Four Great Eid Staycation Options in Qatar

Spend a few days in Qatar and see its real history

Not everyone has the luxury of being able to travel this Eid period. Work, family and life can get in the way. While I am fortunate to be able to travel this year (destination to be revealed soon!), I will still be adding a couple of days in Doha on at the end to ease myself back into work and enjoy the city.

Luckily there was some great offers around at the moment, with hotels in the city and beyond keen to welcome locally-based guests in light of current issues.

A couple tips before you book:

• Call the hotel and ask if there are special offers or packages. You may be surprised
• Check their social media channels, often you can get great deals by being a follower or liking. Also some hotels use these channels almost exclusively for offers
• Last minute? Doesn’t matter, often thats when the best deals are.

Here is a look at the most interesting offers/places and those with some good, solid foodie cred (it’s me afterall!) :

1. Banana Island Resort by Anantara

Just 30 mins by luxurious boat from the Corniche, this is an unexpected paradise. Think the Maldives without the price tag. I have done two staycations here and each time was overwhelmed not just by the beauty of the outlook but also the hospitality. The spa is world class and the foodie obsessed will have a great time trying the menu at the casual Q Lounge. You can avail even better offers by joining their excellent loyalty program. 

You also get vouchers to use on activities around the island like bowling, the surf pool and also for dining. There is a minimum stay of two nights, but I promise it goes fast!

2. Al Rayyan Hotel by Curio Collection 

This works works on a number of levels to a range of travelers. Firstly, it’s a beautifully designed hotel. Secondly it’s located next to the banging Mall of Qatar (Eid sales!) and thirdly, the hotel’s food is exceptional. This Eid they have a great offer for families – accommodation, breakfast for two adults and two kids, 25 percent off other dining outlets and tickets to Kizmondo in the mall.

Combine this with the usual leisure facilities like a lovely rooftop pool, a new shisha area as well as spacious rooms, this is worth putting on your list. It’s a destination in itself.

3. Sharq Village and Spa

This luxe hotel is very underrated. With plush rooms and suites and the renowned Ritz Carlton service, it’s another place that can make you think you are not in Qatar. They have an excellent Summer offer at the moment that includes 20 percent off rooms and 30 percent off dining (and an offer of 30 percent off a subsequent stay). The Arabic inspired buffet restaurant is a gem as is the seafood outlet located near the beach.

If you can’t do the staycation here, at least book yourself into the brilliant Six Senses Spa.  One of the biggest in the city, it has a range of treatments and private pools and relaxation areas. Bliss!

4. Four Seasons Doha

With some of the most beautiful grounds and rooms in the city, this is the granddaddy of all staycation options for families, couples and singles. For a recent experience of a family staycation, check out The Snapped Fork on Instagram, which should be enough to convince anyone!

With Nobu onsite, a range of high quality eating venues, and some good offers (including 20 percent off room rates when booked online),  this is a walk-up start. Make sure you checkout the Pool Grill for their huge breakfast platters.

Bear in mind these recommendations were written a week or so out from Eid, so as the holiday grows closer, you could see some even better offers materialize.

For some inspiration for where you can dine after Ramadan, click here. You can also check out Visit Qatar for ideas of things to see and do in the country.

Are you traveling this Eid?

PS some late mail: I haven’t stayed here in many years but the Sheraton Grand Doha has an almost unbeatable offer for the Eid period, aimed at couples. Their BBB staycation for two is QR999 including bed, breakfast and brunch (or lunch) at their Al Hubara restaurant. Offer is valid for stays of two nights or more, and if you are a family kids are charged at 50 percent. AND…unusually for the current times, they have flexible cancellation policies (4pm on the day of arrival).