Rotor and Tailplane

Raffles was recommended by The Sunday Times and Visit Qatar.     Its reviews made for stunning reading.     An all suite hotel, butler on call, an unpacking and packing service, all in a stunning architectural scimitar.     A five star or possibly a seven star hotel.     Unfortunately as you have already gathered this is not the case.     The entrance was underwhelming, good but not really special.     This is a shame as at the centre of the building there is a massive entrance and atrium which is inexplicable not being utilised.   Our reception on arrival was again underwhelming.    On the plus side the room was special even if it did have faults. The faults first; the finishings in the bathroom were poor, it would seem that the hotel,was built in a rush, scratched tiles poor and sloppy grouting etc. Plugs in the room were poorly positioned as were the light switches, and that TV mentioned earlier had poor sound quality (the speakers were placed behind the cabinetry.    The drinks roo

Today we leave Doha and head to Nairobi.    Breakfast is even more chaotic, they have no idea.    Anyway we have a late checkout so head to the pool for a final dip before finishing the packing and head to the airport. Qatar business lounge is impressive, a whole floor and no one in it.    Custom sandwiches and beer. I only wonder what the first lounge would be like, it can be any better.  The five hour and twenty minute flight to Nairobi is uneventful.    We will be met by Tanzania Horizon Safari at the airport to be taken to the Four Point Sheraton.  Update On arrival we didn’t have a visa so were taken to one side were they helped us process such visa.  This immigration team must the best ever, they were so help and kind. We had issues with selfies and uploads but they helped us all the way.  Outside we were met by Daniel and driven to the hotel by a great guy who taught us a few Swahili words.  At the Hotel Maria discovered that she left her eyeglasses on the plane.  Daniel helped

The usual chaotic breakfast and back to the pool before heading off to the Gate Mall and the Museum of Illusions. Well it was what its name is, an illusion, not worth the money, time nor space.  Luckily, saving the day we find a nice Italian restaurant, Cocina, at the Marriott Marquis by the City Mall.    Great food and service. Great dinner.   A quick walk around the city mall before heading back and straight to bed.

Up just before 9 and down to breakfast to be looked after by Abdul who looked after us yesterday.    Breakfast is similar to yesterday, yogurts, fruit, toast, cornflakes, bread (gluten and gluten free), tea and the delicious mint and lemon drink. Back upstairs to,change and to the Aqua pool. A beautiful infinity pool basking in 43c heat.    The air temperature is so hot that three times a day they add large blocks of ice to the pool.    Afternoon siesta    score heading of to the NMoQ.    This wonderful architectural detail houses the history of Qatar.    Two hours of education is plenty before heading to the souk to take in its delights again.    There are various areas;    perfumes, jewellery, musical, men’s clothing, women’s clothing and the pet area! Dinner is again at the Royal Indian, hey if you like it you like it! A Turkish ice cream before heading back to the hotel 36th floor.

Relaxing morning waking at just before 9, TV not working but who needs a television when you wake up,to the scimitar, Arabian Sea and sun.    Ok, it, is a little hazy, but with this heat by the coast, no wonder! Breakfast is not where we were told, it is in the Aqua Restaurant on the second floor.    The start is chaotic but Adil, who has worked in London can to the rescue, no Weetabix though! Adul, hats and gives a    helpful little, run down of the city, etc.   We head back to the room and have a post breakfast sit down before    taking a taxi to the Jedine Mall to buy some sunscreen.    All was good except that the taxi driver went the wrong way and ended up on some building site before we helped him find his way.    Fair dues though as he only charged us 15 Ryl, but this was a problem as we had no cash and his card machine didn’t work!   An expensive mall where Maria had an expensive lunch, I had McDonalds! At around 6 we head off to the Souk and take in the flavours of Doha among

Transit from Lhr T5 to T4 takes about 16 minutes, but then we follow muppets at security etc. who delay us 20 minutes unpacking and repacking bags, only for them to be bag searched on the other side. One could forgive them if this there first time travelling, but they have just come through transit! Anyway I was muppet and sat in the wrong seat, no harm done! Movies watched were Bezos (good story, probably not the best film, and The boys in a boat, good story and good film, highly recommend.  Journey was pleasant and staff attentive.   Quick clearance through immigration and bag claim, airport was quiet.  20 min journey to hotel costing 68 riyal.   Fabulously large room, however it does has issues, too much technology and you MUST not turn the TV off by the remote pwr button.  A quick snack in the Italian restaurant; pizza with cottage cheese and off to bed after working out how to turn all the lights out.