Qatar is expected to have approximately 40,000 hotel keys by the end of 2023.
Although Qatar opened more than 40 new hotels for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, 2023 is to see yet more new hotels opening as the country is becoming one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
A look back at 2022
Qatar’s hotel revenues shot up in 2022 thanks to the month-long World Cup. The country, which was the first in the Arab and Muslim world to host the global showpiece, recorded the second-highest increase in hotel revenues globally, beaten only by Miami. Qatar’s gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) indexed at 152%, and leveled at USD68.07 for the year.
According to consultancy firm ValuStrat, at least 46 hotels opened in 2022, comprising at least 9,000 keys. An estimated 62% are in the 5-star category. Lusail City and West Bay comprised 40% of the total hotel rooms.
The new hotels opened to accommodate the teams and fans of the World Cup, which took place from
20 November to 18 December 2022. At least 3.4 mn spectators attended the popular tournament, including 1.2 mn international visitors equalling 96.33% of the total occupancy for the tournament. Total international arrivals for November 2022 clocked in at 573,000, a 412% year-on-year (Y-O-Y) increase. December welcomed 614,000, a 318% Y-O-Y increase.
Additionally, there was a rise in the average daily rates (ADRs). The ADR in November 2022 was QAR577, 38% higher Y-O-Y. The occupancy levels reached 56% in November. December 2022 saw higher occupancies of 61%. December saw record ADRs and revenue per available room (RevPAR) levels. ADR averaged QAR2,112 and RevPAR QAR1,281.
New hotels which opened in 2022:
• A&H Hotel Apartment (4-star)
• Adagio Doha (4-star)
• Al Samriya Hotel Doha, Autograph Collection (5-star)
• Delta Hotels by Marriott City Center Doha (5-star)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Doha Downtown (5-star)
• Dusit Hotel & Suites – Doha (5-star)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town (4-star)
• Fairmont Doha (5-star)
• Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort
• Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town (3-star)
• Katara Hills Doha, Lxr Hotels & Resorts (5-star)
• Le Méridien City Center Doha (5-star)
• Le Royal Méridien Doha (5-star)
• Maysan Doha (5-star)
• Mina Hotel and Residences (5-star)
• Pullman Doha West Bay (5-star)
• Raffles Doha (6-star)
• Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha (5-star)
• Shaza Doha (5-star)
• Terminal Inn By Edar City Centre (4-star)
• The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort (5-star)
• The Ned Doha (5-star)
• The Outpost Al Barari
• The Plaza Doha by Anantara (5-star)
• The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar (5-star)
• Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha (5-star)
• Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach (5-star)
• Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
For more information, see the Places to Stay e-guide.
More keys in 2023
Qatar will have approximately 40,000 hotel keys by the end of 2023, if all projects are delivered on time, according to ValuStrat.
An estimated 5 bn people from around the world watched the World Cup matches, which according to ValuStrat, will attract at least 40 mn people to visit Qatar in the medium to long term.
The hospitality sector is expected to see additional notable 5-star hotels including:
• Located on Dafna Street in West Bay, Andaz Doha will mark the debut of the brand in Qatar, a luxury lifestyle brand of the Hyatt family. Andaz properties are vibrant boutique hotels and resorts which immerse the guest in the local culture through different touch points from cuisine to design, music and more. The property features 256 rooms, 32 suites, four Royal suites, and 56 residences in addition to three distinctive dining concepts, The Salt Road, Mr. and Mrs. Hawker and Mumble Jungle, along with spa and recreational facilities.
• Located in Qetaifan Island North in Lusail City, Rixos Qetaifan Island North Doha will offer guests a luxurious getaway to an island packed with entertainment and adventure. With five acres of fun-filled attractions, including the upcoming sensational Meryal Waterpark, private beach, retail area and numerous fine dining and casual restaurants, Rixos Qetaifan Island North Doha will be the ultimate multi-inclusive vacation destination.
• Located in Ras Bu Abboud, NH Collection Oasis Doha Hotel will feature a selection of signature food and beverage venues, including restaurants with indoor and al fresco seating, two lounges and a relaxing pool bar. Other hotel facilities will include a fully-equipped fitness centre, a kids’ club, NH Collection Spa, four padel courts and a relaxing rooftop lounge with impressive views of Doha skyline.
• In Lusail City, two striking towers inspired by the coral reefs in the seas surrounding Qatar will house Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Residences Doha. Rosewood Doha will consist of an ultra-luxury hotel with 185 exquisite guestrooms and suites, and offer guests a collection of eight innovative outlets, including a bistro, lobby lounge, coffee shop/deli, three speciality restaurants, cigar lounge and a lifestyle entertainment lounge. The hotel will also feature a 1,500 sq m ballroom, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, a fitness centre featuring state-of-the-art training equipment, Rosewood’s signature Manor Club executive lounge concept and more. Rosewood Residences Doha will introduce luxurious 300 for-sale residential apartments and 173 serviced apartments for longer-term stays. The residences will be complete with bespoke amenities, facilities and services to create the world’s pinnacle of private luxury living and contemporary style in Qatar.
• The 42-storey Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, which is managed by Hilton worldwide, will be located on Dafna Street in West Bay. The hotel will offer panoramic views of the city and Arabian Gulf, featuring 250 spacious guest rooms and suites, and 80 large serviced apartments. Amenities will include a roof top pool and a two-storey health club and spa, a palatial ballroom, state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities and a wide range of destination bars and restaurants.
• Set to open in Porto Arabia in The Pearl Island, Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is a glamorous beachfront home, offering a new Four Seasons experience in Doha with residential comfort in expansive apartments and residences, each with a full kitchen and breathtaking views of the city or sea. Connect to the lively social scene at their seven restaurants and bars, soon to showcase Joël Robuchon, and enrich your lifestyle at their Loulou Spa, the beach and pools.
This year also saw the opening of a few new 4-star hotels including Terminal Inn Al Mansoura (Terminal Inn By Edar City Centre already opened in 2022) and Gloria Hotel & Suites Doha.
Other upcoming notable establishments include Corniche Park Towers, Doha Live and Burj Damac Seaviews, adding to the opulence of the much-loved Doha skyline.
By Ola Diab
Copyright © Marhaba Information Guide. Reproduction of material from Marhaba Information Guide’s book or website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Using Marhaba Information Guide’s material without authorisation constitutes as plagiarism as well as copyright infringement.
