Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection Near+Far review: 8/10

Why book Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection

Qatar’s capital, Doha, is home to many bustling districts: the shiny new Lusail, ex-pat friendly The Pearl, buzzing West Bay, but this author’s favourite is Msheireb Downtown Doha – the city’s arts and design hub and a maze of cream-hued buildings hiding elegant residential and commercial spaces like trendy cafes, eateries, concept stores, museums and art galleries. Dubbed the world’s first sustainable downtown development, Msheireb is also home to luxury properties like Mandarin Oriental Doha and Park Hyatt – but one hotel offers this coveted location and classically Msheireb design (elegant, clean-lined and alabaster-hued) at a fraction of the cost – Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection. Guests staying at Alwadi Doha will get the chic vibe of these luxury hotels, the pool with views over Msheireb, the spa and the fantastic location (a short stroll to Souq Waqif) but with a diverse range of room categories to choose from – including an impressive entry-level offering. Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection is a fantastic property for a stylish yet casual weekend in Doha.

Location

For those who love exploring on foot and want ease of access around the city and a thriving neighbourhood right on their doorsteps – you can do little better in Doha than Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection. Step outside the hotel, and you are right on the immaculate lanes of Msheireb, which, by day, are gentle and peaceful, and come alive at night as elegant locals pack into the excellent coffee shops and restaurants. The Msheireb Museums are within walking distance, as is cultural hub M7 (where world-class exhibitions like Forever Valentino and Dior Designer of Dreams are held), and Souq Waqif is just a stone’s throw from the hotel’s back entrance – literally cross over the road, and you’re there. A metro station is also nearby, so you can whizz around the city for small change – to the National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, West Bay, Lusail and Katara – and taxis are readily available everywhere.

Vibe

Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection has a relaxed, grown-up vibe that’s stylish but not stuffy – reflecting the mid-range price point and MGallery Collection spirit (a more fresh, contemporary brand). The crowd is generally younger, young professionals, tourists or parents with young families, and the public spaces are peaceful and refined yet have a warm and friendly buzz. The poolside bar gets busy around happy hour – a great spot for sundowners, after-dinner drinks, or watching a sports match. The rooftop bar is arguably the liveliest spot in the city – packing out with a cool, attractive crowd who pile in for cocktails and shisha and stunning city views. The music here is loud – expect a full party vibe.

Rooms and suites

The 213 rooms and suites at Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection are modern, minimalist and crowd-pleasing, with subtle hints of Qatari design and the design-led neighbourhood, such as bespoke mashrabiya screens and suites with gold leaf detail. Guests can expect modern, super clean, stripped back and natural rooms, perfect for business travel, with all the amenities one could need – tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, soft carpets, BOSE docking station, and views over the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows with Msheireb Downtown Doha views are a real pull here – extending across the neighbourhood to Souq Waqif. We were suitably impressed at our entry-level Superior Room, which was booked for a long weekend with friends in the city and provided a modern, fuss-free, and premium base in the city. The hotel also has a great range of suites, which follow the same minimalist and neutral colour scheme, but have spacious living areas and some have kitchenettes.

Spa and facilities

The hotel’s facilities are truly exceptional, and for its price point and location, you couldn’t do better in a neighbourhood like Msheireb. There’s a lovely swimming pool, complete with sun loungers and views across the neighbourhood, and the M Spa and M Fitness centre – the gym with Technogym equipment and both with excellent services, reflecting the young, fitness and health-centric mindset of the MGallery guest. With being a trip prototype of the typical MGallery customer, the hotel also offers separate facilities for men and women, including a sauna, aromatic steam room and relaxation room. Families will appreciate a separate children’s pool area with shallow waters and shade.

Food and drink

Five restaurants and bars across the hotel offer everything from laid-back breakfasts and lunches on the terrace to stylish afternoon teas and late-night drinks. Le Colonial is the hotel’s all-day dining room, inspired by colonial firsts in Qatar and where breakfast is served until 11:30am on weekdays and 12pm on weekends. O’Glacée is the poolside restaurant and bar with sunny terrace seating, Msheireb views, and comforting Mediterranean cuisine – and we find ourselves here regularly for bites and drinks. AtTEAtude lounge is inspired by traditional Qatari majlis and appeals to discerning locals with its artisan tea menu and cake selection, plus genteel terrace seating on the ground floor – perfect for soaking up Msheireb vibes. Trendy Lebanese Cila is the place for dinner, designed to embody Qatari culture and tradition with dhow boats, pearl diving and travel bags on the walls. The rooftop Infinity Bar is one of the best spots for drinks in the city, with a menu of classic and creative cocktails, beautiful city views, a happy hour and shisha.

The verdict

Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection is a fantastic choice for a stay in Doha, and this reviewer (who adores the peaceful, upscale, artsy vibe of Msheireb) found it rivalled the vibe at the area’s top hotels – which rooms go for multiple of Alwadi Doha’s. The rooms are basic but comfortable, clean, and modern and have everything you need, and there’s a surprising array of great restaurants and bars which genuinely take care of every meal or occasion during the day. The hotel perfectly embodies the MGallery ethos- located in trendy and sought-after destinations but offering a more affordable, approachable, lifestyle-driven offering – complete with five-star wellness and fitness facilities. This, combined with a walkable and navigable location, one that is timeless and always delivers, and you’ve got one of the best hotels in Doha.

Doubles from AED380 (low season), AED900 (high season); Corner Of Wadi Musheireb, And Jassim Bin Mohammed St, Doha, Qatar; alwadihoteldoha.com

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