Review : Le Royal Méridien Doha | Marriott Bonvoy

Like all my hotel reservations in Qatar during the World Cup, I booked my stay at the last minute (1 day before arrival).

I was lucky to get a night at Le Royal Meridien Doha for only 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when the room cost was approaching CAD 900 per night due to the World Cup!

So naturally, I opted to use my Marriott Bonvoy points for this one-night stay.

For the record, this hotel hosted the Swiss national soccer team and its entire delegation. Unfortunately, Portugal eliminated this team in the 1/8th finals two days before my arrival in an incredible match that I was lucky enough to attend.

This might explain why the hotel ended up with many available rooms!

After a great stay at the Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences, followed by an enjoyable stay at the Agora, Doha Lusail, Autograph Collection, I just had to walk across the street to Le Royal Meridien Doha in the Lusail district.

Le Royal Méridien Doha is integrated into the upscale shopping mall: Place Vendôme Doha.

Le Royal Meridien Doha Hotel has been opened since June 2022, in time for the start of the World Cup.

The extended reception area includes a café, a nightclub and reception rooms.

When I arrived, the receptionist told me that no suite was available. The only upgrade will be to a higher floor.

All the common areas of the hotel are beautiful. A very chic French atmosphere.

My Deluxe room is typical of the new design direction taken by the Le Meridien brand. With touches of cream and blue, orange and sculptural lines throughout the room.

On the desk, waiting for me were Middle Eastern cakes and a World Cup-themed cake.

On the wall of the room, a quote from Steve Jobs on Design. Each room has a different quote.

See all the pictures in the gallery below:

The bathroom has a bathtub, toilet with bidet and a large separate shower. The whole is directly accessible from the night part via a sliding door.

Breakfast at Le Royal Meridien Doha is served at the hotel’s restaurant.

It is a very pleasant room with several spaces, all different.

You can also choose to have lunch on the outdoor terrace, connected to the Place Vendôme.

Breakfast is served as a buffet. And it is possible to order eggs of any kind you wish. It is a varied and quality buffet that I recommend.

Here is my choice of breakfast (rather light since I was about to embark on a nice day of travel in Doha and Montreal on Qatar Airways):

For all the photos of the proposed dishes, browse the numerous pics from the gallery below:

For members with Platinum, Titanium or Ambassador status, breakfast is complimentary. You can also get it with some paid rates through the hotel’s website on Marriott Bonvoy at this address.

The cost of breakfast is 150 QAR (about 55 dollars). If you are a Platinum or Titanium member, it will be deducted from your bill upon departure (this is used to add a tip).

This cost is the same as the Agora Hotel, Doha Lusail, Autograph Collection where I stayed the day before. If I had to choose, I would instead go for this breakfast offered by Le Royal Méridien Doha, which seems to me more varied!

Le Royal Meridien Doha Hotel has a large outdoor pool, a whirlpool and a children’s pool. The space is called Bagatelle and there too, we feel the French Touch.

Many deckchairs are available and this terrace offers a beautiful view on the surroundings. You can even meet stars there. During my visit, several soccer players from Paris Saint-Germain were present as well as the French actor and comedian Jamel Debouzze as you can see in the gallery

The gym is located in parallel with the pool. It offers quality and varied equipment, and has a good natural light with a view on the pool:

You can view the available equipment in the photo gallery below:

Next to the reception is the hotel’s café.

When you stay at Le Royal Meridien Doha Hotel, you are in the new Lusail district. The hotel is part of the upscale Place Vendôme Doha shopping center.

Sound and light shows occur every evening in the center of the Place Vendôme. It is pleasant to spend a little time there, especially since several restaurants are offered. My choice was the Yasmine Palace, and I was not disappointed!

Here are the activity recommendations from our partner Viator:

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Of my 3 nights in Doha, this is the best value I could get at this hotel Le Royal Meridien Doha.

Although I did not get a suite upgrade like the previous two nights, the room was very comfortable with quality materials. Open longer than its neighbour, the Agora, Doha Lusail, Autograph Collection, the staff seemed more experienced in welcoming the public.

The facilities are excellent, like the pool, the gym and the breakfast is varied.

Getting all of this for only 20,000 points is a great deal in my books.

Beware though: by choosing to stay in Lusail, you are located north of Doha and the majority of the attractions to see/do. This is an aspect to be considered (count 15-20 minutes by cab to reach La Corniche).

Do not hesitate to read our other articles on this trip: