Review: Moevenpick Tower and Suites

On arrival there's an abundance of taxis and limousines waiting to transport you to your next port of call. You can't miss the taxis, they're a uniquely distinctive colour, somewhere between mermaid blue and pea green soup. The drivers have matching suits which are equally as horrific.

Doha is not a large city and a brief taxi ride took me to my chosen destination, the Moevenpick Tower and Suites. Located at the entrance to the West Bay Area, its 350 rooms and 40 suites offer comfortable accommodation added to a warm welcome, which is said to have been inherited through their traditional Swiss roots.

After being greeted on arrival and helped to my room by the over - friendly bellboy, first impressions of my room were very positive. It was bright, modern and spacious, with just about enough room to swing a tiger. I was located on the fourth floor, but the higher you go the more stunning the views of the city, the bay and the Arabian Gulf.

The room came with high speed internet access coupled with a rather snazzy electrical work desk. I knew I had a mountain of emails to reply too, so knowing I'd be working in comfort was re-assuring. Furthermore, the 32inch plasma TV located in front of deluxe king size bed, was able to swing round to face my desk.

In the bathroom was one of the biggest showerheads I have seen. According to Mina, the girl on reception, it is designed to reproduce the feeling of a 'rainforest downpour' and was excellent.

The gym had a boutique feel; I felt like I should be sat sipping a latte rather than sweating on a treadmill. However, it wasn't long before I was sweating suitably, watching MTV on the inbuilt monitor and listening via the provided headphones. The pool was indoor and fairly luxurious, albeit on the slightly small side.

The hotel runs its own limousines, but these can be fairly heavy in price. The better option is a local taxi. They are friendly, clean and a fraction of the price. These are fairly easy to pick up and again, you can't miss them driving by due to their shocking paintwork.

Other large hotel chains are situated near-by and West Bay does appear to be 'where it's at' as far as Doha is concerned. Meetings were within an easy 10 minute journey, which was a real advantage.

The hotel was able to grant a late checkout and also arrange an earlier flight, therefore meaning a decent arrival time in Dubai and not the 11pm which was first expected.

Doha is not another Dubai, but it is a place where you can feel comfortable whilst attending those all-important meetings and get togethers.

The four things I look for when spending the night in a hotel abroad are a comfortable workplace, a cosy bed, a powerful shower and a stacked gym. The Moevenpick Tower and Suites had the set.

See also:
Review: Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa
Qatar country guide
Hotel rating system launched in Qatar