REGIONAL Escapes

Once upon a time, Msheireb was the breathing heartbeat of Doha. As the city evolved, it became a bit of a backwater as West Bay developed, and the city centre effectively moved elsewhere. Things go round in circles and, now, Msheireb has been resuscitated and given a whole new lease on life. The neighbourhood has been reimagined with light-stone buildings and a tram system that meanders through the buildings, transporting office workers, passersby, and café customers around and through it.

Currently, there are only three hotels open in Msheireb and I checked one out: Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery, a property in the Accor Hotels portfolio. Despite occupying 20 floors, it retains a boutique feel and, starting from my first impression of the sweet scent in the lobby, high standards were a hallmark of my visit. I stayed in a stunning suite that overlooked the Souq Waqif. From ground level, I knew we were close to it, but from my fifth-floor vantage point, I could see that this was quite the bird’s eye view! The outlets are all impressive and enhanced my stay. O’Glacee’s is the bar and restaurant on the pool deck and serves a delicious selection of comfort classics like burgers, pizza, and a very tasty fish and chips that I tried during its happy hour. Meanwhile, a projector showing live sport on a giant screen gives the place a relaxed feel. Oh, and the pool doesn’t just have loungers by it – there’s loungers built into the pool, making it a great spot to simultaneously read a book, receive some rays, and stay cool! Le Colonial, on the first floor, is where breakfast is served, although it’s open all day. Based on my experience of breakfast, I’ve started recommending that everyone goes there because it is a wonderful setting with efficient staff and an excellent, but not exhaustive, menu. Le Colonial keeps it simple and lets you choose between fresh fruit, yoghurt, or granola and then lets you pick an egg dish of your choice. I had the tartine, which was a delicious pairing of poached eggs and crushed avocado on toast with a drizzle of lemon. The balcony here looks out across Souq Waqif, although it was a little windy during my stay, so I stayed indoors, admiring the rich woods and naked bulbs in decorative arrangements that add a trendy and bohemian vibe.

Sofra, the Lebanese-themed dining room on the lobby level, is a warm and intimately lit cavern of a place with wooden dividers where you can hide away and get lost in a plethora of dishes.