Review: Oryx Rotana Hotel, Doha, Qatar

The Oryx Rotana Hotel by the old airport in Doha is used by Qatar Airways as one of their STPC hotels. That is an industry abbreviation meaning Stopover Paid by Carrier.

In the case of Qatar Airways, any stopover over eight hours is eligible for a hotel stay at the airline’s expense. The hotel is pretty interesting, so let’s have a look.

Transfer from Hamad International Airport

A free transfer is provided to and from the airport on a bus. This transfer takes around 12 minutes from the terminal to the hotel, which is a nice short journey.

My bus featured air conditioning – a must in Doha – and free Wi-Fi. I was dubious about the Internet service, but I fired it up and it worked really well. Impressive!

Oryx Rotana Hotel Rooms

After passing through the metal detector at the entrance, you check in which I found easy. The desk agents are friendly, then it was up the glass elevator to my room on the fourth floor.

Immediately on one side when you enter the room is a large wardrobe containing an ironing board, iron and clothes hangers. The unit also contains the refrigerator, safe and tea and coffee making facilities. The coffee machine comes with two capsules to make espresso.

Further inside is a luggage rack, television and a large desk. A small glass table and a comfortable lounge chair is also present, and the large windows overlook the local area, depending on where your room is.

Comfort is key and sleeping was no problem. Air conditioning keeps the room very cool, and it is easily adjustable via a control on the wall. Wireless Internet is also free and works perfectly.

And The Bathroom?

A modern bathroom features a normal shower and with the pull of a lever, water can be redirected to the rain shower above. It is a delicious experience! The shower is almost its own room, with space for a party if you wish.

Both a toilet and bidet are also available, plus a range of products for your use. A bath robe hangs on the back of the door and slippers are also provided in the wardrobe. The bathroom also has weighing scales which I really like to find in a hotel.

Room Service at Oryx Rotana

Once I woke the next morning, I prepared for an interview. Not wishing to go down to breakfast, I ordered some eggs benedict from room service. It was promised to be delivered in 20-25 minutes and it was.

Payment can be made either on account, or you can do what I did and just pay the person who delivers the meal. When you order, they’ll ask if it is cash or card. When choosing the latter, they bring the card machine to the room, which is very convenient. Later I decided on a late lunch and chose one of the Arabic options, plus a smoothie and dessert. This was divine in every respect and I devoured it with much happiness. To say I was completely full after this amazing repast was an understatement! I was bursting!

Other Facilities

When it comes to other things at Oryx Rotana, you are spoiled for choice. There is an outdoor pool which I availed of, swimming a few laps in the late afternoon, which was enjoyable.

There is also a gym, spa facilities, dining options and a bar. All the staff are very friendly and helpful and the spacious lobby area which is many levels high is also a highlight.

Overall Thoughts

Perfect for a stopover or a city break, the Oryx Rotana has all the facilities for a relaxing time. When visiting the Corniche or the Souk, the taxi fare is just 11 or 12 QAR which is just USD 3 or EUR 2.60 at today’s exchange rate. Very affordable!

Room service food was very good, both the quality of the food and the service. I liked being able to pay on delivery with a card, which is a first for me. The breakfast came in around 100 QAR while my late lunch was about 150 QAR. Well worth it.

Since I have now stayed here, I would happily stay here again in Doha. Have you stayed at the Oryx Rotana? What did you think? Thanks for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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The author stayed as a guest of Qatar Airways.