A worldwide event that comes only once in four years, the World Cup is almost here. This time, the wildly anticipated contest is taking place in Qatar, a peninsular nation known for its art, architecture, and beaches. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 18, 2022, Qatar will host the world as football fans pour in to support their teams. One of the top considerations for every traveler is World Cup 2022 accommodations. Here is what you need to know to plan your trip.
Accommodations Guide for World Cup 2022
As the World Cup 2022 draws closer, it is becoming clear that finding accommodation in Qatar will be a challenge. Hotel rooms are selling out, and prices are rising as a result. If you can’t find a room in Qatar or if you want to save money, you also have the option of staying in a nearby country. Let’s take a look at some of your best options for staying in Qatar or in a neighbor nation.
Top Hotels to Stay in Qatar for World Cup 2022
If you prefer to look for accommodations in Qatar that will place you as close as possible to the event, here are our top recommendations for the best Qatar hotels for World Cup 2022. Each one is located close to several stadiums where matches will be held.
1. Al Mansour Suites Hotel
Al Mansour Suites Hotel is a four-star accommodation with glowing guest reviews and excellent amenities. When not watching a game, you can relax at the spa, enjoy the indoor swimming pool, or check out the fitness center. The modern suites and rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious.
This centrally located property will have you close to several of the World Cup stadiums, including Al Thumama Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, and Khalifa International Stadium.
2. VIP Hotel
VIP Hotel offers a comfortable stay close to the heart of Doha. It features modern architecture, stylish decor, and multiple restaurants serving up international and Moroccan cuisine. Amenities include a spa, a sauna, a fitness center, and 24-hour room service in case you get back late from a match.
Located right beside the airport, this property is also close to Thumama Stadium, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, and Al Wakrah Stadium.
3. Horizon Manor Hotel
A four-star property right on the metro line, Horizon Manor Hotel will make it easy to get to the stadium on game day. The elegant and comfortable rooms offer excellent views over the water and the skyline, and the outdoor swimming pool is located on the rooftop. A restaurant, bar, and even a nightclub are located on-site for all your evening entertainment.
Staying at this hotel will put travelers within a short distance of Ras Abu Aboud Stadium.
4. Chairmen Hotel
The three-star Chairmen Hotel is a great choice for central accommodation at a more affordable price point. The public spaces are glamorously appointed, and the rooms feature elegant decor. Relax with a spa or a massage treatment, or visit the fitness center to fit in your workout.
This property is a fantastic place to stay for watching matches at Thumama Stadium and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium.
5. Ezdan Palace Hotel
If you’re staying in Qatar, why not live it up and stay in the lap of luxury? The Ezdan Palace Hotel is an exquisite, five-star property with excellent reviews and a host of amenities to match. Rooms feature glamorous gold detailing, and the sophisticated restaurant seats guests under opulent chandeliers. The sprawling swimming pool and serene chandelier provide an opportunity to truly unwind.
Located in the north of the city, this hotel offers easy access to Lusail Stadium.
The Benefits of Staying in Neighboring Countries
While staying in Qatar may be ideal, availability and price might end up being a big barrier for many people. In this case, the best option is to stay in a country close to Qatar and fly in for the matches you want to see. Many of Qatar‘s neighbors are offering greater availability of reasonably priced accommodations. With more options to choose from, you can choose a hotel that’s right for you, and less overcrowding means you can expect better service.
Qatar‘s neighboring nations also offer direct and reasonably priced flights to Doha, as well as easy cross-border travel. Best of all, you’ll have the chance to explore a new Middle Eastern country and do some sightseeing between matches.
5 Best Countries to Stay in Near Qatar
Five of the best countries to stay in near Qatar are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. Here is a quick overview of your top options.
1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the best neighboring countries to stay in for World Cup 2022, as it is the only country that shares a border with Qatar. Plus, flights from Riyadh to Doha are only around an hour and a half. Of course, as the price of airfare is likely to continue rising as the event approaches, you can also plan to drive to Qatar. It’s a bit of a road trip at around six hours from Riyadh to Doha, but it’s a lot more affordable as well.
2. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular tourist destination in its own right, ensuring that you have plenty to see and do between matches. Direct flights from Abu Dhabi or Dubai both only take just over an hour. If you want to go the much cheaper driving route, you are looking at a travel time of about six to seven hours.
3. Bahrain
A beautiful island country in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is a great place to relax, shop, and unwind in between matches. It will take you less than five hours to drive from Bahrain to Qatar, which translates into only a 40-minute flight. Bahrain is the top choice if proximity is your top priority.
4. Oman
Known for its rich culture and luxurious locales, Oman is another top option for staying near Qatar. While driving from Oman could take up to 10 hours, direct flights from the capital city of Muscat to Doha are only an hour and 40 minutes.
5. Kuwait
Kuwait is an energetic and opulent modern metropolis with a mix of towering skyscrapers and ancient mosques. Kuwait is also a far drive from the World Cup at nine hours, but flights from Kuwait to Qatar are only an hour and a half.
World Cup 2022 Traveler Tips
To make your World Cup 2022 trip a sure success, here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you prepare your travel plans.
Applying for a Hayya Card
Whether you are staying in Qatar or booking a hotel in a nearby country, you need to apply for the Hayya Card before embarking on your travels. The digital Hayya Card is essentially an all-around permit for attending the World Cup 2022 matches. After you have purchased your tickets and booked your accommodations, you should apply for the card as soon as possible through the online Hayya portal or the Hayya app.
The Hayya Card will act as an entry permit into Qatar for international travelers during the World Cup. It also provides benefits such as free transportation on match days. To apply for a Hayya Card, you will need to provide a valid match ticket, travel documents, a high-quality photo, and proof of accommodation.
Airlines Flying to Doha
Most travelers flying into Qatar on match days from nearby countries likely will take Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways operates regular flights to Doha from most cities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, which is the closest. Qatar Airways also likely will be your operator if you are flying in from the UAE, Muscat, Bahrain, or Kuwait. Kuwait Airlines is another option out of Kuwait, while Etihad Airways flies to Qatar from Abu Dhabi, UAE.
