How to Find Hotels in Qatar

Qatar is located on a peninsula off the northeastern tip of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. The country is almost entirely Muslim and is run by the Al Thani family, which has owned the land since the mid-1800s. Oil is the major moneymaker and export here, accounting for nearly 60 percent of government revenue. Qatar offers luxury destinations such as the capital city of Doha, where visitors can find lavish accommodations.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations
• Locally-issued visa

Know Valuable Travel Information

1. Get a visa upon your arrival in Qatar. The customs officials here will issue you a visa for a two-week stay for about $15 USD.

2. Know that a local sponsor must arrange longer visits, although single women under the age of 35 will find an extended visa nearly impossible to obtain.

3. Fly into Doha International Airport from most destinations.

4. Use limousines to get you where you need to go as a safe and lavish option.

5. Bartering for goods is customary in the 'souq,' or traditional downtown Doha marketplace.

Book Accommodations in Qatar

6. Stick to the capital city of Doha on the eastern coast of Qatar, where you will find most hotels. Mesaieed also features some accommodations, but they are limited.

7. Trust familiar names. There are several true 5-star hotels in Qatar, including the Ritz-Carlton, the Intercontinental and the Four Seasons. All are located in Doha. Here, rooms will easily cost you several hundred dollars a night and many times can escalate much past $1,000 a night for the most luxurious accommodations. State-of-the-art technology and opulent décor are the norm here.

8. Book accommodations according to your budget, as prices can be quite inflated here and are on the rise. A 3-star hotel for under $250 a night may be more realistic than a 5-star location for more than $1,000 a night.

9. To book accommodations in Qatar, call Qatar Tourism Authority at [phone] or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• The Qatari riyal is the national currency used here.
• Pack appropriately: The weather here is arid and dry, with excruciatingly hot and muggy summers.
• Arabic is the primarily language here, although English is also spoken.
• Don't shake hands or receive items with your left hand, and never expose the bottoms of your feet to a guest.
• Do not drive by night if coming in from Saudi Arabia, as the local roads are not considered very safe.
• Avoid buses from Saudi Arabia. They are not a comfortable or reliable means of transportation in this area.
• Women in Qatar dress modestly, and female tourists are expected to comply. This means no shorts, short skirts, or tight-fitting clothing.