Nestled in a perfect location, the Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is a haven for luxury travellers and families looking to soak up the sun and culture of this vibrant city in Qatar.
Our recent stay at this luxury beach resort in April 2024 provided us with a wealth of experiences, from the sun-kissed beaches to the exquisite dining options and, of course, the hospitality that the Middle East is renowned for.
Here’s our honest take on what you can expect when you book your stay at this prestigious resort.
Table of contents
Location
The All-Inclusive Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is only a 15-minute drive from the airport. It offers breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf and easy access to some of Doha’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Other parts of Doha, including West Bay, Souq Waqif, The Pearl, and Lusail, are also within easy reach. The hotel serves as a perfect base for exploring the city’s culture and history.
Booking
Our booking experience through booking.com was smooth and hassle-free, a positive start that set the tone for our stay. The hotel’s staff messaged through bookings.com to find out our room preference, twin or king size bed, and if there was anything we needed to know in advance of our stay.
I did request something that could be arranged for Luke’s birthday. They brought a cake to the room on his birthday, which was a nice touch!
Lobby
Upon arrival at the Doha Rixos Gulf Hotel, the grandeur of the lobby immediately struck us, adorned with lavish decorations that blend traditional and modern designs.
We were greeted by a juggler, an unexpected yet delightful touch that entertained us right from the start. We were offered a welcome drink and went straight to the desk to check in.
Reception Desk
Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised with an early check-in; we arrived at 12 p.m. and our room was ready despite the official check-in time being 3 p.m. However, they mentioned that this is subject to availability, so it’s not something to count on.
There are plenty of comfortable seating areas in the lobby a great escape from the heat.
Rooms
Our Deluxe Room with Sea View was a bit smaller than we thought, but it was packed with modern art, luxury, and comfort. Every little detail was carefully chosen, including top-notch amenities. It was a really comfy spot to unwind after a day of adventures.
Despite its proximity to the airport, the balcony doors provided excellent soundproofing, allowing us to sleep undisturbed.
The wardrobe has plenty of hangers, an iron and ironing board, robes, and slippers. It also has a safe and a laundry bag and list ( this is chargeable).
Bathroom
The bathroom boasted a spacious area segmented into three areas: a large rainfall shower, the sink with a sizable mirror and excellent lighting, and the toilet.
I was especially fond of the window from the shower into the bedroom, which let natural light stream in. For those who prefer more privacy, a privacy screen could be used to close it off.
The Rixos provided a rejuvenating retreat, complete with luxurious toiletries. Guests could find everything they needed, including earbuds, cotton wool pads, nail files, and a shower cap.
A hairdryer was thoughtfully supplied in the bathroom drawer, yet there was no nearby outlet to use it. I plugged it into the socket near the full-length mirror by the wardrobe, but the cord fell short, making it impossible to use while standing.
I used one of the large chairs from the bedroom which only just fit and blocked that section for my husband to get through. The room would benefit greatly from a dressing table equipped with a mirror.
Mini Bar
On our arrival, the minibar was empty, so we had to ask for them to stock it up. As already mentioned, we did arrive early, so this may have been why.
The minibar contains soft drinks, water, teas.
There is also a fantastic expresso machine that Luke enjoyed, you can ask for unlimited fills up. Take note there is no alcohol in the mini bar and if you order on room service it will be charged.
Balcony
The balcony in the deluxe room overlooks the beautiful skyline of West Bay, Doha.
Room Service
Room service at the Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is available 24/7, it’s important to note that this comes at an additional charge. The menu offers everything from light snacks and salads to hearty meals and desserts, ensuring that there’s something for every time of day or night.
Cleaning
Housekeeping maintained our room impeccably throughout our stay, including a turn-down service. Reflecting the hotel’s high standards of cleanliness and care.
Pools
The Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha has outdoor swimming pools suitable for all ages. Guests have access to two main swimming pools that cater to leisurely dips to cool down from the heat. In addition to these pools, there’s a cosy jacuzzi pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
Infinity Pool
The infinity pool, in particular, was one of our favourite features of this hotel, with its stunning views and relaxing ambience during the day.
The pool was split in two, with one side more for kids and the other for relaxing. We particularly liked the in-water hammock beds; they were perfect for keeping cool while sunbathing.
The availability of numerous loungers was appreciated, and the convenience of self-service towels—a notable improvement over the towel card system commonly used in most hotels—was a delightful aspect.
Courtyard Pool
The courtyard pool was closed for maintenance during our stay, we were informed about this shortly after our booking. Fortunately, this didn’t pose an issue for us as the hotel’s infinity pool provided ample space and an enjoyable experience for all guests.
We shared a laugh over the sight of three lifeguards overseeing an empty pool undergoing renovation. It must have been a long tedious day for them, observing the workers.
They also have some relaxing swing chairs near the courtyard pool.
Jacuzzi Pool
This was located next to the courtyard pool, which was being worked on, so it was not being used much.
Rixy Splash
The Rixy Splash Park at Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is a paradise for kids and a testament to the hotel’s family-friendly ethos. This vibrant, colourful area has various water features, including playful sprinklers and water jets, which provide endless entertainment and allow kids to cool off in the heat.
The thoughtful inclusion of ample shade allows parents to relax, knowing their children are having fun in a comfortable and protected environment.
Can I wear a bikini at the Rixos Gulf Hotel?
This was a question I had before arriving, and I can confirm you can wear bikinis. I even wore a thong bikini with no issues.
Cabanas
They have some beautiful shaded cabanas you can hire out through the resort next to both pools.
The resort also boasts luxurious private garden cabanas for guests to enjoy for a full day. Take a break from the hot weather and unwind in the cool air-conditioned space, complete with a fully stocked minibar and tv. While you relax, your children can have a blast playing in the designated kid’s zone.
Both the pool cabanas and garden cabanas can also be booked as a place for a romantic meal.
Beach
The private beach access is a highlight. It offers a tranquil escape with soft sands and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing in the Gulf.
There were plenty of loungers and sun umbrellas available on the beach.
Daytime Entertainment
The Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha shines in daytime entertainment, ensuring guests are always engaged with a variety of activities. During our stay we witnessed exciting performances by skilled jugglers and yoga/ fitness / aquafit classes, all designed to enhance your stay.
One afternoon, they featured a live DJ at the infinity pool. This was a bit loud for us during the day whilst we wanted to relax, we would have preferred it in the evening, which was lacking some entertainment!
Rixy Kids Club
There were many engaging activities at Rixy Kids Club and you could tell all the kids were enjoying their stay with so many activities for children to choose from!
The climbing wall, splash park, cooking lessons, kids shows and arts and crafts.
Evening Entertainment
As evening arrived, the hotel’s excellent daytime entertainment seemed to come to an abrupt halt. Perhaps it was just our luck during our brief visit, but there were no live music performances, singing, or shows to be found. Maybe it had something to do with the maintenance work that was going on.
As mentioned earlier, I think the DJ should have come for the evening rather than during the afternoon while we were trying to relax.
Restaurants
The dining places at Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha were nothing short of spectacular to look at. The speciality restaurants Akte Pier 51, Mr Tailor Steak House, and Rasa offer exquisite menus in a more intimate setting.
However, you will need to wait until the second night for these experiences, and the menu is limited to a small selection. You can only visit each one once as part of your All-Inclusive package.
Farmhouse Main Buffet Restaurant
The Farmhouse Main Buffet Restaurant served an array of international cuisines from breakfast to dinner, pleasing our palates. Here are some pictures of what was available during our visit.
Breakfast
The breakfast offered at the Farmhouse Main Buffet Restaurant truly set a high standard for the rest of the day. It was an international spread with a vast array of options, catering to all tastes and preferences. From freshly baked pastries and bread to healthy fruit salads, cereals, and live cooking stations for omelettes, waffles and pancakes, everything was prepared with the utmost care.
The variety and quality of the food were impressive, ensuring that each morning started on a delightful note. The ingredients used were fresh, and the dishes delicious, much to our satisfaction.
Lunch
Lunch at the Farmhouse Main Buffet Restaurant offered a diverse selection that catered to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian options. We enjoyed the authentic Arabic dishes, fresh seafood, and grilled meats. The dessert section also had an array of sweet treats and a wide selection of fruits to satisfy our cravings.
Dinner
We felt like the dinner in the Farmhouse was a bit of a letdown. In fact, the lunches were better than the dinner! Some of the dishes were lukewarm, and the meat was overcooked and tough. There were not as many fruit and dessert selections at dinnertime; in fact, I think they were just what was left from lunch.
Drinks
The farmhouse restaurant stands out for its wide range of drinks. Each day starts with the scent of fresh coffee, expertly prepared by skilled baristas. Whether you fancy a cappuccino or a velvety latte, your morning begins beautifully.
For lunch and dinner we enjoyed glasses of chilled white wine to complement our meal.
Zoh Food Truck
During the day, you can order snacks from the food truck situated beside the infinity pool and beach. They offer American-style food, chips, burgers, and pizzas.
Crust Bakery
This lobby bakery serves hot and soft drinks. It also has delicious snacks, but these are chargeable (not all-inclusive).
Afternoon Tea
The Crust bakery also offers an afternoon tea menu, as seen below.
Mr Tailor Restaurant – Steak House -Dinner
Mr Tailor, the steakhouse restaurant at Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, was unforgettable in every sense. The restaurant’s interior boasted a chic and sophisticated decor that immediately set the mood for a luxurious dining experience. From the moment we entered, the gorgeous lighting and tastefully chosen furnishings made it clear that this was not just a meal, but an experience to savour.
However, it’s worth noting that reservations at Mr Tailor can only be made from the second day of your stay. This requires a bit of planning, especially for those eager to experience the best of the hotel during a short stay.
While the menu presents a tempting array of dishes, not all are covered under the All-Inclusive package. We recommend checking with the staff about what’s included before making your selections to avoid any surprises.
Rasa – Indian- Dinner
The Rasa restaurant, which focuses on Indian cuisine, offers a delightful escape to India’s flavourful dishes. The ambience of the restaurant perfectly complements the spice-laden, flavorful dishes that India is famous for.
Just like at Mr Tailor, it’s essential to check which menu items are covered by the All-Inclusive package. We felt that the all-inclusive selection was a little limited.
Akte Pier 51 Restaurant – Dinner
We did not even know about this restaurant and bar until the day we were leaving! It is located on the pier, a walk down the marina from the hotel, but, you guessed it, it is not part of the all-inclusive package! It looks amazing, though. I would have tried it if I had known about it, especially in the evening.
Bars
Several bars were located across the Rixos Doha Resort. They all offered all-inclusive drinks, including soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Alcohol was also included: white wine, red wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, beers, and local brand spirits. A few cocktails were also included. The Rasa, Mr Tailor, and Akte Pier 51 restaurants have the drinks menu included on their menus above.
Every bar had a QR code to scan for the menu, which included a separate drinks menu for all-inclusive. However, when I went to the pool bar and asked for the Tiger beer, he said it was unavailable but that I could have the San Miguel or Peroni on all-inclusive even though that was not listed as part of the AI. The same with cocktails: there were only three on the menu, but he said I could have anything I wanted on the normal menu, too.
So, I would suggest checking with staff, as things you think are not included might be! We found the evening bar options to be somewhat limited. Despite the quality of stylish drinks available, they were still served in plastic glasses in the evening whilst sat outside.
I feel that more outside seating options at the upscale bars would have enhanced the overall evening experience.
Zoh Pool Bar
Though small in size, the Zoh Pool Bar impressively kept up with the brisk pace of orders, ensuring guests never had to wait too long for their drinks.
This seamless service was made possible by the friendly and attentive waiters and waitresses who went above and beyond, bringing drinks directly to guests, whether they were lounging by the pool or taking a break in the shade.
Their warm smiles and quick service made the poolside experience all the more enjoyable, emphasizing that good things indeed come in small packages.
Courtyard Pool Bar
This bar was situated next to the courtyard pool (which was closed for maintenance). It was open all day but sadly only served drinks in plastic glasses (this is one of my pet peeves!). I can understand during the day (near the pool), but I don’t like drinking white wine in the evening out of plastic cups.
Mr Tailor Bar
This was our favourite bar, adorned with stunning decor. However, confusion arose regarding the inclusivity of drinks. Initially, the receptionist informed us that our plan didn’t cover drinks if we were not eating in Mr Tailor Restaurant, yet the door attendant assured us it did.
Following a drink, a waiter instructed us to sign the receipt for 90 QAR, to which I protested, mentioning the attendant’s assurance of an all-inclusive service. He insisted on the signature regardless and said it is included but I had to sign. Fortunately, upon checkout, we weren’t charged, but the inconsistency left us perplexed at the time.
Rasa Bar
We did not try this one after what happened in Mr Tailor. We assume it will be a similar set-up and were worried about getting billed for drinks when happy to have the all-inclusive drinks. But this may not have been the case after all.
Spa
The Anjana Spa was one of the biggest and most tranquil spas I have visited. It’s soothing massages and traditional Hammam offer a blissful retreat.
They had single-sex steam rooms, saunas and jacuzzi. Which was a shame as we like to share those moments together.
They did have a couples therapy room and a couples hammam room, though, so you could share treatments. The prices were expensive, as are most hotel spas, but it was a lovely setting and worth the expense.
Spa Price List
Here are the prices of the spa treatments.
Gym
The gym is equipped with the latest fitness technology, ensuring your gym routine remains uninterrupted.
I liked the room dedicated to stretching/ yoga with a mirror. There was also a separate ladies’ gym area away from the main gym.
Staff and Service
The hotel staff always goes above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. Their warmth and attentiveness made our stay even more memorable.
However, the waiters, bar staff, and receptionists gave us some mixed messages about the all-inclusive options, which left us confused.
Conclusion
Our stay at the Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha was a blend of luxury, relaxation, and cultural immersion. While there were areas that could be enhanced, particularly regarding the all-inclusive package clarity and evening entertainment for adults, the overall experience was delightful.
The hotel’s commitment to providing a family-friendly resort, coupled with its array of stunning facilities and dining options, makes it a commendable choice for luxury travellers to Doha.
The biggest letdown for us was the confusion about what’s included in the all-inclusive package. It seems that most things are included in the package, apart from at the Rasa and Mr Tailor restaurants and bars, where you have to check what you can eat and drink.
We have stayed at many all-inclusive hotels, and we have never been so confused about what is and isn’t included!
For those plotting their next getaway to Doha, the Rixos Gulf Hotel offers an opulent stay with the promise of unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun by the infinity pool, indulging in culinary delights, or exploring the local attractions, this hotel serves as a fantastic base for your Qatari adventure.
Places to visit in Doha, Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is situated very close by. You can visibly spot it across the water. If you want to visit, it is best to get an Uber or taxi there.
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