Sharq Village & Spa a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Bryan Young

This place is truly amazing! From the landscape design to the villas and rooms, everything is top-notch. The view from the beach is very relaxing and beautiful. The amenities are exceptional and the staff are very warm-hearted, friendly and accommodating. Their food menu offers a bit of familiar favorites, while offering a taste of delicious local cuisine. I would highly recommend this Hotel and Spa to anyone.

Timothy Jackson

Enjoyed an extended layover in Doha at Sharq Village. The hotel is conveniently located close to the airport and about 10 mins from the Corniche, Souq Waqif and Msheireb. While the hotel is showing signs of age, the decor feels authentic and welcoming. The communal areas (pool) could do with a refresh, and a change in lighting, and it would be perfect. As expected at a RC property, the staff are exceptionally hospitable and helpful. The rooms are cozy and the decor is great - very traditional. The way the hotel is set up makes it feel very private and homely - rooms are spread across numerous villas, each villa containing only a few rooms. You have a private inner courtyard where you can lounge. The breakfast had a slightly less generous offering than other properties I’ve enjoyed in the GCC - but given the current context (summer and recent events in the Gulf), this can be forgiven. Overall, a restful and enjoyable stay.

David Welsh

Beautiful hotel, laid out with 'villas' with rooms surrounding a central courtyard (Riad style). Service was impeccable throughout the hotel from our early arrival through to our late departure we were expertly looked after. The hotel has an excellent beach and 2 well laid out pools. Unfortunately none were designated as adult only so there was no 'quiet' space to relax. Definitely worth a visit again, but maybe outwith school holidays! 😆

Kate D

Hidden Costs and Poor Customer Service We visited Sharq Village to use the pool and beach day pass facilities. Unfortunately, our experience started on a disappointing note. Upon arriving at the pool area, we were approached by a supervisor named Vindranga, who addressed us in a very rude manner, simply asking, “Where are you going? Are you hotel guests?” There was no greeting, welcome, or level of professionalism that one would expect from a luxury property of this standard. After explaining that we wanted to purchase a day pass, we specifically asked what was included and the cost. We were informed that the package included towels, water, and a 20% discount on food and beverages. We paid 350 QAR for two people, which is already significantly higher than most similar day-pass offerings in Qatar, but we accepted it expecting a premium experience. When we reached the beach area, we settled at a first empty cabana, as the beach was nearly deserted. Some time later, another staff member approached us and informed us that the cabana required an additional payment of 300 QAR. This information had never been mentioned when we purchased the day pass, despite us specifically asking what was included. So, in reality, to sit on a large bed with an umbrella and unpleasant mattress, two guests are expected to pay a total of 650 QAR without even 1 complimentary snack included. The lack of transparency regarding pricing, combined with the poor service and unfriendly welcome, left a very negative impression. This is far below the standard of hospitality one would expect from a luxury resort.

Nickie Sat

Service was denied to me at the Beach bar simply because I was dining alone. At 6:00 PM on a Sunday, all of the hotel's restaurants and bars were virtually deserted - I was the only guest present - yet I was refused service because I was unaccompanied by family. I found this policy both offensive and discriminatory toward individual guests. It appears the hotel would rather keep its restaurants empty and serve only families, than accommodate a single paying customer. The staff's attitude was far from what one would expect from a five-star hospitality establishment. I was told by the beach staff that I am free to sit at the beach bar. Afterwords they said - not allowed. They said they would be serving me this time, but next time I should pay an entrance fee (a few hundred riyals) to the restricted area of the beach bar (!) and then separately pay for my drinks. After all this empty talk, I was still not served at all but ignored by the staff. After waiting for nearly an hour, and having conversations with supervisors and managers (who kept explaining to me the value and advantage of their latest policy) I left the area feeling deeply disappointed. This was particularly upsetting because I have been visiting this hotel since its opening day (a few decades ago) and have regularly accommodated over there my own family members and friends while visiting Qatar. What was once a place that felt like a second home, has lost the charm, warmth, humility, friendliness, and genuine hospitality that made it special. Old clients, who used to be regulars, are no longer being recognized, or welcomed if they come alone. The area was nearly empty, yet the quality of service (or no service at all) as well as the guest treatment was remarkably poor. Sadly, the welcoming atmosphere and customer-focused approach that once defined this property and specially the Beach Bar are no longer evident.