My Honest Review of DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town
Around ten o’clock in the morning, well before the official check-in time, we arrived in Doha. Although I know the check-in rules very well, we still decided to head straight to the hotel, leave our suitcases there, and explore the area until lunchtime.
Our taxi stopped at DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town, a modern yet cozy hotel located near the waterfront and the old town. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by pleasantly cool air and a friendly team at the reception. Even though our plan was to simply drop off our bags and head out again, the receptionist surprised us by offering a room right away, without any questions. And while she completed the registration details, we were handed a warm cookie — a small gesture that made a wonderfully positive impression.
Once we entered the room, the first thing I did was open the curtains. Through the window, a cityscape unfolded with buildings stretching into the distance and a road below leading toward the Corniche waterfront.
In that moment, I thought that the holiday was starting off great — a feeling that later encouraged me to put together this review of the DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town.
Location & Surroundings
One of the reasons we chose this hotel was its location. The hotel sits on the Old Town side of Doha, right next to the Corniche waterfront. After just a few minutes of walking, the bay comes into view, where skyscrapers shimmer in the evening sun and traditional dhow boats leave from the pier. It can get quite hot during the day, but in the evenings the promenade becomes lively. Some people walk, others exercise, and a light breeze from the water fills the air.
The Mina District is only a 5-minute taxi ride away. This colorful port area, full of cafes and a lovely promenade, is perfect for a morning coffee or an evening stroll.
Two impressive museums, the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, are also close to the hotel, and you can easily reach them on foot. The city’s most famous market, Souq Waqif, is about a 20-minute walk away.
Another convenience is the hotel’s proximity to the airport: it takes only about 10 minutes by car, so you don’t have to worry about long transfers.
Rooms & Accommodation
We stayed in King Guest Room 512, which had a very large bed. The first impression was great. The room looked bright and clean, with a simple, neat, and modern interior. Light-colored walls, large windows, and a comfortable workspace made it easy to use a laptop. The hotel added an extra bed for our child. It took up a bit of space, but we still had more than enough room. Everything was arranged conveniently, so the stay felt comfortable even for three people.
Although at first everything seemed perfect, one thing that disappointed me was the bed. It was quite firm, and I couldn’t sleep comfortably every night. By the end of the trip, we were even joking that we missed our bed at home, because waking up with a sore back wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Later I checked other travelers’ reviews and found a few comments about the firmness of the beds, though not many. So the reason remains unclear — maybe the mattresses differ from room to room, or maybe it simply depends on personal comfort. In any case, it was just one aspect and didn’t really affect our overall impression of the hotel.
The bathroom was tidy. The shower was pleasant after the +35°C heat, the towels felt soft, and the hotel provided the necessary toiletries. Small touches, like complimentary water delivered every day and neatly prepared bathrobes, added a sense of coziness.
The room also had air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, a safe, and a coffee and tea set. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light. Through them, we could see the city’s daily life, and in the evening Doha’s lights drew our attention.
Discover: The Best Doha Tours At Great Prices.
Food & Restaurants
During our stay at this hotel, we chose the half board option. The L2 restaurant served breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 on weekdays and until 11:00 on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), so we never felt rushed in the mornings. The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of options: fresh fruit, dates, pastries, cheeses, hot dishes, soft drinks, and coffee and tea. We could also order a dish that the chef prepared on the spot, which arrived in just a few minutes. Everything ran smoothly, even when the restaurant was busy.
Dinner was also served daily in the L2 restaurant. There was a variety of dishes: fish, meat, a salad bar, a selection of fruits, and a dessert corner. Soft drinks and table water were available free of charge. Everything was fresh and very tasty.
Although the L2 restaurant is excellent, one thing is worth noting. Not every evening offered a buffet dinner. During the last three nights, dishes had to be chosen from an à la carte menu instead. At first it felt like something different, but by the third evening the same menu became a bit tiring. As one staff member explained, this happens when the hotel does not reach a certain occupancy level — in such cases, organizing a buffet is not worthwhile. This usually occurs only during the off-season, when there are fewer visitors.
Besides the main L2 restaurant, the hotel also has other places to eat or have a drink. CLAW BBQ is an American-style restaurant offering burgers, ribs, and seafood. On the hotel rooftop, Señor Pico offers Mexican and Californian cuisine along with views of the city.
Book the DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town early to secure your stay.
Pool
The hotel has a small outdoor pool located on the rooftop. It is a great place to cool off on a hot day. The water is warm and clean, and there is always a staff member nearby, ready to assist with anything. Sun loungers with towels are available next to the pool for a peaceful rest after swimming.
The view from above surprised me. On one side, there are modern skyscrapers, and on the other, older city districts. It is especially beautiful in the evening, when the sun paints the glass towers in warm colors.
One thing to note is that the pool is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., so it is more suitable for daytime relaxation rather than evening swimming. My child and I enjoyed this place very much — it was peaceful, without noise or crowds. Throughout our stay, there were always free loungers, and the pool was never overcrowded.
Next to the pool is the Señor Pico bar, which offers not only refreshing drinks on a hot day but also snacks, with Mexican music playing in the background and creating a cheerful atmosphere. The poolside relaxation area itself was also lovely, especially the interior with South American–inspired details.
In addition to the rooftop pool, it’s worth noting that the hotel offers complimentary transportation to Doha Sands Beach Club. The shuttle runs to the beach at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., with return trips at 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Be sure to reserve your seat, as availability is limited. We used this service, and entry to the beach was free. The club provided towels and bottled water for each of us.
Spa & Gym
The hotel does not have a large spa complex, but it offers everything needed for a short moment of relaxation. The gym is small but well-kept, with a few treadmills, bikes, and free weights. Everything is modern, clean, and in good working order. It is open 24 hours a day for hotel guests.
The Aqua Lounge spa, located on the 12th floor, focuses mainly on massages and relaxation treatments. I haven’t tried any of the services myself, but it is described as a small and cozy space.
Atmosphere & Staff
Although DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town is a city hotel, the staff make you feel like a genuinely welcomed guest rather than just another visitor.
What stood out to me the most was the team at the L2 restaurant. They worked efficiently yet remained warm and attentive. They regularly checked whether anything was needed, and even when the dining area was full, they never seemed rushed or tired.
My travel buddy Marius has health issues and cannot eat food containing gluten, so he received special attention. Even the chef often stopped by our table to check whether everything was suitable and to suggest dishes he could prepare specifically for him.
The housekeeping staff, especially one young man, also deserve praise. His attention to detail and genuine effort to make our stay pleasant were truly impressive.
Unfortunately, I do not remember their names, but I sincerely want to say thank you to all of them for such warm and pleasant service.
Strengths & Weaknesses
As in any hotel, there were things that pleasantly surprised me and small details that were a bit annoying. Here are my impressions of DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town:
What I liked the most
Spacious rooms with large windows offering city views.
Bathrooms with strong water pressure in the shower and all essential amenities.
The staff truly deserve praise, especially those at the reception, in the restaurant, and in housekeeping.
A very convenient location: just a few steps from the Corniche, and Souq Waqif as well as the airport are easily reachable by taxi.
A great breakfast selection at the L2 restaurant, with plenty of fresh fruit, hot dishes, and desserts.
What could be improved
The pool is small and closes early, so it cannot be used in the evening.
According to some reviews, noise from the street can be heard in certain rooms.
When the hotel occupancy is lower, the L2 restaurant offers a limited à la carte menu, which may feel monotonous during a longer stay.
The beds could be less firm, as a bit more comfort after a long day would be appreciated.
How To Get To The Hotel From The Airport
The hotel is located about 10 km from Hamad International Airport, so getting there takes only around 10 minutes. The exact address is Al Meena Street, Zone Number 18, Doha, Qatar.
The most convenient option is a taxi. We chose this option because after the flight it seemed like the fastest way to reach the hotel. The ride from the airport to the hotel cost €9 (40 QAR).
If you prefer alternatives, there are several:
Hotel or private transfers. You book in advance, and once you land, a driver is already waiting for you. Very convenient if you are traveling with children and want to avoid stress.
Metro. The Red Line runs from the airport, but there is no direct route to the hotel. You need to transfer to the Gold Line at Msheireb station. The journey takes about 40 minutes, so taking the metro is not really worth it.
Car rental. If you plan to explore more of Qatar, renting a car is a good option. The hotel has its own parking area.
I really liked how quick the trip to the hotel was. Just a few minutes, and you’re already relaxing in your room with a cup of coffee in hand.
Plan your trip and book DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town in advance.
FAQs About DoubleTree By Hilton Doha – Old Town
How long does it take to get from the airport to the hotel?
The ride from Hamad International Airport takes only about 10 minutes by taxi, which is one of the hotel’s biggest advantages.
Where is DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town located?
DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town sits on the older side of Doha, just a short walk from the Corniche. Major attractions such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, and Souq Waqif surround the hotel.
Is this hotel suitable for families?
Yes, the hotel works well for families. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel offers connecting rooms, which is very convenient when traveling with children. The staff can arrange extra beds, making it easy for families of different sizes to stay comfortably.
Are the breakfast and dinner options good?
Yes. Breakfast at the L2 restaurant offers plenty of fresh fruit, hot dishes, and desserts. Dinner is usually served as a buffet, but during lower occupancy it may switch to an à la carte menu. The food is fresh and tasty.
Is DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town a high-end hotel?
It’s not a full luxury hotel, but an upper-upscale city hotel. The rooms are modern and clean, and the staff are very attentive. The location is excellent, but if you’re looking for a true five-star luxury experience, I would suggest staying at one of Doha’s top high-end hotels, such as the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, or the Mandarin Oriental.
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This was my full review of DoubleTree by Hilton Doha – Old Town. Have you stayed there? Share your experience in the comments!
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Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
