6. Raffles Doha?

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 room, yes it was a room was filled with soft drinks and some spirits and wines, but didn’t have a bottle opener.  The positives were the sheer size and general decor.  The shower was strong and the toilets (two of them) were the Japanese type (wash and blow dry).  

Elsewhere the hotel waisted space, were shops should have been there was just empty spaces.  The hotel was full of bleak corridors and generally lacked character.  Service was polite but disorganised and at times very slow. It was clear that the staff needed training (or more to the point the management).  

Sadly we won’t be returning to Raffles Doha.