowls made everything look and even taste sublime, not that it needed the help – the tucker is top notch. Hands-down the best best mushroom soup I’ve ever tasted, and even managed to snaffle the recipe!
Back at the room there’s a healthy options mini bar, with Nespreso machine and kettle.
No booze. At least not here. You can get a drink in Qatar, but you’ll need to go to one of the major 5-Star hotels. Just ask the concierge.
Stylish, spacious and with a distinctly Arabic Flavour
Perfect for
Everyone. If you’ve a hankering for some gold or gifts at the souq, it’s ideal. It’s also a great place to simply hang your hat if you plan on exploring Qatar for a couple of days. 15 minutes from the airport, it’s an easy cab ride for those early morning arrivals.
Would I return?
Absolutely. The staff are super friendly – among the nicest I’ve met – and you’ll feel right at home. The Al Najada has several sister hotels in Doha, so I’d try out one of those perhaps.
There’s a business centre, ballroom, pool (indluding seperate kids pool
Spa?
Tech
Highspeed wifi in all public areas with password
Bathroom
Sliipers and robe …
Rainwater shower walk-in no bath …
Who would stay here
Location
It’s proximity to the financial hub of Bank Street makes it ideal for busines. It’s close to hospitals and not too far from downtown. Public transport in Doha is limited, although the metro is under construction and some lines are already open. It’s far enough away from the glitz of the high rise to all a more authentic Arabian experience.
that xxx a sense of belonging
Tips
This is a dry hotel, if you enjoy a tipple you will need to be enterprtising in your search or visit one of the international 5 star hotels.
Perfect for
10 things to do in Doha
old boats
that family cruise
Food and drink
My stomach gurgled in protest when the waiter handed me an Ipad menu at xxxx but I soon got used to ordering from a tablet.
What is the wattage in the rooms?
Apple Caesar salad with prawns
Garlic prawns
3 colour burger cooked for 6 hours + shredded.
The hotel features 151 rooms and suites, designed as a cool Arabian sanctuary from the furnace that is Doha for much of the year.
The hotel is located within walking distance of Souq Waqif Metro station, making it easy for you to get to your destination on time.
xxxxx
“The enthusiastic air-conditioning in the marble lobby slapped the jet lag right out of me, and the hotel’s chilled out ambiance soon became my BFF.”
Hotel xxxxxxx
“Wwww”
Location
Situated on 400m of private beach, on one of the fronds of the famous Palm Jumeirah, with majestic views of the Dubai skyline, the Atlantis and the Burj Al Arab.
Divine, simply divine
Dining
There are six food and beverage outlets covering various types of cuisine, including an Australian steak house, Asian and Mediterranean.
Tech
Fast, complimentary Wi-Fi in-room and all public areas. An enormous flat-screen TV provided access to a wide range of local and international cable channels.
“Stay in a room with direct access to the pool or go hard and shell out for a room with your own private pool and jacuzzi.”
Simple, unfussy, elegant
Good value?
Yes. Because nothing was too much trouble. And it's the only property in the UAE with over-water villas. What price can you put on waking up and seeing colourful fish swimming beneath your bed? Not to mention the state-of-the-art spa with 24 treatment rooms and a Turkish Hammam.
The lobby beckons onwards to paradise…
Would I return?
Yes. It’s an honest rest stop with genuine and friendly staff, with just enough touches of Arabia to provide an authentic feel of the Middle East without being OTT.
Go to Al Najada Hotel by Tivoli.