Review - Sharq Village and Spa - Doha
Before I booked my stay at the Sharq Village and Spa (part of the vast Marriott group) in Doha, Qatar, I read some reviews mocking the resort as a kitschy “Arabian Disneyland”. As you know, I like it when hotels fit their style to the place and its history, so I actually liked the idea of living in this Arabian-style village. It’s important to me, though, that a place is not kitschy, but authentic. So I was eager to find out whether those accusations were true for the Sharq!
On a one-night stop-over with the wonderful Qatar Airways Business Class (my review here) I had enough time to check it out and even try a massage in the spa.
Atmosphere
To get there is amazingly easy and fast from Hamad International Airport - if you have a driver, that is. He can take you there in 15 minutes. Public transportation is still poor in Doha - I could use the bus, but then again: who am I kidding? Of course I am not.
Getting ready for the FIFA football world cup in 2022, Qatar is currently constructing stadiums, hotels, and infrastructure needed to make the desert state shine out to the world. In 2019 (and probably 2020/21) this also means a lot of construction next to the hotel.
Arrival in the great hall of the reception is met with friendly staff everywhere. A wonderful lady took me to my room (which was not easy to find among all the villas) while explaining everything.
“Kitschy or authentic : resort park and villas in stone, white colors only, wood, wind catchers - verdict: authentic!”
Room
My room was no. 801 and located on the ground floor of a two-story building. I liked the neatly kept inner courtyard and was surprised by the quality of the materials used in the furniture and decoration of the room itself.
Entrance to building
Inner courtyard
Welcome sweets
The room was spacious with a small patio and a big bathroom with bathtub and shower. I liked the overall design and found it only mildly kitschy at times. I would compare it to our room in the Mina A’Salam in the Jumeirah Madinat in Dubai. But see for yourself:
Great service: they brought me a big glass of bath salts per my request, so I could make good use of the bathtub. It was perfect.
They were also advertising a new way of communicating with the hotel staff: via WhatsApp. I haven’t used this service, although I made one call to the reception for asking about early breakfast (teaser: there is none, but see below). I chose to pick up the phone instead of texting, seemed easier. Maybe next time. Do you have any experience with those new ways of communicating with staff?
“Kitschy or authentic : wood, sand colors, old looking metal tables and picture frames - verdict: partly authentic.”
Pool
I tried the pool for a few seconds only - it was too cold (who would have imagined?) The staff was super helpful and very excited to serve their only customer for this evening. One of them recommended the jacuzzi, which was heated. I did that and it was wonderful - alone, looking out on the beach. There are two huge outdoor pools and a private beach with Doha skyline view for your swimming pleasure.
“Kitschy or authentic : Mostly authentic - what spoiled the atmosphere was a large kids’ area with colourful plastic play equipment - why not use wood?”
Spa
I had booked a massage in the spa and after traversing the compound I was again pleasantly surprised by the high quality and rugged authenticity of the spa building.
The spa staff was welcoming and my masseur did a good job. I found myself in a comfortable resting area after the massage with tea and some nuts.
“Kitschy or authentic : wood, rusty, tasteful old-arabian style - verdict: authentic!”
Dining
I decided to dine in the informal pool restaurant. I had a burger and a bud. And a water pipe as dessert. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life. Overall a pretty good experience with attentive staff. There is also a finer dining place, of which I can’t comment on.
I hadn’t had breakfast, because my flight was very early, so I left the hotel at about 6 am. I was at least looking forward to a Turkish coffee from the stand pictured below. Turns out that it’s not operational this early in the morning, so I was actually stuck with a paper cup filled by a Nespresso machine in the reception area. I mean, seriously? You’d think they have more guests needing to leave for an early flight.
Summary
| Hotel | Sharq Village & Spa Doha |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ritz Carlton (Marriott) |
| Good |
|
| Bad |
|
| CT Points | 94 |
To me the kitsch level at the Sharq was in a good balance to the high quality of the materials used and fitting old Arbian style. It’s very similar to the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai (only smaller) and I really liked it, too. As I was there in the off-season, I can’t comment on the tranquil holiday factor during peak. But I was actually surprised how empty it was. I loved it that way, but it might be different in winter time.
When all the constructions for the FIFA world cup 2022 are finally finished this resort would really be one favorite to stay at - not only during the tournament (one stadium will be quite close to it: the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, see here). Especially for layovers with Qatar Airways, the Sharq is ideal.
