I was initially considering the Hilton Doha for my quick 1 night stay, but since based on my arrival and departure time and vicinity, I decided to go for this property as it was located quite close to some of the attractions which I could walk to - mainly the old Souk and the new National Museum of Doha, in addition it was quite close to the airport and relatively close to the newly opened Metro system.  This in combination with the reasonable rate made me in the end select this property.

Location

The property is located about 15-20 mins walking from the National Museum metro stop - although not advisable with luggage or during the afternoon heat.  From the airport, a rideshare will cost in genera about 15-20 QAR but rates are slightly higher at night and the ride is about 10-20 mins, depending on traffic.  

From the hotel, it is about 15-20 mins by foot to the old souq (Souq Waqif) and the same to the National Museum.  Around the hotel there are few local shops and eateries.  Currently the whole old city of Doha is a construction mess - with the preparation ongoing for the World Cup, therefore it is not th easiest to navigate to these location, and not to mention the amount of dust around.  

Check In

I arrived after midnight at the property.  Guests are required to pass through a security scanner before entrance (and in current times, a face mask is still compulsory).  As expected, there was no one in the lobby area, and I was helped immediately by the front desk associate.  I initially noticed in the Hilton app that I was upgraded to a King Excecutive room with sea/city view.  I tried my luck during check in if they would be willing to upgrade me to a Studio and my request was happily granted.  The whole process was done smoothly and within 10-15 mins of arriving, I was off to my room with the expected (warm) Doubletree Chocolate cookies in hand.

Room

The room was situation on the 12th floor of the property.  Before being able to access the correct corridor for your room, there's a set of door which guests need to access with your key card.  The room was located at the corner of the building.  The first setback of the room was as soon as I threw open the door, it smelled of residual cigaratte smell.  I was considering to go back down to ask for another room, but since it was already quite late and I was very tired, I just decided to stick with the room.  (if it was much stronger, I would have gone down to request a new room).

The room was very spacious (as expected) - along the hallway to the main room area, the wardrobe was to the right and right next to this was the entrance to the bathroom.  The room came with a small kitchenette - which had a microwave,  a 1-pit electrical stove, fridge and a washing machine.  However I did not see any plates/cutleries provided (not sure if this was due to the current covid situation).  

There was quite a large sitting area and the TV stand was used as a divider between the bed and this sitting area.  At the end of the room was a long working desk which acted as the area for the mini bar (which was empty) and coffee/tea making facilities.  The room came with 2 large 1.5litre bottle of water.   One surprising thing to me was all electrical outlets were the UK/Qatar type.  There was also no USB charging points, so for those who need other outlet type, remember to bring your adapters.  

Sleep quality was good - the bed was not too firm and there was hardly any noise disturbance from the exterior nor interior.  The black out curtains did a good job.   The climate control worked well, with the fan noise being minimal (at low speed) - and luckily did help a bit with the cigaratte smell.  Internet speed was ok and login was the usual way of logging in at most Hilton properties.  The TV screen was well sized and the selection was the usual local and international selections.  

I was rather impressed with the size of the bathroom - which since a long time I've seen, had a jacuzzi bathtub.  Other than that, there was separate walk-in shower and separate space for the toilet/bidet.  There was a double sink with the usual toiletries by Crabtree and Evelyn.  

With the floor to ceiling windows, the room was bright with natural light with a view towards the close by buildings but also towards the harbour area. 

As you can see the windows were rather dirty and needs a good cleaning.  With all the current construction ongoing, this does not help.  

All in all I found the room to be well appointed for a Doubletree hotel standard, but it was such a pity about the cigaratte smell, if not it would have made the stay much more pleasurable. 

Breakfast

Initially due me misunderstanding, I went down to the lobby in search of the breakfast room, but found out that it was on the 2nd floor - in what I learnt later was a temporarily location due to the ongoing upgrades at the hotel.  Breakfast was buffet style, although every thing was served by a staff behind the plexiglas.  The spread was ok for both hot and cold selections.  

Fruit juice and other drinks were self served (all covered) and othet hot beverages were served at your table.  (They do have karak chai - for those who look forwards to this tea when in the middle east).  There's also the option to order eggs directly from the server and brought directly to your table.  

All in all - the breakfast options were sufficient.  I guess in the usual restaurant might have better spread.  There seem to be only 2 main staff working the cold/hot section of the buffet, so when it gets busy, there could possibly a wait to select and get your selection.  

Service

All in all, the all the different staff I met were very friendly and helpful.  Based on my experience I find them to be the main advantage of this property.  

Overall

Overall, I was satisfied with property - the value for money was good (but I am sure during the World Cup, this will be terrible).  For those planning to stay at this property in the coming months/weeks, just take note that the pool is out of use (as the usual location for the restaurant) dur to upgrade work.  I did read previously also about noise from the top floor due to the nightclub/discotheek, but luckily dirng current pandamic/fasting period, I did not face this noise problem. HHonors elite recognition was ok - although maybe room upgrade might be minimal, since if I had not asked, it would have just been a one category upgrade even though suites and studios were available in abundance.  I also managed to get a late check-out until about 3pm (although if I am not mistaken, the associate mentioned this was a one-time exception?).