Kuwait’s hotel scene is flourishing, with cool boutique hotels jostling alongside shiny luxe properties and Arabesque beach resorts
Isabella Craddock
Small but mighty, Kuwait is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. Rich in history and culture, it’s a wonderful place to spend a weekend – be it shopping, exploring its modernity or its beautiful beaches. Here are the best hotels in Kuwait.
The best hotels in Kuwait
The House Hotel Al Khiran
Part of the growing House Hotels group – a brand behind cool hideaways in Saudi Arabia’s Dar Tantora, Egypt, Georgia and Turkey – The House Hotel Al Khiran is the place to stay for those looking for a quirky, design-led boutique hotel in Kuwait. Facing the beachfront, the community-driven hotel opened in summer 2023 as part of a new wave of development for Al Khiran – the main commercial hub of southern Kuwait – and is the country’s first lifestyle boutique property. As you’d expect, it’s grown into a hub for gastronomy, sports, health and wellness community events and hosts weekend brunches and themed dining nights – such as live entertainment and lavish Ramadan buffets.
Facing onto the luxury chalets of the Al Kirah community, the hotel has just 46 suites with curated design touches and is home to both a rooftop infinity and women’s only pool, alongside a fully equipped gleaming gym. One of the most interesting hotels in Kuwait, it’s moments from the bustle of Al Kiran and also embraces and empowers local talent through curated events – and guests can enjoy yoga and wellness classes, throught-provoking talks and more.
Doubles from KWD68 (about AED800) a night; househotels.com
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait
Another new addition to the hotels in Kuwait, Waldorf Astoria debuted in 2022 in the elegant Avenues Mall – one of the country’s most luxurious shopping destinations, home to 1,000 shops. The shiny new hotel guarantees five-star modern luxury, with a gleaming facade, palm-lined swimming pool, five restaurants, a spa and 200 elegant rooms and suites featuring opulent, contemporary decor and panoramic views of the Kuwait skyline.
Restaurants include Mediterranean Ava, chic poolside Oxio, and the famous Roka (known worldwide for its trendy Japanese Robatayaki cuisine), and guests staying in special room categories have access to the exclusive Ikaros Club – home to its own dining options, a library, business centre a private meeting room. What makes his hotel so fantastic is its prime location, which is connected to the entertainment and retail hub with shops, cinema, and dining, and close to the Grand Mosque of Kuwait, city centre, Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, and Kuwait International Airport.
Doubles from KWD105 (about AED1,250) a night; hilton.com
Jumeirah Messilah Beach Kuwait
Bringing its signature beachfront luxury to Kuwait, Jumeirah Mesillah Beach Kuwait is the perfect spot for a beachy weekend escape or holiday with the little ones. Spread across the golden sands of Mesillah Beach in the Fahaheel district, the resort evokes a true sense of serenity with palm tree-filled grounds, private villas, sea views, lake-like swimming pools and a wide range of dining and wellness options.
For a romantic retreat in Kuwait, there are a few better options, thanks to suites and villas ranging from sea-view doubles to private pool villas and the royal suites – all clad in more traditional dark wood hues, whites and golds. This property wins regarding family-friendly activities and is home to a playground, The Sinbad’s Kids’ Club, a babysitting service with children’s menus throughout, plus eight dining outlets, tennis courts, a golf course, a games room, a gym and a spa.
Doubles from KWD83 (aboutAED1,000); a night jumeirah.com
Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya
Four Seasons is one of the world’s most trusted hotel brands, particularly in the Gulf, with a long presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In 2017, it opened its doors in Kuwait, revitalising Kuwait City’s hospitality and hotel landscape by bringing international standards of luxury to the fore. Located in the capital, the design is modern Middle Eastern and rooms have dark wood accents, heavy drapes, curved sofas and windows overlooking the skyline.
Wellness facilities are excellent, with a spa and indoor and outdoor pools – the latter fringed with sunloungers and city views – and five dining outlets, including a shisha lounge, Starbucks and two rooftop restaurants. While this is a popular spot for business travellers and city breakers, there’s also a children’s play area, making it a safe bet for a family trip.
Doubles from KWD109 (about AED 1,303) a night; fourseasons.com
The Regency
The Regency is one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in Kuwait – it opened in 1981 but was rebuilt in 2009 into the elegant palace it is today. Located on the Arabian coast on its own private beach, The Regency transports guests to the grande dames of Europe with Italian furniture, marble, and an old-world feel. Though right in the thick of it, the hotel itself feels set away from the bustle of the city, with a huge freshwater swimming pool and lap pool, lined by sunloungers and with terrace dining, and 203 spacious rooms and suites that seem to take inspiration from an old Italian palace (think Baroque-style furnishings, heavy drapes and lots of gold and cream).
Dining-wise, Silk Road is the spot for all-day eating, while Liwan Sur La Plage offers waterfront dining, and there’s the Regency Gourmet for sweet treats and afternoon teas. Ladies will appreciate the exclusive ladies-only area with its own lounge and swimming pool, and other facilities include a kids’ club, family pool and limousine service.
Doubles from KWD110 (about AED1,313) a night; regency.com.kw
The St Regis Kuwait
The St Regis Kuwait brings the brand’s classic all-American luxury to the heart of Kuwait City – offering 135 soundproofed rooms and design features by acclaimed Kristina Zanic Design Consultants. Located on Fahd Al Salem Street, one of the finest addresses in the city, interiors are typical of the modern St Regis brand, with lots of gleaming pearl hues and oceanic tones along with statement lighting and artwork. Rooms overlook the swimming pool, with the most lavish option being the Amiri Suite – a mini palace with an enfilade of reception rooms, multiple bedrooms, a gym and a sauna. Butler service and the glittering Arabian Gulf views make this one of Kuwait’s best hotels.
Doubles from KWD123 (about AED1,469) a night; marriott.com
