Originally Posted by
Schwann
I think Discover Qatar can still provide decent value, but it's still worth comparing against booking a hotel directly or through an agent. Especially with the possibility of loyalty points/cashback/status benefits etc. As I mentioned in another post, this is especially the case if your arrival/departure falls within the "normal" check in/out times.
Discover Qatar is excellent in the sense that it offers 24 hour check in though, so matches more with the 24/7 arrival/departure times of QR.
Just because IAN-UK spent so much time collating all those prices, I thought I would add a quick comparison with the costs for booking direct on some hotel websites.
All rates are for one person on the same random one night of 28 Nov, member v non member of the hotel loyalty scheme, converted to GBP just because that's what we started with. Hotels selected at random from each category:
Radisson Blu (4*)
DisQatar - £22
Member - £74
Non-mem - £82
Millenium Doha (Premium 5*)
DisQatar - £38
Member - £64
NonMem - £73
Intercontinental Doha City (Premium 5* with beach)
DisQatar - £49
Member - £102
NonMem - £105
Hilton (Luxury 5* inc breakfast)
DisQatar - £103
Member - £139
NonMem - £146
Mandarin Oriental (inc breakfast)
DisQatar - 238 (not showing for 28 Nov)
Member - n/a
NonMem - £607 (but 3rd night is free)
I tried to pick rates with similar cancellation policies to DQ. Non-flexible direct rates may be cheaper. Different nights may cost more or less.
Other specific hotels may have larger or smaller differences than those above. OTAs may be cheaper still.
But it still looks generally good value for room only, although the percentage difference is variable. But I guess it depends on things like how much F&B you think you might otherwise pay for at the hotel. If your loyalty scheme throws in breakfast and some evening drinks etc it might be pretty even at Gulf prices. The 24 hour check in / check out through DQ is still a real benefit though (unless you hold something like Ambassador at Bonvoy).
As you say though Schwann, it could be worth comparing before booking if you have good benefits from a hotel loyalty scheme.
I agree with Ian's gripe though, showing upgrade costs for the higher categories is somewhat opaque. Thankfully we now all have his handy table to refer to...